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

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

Buffalo is known for a lot of things. But did you knowsome 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 withNicole 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 Artemismissions while sharing how diverse experiences and perspectives help her team solve incredibly complex problems. She talks about the mentors who shaped hercareer, 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 beefon weck and the appropriate amount of horseradish. From mentoring to the moon and back, this conversation isultimately about people, possibility and the power of doing something bigger together. Thank you, Nicole, for such a great conversation. It was greatto 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™
4d ago

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
Aug 17

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
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
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.

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

112
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Emily Carlson
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Powered by Authenticity