127. Think Like A CEO: What It Takes to Build a $1B Financial Firm with Lauren Oschman

What happens when the voice in your head is your biggest skeptic? Lauren Oshman never saw herself as CEO material until her entire leadership team looked at her expectantly during a pivotal meeting. Now at the helm of Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors, a firm she's helped grow to nearly $1 billion in assets under management, Lauren reveals the leadership evolution that transformed her from second-in-command to confident CEO.

"I had to build the muscle to believe in myself as a leader," Lauren shares, describing how she overcame the self-doubt that nearly prevented her from stepping into her full potential. Through mentorship and deliberate mindset shifts, she learned to watch her own "highlight reel" instead of focusing on gaps and uncertainties. This transformation allowed her to build a nationwide financial planning firm serving physicians while raising three young daughters.

Lauren's practical wisdom shines throughout our conversation as she unpacks the decision-making framework that guides her leadership: asking "what's the worst that could happen?" to overcome fear, tracking time allocation to match priorities, and creating space for strategic thinking despite busy schedules. Her vulnerability journey stands out as particularly impactful, discovering that her ability to connect with people "hit a wall" until she learned to open up appropriately, creating a culture where both team members and clients can build genuine trust.

For leaders struggling with the constant juggle of professional demands and personal priorities, Lauren offers refreshing transparency about her own challenges balancing CEO responsibilities with motherhood. Her approach to integration rather than "balance" provides a realistic model for high-achievers looking to create impact across all areas of life. Whether you're currently in a leadership position or aspiring to grow your influence, Lauren's journey demonstrates how embracing feedback, practicing strategic reflection, and trusting yourself creates the foundation for authentic, effective leadership.

In this podcast you will learn how:

• Moving past fear by asking "what's the worst that could happen?" and "what's the best that could happen?"

• Building confidence through mentorship and learning to "watch your highlight reel" instead of focusing on gaps

• Growing from viewing feedback as criticism to seeing it as an opportunity for growth

• Creating a specialized niche practice serving physicians with an abundance mindset

• Using data to manage time effectively by tracking how time is spent versus priorities

• Learning to build trust through appropriate vulnerability with team members and clients

• Implementing regular reflection practices like clarity breaks and annual SWOT analyses

• Setting three priority tasks daily to maintain focus amid competing demands

• Prioritizing family needs while maintaining professional excellence

• Embracing leadership as creating a ripple effect of positive impact on others

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