Why American Express Invested in Financial Wellness for Black Executives

Black Executives Financial Wellness: In its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, American Express recognized an important opportunity: Black professionals at the executive level needed financial wellness resources that spoke directly to their unique challenges and aspirations.

The company’s Black Executive Network sought more than generic corporate training—they wanted financial guidance that was culturally relevant, rooted in lived experience, and immediately actionable.

So American Express turned to TheMoneyCoach.net, led by personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, to deliver a custom-built financial wellness program tailored to Black executives.

How TheMoneyCoach.net Delivered Financial Coaching for Professionals

With Lynnette at the helm, TheMoneyCoach.net developed a compelling lineup of high-touch sessions focused on black executives financial wellness—designed to meet participants at the intersection of career and money.

These included:

• Fireside chats on financial legacy and leadership
• Lunch and Learn sessions on investing, credit, and retirement
• Executive Q&A panels on navigating financial stress
• Private consultations for personalized guidance

Lynnette’s sessions were candid, strategic, and empowering. Her signature style—part relatable, part results-driven—created a space for honest financial reflection and confident action.

Senior managers, directors, and vice presidents engaged in conversations that blended career goals with wealth-building strategies—helping them move from financial uncertainty to control.

Participant Response and Organizational Impact

While exact figures were not released, feedback from AmEx employees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting:

Impact Highlights:

• “Most valuable DEI session I’ve attended this year.”
• “Finally, a speaker who gets what it’s like to be a Black professional managing money and expectations.”
• “I’ve already adjusted my investment strategy based on Lynnette’s advice.”

Executives appreciated:

• A judgment-free zone for discussing wealth and debt
• The practical value of Lynnette’s coaching
• The opportunity to ask private financial questions in follow-up sessions

These sessions not only advanced corporate DEI programming but also boosted morale, retention, and trust among AmEx’s Black leadership.

Strengthening DEI Through Financial Wellness

Because of the success of these initial events, American Express now considers financial coaching for professionals an essential tool in its talent development strategy.

The effort also enhanced the company’s DEI brand internally, showing a real commitment to employee empowerment—not just in titles and paychecks, but in long-term financial health.

Testimonial Highlight:
“It’s rare to see financial coaching that speaks directly to Black executives. Lynnette made us feel seen, respected, and equipped to grow.”
– AmEx Black Executive Network Participant

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did American Express offer financial wellness sessions to executives?

To provide Black leaders with specialized financial education, helping them strengthen their finances and career confidence in tandem.

What made Lynnette Khalfani-Cox the ideal choice?

Her deep financial expertise, media savvy, and cultural fluency positioned her as a credible and empathetic guide for professionals of color.

Were these sessions interactive or lecture-based?

Fully interactive. The format blended candid discussion, live Q&A, and optional one-on-one coaching to meet participants where they were.

Did the campaign align with AmEx’s DEI goals?

Absolutely. These events supported identity-specific programming and reinforced AmEx’s commitment to meaningful DEI investments.

Was this a one-time initiative?

No. The success of these events has led to continued conversations about replicating the model across other employee networks.

Final Takeaway

American Express proved that financial wellness is not a luxury—it’s a leadership tool. By partnering with TheMoneyCoach.net, the company supported Black executives’ financial wellness in a way that felt authentic, timely, and deeply impactful. The result? More empowered leaders, stronger employee engagement, and a new standard for corporate DEI programming.