Timothy Olaniyi

Principal Consultant, Merit Money Method


Timothy Olaniyi is a first-generation Nigerian-American college graduate whose story is steeped in cultural legacy, resilience, and visionary leadership. He was raised by world-renowned artist and cultural icon Prince Twins Seven Seven, a UNESCO Artist for Peace whose work elevated Yoruba heritage across continents. After immigrating to the U.S. from Nigeria, Prince carved out a life through sheer talent and conviction—becoming a global ambassador for African art and building a legacy that bridged ancestral roots with modern influence.

  • From an early age, Timothy inherited not only a lineage of creative excellence and cultural diplomacy, but also a front-row seat to what it means to build a life of impact from the ground up.

    And while his upbringing was rich in legacy, it lacked the insider knowledge needed to navigate the American education system. He attended a Division III college with a modest merit package—not because he lacked talent or drive, but because no one showed him how to strategically optimize his full potential. He made the most of every opportunity—earning both athletic and academic scholarships, taking on leadership roles, juggling work-study jobs—but still graduated without a clear path forward.

    He had the purpose, but not the positioning. The drive, but not the direction.

    These lived experiences formed the foundation of Timothy’s calling. What began as personal struggle became a lifelong mission to transform how students are guided—through approaches that honor both equity and the whole person.

    As Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of the Merit Money Method, Timothy leads Lionheart Coaching Academy’s flagship program—serving as the primary advisor for families seeking competitive merit aid, elite admissions outcomes, and purpose-driven academic strategy. He specializes in aligning course selection, extracurricular planning, test prep, and college admissions with each student’s long-term vision and calling. Through direct consultation, Timothy brings strategy to life—empowering families to steward their resources wisely and unlock life-changing educational opportunities.

    Timothy’s coaching is deeply shaped by his wellness-centered approach, rooted in his own experience navigating pressure, burnout, and identity confusion as a high-achieving student without emotional or spiritual support. Rather than separating academic success from well-being, he integrates both—modeling and teaching students how to pursue excellence while staying grounded in peace, purpose, and self-awareness. He leads with the belief that achievement without alignment leads to burnout—and that lasting success must be built on emotional clarity, self-awareness, and wholeness.

    In addition to his work at Lionheart, Timothy serves as President, Co-Founder, and CEO of Selah Seminary, where he develops leaders to navigate complexity, steward influence, and integrate personal growth with organizational impact. His experience designing formation-based curriculum, mentoring high-capacity leaders, and building sustainable models of transformation sharpens his ability to think systemically, lead relationally, and guide with long-range educational vision.

    These strengths directly inform how he supports families through the layered demands of academic planning, identity development, and college positioning. For Timothy, college advising is more than strategy—it’s an opportunity to help students craft purpose-driven, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally grounded educational journeys.

    He is committed to helping families thrive—not just in what they accomplish, but in who they become along the way.

    His leadership is rooted in the belief that academic achievement and emotional wellness are not separate paths—but a shared journey toward purpose and impact. His work is marked by strategic clarity, cultural humility, and deep respect for the sacred trust families place in their college planning process.

    His mission is to equip individuals and families to lead with clarity, courage, and vision—building lives that embody excellence, fulfill purpose, and leave a lasting legacy.