Powered by Authenticity

Emily Carlson

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 changemakers, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    Pints, Pucks, Ribs, and More! Investing in the Future of Batavia with Matt Gray

    Small towns don't move forward on their own. They need people who see possibility, invest in ideas, preserve what matters and are willing to take action when opportunity presents itself. Matthew (Matty) Gray is one of those people in Batavia, New York. His journey wasn't mapped out years in advance. When Matty and his wife knew they wanted to return home to Batavia, they didn't necessarily know what that next chapter would look like. Then an opportunity with Alex's Place presented itself. The timing was right. Matty recognized the opportunity, took the chance and made the move. And that wouldn't be the last time. Years later, when the future of the local ice arena became uncertain, another opportunity emerged — this one with a deeply personal connection to Matty's family and hockey. Eli Fish Brewing would eventually become another chapter in his entrepreneurial journey and another investment in his hometown. Different opportunities. Different moments. But a common thread: being willing to act when opportunity arrives. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Matty shares the unexpected path that brought him here, what he's learned about entrepreneurship and the impact that can happen when people choose to invest in the places they call home. Because Batavia isn't unique in needing people like Matty. Small towns across the country and around the world need people willing to become active participants in their future. Revitalization isn't the work of one person, but it does require people willing to step forward. Opportunity can open the door. What matters is what we choose to do when it does. Thank you, Matty, for a fun conversation. It was such a pleasure to speak with you about your investments in our hometown. P.S. - of course we talked chicken wings!! And we had a unanimous vote on favorite wing flavor! Links to locations discussed in this episode: LinkedIn: Matthew Gray | LinkedInEli Fish Brewing Company | Brewery | 109 Main St, Batavia, NY 14020Alex's Place | Fine Dining Steakhouse | Ribs & SeafoodDavid M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena

    Pints, Pucks, Ribs, and More! Investing in the Future of Batavia with Matt Gray

  2. Aug 10

    The Copilot Approach with Claire Skillen

    On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily welcomes back Claire Skillen for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, healing, resilience, and the power of human connection. While Claire's "Copilot Approach" serves as the foundation of the discussion, the conversation quickly becomes something much deeper. It's about helping people rediscover their own strength, trusting the wisdom they already possess, and creating space for growth through curiosity rather than judgment. Drawing from her experience in management consulting, counseling, and EMDR therapy, Claire shares how her career has evolved while remaining centered on one purpose: helping people navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion. Rather than taking the controls, she believes the most effective leaders, coaches, and counselors walk alongside others until they're ready to confidently lead themselves. Throughout the conversation, Emily and Claire explore authentic leadership, the connection between our minds and bodies, the impact of unresolved experiences, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to heal. Claire also shares insights from her upcoming book chapter, Journaling on a Midlife Metamorphosis, reminding us that every stage of life offers opportunities for reflection, growth, and transformation. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, supporting your community, or simply navigating your own journey, this episode is a reminder that some of life's greatest breakthroughs begin with a single conversation and someone willing to walk beside us. Thank you, Claire, for such a lovely conversation. It was great to catch up and hear about all of your new adventures since our last conversation. Links for more information: Claire Skillen | LinkedInHome - Ceascape Counseling & Consulting

  3. Aug 3

    Finding Joy in the Process with Eric Jones

    Some people change the world by inventing something new.Others do it by simply making someone smile. On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily sits down with artist, Food Network champion and Guinness World Record holder Eric Jones. While many people know Eric for his incredible snow sculptures, pumpkin carvings and larger-than-life public art, this conversation quickly reveals that his greatest masterpiece isn't made of snow at all. Through his nonprofit, Creations for Kids, Eric uses his artistic talent to bring joy to children facing serious illnesses. Whatstarted with one family's request to help lift the spirits of a young girl recovering in the hospital has grown into a mission dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for children when they need them most. Emily and Eric explore why joy matters just as much as hope,how creativity can become a powerful form of compassion, and the unexpected ways our unique gifts can make a lasting difference in someone else's life. From giant snow sculptures outside hospital windows to involving children in the creative process, Eric reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful acts of kindness aren't measured in dollars—they're measured in smiles. This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories anda beautiful reminder that every one of us has been given talents that can make the world a little brighter. You don't have to change everything to change someone's day. If you've ever wondered whether your passion could becomeyour purpose, or how one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect far beyond what we can see, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Thank you, Eric, for sharing your story with me. We absolutely love the work you are doing, and we will continue to support it in every way possible. Please visit Eric’s website to learn more about how you can help support his work and Creations for Kids. Eric’s Information: Home | EricJones Studios Creations ForKids | Bringing smiles to children facing health challenges and adversity About Eric: Bio: Eric Jones is an internationally recognized sculptor, Food Network Star competitor, and Guinness World Record holder known for creating extraordinary sand, snow, ice, pumpkin, and live-event sculptures. His work has entertained audiences at festivals, schools, corporate events, museums, and celebrations across the country, combining artistic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences. Eric is also the founder of Creationsfor Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing custom artistic experiences to children facing illness, disability, and hardship, using creativity to inspire joy, raise awareness, and create lasting memories.

