Life has a way of forcing us to reevaluate what really matters. For Ryonda Hall, founder of OCD Financial, that moment came in 2013 with the sudden loss of her husband, Mike. What followed was a journey of grief, growth, and ultimately, transformation—a story she shared on the Unleash Your Amazing Leadership podcast.

A Wake-Up Call: Living Fearless

Before her husband’s passing, Ryonda spent 18 years in corporate America. She was, as she puts it, “content—but not fulfilled.” Losing Mike who was just 43 made the phrase “life is short” painfully real.

“I decided I wanted to live fearless. Who’s to say how many years I have left? I want to maximize my time and serve my purpose while I’m still here.”

That decision led her to resign from her job and start OCD Financial—a business grounded in her natural precision, her desire to serve, and her belief that financial empowerment is for everyone.

Redefining OCD: From Struggle to Strength

Ryonda was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2014, after therapy revealed the ways her perfectionism was shaping—and sometimes complicating—her life.

Instead of letting it limit her, she reframed it. In her business, OCD stands for Obedience, Character, and Discipline—the three principles she teaches as keys to financial freedom.

“I’ve learned to take what some may look at as a weakness and use it as a strength. What better accountant to have than someone with OCD?”

Today, that strength allows her to manage details with unmatched precision and, more importantly, teach others to take ownership of their financial journeys.

Education Over Transactions

Unlike many accountants who “just do the numbers,” Ryonda’s mission is education. She offers basic accounting classes for business owners and a four-week financial literacy course for individuals and families, covering everything from taxes and budgeting to credit and discipline.

“If I educate my clients, it gives them a working knowledge of their finances. That takes them farther than just handing things over to someone else.”

Her approach empowers clients to understand the “why” behind their financial choices—building confidence and control along the way.

Leadership Lessons Learned

Ryonda’s story isn’t just about business—it’s about leadership through authenticity and trust. Over time, she’s learned to:

• Choose progress over perfection. “You can get stuck in perfection,” she says.

• Trust others. Whether it’s trusting her assistant to take on tasks or trusting her kids to handle household chores, letting go has been a powerful growth point.

• Lead with compassion. Especially in finances, where fear and shame often show up, she strives to create a safe, judgment-free space for her clients.

  “Amazing leadership is about being authentic and trustworthy so people want to follow you.”

A Message for Leaders

For leaders quietly carrying their own struggles, Ryonda’s advice is simple but powerful: share and seek support.

“Self-care is number one. Where you’re struggling, it will show up in other ways. Therapy gave me a safe place to talk and helped me understand myself better.”

Learn with Ryonda

Ryonda is “OCD everywhere.” You can find her at ocdfinancial.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @OCDFinancial. Her next round of financial literacy and business accounting classes kicks off in September—perfect timing to “go back to school” for your finances.

Ryonda’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, trust, and the courage to turn pain into purpose.