ABOUT CLIFF WATSON
From high school dropout to doctoral candidate. From "street pharmacist" to community leader. From convicted felon to the boardroom. His story is proof that God's plan doesn't require a perfect starting point.
Where It all began
Cliff didn't grow up with a roadmap. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he dropped out of high school and found himself navigating the streets as a self-described "street pharmacist." It was the life that was in front of him — fast money, fast consequences, and a path that eventually led to a felony conviction.
But that's not where the story ends. That's where it begins.
"Through faith, discipline, and an unrelenting belief that transformation is possible for anyone, Cliff turned his life completely around."
He earned his GED, then kept going — earning a Master's in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary with High Distinction, and is now pursuing his Doctorate in Community Development.
He didn't just change his circumstances. He changed his identity. And he's spent the last 20+ years helping others do the same.
What He's Built
Faith, business, and community — all in motion.
The Embassy Group
PresidentA real estate development company transforming distressed communities in Cleveland into places of opportunity and dignity.
Emerging Embassy Group
Co-FounderHelping churches navigate financing, acquisitions, and real estate strategy so they can better serve their congregations and communities.
Providence Baptist Church
Administrative PastorLeading the business operations of a 1,200-member congregation for over 20 years — proving that ministry and management go hand in hand.
Serial Entrepreneur
Construction · Barbershop · Embassy StudiosCliff builds businesses the way he builds people: with intention, integrity, and biblical principles.
Community Leadership
Board Member & AdvocateFormer VP of Mount Pleasant Ministerial Alliance, Event Coordinator for Convoy of Hope, board member of Cleveland Works and Coach Sam's Inner Circle Foundation for Literacy.
International Missions
Jamaica · HaitiExtending faith and service beyond borders through missions work that reflects his commitment to global transformation.
Cliff Watson's impact hasn't gone unnoticed. He's been awarded several awards by various organizations, and has even been feature in a PBS documentary because of his life transformation. He has dedicated several years to short-term mission trips internationally and has also served with Convoy of Hope as a community leader domestically.
His daughter is a doctor — a testament not just to her own brilliance, but to the generational cycle of excellence he set in motion when he chose to change his life.
Fortitude Award
City of Cleveland
PBS Documentary
Community Impact
Master's Degree
High Distinction, Trinity
20+ Years Ministry
Operations & Leadership
Cliff spent decades shepherding as an associate pastor, witnessing firsthand the struggles that keep good people from becoming great. Time and again, he saw talented, faithful members held back by lack of wisdom in business, their spiritual walk, and life in general.
After retiring from full-time ministry, he created the Mind Ya' Business podcast to deliver the straight-talk wisdom that transforms lives—combining biblical principles with practical strategies for the most impact in people’s lives.
Cliffs purpose is to help purpose-led individuals level up in every area through his podcast, writing, speaking engagements, and the transformational 90-Day Challenge (coming in 2026). His message is simple: excellence isn't optional—it's your calling.
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Business Excellence
Financial stewardship, strategic planning, pricing, scaling, and leadership. Run a business God can bless.
Personal Mastery
Habits, mental health, boundaries, rest, time management, and growth mindset. Master yourself before you lead others.
Spiritual Alignment
Prayer, discernment, purpose discovery, legacy building. Align your work with God's will.
What Drives Him
Core Values
The principles that guide everything Cliff teaches and lives
Biblical Truth
Everything is filtered through Scripture. God's Word is the ultimate authority on how we should live, lead, and build.
Practical Wisdom
Truth without application is useless. Every principle must translate into actionable steps you can implement today.
Excellence
Mediocrity is not an option. You were created for greatness, and settling for less dishonors the calling on your life.
Holistic Growth
True success requires excellence in all areas. Your money, body, and spirit are interconnected—neglect one, suffer in all.
Straight Talk
No sugar-coating, no excuses. Sometimes you need someone to tell you the truth you've been avoiding—with love, but without compromise.
Community
Transformation happens in community. Iron sharpens iron, and you need brothers who will push you toward greatness.
Work With Cliff
SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Bring Dr. Cliff's transformational message to your church, conference, or organization
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Powerful messages on financial stewardship, holistic health, and spiritual excellence
CHURCH WORKSHOPS
Multi-week series on money management, physical wellness, and spiritual disciplines
MEN'S RETREATS
Intensive experiences designed to challenge and transform men at every level
LEADERSHIP COACHING
One-on-one guidance for pastors and leaders seeking excellence in all areas
EQUIPPING HIGH-PERFORMERS
FOR TOTAL LIFE EXCELLENCE
"Too many men are crushing it in one area while failing in others. My mission is to help high-performers achieve excellence across all three pillars—building wealth that honors God, bodies that serve their purpose, and faith that anchors everything. Excellence isn't optional. It's your calling."
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