What if the pain you’ve experienced could become part of the purpose you’re called to live?

In this episode, Jeremy Greening sits down with Ernest Tan for an honest conversation about family separation, emotional pain, vulnerability, mentorship, financial literacy, and what it means to move through life’s valleys.

Ernest shares how his parents’ separation during his university years became a defining season in his life and ultimately shaped his mission to help others through financial literacy and practical life skills. He opens up about the emotional struggles that followed, the importance of letting go of pride, and how expressing raw emotions became part of his journey toward healing and growth.

The conversation also explores Ernest’s definition of victory: building a strong, stable family where open communication, emotional honesty, and safety are part of everyday life. His experience has shaped the way he mentors young people and equips them with practical tools for leadership, mindset, and financial maturity.

Whether you're carrying family pain, struggling to express your emotions, or feeling stuck in a difficult season, Ernest offers a simple message: be honest about what you're carrying, find someone who has walked a similar path, and take the next small step forward.

Your valley doesn't have to be the end of your story. It can become part of your purpose.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Ernest transformed the pain of family separation into a mission to help others through financial literacy and mentorship

• Why emotional honesty and vulnerability can be important first steps toward healing and personal growth

• How open communication and emotional safety can help create a stronger, healthier family environment

• Why finding a mentor and taking small, manageable steps can help you move forward when life feels overwhelming

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Ernest Tan — Founder of Leaven Academy, Financial Literacy Educator, Leadership Mentor, and Author of Smart Money Start Young.

GUEST RESOURCES:

🌐 Leaven Academy: https://www.leavenacademy.com/

📋 Free Financial Maturity Checklist for Parents:

📘 Smart Money Start Young:

🌐 Website: www.valleystovictory.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575025517944

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleystovictory/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-greening-600959356/

🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@valleystovictory

⭐ If this episode encouraged you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be walking through their own valley. Sometimes taking one honest step forward is where victory begins.

CONNECT WITH JEREMY & VALLEYS TO VICTORY