Redefining the American Dream

“This conversation could change the way you see your future.”

Throughout his career as a financial planner, Steve has made it his mission to understand people’s dreams. By asking questions and listening intently, he developed strategies to help individuals and families pursue what they found fulfilling.

Over time, he became increasingly curious about the concept of the American Dream. What is this dream we so often talk about? And how has it changed over the decades? To explore these questions, he teamed up with an unexpected but brilliant collaborator—Kou Xiong, a high school junior with a deep passion for economics and finance.

Together, they researched and uncovered a fascinating truth: the American Dream has evolved and continues to do so. This presentation combines Steve’s decades of financial experience with Kuo’s fresh, data-driven insights to challenge traditional assumptions and introduce new perspectives on what the American Dream can mean today.

Participants are encouraged to question, reflect, and most importantly, dream about new possibilities for themselves, their families, and their future. Come and learn how to begin designing your American Dream.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • The American Dream is Ever-changing – Discover how each generation reshapes it.
  • Fresh Perspectives Matter – Integrating experience with new ideas leads to better insights.
  • Define What Fulfills You – Success isn’t one-size-fits-all; create your unique path.

FORMAT: 60 or 90 minutes, as preferred by the sponsor. Half the time is devoted to presentation, and the balance to audience participation.

NOTE: Sponsors can choose to explore additional topics.

FEE: Please review our fee policy, explained on the SLO Services page.

“You are the expert in the room on the things you have dedicated your life to understanding and discussing…Good presentations leave you with the idea that you’d like more. Yesterday was a good presentation! I believe you are a valued resource, and I consider it a blessing to have learned from you.”

– Karl Wolfe (The Wesely Group)

 

“Thanks so much for joining our group Friday! The information and interaction were great…I thought it was a good mix of questions, comments, and answers throughout the discussion. A return visit would certainly be welcomed by our group…”

-Tom Wesely (The Wesely Group)

 

“Thank you so much for your insightful and thought-provoking presentation yesterday. I am truly grateful for all that you taught us! I look forward to working with you in the future as we find more opportunities to have you come back and continue to teach us at Crown of Glory.”

– Pastor Laura Laughlin (Crown of Glory Lutheran Church)

 

“Steve recently returned with a presentation about the Middle East and did a wonderful job! He is an outstanding speaker, and his content is excellent…He relates well to his audience and can answer their questions…We enjoyed him so much that we have scheduled him to come back a third time to tell us about his trip to Israel.”

– Marilyn Weldin (The Glenn in Hopkins)

 

“Thank you SO much for joining us last Friday to teach our students the art of having Courageous Conversations! It was the first of many Nosh & Knowledge sessions this semester, and you definitely set a high bar for the rest of them. Thank you for giving your time, expertise, and enthusiasm to help Hillel enrich the lives of Jewish students.

– Polly Lehman (Hillel)

 

“Thank you for speaking to our confirmation class last night. I think the class was expecting a more formal lecture, which is why I loved how you sat down, told stories (and a few jokes), inquired into their thoughts about God, religion, and the Jewish faith, and spoke of different ways to explore what they believe. In particular, I think your story about the babysitter and the many paths to the top of the mountain was a good umbrella for the class’s current study of different world religions – and their personal faith journeys. You made it less academic and more personal. Again, thank you for your insight and for sharing your faith with us. Peace.

– Dean Ammerman (Minnehaha United Methodist Church)

 

The delightfully positive comments continued today when people were still talking about your presentation yesterday. It was a joy to be the convener yesterday and visit with you a bit more personally. You were the perfect fit .

– Vernita at Incarnation Lutheran Church