We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Paranal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how does your business help the community?
Through the creation of USC GEMS (Guiding Exceptional Minds to Success), our mission is to empower promising young leaders by providing them with personalized mentorship and coaching to navigate their career journeys and create impactful lives. We are committed to cultivating a new generation of changemakers who not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

Our social impact extends through Real World Ready, the cornerstone of our efforts to address systemic challenges faced by at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Through this program, we have developed an innovative financial literacy curriculum designed to equip underserved youth with the tools to break cycles of poverty and violence. By teaching practical skills like budgeting, saving, and investing, we empower young people to lift themselves and their families toward financial stability and independence.

At USC GEMS, we believe that knowledge is a multiplier of opportunity. By fostering self-reliance and instilling financial discipline in these communities, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change that goes beyond individual success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is the intentional pivots I’ve made in my career, traversing industries and disciplines—finance, law, education, policy, and consulting—while working with organizations as diverse as the NFL, SpaceX, and USC. Each role brought new challenges and required me to step into uncertainty, something I’ve embraced because I believe that growth comes with a price tag- and that price tag is discomfort. I’ve learned to face fear and doubt head-on, knowing that I’d much rather fail and learn than regret not trying.

This journey hasn’t been easy. The world often shows us polished highlight reels, masking the realities of our journeys- the ups AND especially the downs. I’ve learned to not look to my left and right and compare- that’s not healthy. Instead I benchmark against myself, and appreciate my growth. Plus the ability to overcome challenges lies in constant positive self-talk, the steadfast support of my family and friends, and the practice of embracing challenges. The more I’ve stretched myself, the more I’ve honed the art of taking both highs and lows with equanimity.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way shape who I am today. Success, to me, is not defined by titles or paychecks but by service. To me, a life dedicated to uplifting others is a life of true significance.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I show up authentically, unapologetically myself. Early in my career, I tried to fit into molds to be accepted, but I’ve realized that my greatest impact comes when I lead with my unique voice and vision. If I have a brand, it’s one of confidence with a kind heart to serve. That commitment to authenticity and service fuels everything I do—and it’s the foundation for how I hope to inspire others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1st day: We’ll kick things off a little unconventionally. We’ll start at Chevalier’s Books in Larchmont for some literary inspiration. Then, we’ll spend most of the day there, exploring the charming streets, then head to dinner at Gigi’s, a cozy spot for French-inspired fare. We’ll end the evening sipping cocktails at Bar Lis with a stunning rooftop view.

2nd day: Stroll the Venice Canals. Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s boutiques and galleries, then lunch at the artisanal bakery-deli Gjusta. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy art at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in East Hollywood and then wrap up with dinner at Élephante in Santa Monica,

3rd day: Kick off with brunch at Republique, followed by a visit to The Broad Museum for contemporary art. We’ll then stop by The Last Bookstore, a whimsical literary haven, and explore the eclectic Arts District. For dinner, we’ll enjoy the inventive cuisines at Otium, and then toast the city’s energy at Perch, a rooftop bar in Downtown.

4th day: Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Farm for breakfast on the pier. Spend the morning at El Matador State Beach, and then visit the Getty Villa for the art and gardens. Return to Santa Monica for dinner at one of my favorite spots- Cassia.

5th day: We’ll start our last day at LACMA, home to the Urban Light installation and other world-class exhibits. Of course, we haven’t fully experienced LA without shopping so we’ll stop by Melrose Avenue. We’ll cap this wonderful trip with dinner at Providence and then a final toast at The Rooftop by JG.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one person who deserves immense credit for where I am today, it’s my dad, Constancio Z. Paranal Jr. My father was an engineer, an educator, and a lifelong learner who dedicated his life to service and the pursuit of knowledge. But more than his remarkable accomplishments, it was his quiet generosity and his unwavering commitment to lifting others that left the deepest imprint on me.

As an educator, he didn’t just teach; he mentored, supported, and inspired his students and younger colleagues, always encouraging them to dream big and strive for excellence. He led by example, showing me that true impact comes not from accolades but from the lives we touch.

It was his dedication to teaching and his belief in the power of education to transform lives that inspired me to become a professor. His support and encouragement, even during the times when I doubted myself, were like a steady hand on my shoulder, reminding me of the importance of the work we do as educators.

My dad’s legacy lives on in every student I teach and mentor, and in every opportunity I have to pass forward the lessons he taught me about kindness, integrity, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. This shoutout is for him, for the quiet but profound ways he shaped my journey, and for the inspiration he continues to be in my life.

Website: https://www.marshall.usc.edu/posts/gems

Instagram: mike_paranal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-paranal-793b2885/

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