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Owning Your Seat at the Table: A Conversation with Emily Zanto

Oct 22, 2025

When Emily Zanto first stepped into the boardroom at Anvil Corporation, she was the youngest person there—and one of only a few women. The environment was intimidating, but rather than shrink back, Emily chose to grow through it.

In this episode of The Leadership Lab Podcast, host Jamie McKinney talks with Emily about what it takes to not just find your seat at the table, but to own it—especially when imposter syndrome creeps in.


Emily shares her journey from being a new engineering graduate to becoming the youngest member of her company’s board of directors. With honesty and humor, she opens up about:

  • Turning self-doubt into self-awareness and growth

  • Asking for candid feedback (even when it’s “spicy”)

  • Building confidence through experimentation and practice

  • Balancing motherhood and leadership with authenticity

  • The power of support networks and healthy workplace culture

Her story is a beautiful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, perspective, and courage.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 Apple Podcasts
👉
Spotify
👉 YouTube

 

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