    Finding Joy in the Process with Eric Jones

  4. Jul 29

    Bringing Batavia Together at Center Ice with Kati Murray

    Every community has places that become part of its story. They're the places where children learn to skate, families gather on weekends, lifelong friendships begin, and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. For Batavia, New York, the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena is one of those places. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily Carlson sits down with Executive Director Kati Murray for a conversation about much more than hockey. Together, they explore how the arena has become a cornerstone of the community where youth sports, public skating, special events, and everyday moments bring people together. It's a reminder that some of the most important buildings in our hometowns aren't defined by bricks and mortar, but by the memories created inside them. Their conversation also reflects on the nostalgia so many Batavians feel for places like Skate 98, where generations of families spent countless hours together. While those places may change over time, the need for spaces that foster connection never disappears. The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena carries that tradition forward, creating new memories while honoring those that came before. As Batavia continues to grow, the discussion turns to something even larger: reinvestment and revitalization. Communities thrive when people believe in them enough to preserve their history while building for the future. From ongoing improvements at the arena to the excitement surrounding neighboring development, this episode highlights how thoughtful investment can strengthen an entire downtown and inspire pride in the place we call home. Whether you grew up in Batavia or in a small-town hundreds of miles away, you'll likely recognize the story. Every community has a place that brings people together. Every community has people willing to invest their time, talent, and resources to ensure the next generation experiences the same sense of belonging. This conversation is a celebration of those people. It's about preserving the places that shaped us, embracing opportunities to revitalize our communities, and remembering that the strongest hometowns are built when neighbors choose to invest in one another. Thank you for listening to Powered by Authenticity, where every conversation reminds us that communities are built one relationship, one investment, and one authentic story at a time. Thank you, Kati for spending time with us and sharing the upcoming events and fun activities occurring at the David McCarthy Arena. Also, thank you to the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for continuing to support the highlighted shows and businesses in our community.

    Bringing Batavia Together at Center Ice with Kati Murray

  5. Jul 24

    Tailgating, Golf Tournaments, and the Embrace of Western NY: What's New with Circle the Wagons Foundation in 2026?

    Cancer changes lives—not just for the person receiving the diagnosis, but for their family, friends, and entire support system. The Circle the Wagons Foundation exists to ensure that no one has to face that journey alone. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily welcomes the founders of the Circle the Wagons Foundation back to the show for an update on the incredible momentum the organization has built since their last appearance. From expanding community partnerships to new fundraising events and exciting plans for the months ahead, this conversation highlights the power of people coming together to support individuals and families impacted by cancer. Together, they discuss how the foundation has continued to grow, the relationships that have strengthened its mission, and the impact local businesses, volunteers, and supporters have made throughout Western New York. The conversation also explores upcoming community events leading into this year's golf tournament, why visibility and awareness are just as important as fundraising, and how every act of generosity helps provide hope and support to those navigating a cancer journey. At its heart, this episode is about more than events and fundraising. It's about neighbors supporting neighbors, communities rallying around one another, and the extraordinary impact that happens when people choose to show up for those who need it most. Whether you're looking for a way to get involved, support an incredible organization or simply hear an inspiring conversation about the power of community, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Chris and James, thank you for joining us on Powered byAuthenticity. You are not only amongst our favorite guests but favorite people…thank you for supporting our community! Links discussed on the episode: Circle the Wagons Foundation | Cancer Support Nonprofit Annual Golf Tournament | Circle The Wagons Foundation LinkedIn:Chris Buerk JamesCurrey | LinkedIn

    Tailgating, Golf Tournaments, and the Embrace of Western NY: What's New with Circle the Wagons Foundation in 2026?

