What does it take to become a CEO before anyone thinks you’re ready?In this episode of the You Are a CEO Podcast, Michael E. Parker sits down with Shawn Wilson, the youngest CEO of a credit union at just 25 years old—and an expert financial adviser who led a full turnaround of a failing institution into a thriving one.

Michael and Shawn explore what leadership looks like when you’re learning in real time, adapting under pressure, and making decisions that affect thousands of people. From securities and wealth portfolio creation to execution, discipline, and growth, this episode is a masterclass in CEO thinking.Shawn breaks down how client expectations in finance have shifted, why the digital age disrupted traditional stockbrokers, and how modern financial planning now focuses on life outcomes—not just retirement numbers.

He also explains behavioral finance and how limiting beliefs quietly shape financial decisions for individuals and institutions alike.If you’re an entrepreneur building credibility, a leader stepping into bigger responsibility, or someone serious about wealth and long-term freedom—this conversation will enlighten you.

Most people don’t fail financially because they’re irresponsible. They fail because no one ever taught them how money actually works.

Michael E. Parker sits down with Zach Garcia, whose life took an unexpected tragedy that completely reshaped his relationship with money, wealth, and ownership. Zach shares how he once believed a modest 9–5 income was his ceiling—despite being surrounded by wealth he never thought was meant for him.Together, Michael and Zach explore why banks profit from financial ignorance, how the lending system really evaluates you, and what most people misunderstand about debt, leverage, and cash.

You’ll also hear practical insights on commercial vs. personal banking, why many people are labeled “unloanable,” and how learning to make money work for you changes everything.

Zach shares the mindset shift that helped him stop reacting to money—and start using it intentionally to build wealth.You don’t need a tragedy to wake up. You need education, mentorship, and a willingness to think differently. This conversation is for anyone who knows there’s more—but hasn’t been shown the path.

Why do some speakers captivate a room—while others share powerful experiences that somehow fall flat?

In this episode of the You Are a CEO Podcast, Michael E. Parker interviews Cat Coley, a storytelling and public speaking coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals unlock confidence, clarity, and connection through story ownership. This conversation goes beyond storytelling tips and dives into story ownership—the difference between simply recounting events and teaching from transformation. Cat explains why stories don’t move people unless the speaker has fully processed the lesson, shifted perspective, and chosen what the story means.

Michael and Cat unpack how to speak from authenticity without oversharing, how to tell the same story from different angles depending on your audience, and why vulnerability is a choice—not a weakness. They also explore how frameworks emerge from lived experience, helping speakers create connection, confidence, and consistency on stage and in life.If you want to become a stronger speaker, develop executive presence, communicate with confidence, and use your story to inspire action—this conversation will change how you think about storytelling forever.

How to Connect with Cat Coley

catcoley.com | IG handle @therealcatcoley