ATLANTA (August 31, 2026) — In a provocative new book, Nigerian-born leadership expert Dr. Sam Adeyemi argues that many people are unconsciously "programmed for poverty" by their upbringing and environment, and that this programming often sabotages their conscious desires for prosperity.
Dr. Adeyemi, CEO of Sam Adeyemi, GLC, Inc. and founder of Daystar Leadership Academy, explains that beliefs absorbed from family, community, and culture can become deeply rooted in the subconscious mind. "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," he says. According to Dr. Adeyemi, this programming 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, he says, is a frustrating disconnect: "Many times, the goals people set with their conscious mind are not in alignment with their programming. People want to be prosperous and wealthy, but their programming is for poverty." To illustrate, Dr. Adeyemi uses a fruit metaphor: "If we really want an orange, but our roots are for mango, we're getting a mango. What should we do? Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to get your orange. Unless, you remove some roots, and put new ones in their place."
This metaphor underscores the role of environment in shaping potential. "Your seed may be perfect, but the soil determines its full potential," he says. However, Dr. Adeyemi insists that the cycle can be broken: "The beliefs we've formulated from our environment can become deeply-rooted, but thankfully, they are not necessarily permanent."
For Dr. Adeyemi, changing results begins with changing underlying beliefs — the "roots." This idea is central to his SHIFTS process model, outlined in his latest book, "SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership" (Wiley). The acronym stands for See, Hear, Insights, Formulate, Transform, and Succeed. "Transformation begins with becoming conscious and disciplined around what we See and Hear," explains 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."
Dr. Adeyemi's work has reached a global audience: more than 52,000 alumni have graduated from Daystar Leadership Academy programs, and over 3 million CEOs and high-performing individuals follow him on social media. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University and is the author of "Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership." His new book is now available for purchase. For more information, visit drsamadeyemi.onlinepresskit247.com.
