Meet Derrick Wesley | CEO and Founder of Seedlyng Financial Education

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

Hi Derrick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The inspiration to start my own business stemmed from a desire to merge my passion for education with my financial acumen. As an educator eager to advance my career, I sought opportunities that would not only support my professional growth but also provide financial stability for my family. During this period, I applied for a particularly appealing role that promised both career advancement and a better financial future. Despite a promising interview, the agonizing wait for a response—which ultimately never came—pushed me to a pivotal moment. Frustrated by the uncertainty and lack of communication, I resolved to take control of my career. This decision led me to establish my own business, ensuring that I would never again be at the mercy of such circumstances, and securing my family’s future on my own terms.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Seedlyng, our internal motto, “mission over money,” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the cornerstone of our business philosophy. This ethos guides every decision we make and is deeply rooted in the belief that education can profoundly impact individuals and communities. My co-founder, Richard Ciarletta, and I have spent countless hours discussing the transformative power of education and how we can leverage it to make a meaningful difference in the world and in the lives of our families.

Seedlyng stands out in the crowded field of educational technology by focusing not just on profit, but on creating value that lasts. We’re most proud of how our products and services have empowered educators and students to achieve their full potential, bringing practical financial literacy into classrooms in an engaging and accessible way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Mark Demos, founder of The Legacy Forum (https://www.thelegacyforum.com/advisors). During the early stages of iMar Learning Solutions, Seedlyng’s parent company, I reached out to Mark, believing his organization could be an ideal initial customer. I remember the promptness of his response to my email, which read, “I would be happy to talk. Let me know what works for you.” This response set the stage for a meeting that would pivot the direction of my company.

We met at a Starbucks in McKinney, Texas, where we conversed for over two hours. I shared my vision for iMar, and Mark imparted wisdom from his extensive life and business experiences. Although it didn’t lead to a business partnership, the invaluable advice he provided bolstered my confidence and influenced my entrepreneurial journey profoundly.

Fast forward to a year later, I was gearing up to pitch a mobile financial literacy app at TD Ameritrade’s Innovation Quest. I reached out to Mark once more for his insights and preparation tips. Graciously, he helped hone my presentation, which I would eventually deliver to over 3,000 financial advisors. Thanks to Mark’s mentorship, I clinched the contest, setting Seedlyng on its current trajectory of success. Thank you, Mark, for the pivotal role you played in our journey!

Website: https://www.Seedlyng.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-wesley-imar-learning/

Twitter: https://x.com/Seedlyng