  6. Jul 17

    Embracing the Full Support Ecosystem with Katherine Kirchner

    What do rescue dogs, York Peppermint Patties, Buffalo Bills football, mentorship, and AI infrastructure have in common? This week on Powered by Authenticity, quite a bit. Emily is joined by Kathy Kirchner, Senior Vice President ofService Assurance at Zayo, for a conversation about leadership, telecommunications, AI infrastructure, and the people working behind the scenes to keep the digital world connected. Kathy shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Montana to leading large-scale service assurance organizations supporting critical network infrastructure across North America. She also reflects on returning from retirement after realizing she still had more to contribute during one of the most transformative periods in technology history. Topics include service assurance, customer experience, AI infrastructure, fiber networks, change management, operational resilience, leadership, career growth in technology, cross-functional collaboration, and returning from retirement with renewed purpose. Plus: mentorship, football rivalries, rescue dogs, favorite snacks, and the conversations that make great careers — and great podcasts — memorable. Kathy reminds us that behind every outage prevented, every network maintained, and every AI innovation are teams of people dedicated to making it all work. Whether you're a technology leader, early in your career, or simply interested in the people powering the systems we rely on every day, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of embracing the full support ecosystem behind every success. Thank you, Kathy, for such an engaging, informative and fun conversation. Links Mentioned in the episode: KathyKirchner | LinkedIn International NetworkConnectivity Services & Fiber Solutions | Zayo Kathy’s Bio: Kathy Kirchner has built a career in telecom by learning the business from multiple angles: operations, engineering, customer care, logistics, sales, service assurance, and the messy middle where all of those functions have to work together. She is publicly described as Senior Vice President of Service Assurance at Zayo, leading work tied to service quality, operational resilience, AI adoption, automation, and customer experience across one of North America’s largest fiber networks. Earlier career stops span Sprint, independent telcos, cable operators, Comcast, startups, and network operations leadership. She’s here to talk about leading through complexity, building accountability across teams, and turning operational chaos into progress.

  7. Jul 10

    Enhancing the Human Experience with Chris Hallberg

    Enhancing the human experience starts with putting peoplefirst. In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily sits downwith Chris Hallberg, CEO of GoExpand, and founder of The Business Sergeant. Chris is a veteran, entrepreneur, and leadership coach who believes organizations perform best when leaders empower others to lead. Together, they explore leadership that scales, teams thatexecute, and why the strongest organizations are built on trust, accountability, and clear ownership. Drawing from military experience and years of coachingleadership teams through EOS, Chris shares practical lessons on empowering middle managers, defining roles, and creating businesses that grow beyond the founder. The conversation also turns to a challenge that extends farbeyond the workplace. Every day, an estimated 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide. Chris shares why creating opportunities, building community, and removing the stigma around asking for help remain central to the mission of TheBusiness Sergeant and the work still ahead of us. Because great organizations aren't built by one person. They're built by people who know how to build other people. Thank you, Chris, for such a great conversation. I appreciated the authentic, transparent conversation! About Chris: Chris Hallberg is a military veteran, entrepreneur,leadership coach, and founder of GoExpand. Known as The Business Sergeant, he helps organizations turn execution challenges into competitive advantages through practical leadership, accountability, and business operating systems. After serving in the military, Chris built and successfullyexited multiple companies, including an energy-efficiency business that was sold during the Great Recession. He later became one of the earliest EOS Implementers, coaching more than 100 leadership teams through multi-year growthjourneys and helping organizations improve execution, culture, and employee engagement. Chris is also the founder of Business Sergeant, a leadershipplatform and veteran community dedicated to helping military veterans transition into civilian leadership roles while connecting businesses with exceptional leadership talent. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Top 10 Global Leadership & Management Expert, Chris is known for translatingmilitary leadership principles into practical strategies that help entrepreneurs and leadership teams build stronger, more disciplined organizations. Links to Chris: Chris Hallberg |LinkedIn GoExpand: Smarter Meetings,Better Collaboration Chris Hallberg |EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwide

    Enhancing the Human Experience with Chris Hallberg

  8. Jun 26

    Advocating for the Right Opportunities with Christina Duvall

    What does it take to build a career by recognizing opportunities before everyone else? In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Emily sits down with Christina Duvall, President of Renegade Talent Management and CelebExperts. Christina shares the experiences that shaped her leadership journey, from becoming the youngest Vice President in company history at 22 to leading one of the industry's premier talent management firms by age 26. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, why sales is one of the most valuable skills anyone can develop, and how making decisions often matter more than waiting for certainty. Christina also shares her perspective on representing elite athletes, creators, and chefs while helping them build brands that create long-term impact. The conversation also dives into the rapid growth of women's sports, the evolution of NIL, and the responsibility that comes with helping athletes navigate opportunities while protecting their future. Christina offers thoughtful insights into leadership, mentorship, and why saying "no" can sometimes be the most powerful decision you make.  Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, content creator, or someone looking to grow your career, this episode is filled with practical lessons on leadership, opportunity, and building a career with intention. In this episode, you'll hear about: Becoming President at 26 and the leadership lessons learned along the way  Why sales is a foundational skill for every profession  The mindset shift that helped shape Christina's career  Building brands that create lasting value  The continued rise of women's sports and NIL  Protecting athletes and creators as opportunities continue to grow  Leading by example and creating a culture built on trust  Speaking before Congress on STEM and serving as a Congressional Witness on social media and the digital economy Thank you, Christina, for such a great conversation. This was by far one of my favorite episodes. Links discussed within the episode: Christina Duvall | LinkedIn A Digital Talent MGMT & marketing agency. - A Digital Marketing Agency Top Celebrity Booking & Consulting Agency | Celeb Experts

    Advocating for the Right Opportunities with Christina Duvall
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

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 changemakers, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Carlson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Emily Carlson
  • Show Website
    Powered by Authenticity