Empowered Team Podcast

Kari Schneider
  • 4.8 (9)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Empowered Team Podcast where we explore how to optimize your performance in leadership, business, and life.

  1. 6d ago

    Action Game Series: Episode 2 - 3 Reasons Why You Finish Other People's Priorities 1st

    Are you constantly busy, yet somehow not moving forward on what matters most to you? In this solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider breaks down the three powerful (and often uncomfortable) reasons high performers prioritize others over themselves—and how it’s quietly leading to burnout, frustration, and self-abandonment. This episode is part of the Action Game Series, designed to help you reclaim your time, energy, and leadership. What You’ll Learn: The Competence Trap: Why being highly capable attracts more requests, interruptions, and urgency—and how it slowly drains your energy Self-Betrayal Disguised as Generosity: The difference between giving from fullness vs. giving to feel worthy The Priority Audit: What your calendar actually reveals about your values—and why most people are living out of alignment Standout Moments: “Being available to everyone is not a superpower. It’s a slow leak.” “Just because I’m good at something doesn’t mean I should be doing it.” The realization that high performers spend up to 60% of their time on misaligned tasks Practical Takeaways: Identify the last 5 tasks you completed—were they yours or someone else’s? Define your top 3 priorities for the week—and schedule them first Eliminate, automate, or delegate anything that doesn’t move your goals forward Key Message: You’re not overwhelmed because you’re doing too much—you’re overwhelmed because you’re doing too much of what doesn’t matter to you. Call to Action: Audit your time. Protect your priorities. And start building a life that reflects what actually matters.

    36 min

  2. Jun 1

    Action Game Series: E1: The 3 Reasons Why Smart People Don't Start

    Welcome to the kickoff of the Action Game series on The Empowered Team Podcast—where Kari Schneider dives into what actually drives results: action. In this solo episode, Kari unpacks the surprising science behind why high achievers and intelligent leaders are more likely to procrastinate—and what to do about it. What You’ll Learn: Why overthinking is a strength (and how it turns into a trap) Learn how your brain’s “prediction machine” can create decision loops that stall progress—and how to break free. The truth about perfectionism Discover why perfectionism isn’t a high standard—it’s procrastination in disguise, and how it leads to burnout instead of results. The research-backed method that increases follow-through by 200–300% Kari shares the powerful concept of implementation intention (when-then planning) and how it eliminates hesitation and drives consistent action. Key Insight: High performance isn’t about more motivation—it’s about clarity, structure, and making decisions your brain can execute. Memorable Quote: “Overthinking isn’t weakness—it’s intelligence without a deadline.” Take Action: Before you finish this episode, choose ONE thing you’ve been delaying—and decide exactly when and what action you’ll take. If you’re ready to stop circling and start executing, this episode will give you the clarity and momentum you’ve been missing. Key Research Links: Peter Gollwitzer — Implementation Intentions Core 1999 paper: https://www.prospectivepsych.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Gollwitzer_Implementation-intentions-1999.pdf  Meta-analysis (94 studies): https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/goal_intent_attain.pdf  Wikipedia overview (accessible summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation_intention  Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Vl1IDvYAAAAJ&hl=en  Flett & Hewitt — Perfectionism & Procrastination Original multidimensional perfectionism paper (1991, PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2027080/  Perfectionism & procrastination chapter: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4899-0227-6_6  30-year review (2021): https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/cap-cap0000288.pdf  #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance #MindsetShift #Productivity #SelfMastery

    28 min

  3. May 25

    Arielle Tayar Interview: The Power of Little Yeses

    In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Arielle Tayar to explore what it really takes to build a thriving, human-centered business in a world that often prioritizes strategy, scale, and rigid frameworks. Arielle shares her unconventional journey from theater and documentary storytelling to building a seven-figure global creative agency without investors. Along the way, she discovered that success is not always built through having the perfect plan. Sometimes, it comes from following your intuition, saying yes before you feel fully ready, and choosing human connection over formulas. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How “a lot of little yeses” can create massive momentum in business ✔️ The hidden power of storytelling in brand building and leadership ✔️ Why imposter syndrome can become a driver for growth when reframed ✔️ What Arielle discovered working inside a large agency — and why it changed everything ✔️ How to balance intuition and structure when scaling a company ✔️ Why mindfulness practices like meditation and movement can unlock creativity and clarity ✔️ How human-centered leadership and relationships drive long-term success ✔️ A fresh perspective on AI, human creativity, branding, and marketing One standout moment comes when Arielle shares the turning point where she realized that even the biggest and most established companies are still “figuring it out.” That realization gave her a new level of confidence and helped her step more fully into leadership. The biggest takeaway? There is no single “right way” to build a business. Trust your gut, lead with connection, and don’t wait until you feel fully ready — because nobody has it all figured out. As Arielle reminds us: “Nobody knows what they’re doing — and the people who win are the ones willing to go out and try anyway.” If you’ve been holding back, waiting for clarity or confidence, this episode is your permission to move. Start with one yes. Get in touch with Arielle here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielletayar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-tayar-45430a61/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whipcreativestudio

