On this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Dr. Michael G. Thomas, Jr., one of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers renowned for blending behavioral finance, empathy, and real-world insights into transformative keynote experiences. Michael shares the journey that brought him to the stage, beginning with early public speaking experiences in his youth, and traces his evolution from a natural storyteller to a highly sought-after speaker and lecturer. The conversation dives deep into what sets an unforgettable keynote apart, underscores the power of intentional communication, and unpacks the essential role of empathy in financial advising.

Together, Mary and Michael explore the substance behind Michael’s acclaimed keynote, “Maybe It’s the System,” which challenges advisors to look beyond surface-level client behaviors and examine the systems—personal, societal, and economic—that impact financial decision-making. Michael discusses how his classroom experience serves as both a laboratory for testing ideas and a crucible for developing inclusive, resonant messaging. The episode also touches on the intersections of equity, financial empathy, and compassion, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories about customizing keynotes for different audiences, especially during sensitive political and cultural moments.

About Dr. Michael Thomas

Michael G. Thomas Jr., Ph.D., is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and a lecturer at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on financial empathy and self-compassion, data visualization's effects on financial behavior, and the connection between brain function and money. Dr. Thomas's philosophy on how to effectively interact with money can be summed up in his Ted Talk: Financial Empathy: Understanding the Story Beneath the Numbers. Utilizing financial empathy as a process for active listening and the creation of client-focused financial recommendations are reflected in two financial literacy and capability programs he helped co-create: Money Dawgs and Discovering Money Solutions. Dr. Thomas is also the founder of Modom Solutions - a virtual financial coaching service he has been providing since 2015. He will soon be an author as he expects to release his forthcoming book, Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out, in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Intentionality in Keynote Speaking: Michael highlights that the most memorable keynotes are the result of meticulous intentionality. Every word, concept, and story is carefully crafted to resonate with the audience. This level of preparation often gives the illusion of spontaneity while ensuring that the message is cohesive and impactful, no matter how many times it's been delivered before. He emphasizes the importance of researching the audience, aligning messaging with organizational values, and iterating talks based on feedback to make lasting connections.
2. Empathy is an Essential (Not Soft) Skill: Moving beyond the notion of empathy as a “soft skill,” Michael reframes it as an essential, indispensable part of effective advising and communication. True empathy, he explains, requires understanding your inner systems—emotions, triggers, social background—and then using that awareness to comprehend the unique experiences of others. This empathy isn’t just about surface-level identification but involves deep, compassionate engagement that can drive real client progress and trust.
3. Systems Shape Financial Behavior: A core message from Michael’s keynote is that individual choices don’t exist in a vacuum; they are profoundly influenced by broader systems—cultural, socioeconomic, digital, and familial. Blaming clients for poor financial decisions often overlooks the structural barriers and incentives that drive “bad” behaviors. By recognizing and unpacking these systems (like addictive food marketing or digital platform algorithms), advisors can replace shame-based approaches with more compassionate, objective guidance.
4. Navigating Difficult Conversations with Humanity: Michael recounts experiences presenting to divided or polarized audiences, especially during challenging social and political climates. He attributes his success in uniting audiences across divides to his ability to frame even the most sensitive topics through a shared lens of humanity—validating varied experiences without fueling division. By focusing on universal emotions and the idea that everyone navigates systems, he offers models for having hard discussions that bring people together rather than driving them apart.
5. Growth Comes from Sharing, Feedback, and Community: Michael’s journey underscores the value of testing ideas in “safe” spaces like classrooms, actively soliciting feedback, and being part of strong professional communities. He draws an analogy between perfecting a pie crust (with hidden, hard-learned tricks) and refining a keynote: real mastery requires mentorship, openness to input, and a willingness to adapt. This collaborative, learner’s mindset benefits both speakers and the audiences they serve.