BIO

Emily Wilder is a leadership coach, educator, and founder of Wilder Leadership — a practice rooted in helping people and organizations move forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.

​

Born into a military family, Emily’s interest in leadership began early. She attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she began her training as a cadet before being medically discharged after contracting Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. After recovering, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, graduating summa cum laude.

​

Emily’s career has bridged public service, education, and business. She began in finance, then joined the University of Kansas Transportation Center, where she held multiple leadership roles — including Associate Director of Business Operations and Director of the Kansas Local Technical Assistance Program. She also served as an instructor, teaching soft skills to public servants across the state and presenting at regional and national conferences on leadership, management, and conflict resolution.

​

Today, Emily serves as Senior Education Program Manager at the Merchant Risk Council, where she leads global education development for more than 700 member organizations. Outside of work, she’s a devoted partner, dog mom, community builder, and passionate advocate for values-driven leadership.

​

She holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership, a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School, and teaching and coaching certifications from the Kansas Leadership Center.

​

Emily believes leadership isn’t a role — it’s a path that leads us toward our most meaningful goals. Her approach brings purpose, joy, and deep clarity to what is often a difficult but worthwhile journey.