Episode 344: Confidence Through Competence: Navigating Risk with Resilience

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built through effort, resilience, and a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode, you’ll hear how Leah Emkin, Chief Client Officer at Wilshire, went from not knowing what an RFP writer was to leading client teams at one of the most respected financial firms. Her story is proof that when you show up, stay curious, and do the hard work, you don’t just survive—you thrive.

Leah shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that helped her grow into a trusted leader, the power of staying in your lane while playing to your strengths, and how to handle rejection without losing momentum. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room or wondered how to lead with both empathy and grit, this conversation will give you the real talk—and reassurance—you need.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Building Confidence Through Competence [01:07] Meet Leah Emkin: A Journey of Hard Work and Curiosity [03:48] Leah's Role and Responsibilities at Wilshire [05:16] Embracing Openness and Curiosity [12:42] Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience [16:48] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Imposter Syndrome [21:39] Gaining Perspective with Age [22:41] Daily Habits for Success [24:52] Navigating Parenthood and Flexibility [25:32] Building Strategic Relationships [26:49] The Importance of Mentorship [28:28] Women Supporting Women in Investments [29:44] Leveraging Community and Networks [30:51] Embracing Discomfort for Growth [33:23] Advice for Job Seekers [34:52] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts