In episode two of our WNY Changemakers series, I amhonored to be joined by Dr. Meghan Underhill, Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, a member of Cancer Control and Prevention at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, and a Nurse Practitioner at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Did you know that our Western New York Community is home to some of the best cancer research and treatment facilities in the United States? Rochester proudly hosts an NCI-designated cancer center—a distinction held by less than 4% of cancer facilities nationwide.

Within, Meghan shares the real impact this bringsto our region—from expanding opportunities for groundbreaking research, to making treatment more accessible throughout the community. She also highlights the importance of this designation in helping to recruit and train care providers.

In addition to her research, Meghan provides direct patientcare. She discusses the importance of treating patients holistically, including recognizing the essential role caregivers play throughout the cancer journey. Her commitment to ensuring the patient’s perspective is at the forefront of care is both powerful and inspiring.

Meghan explains that the best research starts with identifying real-world clinical problems:

“The most important thing that drives the next researchproject is finding a problem in the clinical setting. That helps determine our next steps.”
She shares how data collection—through interviews, surveys, and direct patient conversations—serves as a powerful tool to evaluate those needs and guide future solutions.

We also explore how Wilmot and the University of Rochesterpartner with community organizations to extend care beyond the clinic. That includes outreach, education, and collaboration with groups like 13thirty Cancer Connect, whosupport young adults with cancer.

The work being done at the University of Rochester School ofNursing and the Wilmot Cancer Institute is a source of deep pride for our region. As Meghan shares in this episode:

“Feel proud of the work that is being done and do notkeep our Rochester area a secret. There is world-class work happening…”

As we wrap up, Meghan reflects on her identity in this fieldby saying:

“All of this was made possible because I became a nurse… There are so many opportunities to try and be and grow into something new event within the profession.”

The difference Meghan is making in our community—alongside the University of Rochester School of Nursing and Wilmot—is inspiring. Meghan, thank you for highlighting the incredible work happening right here in WNY. You are a true WNY Changemaker.

Links to Information Referenced in the Episode:

Meghan Underhill | LinkedIn

Home | University of Rochester School of Nursing

Wilmot Cancer Institute - University of Rochester Medical Center

13thirty.org | Helping Teens & Young Adult with Cancer Live Their Very Best Lives - TODAY!

Bio:

Meghan Underhill is an assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, a member of Cancer Control and Prevention at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, and a nurse practitioner at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Underhill has dedicated her career to understanding the experiences of and improving care for individuals and families living with inherited cancer risk. As an active nurse practitioner within the Hereditary Cancer Program, her program of research focuses on building and implementing clinical innovations that transform the focus of cancer genetics from an illness model to a wellness focused model that directly responds to the needs of individuals and families. She has widely disseminated research findings both through publications and presentations and has served as the nurse scientist on multidisciplinary teams which has had national and international impact. She has worked to share her research expertise with others and has provided long-lasting successful research mentorship to multiple pre and postdoctoral nursing trainees.

In this premiere episode of the WNY Changemakers series of Powered by Authenticity, we’re joined by Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GoArt!—an organization that is redefining what it means to bring culture, connection, and creativity to Western New York.

Gregory shares how a lifelong love of the arts led him tohis current role, and how he’s using that passion to create inclusive spaces for artists, community members, and organizations to thrive. From turning historic buildings into vibrant community hubs to launching innovativeprogramming across the region, Gregory’s vision is reshaping Batavia and the complete Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties in powerful ways.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation? GoArt’s building—located in the heart of downtown Batavia—is open to everyone. It’s a truly welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can experience the arts, connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging. Whether you're attending an exhibit, participating in a workshop, enjoying live music, orsimply exploring the space, GO ART! invites the entire community to engage, express, and feel at home.

We dive into:

• The role of the arts in rural community revitalization

• Building sustainable, creative spaces in unlikely places

• How GO ART! is amplifying local voices through programming, galleries, and outreach

• Gregory’s path from performer to changemaker—and the lessons he’s learned leading with authenticity

This inaugural episode begins a series where we will sharestories of local leaders who are rolling up their sleeves and redefining what change looks like—one project, one person, and one powerful idea at a time.

A Special Thank You:
I’d like to personally thank GO ART! for their generous support of Powered by Authenticity. Through the grants they’ve made available, we’ve been able to utilize the podcast studio to bring this series to life. Additionally, thecommunity of individuals connected to GO ART! has truly rallied around the show. The community support means the world to us here at Powered by Authenticity. THANK YOU!

 Links to GoArt and their Event Calendar:

Home - Go Art

CulturalCalendar - Go Art

Greg’s Bio:

GREGORY A. HALLOCK is the Executive Director at theGenesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Gregory holds an M.A. in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo, a B.S. from SUNY Brockport in Theatre with an acting concentration and minor in dance, and an A.A. from Genesee CommunityCollege in Theatre Arts. Having a background in arts and cultural studies, Gregory has traveled to and studied in Italy, The Netherlands, England, The Philippines, Japan, and Singapore. In Singapore he was part of the Theatre Training& Research Programme, “The Arts and Cultural Identity in a Borderless World,” which focused on current issues of international arts management such as international models of arts funding, public policy making, and performance& visual arts. Gregory is also an Eagle Scout. With the Scouts he traveled to the 18th World Jamboree in The Netherlands where the theme was Future is Now. The event was attended by Royalty from the Netherlands, Sweden, Jordan, andSadako Ogata, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Gregory has also represented Congressional Districts from Western New York, New York City, Hawaii, and California at Museum Advocacy Day in Washington D.C., meeting with Congressional Representatives discussing the needs of and for Museums. He has lived in Cattaraugus, Erie, and Genesee Counties, along with New York City,Los Angeles, and Honolulu. Prior to GO ART! Gregory has worked at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources.

In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Au, Founder of Innovate You, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about transformation, intentional coaching, and the impact of investing in personal development.

We open with a sweet moment—Amy shares a cherished memory of her favorite childhood treat, and I just love the connection she draws between food, family, and the roots of who we become.

Amy’s work through Innovate You is changing lives by helping individuals recognize the internal shifts they may need to make to unlock their full potential. Her coaching is deeply personal—by customizing each session to meet the individual where they are, Amy holds her clients accountable, helps shift habits in a positive direction, and supports them in letting go of what no longer serves them.

We also explore the growing momentum behind organizations offering coaching beyond the executive level—especially for women in STEM. Amy shares how early access to coaching can help women build confidence, grow into leadership roles, and feel supported along the way. And just as importantly, she highlights how male allies are beginning to benefit from coaching as well, creating a more inclusive and balanced workplace.

This was such a meaningful conversation, and I loved hearing how Amy is helping both women and men become the best versions of themselves—at work, at home, and in life.

Links to find more about Amy:

Amy Au, ACC, FCPC, FCA | LinkedIn

Innovate You/Executive Leadership Coaching

Amy's Bio:

Amy Au is an ICF certified (ACC) Coach and Fascinate® Certified Advisor who radiates inspiring transformation.She founded her coaching business, Innovate You, in 2023 with the mission to drive more positive impact and create a brighter future, one leader at a time.

Amy is based in Canada and partners with clientsglobally. Emphasizing on empowering Women in STEM leaders and teams to reach beyond their perceived limits, discover their innate creativity, gain clarity & focus to propel forward with confident actions, and turn their aspirations to accomplishments faster.

Before expanding her career as an Executive Leadership Coach, Amy spent over 25 years in the technology sector, including 23 years at a Global Fortune 500 company. She held people management & leadership roles in business analytics, technology-driven innovation, and organizational change.

As a Fascinate® Certified Advisor, Amy uses the Fascinate® System to help her clients recognize their uniqueness and focus on what makes them most valuable. Enabling them to present and communicate in ways that capture attention, build better relationships, stand-out in the crowd and build engaging & high-performing teams.

Amy is also an active certified, Gold Tier, #IAmRemarkable facilitator, volunteering to support women and underrepresented groups build confidence, personal growth, and professional advancement through self-promotion practice, challenging the existing preconceptions, and inclusive leadership.

In this episode, I'm joined by Lisa Thomas, Founder of Epigenetics for Global Impact™ — and what a conversation it was.

We dive into the powerful idea that inherited emotional DNA can quietly place limitations on our success, often without us even realizing it. Have you ever wondered if inherited beliefs or patterns might be holding you back — in your career, your relationships, or even your personal growth?

One of my favorite insights from Lisa during our conversation:

"The fear of the unknown often keeps us trapped in the unhealthy of some area of our life."

It made me pause and reflect: How often do we let fear of the unknown stop us from chasing something greater? And what would happen if we chose joy instead?

