“It's a miracle we're here.”
For Dr. Emily Taing Watson, orthodontics is more than a career — it’s a reflection of resilience, gratitude, and legacy. The proud daughter of Cambodian refugees who survived the Khmer Rouge regime, Dr. Watson’s journey is rooted in the lessons of strength, sacrifice, and faith passed down from her parents.
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Watson opens up about her new book, Roots of Resilience: Lessons in Courage, Family, and the Power of Showing Up Every Day. She shares how her family’s story shaped her leadership, mindset, and purpose as both a doctor and a mother. From growing up in a donut shop to leading a thriving orthodontic practice, she reminds us that gratitude and grace are the true foundations of growth.
We talk about:→ How her parents’ courage and faith continue to guide her life and leadership→ The lessons she learned from resilience, service, and gratitude→ What it means to lead with empathy and build a thriving team culture→ How motherhood and boundaries have shaped her approach to balance→ Why every challenge is an invitation to grow stronger and serve deeper
About Emily Taing Watson, DMD, MSDDr. Emily Taing Watson is an orthodontist, speaker, and the proud daughter of Cambodian refugees who survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Their story of resilience, strength, and sacrifice lies at the heart of her debut book, Roots of Resilience — a tribute to their journey and the enduring life lessons that continue to shape her personal values and professional leadership.
Dr. Watson earned her undergraduate degree from Butler University, her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and completed her orthodontic residency at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Guided by empathy, discipline, and purpose, she draws deeply from her family’s legacy to lead with integrity in both her practice and her broader community.
She resides in Warsaw, Indiana, with her husband, Brian, and their two daughters, Grace and Vivienne, who inspire her daily and serve as a constant reminder of the power of love and resilience.
Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube — and if this episode inspired you, share it with your team or a fellow orthodontic leader. Subscribe to the show and leave a review. Want to bring this kind of energy into your practice? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com.
Disclaimer: Today's episode on The Bloom Effect talks about war, displacement, and what it's like to be a refugee. These are heavy stories and can feel intense for some. Take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away if it feels too much.
Episode Links & ResourcesOrder Roots of ResilienceLearn more about Warsaw OrthodonticsFollow Warsaw Orthodontics on Instagram
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Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + introduction02:19 The story behind Roots of Resilience06:50 Her parents’ escape from Cambodia10:45 Lessons from growing up in a donut shop15:35 How gratitude and perspective shape leadership23:40 Resilience, motherhood, and building balance30:10 Creating a culture of service and gratitude37:15 What her team taught her about leadership45:20 The power of faith and letting go of control52:40 Life lessons, boundaries, and daily habits01:03:20 Closing reflections and takeaways
Topics we explore in this episode include:leadership in orthodontics, resilience and gratitude, immigrant family stories, women in dentistry, practice culture, motherhood and leadership, personal growth, faith and mindset

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