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 core of our conversation is a powerful reminder that real transformation starts from within. When you reconnect with your identity and how you want to feel, you begin to build a life that is aligned, not just accomplished.Within, we explore why high-achieving individuals can still feel unfulfilled and unpack the concept of internal wealth and self-trust. Nicole shares how identity shapes the life you create and what it looks like to navigate major life transitions such as divorce, loss, and career shifts. We also dive into why so many women struggle to answer what they truly want and how defining how you want to feel can become a powerful guide for your next steps, all grounded in the foundation of her program, Unleash Your Inner Diamond.Thank you, Nicole, for spending time with us.

Where to find Nicole:

Nicole Cowley |LinkedIn

Next Step with Nicole Renee | Hypnotherapist, Health and Life Coach

About Nicole:

Nicole Cowley is an identity reinvention coach, certifiedhypnotherapist, and creator of Unleash Your Inner Diamond™— a transformational coaching experience for high-achieving women who feel stuck in the cycle of almost getting what they want, only to be pulled back into self-doubt, overwhelm, or old patterns. After stepping away from a leadership role in her family’s multi-generational business to become a stay-at-home mom, Nicole experienced a profound identity loss — and when her marriage ended unexpectedly, she rebuilt her life from the inside out. That journey became the foundation of her life’s work. Through identity reinvention and personalized hypnosis tracks, Nicole helps ambitious women finally create confidence, clarity, and fulfillment that last. Her clients dissolve lifelong patterns, break free from the cycle of “almost,” and step into the woman they’re meant to be — not by trying harder, but by changing who they are being.

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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 Associates and co-host of the When in Doubt Reboot podcast, bring both technical insight and real-world perspective to the discussion. Together, they explorewhy AI has become one of the most talked-about topics of our time—sparking excitement for some and uncertainty for others.

Throughout the conversation, Emily, Art, and Mairead unpackwhat AI actually means for organizations and individuals. They discuss how tools like Microsoft Copilot are reshaping productivity, the importance of understanding AI rather than fearing it, and why curiosity and adaptability are essential as technology continues to evolve.

Beyond the technology itself, the conversation also exploresthe human side of innovation. Art and Mairead share perspectives from their own experiences working in technology, discussing how curiosity, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace change are essential as AI becomes more integrated into the way we work and live.

This episode offers an approachable and insightful look atAI—what it is, what it isn’t, and why the future of technology is ultimately about empowering people.

Thank you for joining us on Powered by Authenticity, Maireadand Art!!

Links to find Art and Mairead:

ArtPugach | LinkedIn

MaireadO'Donovan | LinkedIn

Find more about Queue Associates:

Queue Associates - Microsoft Solutions Partner -Dynamics 365

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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, co-founder of Palmesano Strong, a foundation dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by ALS.

Peggy shares the deeply personal story of her brother, Mick, and the journey their family experienced after his diagnosis. From the moment they learned he had ALS to walking beside him through the progression of the disease, Peggy reflects on the love, strength, and resilience that carried their family through an incredibly difficult chapter.

Out of that love came purpose. Through Palmesano Strong, Peggy and her community are working to ensure that families facing ALS are not alone. The foundation raises funds and provides meaningful, practical support for patients — in many ways you may not realize they need – like, building accessibility ramps in homes to providing specialized utensils and equipment that help individuals maintain independence as the disease progresses.

Peggy’s story is a powerful reminder of how love for family can turn into action that lifts an entire community.

If this conversation moves you, I encourage you to learn more about Palmesano Strong, support their mission, and consider getting involved. One way to do that is by signing up for their upcoming golf tournament, which helps fund the resources and support they provide to families facing ALS.

Thank you, Peggy, for sharing your journey to finding Palmesano Strong.

Links:

Palmesano Strong – Stronger Together

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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 independence while honoring cultural identity and craftsmanship. What began as a simple desire to connect women through creativity has grown into a powerful model ofdignity, opportunity, and belonging.

