The importance of having a coach when launching a business cannot be overstated. Coaches, much like therapists, should guide and support through the entrepreneurial journey. While many business coaches rely on standard methods and theoretical knowledge, some stand out by sharing wisdom rooted in practical experience.
Shelong Yang, a reputed name in financial education and business coaching, is a perfect example of this. Drawing from his rich personal and professional journey, Yang is making a significant impact in the world of financial education and entrepreneurship, proving that even the most seasoned professionals need a mentor to truly succeed.
Shelong Yang’s story reflects the transformative power of perseverance, ambition, and a deep commitment to community. Besides being a financial educator and business coach, Yang is also a Hmong entrepreneur, guiding many toward their business goals. His journey, marked by challenges and significant achievements, underscores the invaluable role of a coach in business and personal finance.
Yang’s foray into the professional world began in an ATM servicing company in Fresno, California. This finance-adjacent job ignited a lifelong passion for financial management. Even in school, Yang was drawn to roles that dealt with money, often serving as the treasurer for various clubs. His meticulous nature led him to track his spending, investments, and retirement projections down to the penny, using detailed Google spreadsheets to ensure every financial move was calculated and informed.
This detail-oriented approach was initially a personal quirk but soon became a foundation for his career. Long before he became a business coach, he was already teaching his friends and family how to manage their finances effectively. His ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable advice made him a trusted figure among his peers.
However, Yang’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he entered the video game industry. Starting as a Quality Assurance tester, he climbed the ranks to become a Lead Product Manager at Electronic Arts. In this role, Yang was responsible for the business and product strategy of the studio, managing a team of product managers, and overseeing monetization, performance, and fiscal forecasts.
Despite his professional success, Yang felt a calling to return to his financial roots. Motivated by a desire to expedite his retirement plan and frustration with the dishonest practices of some financial agents, Yang decided to become a financial educator and business coach. His mission was clear: to provide honest, reliable financial guidance to his family, his community, and beyond.
Despite his success, Yang’s journey was not easy. As a Hmong business owner, he faced skepticism and distrust. This was compounded by the historical context of Hmong individuals being exploited by pyramid schemes and dishonest financial practices. Yet, Yang remained undeterred. He was committed to proving that his approach was different and grounded in integrity.
One of Yang’s standout qualities is his relentless drive. He has always been an overachiever, pushing boundaries and carving his own path. Within weeks of starting his business, he aimed to become independent of his senior brokers, allowing him to control growth on his own terms. This independence not only fueled his personal growth but also solidified his reputation as a financial coach.
Yang’s vision extends far beyond his immediate business goals. He aspires to reshape the financial landscape for his community, creating a legacy of financial literacy and empowerment. He dreams of retiring his wife, paying off his father’s mortgage, and establishing a financial empire that provides for future generations. His ultimate goal is to build a business that not only thrives but also uplifts his community, setting a new standard for Hmong financial professionals.
Yang envisions mentoring new entrepreneurs and business owners, fostering a culture of financial confidence within his community. By changing the financial mindset of his family and relatives, he hopes to inspire younger generations to dream big and work hard.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
