Dr. Benjamin S. Akins
"I AM MOTIVATED BY THE THOUGHTS OF MY OWN MIND, CHALLENGED BY WHAT OTHERS BELIEVE TO BE IMPOSSIBLE."
Decades of leadership, ministry, coaching, consulting, and character development have shaped one mission: helping you see yourself clearly and live with accountability. As your inner mastery strategist and certified life coach, I bring insight that sharpens understanding, understanding that awakens responsibility, and responsibility that transforms your life—permanently.
Let's Go To Work!
COMMITTED TO MY COMMITMENT:
My objective is to help you gain clarity around your agenda and support you in building—and executing—a success strategy that achieves your goals. This is not a casual process. It is intentional, disciplined, and sustained by three distinct pillars:
EDUCATE
I challenge you to expand your awareness, sharpen your thinking, and strengthen your belief in what is possible. Through disciplined learning and honest self-examination, you begin to see more clearly, think more responsibly, and recognize opportunities that were previously overlooked.
ELEVATE
I remind you of the value and advantage of self-investment as a non-negotiable commitment to growth. When you choose to invest in yourself—your mindset, disciplines, and development—you raise your standards, strengthen your confidence, and position yourself to operate at a higher level with consistency and purpose.
EMPOWER
I equip you with life-altering tools through brain-based coaching and proven systems that work. These tools are designed to move you from insight to execution, helping you build structure, develop consistency, and apply what you know in ways that produce measurable, lasting results.
COMMITTED TO MY COMMITMENT:
My objective is to help you gain clarity around your agenda and support you in building—and executing—a success strategy that achieves your goals. This is not a casual process. It is intentional, disciplined, and sustained by three distinct pillars:
EDUCATE
I challenge you to expand your awareness, sharpen your thinking, and strengthen your belief in what is possible. Through disciplined learning and honest self-examination, you begin to see more clearly, think more responsibly, and recognize opportunities that were previously overlooked.
ELEVATE
I remind you of the value and advantage of self-investment as a non-negotiable commitment to growth. When you choose to invest in yourself—your mindset, disciplines, and development—you raise your standards, strengthen your confidence, and position yourself to operate at a higher level with consistency and purpose.
EMPOWER
I equip you with life-altering tools through brain-based coaching and proven systems that work. These tools are designed to move you from insight to execution, helping you build structure, develop consistency, and apply what you know in ways that produce measurable, lasting results.
Testimonials
What Successful People Are Saying...
“For well over thirty years, I have known Dr. Akins to be the complete package—rich in leadership, wisdom, and principle. His sharp problem-solving ability produces direct and appropriate solutions to complex, multilayered challenges. He approaches complexity with an eclectic depth of insight and stands among the great minds of our time.”
* Leadership Executive | United States Marine Corps (Retiree)
“A true consummate professional, Dr. Akins has mastered the balance between coaching and caring in a way that is both impactful and restorative. His approach is relevant, reinvigorating, and supportive from start to finish. He is fully present throughout the entire process and truly a joy to work with.”
* Professional Speaker | Author
“The ability to transform the mind in ways that produce lasting life change is a rare gift. Having access to such a wellspring of insight is invaluable, as following its guidance forms the very foundation of success. For more than thirty years, I have been among the fortunate to benefit from the insight, compassion, wisdom, and presence of Dr. Benjamin Akins. His counsel has been instrumental in helping me navigate uncertainty and uncover the pathways to success that were already within me. Under his guidance, your greatness is not only revealed, but intentionally cultivated as you continue to grow.”
* Director of the Military & Veterans Bureau | Republican Speaker for Minority Affairs for the State of New Jersey
“When I think of Benjamin Akins, I am reminded of the kind of leaders who had the courage to declare independence and shape America. Dr. Akins is a leader, coach, confidant, and counselor with a rare instinct for motivating people and inspiring them to go farther than they ever believed possible—mentally and physically. He is the person you want beside you in the foxhole on life’s journey.”
