Dr. Sy Burns Is Helping Others Recognize the Influence They Already Carry

For some, retirement marks the end of a career. For Dr. Sy Burns, it became the beginning of another purposeful chapter: her business, Higher Degree Coaching & Consulting.

After more than 30 years in education, leadership, and mentoring, Dr. Burns realized that retirement from a career did not mean retirement from her purpose. She had accumulated knowledge, experiences, and lessons that could continue to serve others. Building something of her own became a way to steward those gifts and create an even broader impact.

Higher Degree Coaching & Consulting was born in 2014 from Dr. Burns’ own frustrations while working toward her doctorate and her desire to help others navigate the journey toward completing their highest educational goals. She understood firsthand the discipline, perseverance, and faith required to earn an advanced degree. Along the way, she also saw aspiring scholars struggle with confidence, clarity, and consistency. This resonated deeply as Dr. Burns shared it was her experience with being a teen victim of sexual assault resulting in the birth of her first child that has fueled her passion to become highly educated and help others succeed along the way.

“I wanted to create a safe space where people could receive not only expertise and accountability, but also encouragement to keep going when the journey became difficult.”

Today, Higher Degree Coaching & Consulting provides coaching and support to individuals pursuing advanced degrees, particularly those navigating the dissertation process. Dr. Sy Burns Consulting expands that mission through executive leadership coaching, professional development, speaking, and consulting. “Ultimately, my work is about transformation, organizational leadership and management. I want people to leave my coaching more confident, more equipped, and more willing to believe that what they are called to accomplish is possible.” Dr. Burns’ goal is not simply to help people finish a degree or develop as leaders; it is to help them recognize the influence they already carry.

After more than 30 years in leadership, Dr. Burns has learned that leadership is less about what you know and more about what happens to people because you led them. Her doctorate degree in organizational leadership and management taught her the theories of leadership; her career taught her its responsibility.

Today, she measures leadership differently. “Did I make someone better? Did I give someone courage? Did I open a door? Did I help someone see beyond what they believed was possible?” She continues, “For me, leadership is not about how many people followed me, but how many became stronger because I led them.”

Looking back, Dr. Burns reflects on seasons when life did not unfold according to her plans. “I had to learn the difference between a delay and a denial.” Those seasons strengthened her faith, resilience, and ability to trust God’s timing. “They taught me that a detour does not mean you have lost your destination. Sometimes God uses the unexpected path to prepare you for the assignment ahead.” That perspective now shapes how she coaches others through uncertainty and transition.

For women waiting for the “right” time to start a business, Dr. Burns offers straightforward advice. “The right time may never feel completely comfortable. Start with what you have, where you are, and what you know. Pray, prepare, and take the first step.” She reminds women that they do not have to have the entire blueprint before beginning. “Sometimes faith means taking the next step before you can see the whole staircase.” She also reminds women that their experience, story, and God-given gifts have value. “Don’t allow fear of being unprepared to convince you that you are unqualified.”

Readers who want to learn more about Dr. Burns and her work can connect with her at DrSyBurns.com, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sylonda-burns-42aaa3352/ , or by following #DrSyBurnsSpeaks for updates on her coaching, consulting, speaking, leadership, and writing. She welcomes opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations committed to growth, leadership, education, and purposeful impact.