Could You Be 'Programmed for Poverty'? Nigerian-Born Leadership Expert Says Yes.

Dr. Sam Adeyemi Says Growing Up Poor Can Create Deep-Seated Beliefs About Money and Success; Breaking the Cycle Begins With Changing the "Roots" of Our Thinking

ATLANTA, GA, August 31, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- What if the financial decisions that keep people trapped in poverty are likely shaped by deeply-rooted beliefs, ones formulated from being around family, community and culture? Nigerian-born leadership expert Dr. Sam Adeyemi says that unfortunately, yes — it absolutely happens.

"If you grew up in Africa, the projects, or in a poor community, whether in Europe, North America, or anywhere in the world, it is more likely that you've been programmed for poverty than for prosperity," Dr. Adeyemi says.

"It comes from absorption — from growing up in a poor home, a deprived environment, or with people from poor communities. It all stays in the conscious mind, and after some time, it drops into your subconscious and becomes a part of you."

The result, Dr. Adeyemi says, is a frustrating disconnect.

"Many times, the goals people set with their conscious mind are not in alignment with their programming," says Dr. Adeyemi. "People want to be prosperous and wealthy, but their programming is for poverty."

Dr. Adeyemi compares the experience to that of growing fruit.

"If we really want an orange, but our roots are for mango, we're getting a mango," he says. "What should we do? Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do. There's nothing you can do to get your orange. Unless, you remove some roots, and put new ones in their place."

Dr. Adeyemi's metaphor re-emphasizes the role of environment. Just as soil affects a seed's yield, the environment a person grows up in affects their mindset and the possibilities they see for themselves.

"Your seed may be perfect, but the soil determines its full potential," says Adeyemi.

However, Dr. Adeyemi says this ugly cycle can be broken.

"The beliefs we've formulated from our environment can become deeply-rooted, but thankfully, they are not necessarily permanent."

For Adeyemi, changing the results we see in our lives begins with changing the underlying beliefs — the 'roots' — that shape them. This idea lays at the heart of his SHIFTS process model as outlined in his latest book, "SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership" (Wiley).

"Transformation begins with becoming conscious and disciplined around what we See and Hear," says Dr. Adeyemi. "What we repeatedly expose ourselves to influences our Insights, which shape the way we Formulate our decisions. Those decisions then inform what we implement (Transform), ultimately determining whether or not we Succeed, and get the oranges we've always wanted for ourselves."

About Dr. Adeyemi:
Atlanta-based Dr. Sam Adeyemi (SAY: Ah Day yeh me) is CEO of Sam Adeyemi, GLC, Inc. and founder and executive director of Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA). More than 52,000 alumni have graduated from DLA programs, and more than 3 million CEOs and high performing individuals follow him on top social media sites. He is the author of "Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership." His new book, "SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership" (Wiley) is now available for purchase. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Virginia's Regent University, and is a member of the International Leadership Association. He and his wife, Nike (say Nee keh) have three children. Learn more at SamAdeyemi.com.

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