Yolanda Shields:

Founder & CEO of Yesbuilds

About Yolanda Shields:

Dr. Yolanda Shields, MBA, Ph.D., is the Founder of YESBuilds Consulting, a global business advisory and strategy firm. She is an internationally recognized business leader, best-selling author, and workforce development strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and organizations scale with purpose and sustainability.

Her work spans the United States, Europe, and Africa, where she has led initiatives in entrepreneurship ecosystem development, social enterprise, and workforce innovation. A dynamic and sought-after speaker and trainer, Dr. Shields specializes in business startups, entrepreneurial ecosystems, the gig economy, public–private partnerships, and human capital management.

Appointed by the Governors of TN and VA to the Workforce Development State Board. Dr. Shields also serves as Chairwoman of the GO Virginia Region 8 Council and also works in the area of entrepreneurship HIVE Innovation Center at Shenandoah University

Her influence extends beyond academia and government into the entertainment and nonprofit sectors, having worked with renowned figures such as CeCe Winans, Darrell Green, Art Monk, and Tony Boselli. Dr. Shields is the author of five books, including her most recent release, The Gig Economy (2023).

“I guide entrepreneurs and leaders to new levels of growth and scalability — helping them expand their impact with clarity and purpose. I’m passionate about collaborating with vision-driven individuals to translate big ideas into authentic, actionable strategies, and to pivot with confidence when change is required.”

Dr. Shields has released 5 books, the first was released in September 2013. Book number 6 was released in June of 2023: THE GIG ECONOMY, and also a Huffington Post Contributor

To meet with Yolanda, or any of our excellent mentors, please fill out this interest form.

Tags: Business Strategy, Consulting & Professional Services, Design Thinking, Speaker/Author, Social Innovation

Yolanda Shields Q&A:

  • I love that the Wond’ry is preparing students to look at entrepreneurship and innovation in all areas. They are able to see how innovation is about solving problems in all disciplines. They will leave with the understanding that entrepreneurship as a skill that’s needed if you start a business or work for someone.

  • Assisting students in evaluating how they can sustain their product, or service

    Critical Thinking Skills

    Solving problems ~ Cause and Effect

    How to recognize opportunities

    Over 20 years of experience as a business executive and entrepreneur

  • One of my proudest moments is seeing those I have lead and trained do more at a younger age

    than I was able to do. Training young people to start early will allow them to make a greater impact.

  • What has surprised me the most is that even when it gets hard I don’t want to quit because it is what I was born to do. I have wanted to take a break but never quit.

  • One thing I would like to do over is having more business mentors and internships while in high school and college.

  • Character

    Integrity

    Hard worker

    Servant leader

    Lifelong learner

  • My mom tells me I always talked about going to Africa to be a missionary. I always had a desire to teach or do something that allowed me to help others. So, it is no surprise that I have been teaching, training and doing humanitarian work most of my career.

Tags: Human Resources, Entrepreneurship