We explore what authentic leadership looks like in action —leading with compassion, building community intentionally, and creating sustainable impact that reaches far beyond the studio walls.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that when weinvest in people and honor their stories, creativity becomes more than art — it becomes empowerment.

Thank you, Dawne, for sharing your incredible journey infinding Stitch Buffalo.

To learn more about Stitch Buffalo and support theirmission, visit:

To learn more about Dawne:

Dawne Hoeg| LinkedIn

About Dawne:

Dawne Hoeg holds an MFA in Textile Design/Fiber from theUniversity of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Prior to founding Stitch Buffalo in 2014, she taught in the Textile and Fiber Arts Design Department at Buffalo State University and served as the handwork teacher at the Aurora Waldorf School. In 2024, she received a citation from Governor Kathy Hochul in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." As the Executive Director of Stitch Buffalo, she has guided the organization from its start as a weekly embroidery class, held in borrowedcommunity rooms, to its current form as a comprehensive textile arts center.

Along the way, she has provided pathways to success for hundreds of refugee women artisans and established a vibrant community of diverse volunteers, students, and artists.

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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, advocacy, and community-building work that amplifies voices often underrepresented in industry spaces.

We talked about her journey into podcasting, how advocacynaturally became part of her work, and why creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued matters so much — something I know we both caredeeply about. That thread of connection and authenticity really runs throughout this conversation.

A meaningful part of our discussion centers on Sarah’s book,I Buried Her in a French Press. It’s an honest exploration ofconfidence, self-worth, and the ongoing process of rediscovering your voice — something many of us navigate throughout different seasons of life and leadership. The conversation around the book felt especially real and reflective, highlighting how storytelling helps people feel less alone and more empowered in their own journeys.

We also discussed her nonprofit initiative, the BlendedPledge, which helps increase diversity on industry stages by supporting speakers with travel funding and access to opportunity. It’s a powerful reminder that inclusion often requires intentional action — not just good intentions.

This is one of those conversations that leaves you thinking— about leadership, authenticity, advocacy, and the impact of simply creating space for real voices to be heard.

Thank you, Sarah, for such an engaging, fun episode of the show!

Links to find additional information on Sarah, and her work:

SarahBarnes-Humphrey | LinkedIn

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey – Sarah Barnes-HumphreyBuried Her in a French Press: A Memoir About Finding My Voice and the Power of Being Heard

Instagram- Sarah Barnes-Humphrey

Sarah’s Bio:

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey is a best-selling author,entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for self-worth and authentic leadership.

She’s best known as the founder and host of Let’s TalkSupply Chain™, one of the top 1% most downloaded podcasts globally — but her journey to becoming a voice in the industry didn’t come easily. After working in her family business for over a decade, Sarah lost her job, sold her house, and found herself at a personal and professional crossroads.

Instead of staying silent, she picked up a mic.

Since then, she’s built a powerful platform dedicated toamplifying voices that often go unheard — particularly women and underrepresented communities. Through her Women in Supply Chain™ series, Blended podcast, and nonprofit Blended Pledge, Sarah continues to create safespaces where vulnerability leads to real transformation.

Now, she’s sharing her personal story in a brand-new way —through her debut memoir and #1 Amazon Bestseller, I Buried Her in a French Press. The book is a raw, honest reflection on identity, loss, and finding your voice after you’ve lost it. It’s a story of self-worth, resilience, and learning that you are your best advocate.

Whether she’s on stage, behind the mic, or writing hertruth, Sarah is committed to helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered to tell their own story — unapologetically.

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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 processing. The goal is simple: make it easier for people to quickly identify allergens, sensitivities, or ingredientsthey may want to avoid — something that’s increasingly important when roughly 38% of people report some form of food allergy, intolerance, or ingredient-relatedconcern.

For Tanya, this wasn’t just a business idea. The app grewout of her own family’s experience trying to identify her husband’s food allergy — a process that highlighted just how difficult it can be to interpret ingredient lists and make confident food choices.

