Episode 358: Resilience in Motion: How Openness and Adaptability Shape Great Leaders

Resilience isn't built in moments of ease, it's forged through challenge, curiosity, and the courage to grow.

In this episode, Heather Brilliant, CEO of Diamond Hill Capital Management, shares how 38 rejection letters early in her career became the foundation for a life of resilience, curiosity, and courageous leadership. With experience spanning Bank of America, Morningstar, and now Diamond Hill, she reveals how staying open to feedback, to failure, and to change has fueled her growth as a leader and innovator in investment management.

Her journey from aspiring lawyer to CEO is a story of perseverance and adaptability, proving that leadership isn't about following a straight path, it's about learning, evolving, and leading with both humility and conviction.

Tune in to learn how resilience is built through feedback, why curiosity drives clarity, and what it means to lead with openness in a world that never stops changing.

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] The Importance of Resilience and Rejection [01:16] Heather Brilliant's Career Journey [04:20] Networking and Career Growth [08:02] Leadership and Personal Development [17:24] About Diamond Hill and Heather's Role [19:16] Daily Habits and Success Rituals [20:22] Balancing Internal and External Focus [21:11] Embracing AI in the Workplace [22:43] Effective Decision-Making Strategies [34:21] The Importance of Curiosity [38:30] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts