Transforming the Future of Education for At-Risk Youth

SHARYN ABBOTT

CEO & Founder,

Ultimate Business International

For millions of children worldwide, the promise of education remains just that—a promise unfulfilled. In the United States alone, high school graduation rates have dropped from 90% in 1970 to under 60% today. Even more alarming, nearly 50% of at-risk youth face incarceration or won’t live past the age of 35. These aren’t just statistics; they represent lost potential, shattered dreams, and a system that has long neglected the most vulnerable. Amidst this crisis, one leader stands unwavering in her mission to rewrite the future—Sharyn Abbott. A seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and advocate, she refuses to accept the ordinary. As the CEO and Founder of Ultimate Business International and Ultimate Business University (UBU), she is dismantling outdated educational structures and rebuilding them to serve those who need it most. Her approach is revolutionary: integrating trade skills, multimedia learning, and personalized mentorship to equip students with real-world opportunities. Unlike conventional systems that enforce rigid curricula, Sharyn’s model adapts to individual learning needs, fostering an environment where students learn and thrive. With an ambitious twenty-year expansion plan, she aims to establish programs in 20 countries where homeless and at-risk children face the toughest challenges. But her work extends beyond education. A renowned speaker, author, and corporate leader, Sharyn has spent decades guiding Fortune 500 company employees and pioneering initiatives that prioritize human potential over corporate gain. Her leadership philosophy, shaped by personal experiences, is rooted in respect, empowerment, and holistic growth. Now, through UBU, she is proving that with the right opportunities, every child—regardless of their circumstances—can break free from limitations and build a promising future. Sharyn Abbott is not just changing education; she is transforming lives, one student at a time. TradeFlock interviewed her to discuss her journey and mission further.

What inspired your mission to empower others?

I’ve always believed that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about what you help others achieve. Looking back, I don’t think there was a single defining moment when I realized my purpose; rather, it was a journey of small yet powerful realizations. Every time I shared my knowledge and saw someone light up with newfound confidence or clarity, it reinforced what I was meant to do.

THE MORE I HELPED, THE MORE I UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS WASN’T JUST A ROLE I PLAYED—IT WAS WHO I WAS MEANT TO BE. EMPOWERING OTHERS ISN’T JUST MY WORK; IT’S MY CALLING.

Whether it was guiding entrepreneurs to build something meaningful, helping authors bring their stories to life, or creating opportunities for at-risk youth to rewrite their futures, I found my greatest joy in watching others break through barriers.

How do you plan to scale UBI’s vision globally?

I’ve always believed that every problem has a solution—and the longer I waited for my funds to be released, the more challenges I saw that needed fixing. What started as an education initiative grew into a mission to build sustainable communities that truly change lives.

IT ONLY TAKES ONE PERSON TO START A REVOLUTION!

Scaling globally starts with action and we’re already in action with the first expansion campus scheduled in Australia, and from there, we’ll launch a new one every six months. It’s a big vision, but real change happens step by step—and we’re just getting started.

What’s been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?

They say growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and I learned that the hard way. My greatest challenge was overcoming my fear of public speaking. I never planned to do it—until my mentor took me to an event, and over lunch, casually announced, “You’re the speaker today.” I had no time to overthink, no chance to back out. I just had to stand up and speak. That one moment changed everything. He kept taking me to different events every month for a year, and before I knew it, I was hooked. What once terrified me became a passion, proving that sometimes, the only way to overcome fear is to step straight into it.

Why disrupt publishing to favor authors?

After 20 years in the printing industry, I found it offensive that traditional publishers kept the lion’s share while authors—who do all the heavy lifting—got mere scraps. That’s why I changed the game. By letting authors retain 75% of their sales, they finally get what they deserve and the resources to book interviews and speaking engagements— where the real money is made. It’s not just about better royalties; it’s about giving authors the power they’ve always deserved.

How has your definition of success evolved?

Success has never been a fixed goal for me—it’s a moving target I keep raising. I’ve always pushed myself harder than anyone else ever could, and over time, my definition of success has evolved. What once felt impossible became just another milestone, and each achievement fuels the next challenge. For me, success isn’t about reaching a finish line—it’s about continuously proving that limits exist only to be broken.