Powered by Authenticity

Emily Carlson

5.0 (5)
Entrepreneurship
Weekly

Powered by Authenticity is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. We spotlight voices that are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules of leadership, success, and identity. Through real conversations with bold leaders and change makers, we uncover the stories behind resilience, reinvention, and leading with heart. If you believe in showing up fully and forging your own path, this space was made for you.

2d ago

Going Homeless for Hunger with Councilman Nick Lord

What happens when someone in your community needs helpputting food on the table, but you don't even realize they're struggling? Batavia City Councilman Nick Lord joins Powered byAuthenticity for a conversation about food insecurity, the challenges facing families in smaller communities, and his mission to make a difference through Homelessfor Hunger. Recorded outside First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, whereNick will spend 48 hours collecting food donations November 13–15, our conversation begins with a moment that stayed with him. After his young son recognized someone collecting food from a community pantry, Nick found himselfexplaining why some families need a little extra help. It's a reminder that food insecurity doesn't always look theway we expect. A family can have a home, a job, and still struggle toafford groceries. An unexpected car repair or a missed paycheck can change everything. For seniors and residents without reliable transportation, even getting to a grocery store can be a challenge. And in smaller communities like Batavia, these needs don'talways receive the same attention as those in larger cities. Nick shares why he launched Homeless for Hunger, his goal ofcollecting four pallets of food for local distribution, and the incredible response from businesses and neighbors who have stepped forward to help. We also talk about the relationship between food insecurity,homelessness, transportation, and the basic necessities that allow people to move forward in life. Nick shares his hopes for growing the campaign and exploring additional ways to help families overcome obstacles. But this conversation isn't just about Batavia or WesternNew York. Powered by Authenticity reaches listeners in more than 80countries, and Nick's message is one that can make a difference anywhere. Look around your own community. Find a local food pantry.Donate an extra can of food or a meal when you can. Reach out to an organization doing meaningful work. You don't need to launch a major campaign to make an impact. Sometimes the smallest acts of generosity create the biggestripple effects. And if you're someone who needs help right now, there's noshame in asking. Our communities are stronger when we look out for one another. Homeless for Hunger | November 13–15, 2026 Nick will be collecting nonperishable food donations at thecorner of Main and Liberty Streets, outside First Presbyterian Church of Batavia. The goal is four pallets of food to support local families. Learn more and get involved: Homeless for Hunger Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61596005603704 First Presbyterian Church of Batavia:https://fpcbatavia.org/ If you're not local, we encourage you to donate to a foodpantry or community organization where you live during November 13–15. Let's see how far this generosity can reach! A heartfelt thank you to Nick Lord for taking action andsharing his mission, to First Presbyterian Church of Batavia and the local businesses supporting Homeless for Hunger, and to everyone helping make this effort possible. And a special thank you to Producer Ken for joiningus on location and helping bring another meaningful Powered by Authenticity conversation to our listeners around the world.
6d ago

Uplifting Community with Brandy Loveland, Harvest House

What does it take to make a meaningful difference in thelives of more than 32,000 people each year? At Harvest House in Buffalo, the answer begins withlistening to the community and recognizing that everyone deserves access to opportunities and support. We visited Harvest House to sit down with CEO BrandyLoveland and learn how an organization that began in 1993 has grown into a vital resource for individuals and families across Western New York. The numbers tell an incredible story. Harvest House served more than 32,000 people in 2024, generating an estimated $44 million in community economic impact. Its programs connect people with essential healthcare, educational opportunities and housing assistance while helping families access food and everyday necessities. During our conversation, Brandy shares how Harvest House approaches these challenges by looking at the whole person. Through its New Hope Education Center, individuals can develop skills that open doors to better employment. Its Good Neighbors Healthcare program provides free medical services and access to a dental clinic that Brandy describes as the only free clinic of its kind within a 200-mile radius. We also explore the organization's Food as Medicine initiative, which provides fresh produce twice a week. Brandy explains how something as simple as access to healthy food can create opportunities for connection, particularly among seniors who may otherwise experience isolation. But behind the statistics are the relationships that make this work possible. Brandy shares her own journey into nonprofit leadership and the importance of community partnerships. We discuss the role of volunteers and why understanding people's individual circumstances is essential to creating lasting change. And because food always finds its way into our conversations, we also talk about cooking, family traditions and a little Buffalo football! At its heart, this conversation is about what happens when an organization sees people as neighbors rather than numbers. It's about creating opportunities, strengthening relationships and ensuring that more people have somewhere to turn when they need support. Thank you, Brandy, for opening the doors of Harvest House to the podcast. The work you are doing in the community is so wonderful, and we appreciate you spending time to share it with the globe. Learn more about Harvest House: https://www.harvesthousebuffalo.org/ Learn more about Brandy: BrandyLoveland, LMSW | LinkedIn
Oct 22

