Leading with Conviction: Emily Seidel on Building a Movement and Choosing to Go Big

What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? For Emily Seidel, that question reshaped everything—from her earliest doubts about leading a national grassroots movement to becoming the CEO of Americans for Prosperity, one of the most influential citizen-powered organizations in the country.

In this episode of Going Big, Emily shares the deeply personal journey that brought her from answering phones on Capitol Hill to leading a team of 500 and mobilizing people across all 50 states. With vulnerability, wisdom, and resolve, she reflects on the power of saying yes to the uncomfortable, stepping into challenges without knowing all the answers, and trusting in a mission bigger than herself.

Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about having all the credentials or a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, being willing to grow, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the cause. Along the way, Emily unpacks the urgency behind protecting tax reform, the quiet strength of citizen advocacy, and how real change happens not from Washington headlines—but from the voices of everyday Americans who dare to believe they can make a difference.

If you’ve ever felt the tug between playing it safe and stepping into something greater, this conversation is for you. It’s about conviction. It’s about courage. And it’s about what happens when you stop letting fear define your future—and start choosing to Go Big.