Dr. Vicki Wright Hamilton: Strategic Business Coach & Founder of VWH Consulting

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

Hi, I’m Dr. Vicki Wright Hamilton — a strategic business and leadership coach, speaker, and founder of VWH Consulting. For over 20 years, I’ve helped corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers navigate growth, transformation, and disruption with confidence. My business focuses on three key pillars: digital innovation, revenue strategy for small business owners, and leadership development. I’m also the founder of Vicktorious Skin, a clean skincare line created to empower women through self-care and presence. Whether in the boardroom, on stage, or behind a product, everything I do is rooted in purpose, transformation, and impact.

Who are your customers?

My clients range from C-suite executives at Fortune 100 companies to purpose-driven entrepreneurs scaling small businesses. I also work with individuals navigating leadership transitions and personal growth. Across the board, my customers are people who are ready for strategic change and want a coach or consultant who brings real-world experience, empathy, and results.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before launching VWH Consulting, I spent over two decades in corporate America leading large-scale technology and organizational change initiatives. I held executive roles where I managed teams, drove innovation, and advised top-tier companies on how to align business strategy with execution — particularly during times of disruption. That experience is the foundation of everything I do now.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I realized that my impact could be greater if I stepped outside of the corporate structure and created space to help others navigate growth in a more personal and purposeful way. I wanted to help leaders — especially women and people of color — succeed without sacrificing their authenticity, health, or power.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not at first. I was raised to pursue stability and success, which initially led me into the corporate world. But over time, I saw how entrepreneurship could offer freedom, legacy-building, and the ability to create on my own terms. Once I understood that, there was no turning back.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I launched, my strategy focused on relationships — building trust, showing up in the right rooms, and sharing my voice through speaking engagements. I also invested in media visibility and slowly built a presence online. Like most entrepreneurs, not everything went as planned. There were moments I had to pivot, repackage my offers, and shift how I communicated my value — but the clarity came with experience.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to delegate and trust others with my vision. As a leader, I was used to doing things myself — but building a scalable business requires letting go and building the right team. I’ve learned that growth isn’t just about strategy; it’s about alignment, communication, and releasing control.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m incredibly proud of producing Diary of Successful Black Single Mothers, an anthology and documentary project that gives voice to a community that is often overlooked. It has opened doors, started conversations, and inspired so many women to see their stories as valid, powerful, and worthy of being told.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes! I launched my clean skincare line, Vicktorious Skin by Dr. Vicki Wright Hamilton, which has been a dream years in the making. It’s more than just a product line — it’s a message of empowerment and self-worth. I also co-authored Mastering Wealth: Volume 2 Purpose with Master P and 20 thought leaders, and was honored with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the reach of my skincare line, Vicktorious Skin, and continuing to scale my executive coaching programs and consulting work. I also recently launched Decisions Decisions™, a strategic board game designed to help individuals build confidence in decision-making and leadership. It’s already gaining traction with professionals, educators, and organizations, and I’m excited to build more tools that blend learning, growth, and empowerment in both personal and professional spaces.

What is your top productivity tip? 

Start each day by identifying your three most important priorities. Not a to-do list of 20 things — just the top three that will move your goals forward. I also time-block my calendar to protect focus time and avoid unnecessary multitasking.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I give myself permission to pause. Whether that means stepping away for an hour, a day, or a weekend — I honor when my body and mind are asking for rest. I’ve learned that recovery is a strategy, not a weakness.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I treat balance like a rhythm, not a fixed destination. Some days I’m fully in CEO mode, other days I lean into rest, family, or self-care. I integrate what matters most into my calendar just like a business meeting — including time for myself.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

That I didn’t need to have it all figured out to get started. Clarity often comes after action. The key is to move with purpose, stay flexible, and trust your instincts.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

“Tell me about a time you had to lead without a title.”

It shows me how they think, take initiative, and navigate complex situations — all without being told what to do. Hire for alignment first, skills second. You can teach a skill, but you can’t train someone to care about your vision. Also, don’t ignore red flags in interviews — how someone shows up then is often the best it gets.

If you've raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned around funding is to treat every financial decision as a growth strategy — not just a transaction. Whether you're pursuing traditional capital, creative funding pathways, or strategic reinvestment, you need to be crystal clear on your numbers, your vision, and your value. Funding should align with your mission and move your business forward — not pull you off course. Don’t just ask for money; show why investing in your brand is investing in real impact.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family

Yes — and now I proudly wear the title Glamma. I raised children while building a career, including during seasons as a single mom, and now I get to watch my grandkids grow while continuing to lead in business. My best advice? Release the pressure of perfection. You won’t always get the balance right, and that’s okay. What matters most is being present, modeling purpose, and showing your family what’s possible when you lead with love and intention. Your passion becomes their inspiration.

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

No, I don’t have a co-founder, but I’ve worked closely with collaborators and team leaders. My tip is to ensure clear roles, regular communication, and aligned values. A shared mission keeps everyone grounded.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Google Calendar — it’s my non-negotiable. Everything from client meetings to self-care is scheduled there. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist!

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Canva has been a game-changer. It allows me and my team to create beautiful, on-brand visuals quickly, without needing a full design team. It’s efficient, empowering, and essential for digital presence.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Don’t wait to be ready — start now. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, seek mentors who challenge you, and stay grounded in why you started. Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s — and that’s your power.

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