* Treasurer of Ohio, 2011-2019
“Knowing you were there during a time when I struggled to see my own worth and intellect meant more to me than I can express. I always knew I could come to you for help or advice without fear of judgment. On countless occasions, you guided me both personally and professionally. Thank you for your invaluable time, kindness, compassion, and for being such an inspiration during a pivotal season of my life. You are truly an exceptional coach, consultant, and mentor.”
* Human Resources Officer (Retiree) | Entrepreneur
“For more than thirty years, I have watched Dr. Akins invest his time and sweat equity into the development of others. His personal drive to succeed is reflected in his work ethic and his passion for inspiring those around him. Countless lives have already been changed through Dr. Akins’ influence—and many more undoubtedly will be.”
* Business Psychologist | Motivational Speaker
“I have known Dr. Akins for over twenty years and had the honor of serving under his leadership as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. His ability to build and develop teams is unmatched. He coaches through a principle-based philosophy that applies seamlessly to both personal and professional growth. Dr. Akins is a visionary, results-driven leader, and a tremendous asset to anyone who knows him or seeks his counsel.”
* Real Estate Investor | Entrepreneur
“Benjamin Akins—my personal life coach, business consultant, and best friend—is invaluable, inspiring, encouraging, honest, and direct. He has enriched my life in countless ways by pushing me beyond limiting beliefs and challenging me to pursue my own greatness, all while remaining true to himself and honoring the integrity of every aspect of our relationship.”
* Logistics Manager, Department of Defense, United States Air Force
“Ben has consistently demonstrated exceptional integrity, accountability, and ambition. He is truly a leader among leaders. Beyond his strong academic achievements, he has proven his versatility by serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity within his community, as well as among friends and family.”
* MBA | CEO, Eryk G Photography
“I have had the distinct pleasure and privilege of knowing and working alongside Ben Akins for over twenty years as a fellow Marine and friend. Together, we have experienced and endured every spectrum of life, and what I admire most about him is his character. He is deeply grounded spiritually, and I have sought his counsel on many occasions. He is equally brilliant in ability, possessing an impressive breadth of knowledge, along with an unmatched zeal for life and a genuine passion for success. Simply put, Ben is morally upright, highly skilled, consistent, and a man who stands firmly by his word.”
* Colonel, United States Marine Corps (Retiree)
“Prepare to become a Better U and rediscover a renewed sense of personal accountability under the guidance of a masterful teacher. Dr. Akins has a unique ability to sharpen life skills while consistently challenging you to level up. Through repetition, patience, integrity, and a committed approach to the process of growth, you will experience meaningful and sustainable progress over time.”
* Global Expansion Director
“I have known Ben for over twenty years, and he has consistently motivated, coached, and encouraged those around him to push beyond the limits of their imagination. His attention to detail has always been the catalyst that accelerated transformation in the lives of everyone within his sphere of influence. Ben’s ability to accurately assess where an individual stands within the social process speaks volumes about the depth of his transactional and transformational skill set.”
* Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (Retiree) | National President, National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. | Senior Vice President, Support Division (Access Health Louisiana)
“A brother and mentor in every sense, Dr. Akins sets a standard that young leaders and professionals can emulate—both naturally and spiritually. From our initial encounter in church to his personal guidance and mentorship as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, he consistently inspired me to go the extra mile in multiple areas of life. A true catalyst for innovation, he instinctively ignites initiative and produces positive results in every endeavor. He is, without question, a natural leader.”
* Pastor, Agape Empowerment Ministries, Inc. | Director of Veterans Affairs, Jasper County, South Carolina
“Dr. Benjamin Akins is one of those rare individuals you meet and immediately recognize as highly qualified and exceptionally effective in all that he does. Gifted with remarkable wisdom and perspective from an early age, he inspired me—as a young man—to reach an even higher level of greatness. His leadership influence played a pivotal role in my decision to partner with him in service as a pastor and spiritual counselor. His deep understanding of the written Word is matched by his self-discipline and relentless pursuit of truth. I am proud to know him as a brother, friend, pastor, spiritual advisor, and personal life coach. As a self-proclaimed ‘Alpha’ male, I firmly believe it takes the best to lead the best, instruct the best, and—most importantly—cut through ego to effectively advise the best.”
