EPISODE 11 WITH ANNA RATHBUN: FINDING BALANCE BETWEEN FINANCE, MUSIC, AND RESILIENCE

defyingtheoddspodc
Feb 21
2 min read

Updated: Feb 27

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MEET ANNA RATHBUN

📍 Chief Investment Officer | Economist | Musician 🔗 LinkedIn

Anna Rathbun is a force in both finance and the arts. Born in South Korea to Southern Baptist missionaries, she moved to the U.S. at nine years old, later earning an economics degree from Harvard and building a career managing billions in investments. But alongside her financial career, she nurtured a deep passion for music—earning a doctorate in musical arts and even teaching as a professor of voice.

Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose at the intersection of two seemingly opposite worlds.

ANNA'S STORY OF RESILIENCE

Anna's journey is anything but conventional. From her early days as an immigrant navigating a new culture, to pursuing music despite the odds, to returning to finance and leading investment strategies during some of the most turbulent economic times—her story is about adapting, persevering, and thriving.

In this episode, Anna shares:

How she overcame the challenges of being an immigrant and found her voice—both figuratively and literally.
The pivotal moment she chose to pursue music despite the expectations placed on her.
The lessons she has carried from music into finance, and how she brings compassion into economics.

HOW ANNA DEFINES DEFYING THE ODDS

"Defying the odds isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about failing often and continuing to push forward. It’s about taking the path with lower probability, following your passion, and embracing the moments of despair as part of the journey."

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM EPISODE 11

1️⃣ Success is not linear. Anna’s journey proves that there’s no “right” path—just the one you carve for yourself.

2️⃣ Awareness is the first step toward compassion. Whether in economics, business, or personal life, recognizing struggles beyond our own is essential.

3️⃣ Mentors shape our direction—but we have to take the leap. Anna’s journey was influenced by those around her, but it was her courage that set her apart.

4️⃣ Resilience is about standing back up. Whether in finance, music, or life, the key to success is learning from failures and showing up again.

5️⃣ Bringing humanity into finance matters. Anna’s insights challenge the way we view economics—not as cold numbers, but as decisions that impact real people.

WHY SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE?

Anna Rathbun’s story is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, personal reinvention, or high-stakes leadership. Her perspective on balancing ambition, purpose, and resilience offers lessons that apply across industries.

If you've ever felt torn between passions, unsure of your next step, or hesitant to take risks—this episode will give you the push you need.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What part of Anna’s story resonated with you the most? Comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!

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