Michael Thomas, Jr.

Dr. Michael Thomas (Ph.D., AFC) unpacks his TED talk on financial empathy in a way that provides a clear understanding of what empathy is, the need for financial empathy, and how to operationalize empathy to improve client relationships and outcomes. Empathy is not a fad or trend that will soon pass. It is the deepest expression of seeing the humanity in the people you serve so that you can create lasting solutions that fit the context of their lives.

Dr. Michael Thomas uses the platform of empathy and compassion to illustrate how diversity and inclusion efforts are most effective from a place of empathy - not sympathy. During this talk, Dr. Thomas unpacks the differences between empathy and sympathy, the effects on diversity and inclusion based on these lenses, and how to utilize empathy in your diversity and inclusion efforts effectively. At the end of this session, you will clearly understand why an empathetic approach is better than a sympathetic approach and a model for employing empathy in your workplace.

Social capital, the relationships people have with formal and informal networks, plays a significant role in how people navigate their lives from day to day. Often overlooked, within these social constructs exist invisible systems that set a precedent for how people behave, feel, and interact with one another. These systems, if not explored, can be the very things that are preventing your clients from achieving their financial goals. In this presentation, Dr. Michael Thomas will unpack systems and social capital theories to help you address your clients' systems to encourage sustainable behavioral change.