Her Story
About Rynette
Rynette Upson-Bush is a motivational speaker, mindset and success coach, educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to empowering individuals to take courageous action and reach their full potential. As the founder and CEO of Next Level Nation and Next Level Chicks, she helps women transform their lives by overcoming limiting beliefs, healing from toxic relationships, and building confidence to achieve personal and professional success. With a foundation in education dating back to 1994, Rynette transitioned from a successful career as a certified educator to entrepreneurship in 2013, opening Dream Big Preschool of Learning and Dream Big Academy of Learning with her sister. Under their leadership, the academy quickly earned national and international accreditation while becoming one of Orlando's top-rated preschool institutions.
Drawing on her extensive background in education, leadership, coaching, and public speaking, Rynette has inspired audiences through conferences, schools, churches, correctional facilities, and women's empowerment events. She is a four-time author, with works including Put Your Mouth On It and the Amazon #1 bestselling anthology Girl Get Up And Move. Beyond coaching, she has served in roles spanning child protective services, business coaching, insurance sales, and professional networking leadership, including managing the Orlando chapter of the eWomen Network. Her commitment to empowering women and developing resilient leaders has earned her recognition as a Woman of Influence, an Orlando Living Legend Award recipient, and numerous community impact honors.
Outside of her coaching practice, Rynette is deeply committed to advocacy and philanthropy. She actively supports organ donation awareness through Our Legacy, inspired by her grandson's life-saving heart transplant that ultimately benefited five recipients. She also champions organizations supporting multiple sclerosis research, breast cancer awareness, historically Black colleges and universities, and community outreach initiatives. Guided by the values of resilience, integrity, self-care, and service, Rynette credits her father's example of perseverance as the foundation of her own success. Through every stage of her career, she has remained passionate about helping others discover their purpose, embrace healing, and confidently pursue the next level of their lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rynette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and perseverance. Despite experiencing profound personal losses, including the death of my grandson, I have learned the importance of allowing myself time to grieve without letting adversity define me. The strength and values my father instilled in me have taught me to keep moving forward, and those lessons continue to guide both my personal and professional life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my parents. My mother taught me the importance of managing my responsibilities well and always doing my best, while my father reminded me that every day is a blessing and an opportunity to help as many people as possible. I’ve carried those lessons throughout my career, and they continue to inspire the way I lead, serve, and support others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize taking care of themselves before taking care of others. Self-care is essential because burnout can affect both your well-being and your ability to perform at your best. When you invest in your own health and balance, you are better equipped to support and serve those around you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing the emotional demands of the work, especially around significant anniversary dates that can bring back difficult memories. During those times, I recognize the importance of stepping back, regrouping, and practicing self-care so I can continue serving others effectively.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are resilience, compassion, perseverance, and service to others. These principles were shaped by my father, whose strength and determination while living with multiple sclerosis and diabetes taught me the importance of facing challenges with courage and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
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