In this episode, we explore:

• How inherited limitations can impact your success

• Practical ways to break through those barriers

• Why finding a moment of joy each day is critical to your growth

• How to start recognizing opportunities that are already around you

This conversation will energize you, challenge you, and hopefully inspire you to move past fear and into greater possibilities.

A huge thank you to Lisa for joining me — this was such a fun, insightful, and meaningful episode.

Connect with Lisa Thomas:Home - Lisa Thomas

Lisa Thomas 🧬Epigenetics for Global Impact™ | LinkedInConnect with Emily Carlson

www.poweredbyauthenticity

Emily Carlson | LinkedInLisa's Bio:

Lisa Thomas is the founder of Epigenetics for Global Impact™, the creator of Soul Awakening Method™ and Inner Empowerment Matrix™. With a focus on unlocking untapped potential, igniting radical growth, and activating global impact, Lisa has dedicated her career to guiding high-achieving individuals beyond the confines of conventional success to achieve profound personal and professional breakthroughs.
As an international mentor and keynote speaker, Lisa’s insights into Epigenetics have revolutionized the approach to personal development and leadership. Her unique methods involve delving deep into inherited emotional DNA, enabling clients—from global business leaders to celebrities and emerging entrepreneurs—to overcome inherited limitations and realign their lives with their true purposes.
Author of the enlightening book “Mistakes Into Money,” Lisa’s influence is recognized globally in the media: She has been featured in USA Today, US Business News, TEDx and on Good Morning LaLa Land, amongst others, as well as many podcasts and stages around the world.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Jacob Brown — former NFL player turned transformational speaker, coach, and author of the international best-seller Fail Forward Mentality. And most importantly? One of the kindest humans I’ve ever met.

Together, we dive into our very first Author Swap, sharing the stories behind our books, the writing process, and our views on leadership, personal growth, and the power of showing up authentically.

Jacob’s book, Fail Forward Mentality, is packed with positive guidance and 100 inspirational quotes that truly resonated with me. One that stands out:

“Be you, they’ll adjust.”
A powerful reminder to stop shrinking or shifting for others — and to keep leading as your full, unapologetic self.

This conversation was energizing, inspiring, and full of heart. Thank you, Jacob, for making this first-ever Author Swap so memorable.

Links where you can find Jacob:

LinkedIn: Jacob Brown 🔥 | LinkedIn

Website:

Jacob Brown | #1 Transformational Speaker | Conference Keynote Speaker | Author Speaking Coach & Mentor | #FailForward

Fail Forward Mentality on Amazon:

Amazon.com: Fail Forward Mentality: Rewrite Your Story And Turn Failures Into Fuel eBook : Brown, Jacob: Kindle Store

Instagram:

@officialjakebrownLink to the Coffee Bean as discussed in the episode:

The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change (Jon Gordon): Gordon, Jon, West, Damon: 9781119430278: Amazon.com: Books

On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Melissa Bernstein joins me for a conversation that is raw, rich, and full of meaning. You probably know Melissa as the co-founder of the wildly successful Melissa & Doug toy company and Lifelines—but behind the brands is a deeply creative soul who spent years struggling to make sense of the world, and her place in it.

In this conversation, Melissa shares how she turned a lifelong sense of “otherness” into purpose. She opens up about what it really means to live authentically, how creativity saved her, and the work she is doing as a mentor to others.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong—and needed someone to say, “Me too.”

Within we chat about:

• The silent struggles she carried—even while building a wildly successful company

• Why stepping into mentorship has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey

• The difference between “fitting in” and truly belonging

• What it takes to live with intention, even when it feels uncomfortable

Melissa brings deep honesty to this conversation, with just the right mix of wisdom and warmth. If you’ve been craving real talk about purpose, identity, and helping others grow—this one’s for you.

Thank you, Melissa, for a wonderful conversation. I can't wait to have you on our show again!

Where to find more information on Melissa:

Practice Makes Purpose™ | Well-Being Ecosystem | Lifelines

LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light: Bernstein, Melissa: 9781735439709: Books - Amazon.ca

Melissa's Bio:

Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six. In 1988, Melissa and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug out of their parents’ garage, and in the years that followed, they built Melissa & Doug into a multi-billion dollar brand. Melissa has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose through open-ended play. In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa co-founded Lifelines. In this new venture, she is using her unparalleled creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products that help adults rediscover wonder and relieve stress through their senses.

In this episode, Emily Carlson sits down with Carrie Gallant, founder of the Gallant Leader Institute, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on human design, leadership, and negotiating with authenticity.

Carrie shares her journey from Vancouver, BC to launching her company focused on empowering women executives to lead boldly and negotiate with confidence—both in the boardroom and beyond.

Together, Emily and Carrie explore:

• What human design is and how it can influence your leadership style
• Why understanding your energetic blueprint can lead to more authentic decision-making
• The connection between self-awareness, negotiation, and empowered leadership
• Carrie’s personal story of reinvention and creating a business with purpose

Despite a few tech hiccups in previous attempts (third time’s the charm!), this conversation is full of meaningful takeaways, laughs, and the kind of real talk you can expect from Powered by Authenticity.

About Carrie:

Carrie Gallant is an author, lawyer turned strategic advisor, and the CEO of The Gallant Leader™ Institute, where C-Suite and executive women leaders navigate high-stakes conversations and negotiations, transform impostor feelings and elevate their executive presence, so they can confidently own their seat at the boardroom table without compromising their values, authenticity or personal life.

Carrie is coauthor of Conversation Secrets for Tomorrow’s Leaders: 21 Obvious Secrets Leaders Do Not Use Enough, an Amazon #1 Hot New Release in Business Leadership.

She  is certified in Conversational Intelligence®, Authentic Leadership Conversations™ and Authentic Leadership for Teams™ and a certified Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach™. 

A former lawyer and executive, Carrie was adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia for nine years, and taught previously at the Universities of Toronto and Windsor, and York University. 

She was invited by The White House to speak about pay equity at a national conference on women’s equality.

You can reach Carrie at [email protected]. 

You can also find her at www.GallantLeader.com, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@GallantLeader).

In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’m joined by Sally Green, Vice President of Author Development at Action Takers Publishing.

Sally shares her inspiring journey to her current role and highlights the essential role that self-care played in getting there. We dive into how she leveraged connections from her book projects to transform her professional path, and how intentional networking helped open new doors.

She also reminds us of a powerful truth: it’s okay to put ourselves first and choose the things that bring us joy—even if that means saying no to others.

This was such a heartfelt and empowering conversation, and I hope you walk away feeling just as inspired as I did.

Thank you so much, Sally!

Where to find Sally:

Sally Larkin Green | LinkedIn

Home | Action Takers PublishingSally's Bio:Sally Green is the Vice President of Author Development at Action Takers Publishing. With a background in business, Sally's passion for storytelling and empowering others has transformed her into a bestselling author, book publisher and inspirational speaker.​

As Vice President of Author Development, Sally guides aspiring writers through the process of transforming their ideas into bestselling books. She provides invaluable feedback, accountability, and encouragement. 

​

Beyond her publishing role, Sally is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and insights. She motivates individuals to embrace self-care, pursue their passions, and unleash their inner author.

People often ask me if I have a favorite travel experience—whether it’s a destination, trip, or flight. Well, in this episode, I finally answer that question! And who better to join me than my niece, Annie Janofsky—who, by pure chance, was my companion on my all-time favorite travel story.

We share the magic of being in the right place at the right time and how it led to the BEST flight EVER. From unexpected surprises to unforgettable moments, this story is one for the books!

A huge thank you to Annie—not only for being one of my favorite people on this planet but also for being my ultimate travel sidekick (and marketing officer 😉).

Got travel questions of your own? Drop them in! Who knows—I might just invite you to join me for a future episode.

LinkedIn:

Annie Janofsky | LinkedIn

Do I miss traveling for work? It’s a question I get all the time!

To dive into this, I brought in two of my favorite ‘road family’ members, Tricia Cartledge and Mike Bright, to help me unpack what we really miss about life on the road.

Spoiler alert: it’s not the travel itself—it’s the people. The friendships, the shared experiences, and the team that became like family.

In this episode, we reminisce about some of our funniest, craziest, and most memorable moments from the road. If you’ve ever traveled for work, you know that the best stories don’t come from the destinations—they come from the people you share the journey with.

Want to hear more road stories? Let me know in the comments

Thank you, Tricia and Mike, for a fun episode!!

LinkedIn for Tricia and Mike:

Tricia Cartledge, PMP, MCT, ITIL, CSM | LinkedInMike Bright, PMP | LinkedIn