    43 min

  4. May 18

    Lee Caraher Interview: Specificity Creates Energy- How Most Leaders are Draining Their Teams

    In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Lee Caraher—CEO of Double Forte PR, bestselling author of Millennials & Management and The Boomerang Principle, and a leading expert in leadership communication. Lee has spent decades helping leaders say what they actually mean—and in this conversation, she reveals why most workplace dysfunction isn’t about people… it’s about clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why vague language like “end of day” and “on time” creates massive inefficiencies How generational differences impact communication—and what leaders get wrong about Millennials and Gen Z The concept of “specificity creates energy” and how it transforms team performance How unclear expectations drain productivity, increase stress, and erode culture The critical balance of high expectations + high care for high-performing teams Why overcommunication is not only necessary—but a leadership superpower How to define company values in a way that actually drives behavior (not just sits on a wall) What leaders must do in uncertain times to create clarity and calm Standout Moment: Lee shares the story of nearly losing her company when 8 employees quit within 8 weeks—revealing a powerful lesson about generational communication gaps and leadership blind spots. Key Takeaway: Your team isn’t failing—you’re just not being specific enough. Clarity isn’t micromanagement. It’s leadership. Power Quote: “Specificity creates energy.” About Lee Caraher: Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte PR, a national communications agency, and a renowned expert in leadership communication. She is the author of Millennials & Management https://www.amazon.ca/Millennials-Management-Essential-Guide-Making/dp/1629560278 and The Boomerang Principle, https://www.amazon.ca/Boomerang-Principle-Inspire-Lifetime-Employees/dp/1629561681/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1IQUZYSBZPC66&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VJV4V9ommBi--JjJzo4yEnlfSSPxxOtyBjkt7s0FY-DjtO187F2V5iE5CS3YCgJBe1wcII52_m5C6oXb15rF7YIidFwyKQ5kXvW-v4GyZQ7QeSfB2ExsmCqp4_9q5JwBnNVG3oXFOXeqqnNwXuQ87A.CJ4K02P1tx5gXwGdYVBmTClqnowhmo8Zu3akmPskMbo&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+boomerang+principle&qid=1774914103&s=books&sprefix=the+boomerang+principle%2Cstripbooks%2C162&sr=1-2  and helps organizations build high-performing, engaged teams through clear and effective communication. Connect with Lee: Website: https://leecaraher.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/?hl=en    Listen If You Want To: Improve team communication and alignment Lead across generations more effectively Reduce confusion, friction, and wasted time Build a high-performance culture rooted in clarity 🎧 Tune in and discover how better communication can unlock your team’s full potential.

    46 min

  5. May 11

    Dr Robin Hills Interview: No One is Making You Feel Anything- That Changes Everything

    In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Dr. Robin Hills, business psychologist, Director of EI4Change, and global leader in emotional intelligence training with over 500,000 students across 200+ countries. Together, they unpack the real meaning of emotional intelligence—and why it’s not about controlling emotions, but learning how to interpret and use them as data to make better decisions and build stronger relationships. Key Themes & Insights: Emotional intelligence as “being smart with your feelings” The distinction between your inner world (thoughts, emotions, reactions) and the outer world (people, situations, events) Why empathy is about understanding—not agreeing The critical gap between intention and impact in communication How to identify whether someone is an “energy radiator” or “energy drain” The transformative question: What is this emotion telling me? Why no one can make you feel anything—unless you allow it Practical tools like self-coaching, journaling, and reflection to improve emotional awareness How to navigate difficult people and challenging workplace dynamics with greater clarity and choice Standout Moments: “Nobody can make me angry… unless I choose to allow them to.” “Emotions are data—what are they telling you?” “Emotional intelligence is simple… but incredibly hard to do.” Key Takeaway: Your emotions are not the problem—they are information. When you learn how to interpret them, you unlock better leadership, stronger relationships, and more intentional decision-making. Connect with Dr. Robin Hills: Website: https://ei4change.com LinkedIn: Robin Hills Books: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business & The Authority Guide to Behaviour in Business Emotional.intelligence.courses Online magazine ei-matters.com  🎧 Listen now and start leading with greater awareness, intention, and impact.   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

    53 min

  6. May 4

    Interactive Series: 3 Hidden Reasons You're Snapping and None of Them are the Other Person

