Economist. Speaker.
Serial entrepreneur.
I help leaders and teams turn the economics of human connection — trust, presence, and belonging — into real, measurable growth.
M.A. ECONOMICS, USC | FOUNDER · 2 EXITS · 1,000+ BRANDS ADVISED
My work sits where economics meets human connection —
and turns it into growth.
It started with a trade show — and a fear that I was a fraud.
Ten years ago I stood at my first trade show, nervously dripping sweat, about to make cold-call sales for a business I’d just bought — Pearl Resourcing. The voice in my head was loud: “What if they reject me, turn me down, or worse — think I’m a fraud?”
So I took a breath and shifted my thinking to what the economic research actually teaches about connection and long-term happiness:
I focused on other people’s needs instead of my own — and found inspiration.
I trusted the power of presence — my fear went quiet, and I made an impact.
I remembered happiness comes from growth, not perfection — and found courage.
By the end of that trade show I’d landed a $25K purchase order from a national brand — and met the clients who’d fuel the next decade of my business, and millions in sales.
That’s the magnetic effect of shifting your focus so you attract success instead of chasing it. It became the idea behind everything I now teach on stage — and the heart of a new book on the way.
Two decades turning
ideas into growth
Economist
BA & MA in Economics from the University of Southern California.
Happiness researcher
Research assistant to Nobel-nominated Prof. Dr. Richard Easterlin on the economics of long-term happiness.
Founder at 30
Bought Pearl Resourcing Brand & Packaging Agency and built a global client base — designs in grocery stores across America.
Exited founder at 35
Co-founded Jocko White Tea with Jocko Willink; grew it from scratch past $1M in online sales, into retail, and sold to private equity.
Growth consultant
Partnered with 1,000+ brand owners to sell, scale, build valuations, and get into retail.
Educator & investor
Founder of START to SOLD training and START to SOLD Ventures, investing in emerging “better-for-you” brands.
Two decades of
building, pitching & selling
My best accomplishments
aren’t on a résumé
Family, friend, foodie, fitness — my four F’s.
Family
Married to sports chiropractor Dylan Lin, dog mom to Blueberry, and a proud aunt to two nieces.
Friend
I cherish deep relationships and the friends who feel like family.
Foodie
Cooking, food tourism, and working through a great restaurant’s menu is my happy place.
Fitness
Give me a barbell — I love a good workout and the strength that comes with it.
Two ways to partner with Emily
Keynote speaker
Give your audience a talk they’ll never forget — on connection, influence, and turning EQ into growth.
Custom event programming
Multi-city or multi-session programs built around your organization’s goals and growth strategy.
Let’s create something impactful for your event
Keynotes, workshops, and virtual sessions
tailored to your audience and goals.
