News — Realistic CEO

Realistic CEO 40 under 40 Mychal Connolly Jr.

History Made: The Realistic CEO Movement Sweeps 40 Under Forty

Springfield, MA | April 2026 — The Realistic CEO movement reached a historic milestone today as Mychal Mikey Connolly Jr. was officially named to the BusinessWest 40 Under Forty Class of 2026. At only nineteen years old, Mikey stands as one of the youngest honorees in the two decade history of the award, recognized for his profound impact on over 17,000 students through the 10 Pillar System.

This induction creates a powerful institutional legacy, as Mikey joins the ranks alongside his father, Mychal Connolly Sr. who was honored in the Class of 2009. Together, they represent the first father and son duo to share this prestigious distinction. This accolade solidifies the Realistic CEO framework as the premier authority for student agency and professional execution in the region.

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Two people sitting in a modern indoor space with a camera on a tripod recording them. The man wears a hoodie and the woman wears a white blouse. Behind them are promotional banners about being a CEO, with one reading "I am a CEO. Realistic CEO." There are tables, chairs, and plants in the background.

NEPM Feature

Western Mass. CEOs, business leaders tell young podcaster what it takes to be a 'Realistic CEO'

In a recent feature by New England Public Media, Mychal “Mikey” Connolly Jr. shares how he turned a teacher’s doubt into a movement. After being told it was “unrealistic” for him to become a CEO, Mikey launched the Realistic CEO™ podcast, where he’s interviewed over 75+ business and community leaders across Western Mass.

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Three men sitting on blue couches during a television talk show, with a man on the left speaking and two men smiling on the right. There is a glass coffee table with a flower arrangement and a TV screen in the background displaying the words "mass appeal."

Mass Appeal Feature

Teenager launches award winning book and podcast.

(MASS APPEAL) – During a senior year high school class project one student was told by a teacher that it was unrealistic to be a CEO. Since then, Mychal Connolly Jr. has been dreaming to become one. He joins us this morning alongside his dad, Mychal Connolly Sr. to share his story as an inspiration for other kids

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A young man and a young woman at a book expo booth, engaging with a child. The booth features a banner promoting a book titled 'Realistic CEO' and a table with copies of the book. The background shows bookshelves filled with various books.

WWLP Feature

Local author and CEO Myke Connolly Jr. highlighted at author expo.

Myke Connolly Jr. was a featured author at the local author expo on Saturday at Barnes and Noble in Holyoke. He presented his book to young readers called “Realistic CEO,” a motivational story aimed at encouraging young readers to dream big and lead boldly.

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A man with long dreadlocks and a beard smiling, dressed in a red chef's coat with gold embroidery, standing in front of a colorful cartoon-style billboard displaying 'RealisticCEO.com' and an animated character with curly hair and a blue shirt.

BusinessWest Difference Makers

A Passionate Marketer and Mentor. He’s Helping to Raise Up Other Entrepreneurs.

Mychal Connolly Sr. believes in entrepreneurship, but he also believes in learning and mentorship and absorbing the examples of success stories before him.