    Ever catch yourself being abrupt, impatient, or snapping at someone and think… “Where did that come from?” Most high-performing leaders assume it’s a personality flaw or a moment of poor control. But the truth is far more empowering. In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider reveals the three hidden physiological and psychological triggers that quietly drive impatience, irritability, and reactive behavior — especially in high performers who care deeply about showing up at their best. Drawing from her experience working with Olympic and national-level athletes, Kari explains why these reactions are rarely about the other person—and almost always about what’s happening inside your brain, body, and nervous system. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your own reactions, this conversation will give you a new lens to understand what’s really going on. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why one night of poor sleep can increase emotional reactivity by 60% The surprising way decision fatigue drains your patience How high performers unknowingly live in the “resistance stage” of chronic stress Why snapping at others is often a biological signal—not a character flaw How elite athletes structure recovery—and what leaders can learn from it Key Takeaway Your impatience isn’t a personality problem. It’s a performance signal telling you something in your system needs attention. When you learn to read that signal, you can start showing up with more clarity, patience, and leadership presence—at work and at home. Resources & Mentions Research by Dr. Matthew Walker, UC Berkeley – Sleep & Brain Function Research by Dr. Roy Baumeister, Florida State University – Self-Regulation & Decision Fatigue https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4286245/  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6122651/  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12168795/  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00534.x  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/  🎧 Listen now and discover why the moments you feel least like yourself might actually be the biggest clues to performing at your best.     💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

    39 min

  7. Apr 27

    Interactive Series: 3 Ways You're Communicating Without Saying a Word

    In this powerful solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider — former high-performance coach working with Olympic and national-level teams — reveals the three silent ways you are communicating every single day… and what it’s costing you if you ignore them. Drawing from over 30 years in elite performance environments, Kari shares how culture, trust, and engagement are shaped long before words are spoken. Whether you're leading a business team, coaching athletes, or building a strong family culture, these nonverbal communication skills are foundational. In This Episode, We Cover: Why people judge your trustworthiness in 100 milliseconds (Psychological Science research) How facial expressions and eye contact instantly signal engagement — or disconnection The science behind power poses and body language (Amy Cuddy’s research) Why posture, shoulders, and even phone-checking silently erode culture The truth about tone vs. words (Albert Mehrabian’s emotional communication research) How leaders unintentionally trigger their own stress response when they lose engagement Why setting clear “showing up” standards is not babysitting — it’s elite practice Standout Story: Kari contrasts elite national team environments — where athletes are trained to show up with presence and respect — with volunteering in youth sports, where she quickly realized: most people are never taught how to engage nonverbally. Key Takeaway: Trust, credibility, and culture are built through three silent channels: Eyes & Face Body Voice If you don’t define and model these standards early, you will pay for it later in disengagement, misunderstandings, and lost momentum. Challenge: Pick one channel this week and practice it intentionally. Master it in yourself before expecting it from your team. If you want stronger team chemistry, deeper trust, and more influential leadership — this episode is your starting point. 🎧 Listen now and elevate how you show up. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression  https://www.princeton.edu/news/2006/08/22/snap-judgments-decide-faces-character-psychologist-finds  https://aventislearning.com/understanding-body-language/  https://www.acertitude.com/insights/ted-talk-icon-amy-cuddy-on-how-leaders-can-reclaim-presence-and-power-at-work/  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surprise/202003/the-body-language-myth       💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

    29 min

  8. Apr 20

    Interactive Series: E1: The Truth About Lying

    In this powerful kickoff to a new series on communication and leadership interaction, Kari Schneider  dives into a topic most leaders avoid: the psychology of lying — and how it impacts trust, credibility, and team performance. Drawing on research from: Dr. Robert Feldman (University of Massachusetts)  Dan Ariely (The Honest Truth About Dishonesty)  Dr. Robert Trivers (The Folly of Fools)  Kari breaks down the three primary ways we lie — and why even high-integrity leaders fall into these patterns. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why 60% of people lie in a 10-minute conversation The real cost of “small” lies on leadership credibility What “trust debt” is — and how leaders unknowingly accumulate it The slippery slope of omission in organizations How strategic editing can erode psychological safety Why self-deception is the most dangerous lie of all How successful leaders become more sophisticated at lying to themselves The subtle language clues that signal deception Why cleaning up self-deception leads to deeper connection and bigger impact Standout Insight “We deceive ourselves first so that we can deceive others more convincingly.” This episode challenges leaders to conduct a personal “truth check” — not to shame themselves, but to build greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and more powerful influence. Key Takeaway The more honest you are with yourself, the more credible and impactful you become as a leader. Integrity isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. Listen now and start noticing where truth might be stretching in your conversations. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

    30 min
See All (396)

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Empowered Team Podcast where we explore how to optimize your performance in leadership, business, and life.

Information

  • Creator
    Kari Schneider
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    396
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Empowered Team Podcast