From the Bagel Shop to YourTV with Chef Charmaine Broughton, In Chars Kitchen

What does it really take to turn something you love into a successful career? For Chef Charmaine Broughton, the journey began long before the television appearances and the publication of her cookbook Delicious & Doable. This week on Powered by Authenticity, Charmaine shares how she built her career through hard work, persistence and a passion for bringing people together through food. Charmaine's passion for cooking began in childhood, but turning that passion into a successful business required far more than great recipes. From pursuing culinary school to creating opportunities in television, she shares how persistence, relationships and a willingness to take chances helped shape her career. The conversation takes an honest look at entrepreneurship and the work that happens when nobody is watching. Charmaine reflects on the long hours, professional setbacks and emotional highs and lows of being self-employed. She also challenges the picture of effortless success often portrayed on social media, reminding us that building something meaningful takes time. We explore the importance of staying authentic as your business evolves, knowing when to ask for help and finding ways to stand out in a competitive industry. Through her cookbook Delicious & Doable and her television show In Char's Kitchen, Charmaine continues to share her love of food while inspiring others to find confidence in the kitchen. From the bagel shop to the television studio, Charmaine's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than following your passion. It's about believing in your vision, putting in the work and having the grit to keep going. A special thank you to Charmaine for joining us on Powered by Authenticity and sharing her entrepreneurial journey, her love of cooking and the lessons she's learned along the way! Links to Charmaine’s information and cookbook: Home - Charmaine Broughton Charmaine Broughton | LinkedIn Charmaine Broughton on Instagram
Oct 13

Taking the Leap with Jon Tesch of Uncle Jon's Place

For Jon Tesch, becoming a restaurant owner was something he'd dreamed about for years. But when the opportunity came to purchase Uncle Jon's Place in Batavia, New York, the timing wasn't exactly perfect. As Jon shares, there may never be a perfect time to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Sometimes you simply have to do it. On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Jon takes us through his journey of becoming a small business owner. He reflects on the challenges of his first six months, the lessons he's learned along the way and the hard work that goes into keeping a restaurant running. He also shares the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to open a business close to home, including the opportunity to be near his aging grandparents. Throughout the conversation, we explore Jon's approach to customer service, his commitment to quality and the importance of supporting other local businesses. From adapting his menu to meet customers' needs to checking in on regulars when they haven't stopped by, Jon shares how the relationships he's built have become an important part of Uncle Jon's Place. And we're taking this conversation right into the restaurant kitchen! While Jon walks us through making his homemade pancakes, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the care he puts into his food, including his signature butter. It's a conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, the people who help us along the way and what it means to build a business in the community you call home. Thank you, Jon, for such a fun conversation ...and, for letting me in the kitchen ...we had so much fun!! Links to Uncle Jon: Uncle Jon's PlaceUncle Jon's on Instagram
Oct 5

What Do Executives Talk Like with Jenny Chen

What does an executive look like? What does an executivesound like? And who gets to decide? After 16 years in corporate finance, Jenny Chen receivedplenty of feedback. At one point, she was told she wasn't nice enough. She adjusted. Later, she was told she was too nice. Then, at a senior level in her career, she was told she didn't look or talk like an executive. Her response? “What do executives talk like?” Jenny joins Powered by Authenticity for a conversation aboutleadership, feedback and the assumptions that can shape our careers. She shares her journey from finance into work focused on people and culture, and ultimately into entrepreneurship as the founder of Catalyst Consulting. We talk about a gap that exists in many organizations:talented people are promoted into leadership roles without being taught how to lead. Jenny shares why mentorship and sponsorship matter, but also why leaders need more than advice about what they should be doing. They need helpunderstanding how to actually do it. We also dig into feedback. Jenny believes feedback can fuelgrowth when it gives someone something tangible to learn from. But not all feedback is created equal. Sometimes it says as much about the person giving it and their own biases as it does about the person receiving it. Jenny is equally open about leaving corporate life andbecoming an entrepreneur. After spending much of her career inside one organization, she had to figure out who she was without the title and the brand behind her. She talks about the uncertainty that comes with building something of your own and the freedom to choose work and clients that align with your values. That willingness to have honest conversations also led Jennyto create her podcast, Tune Up Your Warrior. The name came after someone told her to “tone down” her warrior and stop sharing personal experiences that might make others uncomfortable. Instead, she decided to keep talking. Throughout our conversation, we come back to somethingsimple. People want to feel seen. They want to feel valued. And leadership does not have to be overengineered. Respect, curiosity and compassion still matter. Because our own experiences don't define someone else'sreality. And sometimes the first step toward understanding each other is simply being willing to listen. Thank you, Jenny, for such a wonderful conversation …we hope you’ll join us back on the podcast! Links to Jenny: JennyChen | LinkedIn Catalais Consulting Ltd. |We Don't Fix People. We Fix the System.
Sep 28

