Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Tony and Eleshia Cash of Dekalb County

We recently had the chance to connect with Tony and Eleshia Cash and have shared our conversation below.

Tony and Eleshia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that nobody sees is resilience — both in myself and in others. The systems, structures, and confidence that I’ve helped people build behind the scenes often never make it to a headline or a stage. But those quiet transformations — when someone finally believes in their capacity to lead or when a process starts running smoothly without chaos — that’s where I know the real work is happening.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Tony Cash and Eleshia Cash— Founders, The Leadership Center

We’re Tony and Eleshia Cash — the founders and faces behind The Leadership Center (TLC), a space designed to equip, empower, and elevate leaders in every sphere of life. Our journey began with a shared passion for helping people grow — not just professionally, but personally, spiritually, and purposefully.

At The Leadership Center, we believe leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about transformation. That’s why we’ve built a hub where community, coaching, and calling intersect. From our LEAD Talks and Leadership Labs to our TLC 90 Sunday experience, every initiative we create is rooted in developing authentic leaders who lead with vision, integrity, and heart.

What makes TLC special is that it’s not just a center — it’s a culture. We’ve blended our backgrounds in business, ministry, and leadership development to design experiences that are both strategic and soul-centered. Whether it’s a conversation in our Leadership Lounge, a session in our coaching studio, or a community event that brings people together — everything we do is built to inspire growth and connection.
Right now, we’re expanding our programs and partnerships to make leadership development more accessible — especially for emerging and underserved leaders. Our mission is simple but powerful: to help people see themselves as leaders and give them the tools to live it out boldly.

Because at the end of the day, we believe that when people lead from purpose, communities change — and the world follows.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Tony:
Growing up in public housing — what we called “the projects” — I believed that where I came from would always limit where I could go. When your world feels small, you start to think small. I thought success wasn’t for people like me. But I’ve learned that your environment doesn’t define your destiny — your mindset does. The projects didn’t hold me back; they prepared me. They taught me resilience, grit, and faith — qualities I now use to help others break their own barriers.

Eleshia:
I was a C–D student growing up, and I carried a lot of self-doubt because of it. I believed that my grades defined how smart or capable I was — and for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t leadership material. Over time, I realized I wasn’t “less than” — I just learned differently. What I needed was connection, purpose, and someone to show me that my voice mattered. That experience shaped how I lead today. I’m passionate about helping others see their potential — especially those who’ve been overlooked or underestimated — because I’ve been there.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. During the 2019 coronavirus pandemic everything we knew about ministry, leadership, and connection was turned upside down. It was a huge transition for us. We had to downsize our physical location, rebrand, and even share space — all while trying to keep community and consistency alive. For a season, our home became the sanctuary. We streamed services and hosted events right from our living room, doing our best to create hope in a time that felt uncertain for everyone.

But behind the scenes, it was hard. We lost momentum. People seemed distant — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. There were moments when we truly questioned if we were still called to do this work. We wondered, “Is God shifting us in a new direction? Is our season over? Do we still have something to offer… and if we do, does the world even want it anymore?”

Those were honest, painful questions — but they led us back to purpose. What we realized is that leadership isn’t about having everything together; it’s about staying faithful when things fall apart. That season stripped us down to the core of why we do what we do. It reminded us that The Leadership Center was never about a building — it was about people.

Coming out of that time, we emerged stronger, clearer, and more committed to helping others lead through transition and uncertainty. Because we’ve been there — and we know what it’s like to rebuild with nothing but faith and a dream.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Tony& Eleshia
Yes — what you see is what you get! The public version of us is the real us. We lead from who we truly are, not from a persona. What people experience at The Leadership Center, online, or in person is just an extension of how we live every day — purpose-driven, faith-filled, and a little bit fun.

But we’re also human. LOL. We have our moments, our doubts, and our imperfections like anyone else. We’re just two people born and raised in Atlanta, trying to make a real impact and live out what we teach. We don’t pretend to have it all together — we just keep showing up as ourselves and trusting that authenticity will always connect more than perfection ever could.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Tony& Eleshia:
We’ve both come to understand that you really do need people. Leadership can sometimes make you believe that strength means doing everything on your own — but the truth is, connection is strength.

There’s a moment in Scripture where Jesus sends out the disciples two by two (Mark 6:7). He could have sent them alone — but He didn’t. He was teaching something powerful: that purpose is never meant to be pursued in isolation. Even Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, surrounded Himself with people. He taught, led, and changed the world — in community.

That story has shaped how we lead and how we’ve built The Leadership Center. We know firsthand that every great vision needs a village. Relationships are the bridges that carry dreams forward. Whether it’s in business, ministry, or personal growth — people matter.

We’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about walking with them. The strongest leaders are those who understand that collaboration isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

That’s why our brand is built around developing leaders through connection. Because when you value people, you build something that lasts beyond yourself.

That same heartbeat shows up in the books we’ve written — Tony’s on Financial Freedom, helping leaders build stability and stewardship that sustains vision, and Eleshia’s on Networking and Strategy, teaching how authentic relationships open doors and create impact. Both reflect what The Leadership Center stands for: empowering people to lead well, live well, and leave a legacy that outlasts them.

“Leadership starts with connection — because when people grow together, purpose multiplies.”
— Tony & Eleshia Cash

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipchurchatl