Powered by Authenticity

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the American Lung Association to talk about the upcoming Fight for Air Climb. While there, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Russell Hill. Russell shared his ‘why’ behind climbing at this event each year. Turning the loss of his daughter into purpose by raising funds for lung health awareness through the American Lung Association is so inspi...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’m joined by Kaeli Kleinbach LaFrance, the driving force behind Batavia’s very first Restaurant Week — happening April 27 through May 2. We sat down to talk about what it really takes to bring something like this to life, from coordinating local restaurants to building excitement across the community. Kaeli shares how this event came together, the incre...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, we are on location at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, sitting down with Sue-Ann Staff for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, legacy, and a deep connection to her craft. Sue-Ann is a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower, with her family’s roots on the estate dating back over 200 years. Choosing to build something of her own w...

Powered by Authenticity was thrilled to be hosted by Brazen Brewing in Lancaster, New York for our conversation with Tom Whitmarsh. I had such a great time sitting down with Drew, owner of Brazen Brewing, to learn more about the brewery’s story and their deep roots in the WNY community. Brazen has built more than just a brewery—it’s a space that brings people together. From their commitment to cra...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , I sit down with Tom Whitmarsh, founder of the WNY Beer Trail, for a conversation that is equal parts community and inspiration. Tom shares his journey from large corporate retail into building something of his own—right here in Western New York. What started as an idea turned into a business that now supports local breweries and brings people together a...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , I’m joined by Mary Russo from the American Lung Association in Buffalo for a conversation rooted in community, impact, and action. One thing that really matters—when you support the American Lung Association here in Western New York, those dollars stay right here. They go directly toward lung cancer education, research, and patient support for individua...

When you hear Buffalo, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Wings. We think so too. But we also think about the person who helped put them on the map in a whole new way… the Wing King himself, Drew Cerza. And, this was a conversation the Powered by Authenticity team couldn’t wait to have. Getting to spend time with Drew was something we truly appreciated. What he has built in Buffalo, and th...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , we sitdown with Nicole Cowley, an identity and internal wealth mentor who helps women reconnect with who they are and step into their next chapter with clarity and confidence. Nicole shares her journey from working in her familybusiness to navigating major life transitions that led her to create her signature program, Unleash Your Inner Diamond . At the...

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now—but whatdoes it actually mean for the way we work? In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , Emily Carlson sits down with Art Pugach and Mairead O’Donovan to explore the real impact of AI and tools like Microsoft Copilot. Art, Global Chief Technology Officer at Q Associates and aMicrosoft 365 Copilot MVP, and Mairead, Project Coordinator at Q Asso...

ALS is a disease that many people have heard about — often through moments like the Ice Bucket Challenge, the legacy of Lou Gehrig, or more recently through public figures sharing their diagnoses. Yet for many, the reality of what ALS is and how it impacts families remains largely unknown until it touches their lives directly. On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’m joined by Peggy Pollizi...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , I’mjoined by Dawne Hoeg, Founder and Executive Director of Stitch Buffalo — a remarkable organization dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant women through textile arts, entrepreneurship, and meaningful community connection. Dawne shares the story behind Stitch Buffalo’s founding andthe heart that fuels its mission: creating pathways to economic i...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , I’m joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey — podcast host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain and Blended , industry advocate, entrepreneur, and author who has built a powerful platform centered on storytelling, inclusion, and creating space formeaningful conversations. With more than 25 years in supply chain and logistics, Sarah has evolved her career into media, advo...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , Emilysits down with Tanya Maximova, founder of IngrediLens, to talk about how personal challenges, resilience, and emerging technology can come together to solve real-world problems. IngrediLens is an AI-powered app designed to help peoplebetter understand what’s in their food by analyzing ingredient labels through image recognition and intelligent data...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , Emily isjoined by Luke Desmond, Vice President of Weber’s Brand, for a conversation that blends legacy, leadership, and a whole lot of Buffalo pride. Luke shares his unexpected path into the family business —from studying biology and considering a career in medicine to stepping into a 100+ year-old, iconic Buffalo brand. What unfolds is a powerful story...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , EmilyCarlson is joined once again by leadership coach Lynne Thornton for a timely conversation about self-awareness, leadership growth, and making intentional career decisions as we head into a new year. Lynne shares her journey from decades in corporatetechnology leadership to launching Elevate Advisory Services and explains how she uses the Hogan Pers...

This conversation is a great reminder that the best ideasoften come from trying to solve your own problem. That’s exactly how Atlas Bars — and this journey with James Oliver — began. James joins me for a thoughtful, easy conversation aboutfood, endurance training, and what it really looks like to build something from the ground up. What started as a personal need — wanting better, cleaner fuel for...

If you’re from Buffalo, you already know - we don’t justshow up together. And if you’re not from here, you’re about to see exactly what makes this community so special. That spirit is exactly what this episode with Buddy in da Basement (a/k/a Chris Panepinto) is all about. In this high-energy, fun, and genuinely insightful conversation, I sit down with one of Buffalo’s favorite content creators to...

“I show my scars so that others know they can heal.” In this episode I am joined by Erin Bailey-Boyes. Erin is afitness and mindset coach from Muskoka, Ontario, but her story is about so much more than training plans or physical transformation. In this deeply honest and courageous episode, Erin opens up about her journey through grief, anxiety, addiction, and recovery — and what it really looks li...

There are episodes that feel meaningful… and then there areepisodes that feel truly inspiring . My time with Dr. Don Bardenwas one of those. Don brings warmth, humility, joy, and profound wisdom into every conversation. Together, we talked about gratitude over fear, presence over pressure, and what it truly means to lead with heart in both life andbusiness. We explored his work through The Perfect...

In this episode I was joined by Jeffrey Botteron, President and CEO of TechBuffalo. Within, we speak about the mission of TechBuffalo - building a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible tech ecosystem – creating the talent density needed for companies to thrive in Western New York.  We may have also snuck in some talk on our favorite running spots and our beloved Buffalo Bills. During our time tog...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , Emily is joined by Nick Revelas, President of the Revelas Family Foundation, to share the story behind the foundation, its mission, and the community-driven work focused on supporting teen mental health across Western New York. Nick reflects on the personal loss that led to the creation of the Revelas Family Foundation and how that experience shaped its...

In this episode, we are joined by Julie Whitten, Founderand CEO of Julie Whitten Consulting. Julie shares the story behind launching her own consulting practice after a long career in change management, and how stepping into entrepreneurship opened a new chapter she didn’t originally plan for but quickly embraced. We also talk about her Big Girls Panties Diaries series on LinkedIn — a candid, rela...

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity , we speak with Dr. Susan McGinty, founder of The Estembly and an expert in inclusive leadership within STEM and security. Susan shares her journey from scientist to strategist and explains why inclusion must be intentionally built into systems, decision-making, and culture. She discusses the measurable benefits of inclusive leadership, the challenges wom...

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Vicki Johnson, the founder of ProFellow — a platform she builtbecause she knew firsthand how life-changing fellowships, fully funded graduate programs, and competitive awards can be… and how hidden they often are. What started as a small resource she and her husband created while she was a Ph. D.student has now grown into a global hub that hun...

There are moments on this podcast when the conversationshifts from storytelling to something deeper — something tender, urgent, and universally human. This episode is one of those moments. In this episode, Donna Ritchie and Jerry Sheldon, leaderswith Sleep in Heavenly Peace , share how a bed becomes much more than furniture. It becomes warmth. Stability. Safety. A sense of belonging. A soft place...