* Engineer Experienced | Entrepreneur
“I met Benjamin when he began working as a Department of Defense civilian for the U.S. Air Force, following a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Marine Corps. At the time, I believed I was helping him transition from active-duty service as a Gunny to civil service; in reality, he was helping me navigate a pivotal season in both my professional and personal life. He supported me through some of my most challenging moments before, during, and after an Afghanistan deployment. To this day, I still seek his guidance on leadership, parenting, and relationships. He is truly wise beyond his years.”
* Colonel, United States Air Force, Squadron Commander (Retiree)
“Meeting Dr. Akins over twenty years ago shaped my military career in ways words can hardly express. His ability to coach and mentor a young Marine in just seventeen training days—earning a level of trust that still guides nearly every aspect of my life—speaks volumes about the caliber at which he operates. Whether facing personal or professional decisions, he remains, without hesitation, one of my top three most trusted advisers. His counsel is consistently precise, thoughtfully articulated, and among the best anyone could receive. He possesses a rare ability to transform individuals and organizations into top-tier, fully functional entities in remarkably short periods of time.”
* Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps (Retiree) | Founder & Owner, Elite 9 Veteran Talent Acquisition Services, LLC
“I have had the distinct honor, pleasure, and privilege of knowing Dr. Akins for nearly thirty years. I have witnessed his journey as a successful United States Marine, his progression through the highest levels of academia, and his evolution into an exceptional embodiment of leadership. He is a consummate professional whose warrior spirit is unmatched. With a rare ability to coach, mentor, and inspire, he compels others to pursue and achieve their very best. He is, without question, the real deal.”
* Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps (Retiree)
“In my 25+ years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Ben stands among the very best motivational speakers I have encountered. His command presence and ability to captivate an audience are beyond reproach. He is, without question, a true lamp lighter.”
* Chief Warrant Officer 4, United States Marine Corps
“In just three months, I learned more about myself than I had in over forty years. I now have a deeper sense of clarity regarding my values, goals, skills, strengths, weaknesses, and struggles. Dr. Akins’ diligent leadership, combined with his ability to build trust and dismantle emotional and psychological barriers, truly reflects the depth of his coaching capacity. I did not fully recognize the extent of my own brokenness until entering the coach–client relationship at Better U. Through the process, I developed the emotional competence and intellectual maturity needed to recognize my own greatness and intentionally chart a new course on the road to success. The principles of BUI are not merely taught—they are practiced and exemplified in every aspect of Dr. Akins’ life. For this reason, he is not only my personal life coach; I am now honored to call him my friend. Without question, this has been the best self-investment I have made to date, and I am excited about the journey ahead.”
* Entrepreneur
“Dr. Akins met me exactly where I was and guided me into the beginning of my transformation. Through the power of perspective, he helped me stay committed to my personal evolution while gaining clarity, embracing accountability, and taking responsible action. He is an exceptional teacher, coach, and friend. During our time together, I reached significant milestones, restored personal and professional relationships, reclaimed value from every experience, and learned the importance of holistic life balance. His coaching emphasized my strengths while directly addressing my triggers, struggles, and areas for growth. As he often says, ‘Tools work best when you know how to use them,’ and I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, skills, abilities, and understanding I gained through the Better U process. Today, I am more confident, grounded, and fulfilled than ever before.”
* Master Stylist | Beauty Professional
“About a year ago, I felt lost, confused, and empty inside, even though I was surrounded by love. I was emotionally exhausted and in need of help. Dr. Akins—whom I affectionately call Dr. A—became the support I needed at that pivotal time. He taught me the importance of making myself priority number one, not from a place of selfishness, but through self-empowerment. I made a deliberate investment in myself and am now on the journey of becoming my best self—with purpose, on purpose. Dr. A guided me through the value of a mindset reset, including the proper steps and components required for real change. ‘I am what I take the time to become,’ and although the process has not been easy, it has been absolutely worth it. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Akins for his leadership, mentorship, and coaching, all of which he modeled consistently throughout the process. He taught me to believe in myself with renewed confidence and faith in what is possible.”
* Professional School Bus Driver | Entrepreneur