Background/purpose: This study aimed to explore the interactions among the most prominent internal and external factors (and their interplay) that influence the professional development of talented leaders in the economic field and how educational institutions can maximize their potential. Materials/methods: Longitudinal tracking of leadership trajectories was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data were collected through documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. The study involved economic leaders in Saudi Arabia listed in the Saudi Financial Market Authority (CMA) registry, covering 491 companies. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, including 26 leaders, 10 focus group participants, and 13 gatekeepers. Results: The findings revealed key interactions within this context. Prominent internal interactions included independence and decision-making, motivation and decision-making, and motivation and autonomy. The most significant external interactions were between family and school, family and community, family and peers, family and career opportunities or business organisations, and school and community. Conclusion: The multidirectional interactive process between family and individual, which directly affects various abilities and personal, psychological, and social characteristics, plays a key role in stimulating internal motivation--the primary source of all subsequent achievements.