Action Means Everything with Lindsay Joseph

A great idea means very little if we never act on it. Lindsay Joseph joins Emily Carlson to talk about the idea that eventually became BedConnect and the leap of faith required to leave a successful healthcare career to build it. Lindsay is the Co-Founder and CEO of BedConnect. Her career has taken her from PricewaterhouseCoopers to hospital operations and eventually the CFO role at a Level 1 trauma center. Along the way, she saw firsthand a persistent challenge in healthcare: what happens when a patient is ready to leave the hospital but still needs another level of care. Lindsay saw how difficult the transition from hospital to post-acute care could be for everyone involved. Patients and families were being asked to make important decisions at an already stressful time, often without the information they needed. At the same time, healthcare teams were working to find the right next level of care and move patients safely through that transition. BedConnect is working to bring greater transparency to that process while giving patients and caregivers more information and a greater role in their own care decisions. Lindsay and Emily also talk about what it takes to turn an idea into a company. For Lindsay, leaving the security of an established career was one of the scariest decisions she had made. She shares why she eventually realized she couldn't build the company with “one foot out and one foot in.” She talks about what it meant to bet on herself and why being mentally ready mattered more than having everything perfectly figured out. The conversation explores entrepreneurship without romanticizing it. Building something means wearing a lot of hats. Titles become less important. The work still needs to get done. And Lindsay’s advice for anyone sitting on an idea is refreshingly simple: do it. Execution doesn't require perfection. Failure doesn't have to be the end of the story. Sometimes progress begins by taking action and figuring out the next step along the way. Because, as Lindsay says, “Action beats everything.” Thank you, Lindsay, for joining me on Powered by Authenticity and for sharing your story, your experience and what you're building with BedConnect. Links to information discussed: BedConnect | HeraWell Technologies, Inc. Lindsay A. Joseph | LinkedIn
Sep 21

Avoiding the Founders Trap with Charles Gaudet

Technology can change how we work. But it can't replace perspective, relationships and the people behind the work. Charles “Charlie” Gaudet joins Emily Carlson for a conversation that starts with the changing world of business and ultimately explores a much bigger question: What does success really look like? Charlie is the founder of Predictable Profits and a lifelong entrepreneur who helps business owners create more predictable growth while building companies that aren't completely dependent on them. He and Emily talk about the opportunities AI is creating for businesses and why Charlie believes the greatest value may not come from replacing people. Instead, AI can remove lower-value work and give talented people more time to focus on where they can make the greatest impact. They also explore why doing more isn't always the answer. Charlie shares the importance of asking better questions, creating processes that differentiate your business and surrounding yourself with people who challenge the way you think. The conversation also gets into something many entrepreneurs struggle with: building a business without allowing the business to consume you. That takes on a much more personal meaning when Charlie shares how losing his father changed his perspective on success. The goals that once centered around building, achieving and acquiring began to look very different. Today, success is also about creating opportunities and experiences for his wife and children and making sure the business supports the life he wants to live, rather than becoming the life itself. It’s a conversation about AI, entrepreneurship and growth. But underneath all of it is a reminder that how we define success can change, and sometimes the most important growth has very little to do with the business. Thank you, Charlie, for such an incredible conversation. Links to information shared in the episode and to Charlie: Charles E. Gaudet II | LinkedInHome - Charles Gaudet
Sep 14

Mentoring to the Moon (and Back) with Nicole Wodka-Cook

Buffalo is known for a lot of things. But did you know some of the technology helping us return to the moon is being built right here in Western New York? Emily and Producer Ken visit Moog for a conversation with Nicole Wodka Cook, General Manager, Space Actuation Systems, about the people behind some extraordinary work. Moog recently celebrated 75 years in business. Today, approximately 4,500 people work at its Buffalo operations, with teams around the world contributing to technology that reaches into space. Nicole takes us inside Moog’s connection to the Artemis missions while sharing how diverse experiences and perspectives help her team solve incredibly complex problems. She talks about the mentors who shaped her career, what she has learned from mentoring others and why showing young people what’s possible in STEM matters. The conversation also explores building teams rooted intrust, creating a culture where people understand the “why” behind their work and knowing when it’s okay to truly disconnect. And yes, there is some very important discussion about beef on weck and the appropriate amount of horseradish. From mentoring to the moon and back, this conversation is ultimately about people, possibility and the power of doing something bigger together. Thank you, Nicole, for such a great conversation. It was great to hear and learn about the team and culture you are building at Moog! Links to Moog and Nicole: NicoleWodka-Cook | LinkedIn Moog Inc. - Shaping the wayour world moves™

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Powered by Authenticity is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. We spotlight voices that are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules of leadership, success, and identity. Through real conversations with bold leaders and change makers, we uncover the stories behind resilience, reinvention, and leading with heart. If you believe in showing up fully and forging your own path, this space was made for you.

Creator

Emily Carlson
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

119
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Emily Carlson
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Powered by Authenticity

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