Dame Doria Cordova: True Financial Freedom Is Not a Number, It’s Inner Liberation
In today’s society, the conversation around “success” and “wealth” often revolves around luxury homes, fast cars, stock options, and passive income. But for many, even after acquiring wealth, feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and fear persist.
Enter Dame Doria Cordova, a global thought leader in entrepreneurial education for nearly five decades. Through her pioneering program, Money & You®, she has been quietly leading a powerful movement—a “wealth awakening” that transcends material accumulation.
Though not a billionaire herself, Dame Doria has empowered ten of thousands of successful entrepreneurs. Her work has impacted the lives of over 200,000 people from over 85 countries.
She is often referred to as “The Power Behind the Power”, and her teachings have influenced renowned figures like Tony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki, co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
In an exclusive interview with 《VCNews》, Dame Doria opens up about her 47 years of experience, the myths surrounding financial freedom, how to build meaningful businesses, and what young entrepreneurs in ASEAN need to thrive.
From “Enough” to “Never Enough”
“Back in the 1970s, people didn’t talk about wealth the way we do now,” Dame Doria reflects. “Most people lived with a sense of sufficiency. They had what they needed: food, education, a roof over their head.”
She recalls visiting China in 1984, where most citizens wore simple uniforms and rode bicycles. “Now look at how the world has changed. In the 80s and 90s, as capitalism rose, so did the obsession with being rich. Movies like Wall Street fueled this narrative.”
“But in chasing wealth, we’ve forgotten what it means to have ‘enough.'”
She reminds us: “There are over 2.2 billion people on this planet who lack clean water; 737 million who do not have access to electricity. Not everyone is aiming to be a billionaire—many just want a dignified life.”
The Financial Freedom Myth: Money ≠ Freedom
“Many believe financial freedom means having enough money or passive income,” Dame Doria says. “But I’ve met billionaires who are deeply anxious and live in fear of loss.”
Real freedom, she explains, includes emotional stability, peace of mind, and a clear sense of purpose. “Without a meaningful purpose, no amount of money can fill the void.”
Purpose-Driven Business: A New Definition of Success
In her upcoming book, Dame Doria outlines a new business paradigm: Purpose-Driven Business.
“Every enterprise must have a purpose,mission, and policies. It must care for its employees, customers, suppliers—even competitors.”
Her company’s purpose? “To uplift humanity’s consciousness through culturally responsible businesses.”Her mission? “To eradicate hunger.”
She adds, “A healthy business isn’t just about profit—it’s about building trust, collaboration, and sustainability.”
Even competitors, she says, can become collaborators: “No single company can serve everyone. When we share resources, we all win.”
The Core of Money & You®: Leverage
At the heart of her curriculum is one principle: Leverage.
“Even if you lack resources, you can leverage relationships, time, capital, and technology. That’s how McDonald’s scaled globally in its early days.”
She adds with a smile, “This very interview is a form of leverage. Veronica（CEO ofHFU Capital Group and Big Orange Media Group） connected us, I share your platform with my network—that’s collaborative leverage.”
Her upcoming book will include chapters on how to build a “leverage-based enterprise” that multiplies impact.
True Freedom Starts Within
Dame Doria’s life hasn’t been without hardship. Her fiancé died in an accident just before their wedding. She suffered two miscarriages.
“Those losses taught me: no amount of money can heal emotional wounds. True freedom requires emotional intelligence and self-awareness.”
She emphasizes, “To lead well, you must know yourself and manage your emotions.”
A Message to ASEAN’s Young Entrepreneurs
Asked what advice she has for young founders in Southeast Asia, Dame Doria lights up: “Educate yourself. Know yourself. Don’t fear mistakes.”
She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to:
- Embrace entrepreneurial education
- Understand their personal learning style
- Learn from experts and mentors
- Build a clear niche and unique proposition
- Leverage networks, systems, and technologies
- Create replicable systems that self-correct
- Build teams aligned with shared values and goals
“Many young people value freedom. Then make sure your business model serves that value. Otherwise, you may end up trapped by your own success.”
Conclusion: Redefining Wealth as Impact
As the interview concludes, Dame Doria leaves us with a powerful quote:
“Don’t just ask how much money you can make. Ask what problems you can solve for the world.”
True entrepreneurs, she says, use business to create impact, money to fund vision, and systems to scale goodness.
Money & You® isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a deep, holistic education in leadership, responsibility, and sustainable success.
Her upcoming Money & You® Trilogy launches this August and promises to ignite a global wave of “redefining wealth.”
