Powered by Authenticity

Emily Carlson

5.0 (5)
Society & Culture
Updated 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.

1d ago

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™
Sep 11

Cars, Community, and Charity - Participating in the Niagara 5000 with Garth

In this exciting, on-location BONUS episode of Powered by Authenticity, recorded at the beautiful Rife Estate Winery, a Title Sponsor of the Niagara 5000, we are joined by Garth - a returning participant in the event from Western NY. Garth shares his journey from Jamaica to Buffalo, his appreciation for automotive engineering and artistry, why he thinks events such as Niagara 5000 are so important for the causes that they support, and the community connection between Western NY and Southern Ontario. This year's Niagara 5000 aims to raise vital funds for McMaster Children's Hospital in Toronto, blending the love of cars with a powerful community impact. Interested in participating, attending, or just learning more about some of the amazing events happening on September 18th and 19th? Check out the Links Below, and listen to our full episode with Alana Hurov about the mission of the organization, and how the Niagara 5000 came to be: Official Niagara 5000 Page: https://www.niagara5000.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialniagara5000/
Sep 8

Taking a Complete 180 with Marzia Murdoch, 180 Estate Winery

What does it take to completely change the direction of your life? After nearly 30 years in the corporate world, Marzia Murdoch knew she was ready for something different. That decision eventually led to 180 Estate Winery in Jordan Station, Ontario and a new chapter built alongside her family. In this conversation, Marzia shares the journey behind her 180. We talk about leaving a long career, taking risks and bringing decades of experience into entrepreneurship. We also talk about family and what it means to build something together with everyone engaged in the journey. Our conversation moves into customer experience, collaboration and the power of getting out from behind social media to create real relationships. Marzia also shares how life at the winery reconnects her to memories of growing up around her uncle’s farm in Italy. I walked away from this conversation inspired by Marzia’s willingness to change course and create a life that feels more aligned with what matters most to her. Sometimes a 180 isn't about starting over. It's about choosing what you want the next chapter to look like. Thank you, Marzia, for such an incredible discussion. You are such an inspiration, and it was an honor to share your story! Links to Marzia and 180 Estate Winery: Marzia Murdoch | LinkedIn180 Estate Winery Marzia Bio's: After more than 25 years in the telecommunications industry and a very successful career in the Program Management field, Marzia decided there was more to life and decided to pursue a new path. Something that would allow her to reconnect with her Italian heritage, nature, and her passion for entertaining, food, and wine. Marzia, her husband Bob, and their two daughters Taylor and Sara, have always been adventurers and risk takers in life. Always taking the road less travelled and putting in the extra work. When opportunity arose to own and operate a winery in Niagara Wine Country, they jumped on it....pulling a complete 180 in life. With the whole family involved in every aspect of the business, it’s never a dull moment at 180. Early mornings, (very) late nights, and weekends are dedicated to making their dream work. Together with their team, 180 Wines focuses on high quality, hand-crafted wines and memorable experiences. For all the risk takers, the dream chasers, and the go-getters, experience the beauty of the road less travelled with 180 wines. Exclusively available at our winery in Jordan Station or online at www.180wines.ca. Cheers!
Sep 1

Your Network is Your Net Worth with Christine Bongard

Some of the most important opportunities in our lives begin with a connection. Christine Bongard knows the power of those connections firsthand. As co-founder and CEO of The WIT Network, she has helped build a global community where women can find support and develop relationships that can change the direction of a career. Christine joins Emily Carlson on Powered by Authenticity to share the story behind that work and the lessons she has learned throughout more than three decades in technology and entrepreneurship. At the center of the conversation is a phrase many of us have heard: your network is your net worth. But a network isn't about collecting contacts. It's about building genuine relationships before you need them. Christine and Emily talk about the different people we need throughout our lives. Some encourage us. Some challenge us. Others become the connectors who simply say, “You need to meet this person.” They also explore how The WIT Network has evolved from its grassroots beginnings into a global community focused on helping women feel seen, heard and empowered. That evolution led to an important realization: The WIT Network doesn't create transformation for its members. It helps ignite it. The community can provide the connection, resources and support, but each person ultimately takes it from there. It's a conversation about community and showing up for other people. Most importantly, it's a reminder to never underestimate what can happen because of one connection. And in true Powered by Authenticity fashion, the conversation finds its way to food with some of Christine's favorite tastes of summer from New Jersey. Thank you, Christine, for such an inspiring conversation about connection. Links to Christine and the WIT Network: Christine Bongard | LinkedInHome
Aug 25

Revving Up for the Niagara 5000! with Alana Hurov

Supercars. Aviation. Incredible experiences. The beauty of Niagara. Niagara 5000 is designed to create something founder Alana Hurov describes as a truly cinematic experience, unlike anything else in the region or, as she shares, even in North America. But behind the wow factor is a story with a much deeper purpose. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily Carlson sits down with Alana at Reif Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake to talk about the vision behind Niagara 5000 and the determination it has taken to bring that vision to life. For Alana, this event is personal. When her daughter Katherine was just two years old, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis after suddenly struggling to walk. Her family's journey included years of treatment and care at McMaster Children's Hospital. Today, Katherine is active and thriving and giving back to the hospital that played such an important role in her life and has become the heart behind Niagara 5000. The event is working toward a $30,000 fundraising goal for McMaster Children's Hospital while also helping raise awareness of juvenile arthritis and supporting Cassie + Friends. Alana shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building an event of this scale. She talks openly about the challenges; the moments she considered walking away and the people who reminded her why she needed to keep going. And her vision is big. Alana sees Niagara 5000 as an opportunity to create a global event that puts Niagara on an international stage. She wants people to experience the region, discover its businesses and see everything the community has to offer. At the center of it all is Alana's greatest motivation: her daughter. She wants Katherine to see what is possible when you believe in an idea and have the courage to keep pursuing it. Niagara 5000 may be cinematic by design, but its heart is deeply personal. This is a conversation about a mother's mission, an entrepreneur's determination and a bold vision to create something unforgettable while giving back to the community that helped her family. Niagara 5000 takes place September 18–19, bringing two days of experiences to the Niagara region, including the Exotics Car Festival, Supercar Parade, Hangar Experience and Masquerade Party. Thank you, Alana, for such a wonderful conversation. This episode has left me, truly, inspired. We'd also like to thank our location sponsor, Reif Estate Winery for hosting us. The winery is stunning and the wine is phenomenal! Links to Alana and the Niagara 5000: Alana Cara Hurov | LinkedIn Niagara 5000 - Canada's Supercar and Luxury Lifestyle ShowcaseMcMaster Children’s Hospital | Welcome to MacKidsJuvenile Idiopathic Arthritis - Support and Resources - Cassie + FriendsReif Estate Winery

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

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

115
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Emily Carlson
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Powered by Authenticity