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, data visualization’s effects on financial behavior, and the connection between brain function and money. Dr. Thomas’ 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’ life-long goal is to help underserved communities establish, grow, and sustain their wealth utilizing an intra and inter-family wealth creation process.
Speaking Topics:
Financial Professional-focused Presentations
Financial Empathy: Understanding the Story Beneath the Numbers
Diversity and Inclusion: Empathy or Sympathy?
Maybe It’s the System
Understanding the Impact of Data Visualization on Client Behavior
Client & Employee-focused Presentations
Financial Socialization
Self-Compassion and Financial Well-being
Employing Financial Empathy within a Relationship
Social Capital and Collegiate Success
Access Does Not Equal Success: Investing in the 21st Century
"Michael was the moderator of a panel "Whole-Person Finance: How Emotions, Trauma, and Empathy Can Impact Financial Wellness." He actively listened to the panel members and lifted their dignity as he drew upon their vulnerabilities to get to the heart of the topic."
"Michael was the moderator of a panel "Whole-Person Finance: How Emotions, Trauma, and Empathy Can Impact Financial Wellness." He actively listened to the panel members and lifted their dignity as he drew upon their vulnerabilities to get to the heart of the topic."