Beyond the technology, this conversation explores what ittakes to rebuild professionally, step into entrepreneurship, and bring a meaningful solution to market. Tanya shares candidly about persistence, adapting through change, and the mindset required to keep moving forward whenthe path isn’t always clear.

Emily also adds her own perspective navigating foodallergies, making this a practical discussion about transparency, innovation, and how AI can be used in ways that genuinely improve everyday life.

Thank you, Tanya, for sharing your journey, and for bringinga much-needed app into the world. Thank you for bringing forward a tool that will help everyone control their health and wellbeing. Be sure to sign-up for the mailing list and get on the waiting list so you know when the app is released!

Links to IngrediLens and Tanya:

TanyaMaximova, MBA | LinkedIn

IngrediLens

About Tanya:

Tanya Maximova is an Engineer and MBA with a passion tosolve complex problems, ambition to have an impact and commitment to bring ideas to life. With over 15 years ofglobal experience as Senior Delivery Lead in Digital transformation with a demonstrated historyof working in a broad selection of manufacturing, trade, service industries and financial institutions as well as cross-industry business transformations. Leading Projects and Programs ranging from Six Sigma quality improvement to ERP implementations, streamlining the Digital landscapeof businesses and increasing their profitability and efficiency. Through her career, she has developed expertise in large scale Business & Technological transformation, Operationalimprovement, Change Management, Organizational and Business Optimization.

It is an AI enabled mobile platform designed for individuals with food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions, enabling them to discover new products and enjoy food with confidence. This was an opportunity to build something that makes a difference and empowers people who live with food restrictions and seems like the purpose-driven initiative she is always striving for. The role of a founder required her to go through several mindset shifts, has put to a test all her skills and knowledge, but also created a green field opportunity to start something of impact she truly cared about.

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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 of resilience: a company that once thrived, nearly disappeared, and was ultimately rebuilt through grit, community support, and a deep respect for the people behind the scenes.

Together, they explore what it’s really like to carry afamily legacy forward, the realities of running a small but mighty manufacturing operation, and how Weber’s has evolved by embracing data, e-commerce, social media, and creative partnerships — all while staying true to its roots. Luke also offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, transparency in leadership, and why culture and long-tenured employees are at the heart of Weber’s success.

And because it wouldn’t be a Buffalo conversation withoutit, the episode kicks off with Bills talk, tailgate drinks, and why food is one of the greatest connectors we have.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

·        Family-owned businesses and succession

·        Building modern brands on legacy foundations

·        Leadership, culture, and operational efficiency

·        Buffalo entrepreneurship and community pride

Thank you, Luke, for such a great conversation. Weabsolutely loved our conversation and can’t wait to visit Weber’s in-person this Spring!

Links to Luke and the Weber’s Brand:

LukeDesmond | LinkedIn

Weber's Brand

About Luke:

I’m a fourth-generation steward of Weber’s Brand, afamily-owned food company proudly rooted in Buffalo, New York since 1922. Best known for Weber’s Brand Horseradish Mustard — the #1 mustard in Western New York for more than a century — our brand has been built on premium quality,consistency, and deep community trust, all established by the three generations before me.

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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 Personality Assessment to help leaders better understand their reputation, values, strengths, and potential blind spots.

Together, Emily and Lynne break down how Hogan works as a“mirror and map” — showing how others experience you and helping you chart a clearer, more aligned path forward. Emily also shares insights from her own Hogan results, sparking an honest discussion about ambition, altruism,entrepreneurship, and what it really means to lead with both heart and results.

If you’re at a career crossroads, feeling stuck or overlooked, or simply want to become a more intentional and self-aware leader, this episode offers both insight and practical perspective to help you move forward with confidence.

Thank you, Lynne, for joining us on the show! We loved everyminute of it!!

About Lynne:

Lynne Thornton comes to coaching with 35 years of experience in the IT distribution channel. Passionate about leadership and mentorship, Lynne has coached professionals at all levels and has seen firsthand the transformative impact of effective coaching. I know what it takes to developleaders who drive both personal and business success. I’ve built career development programs that increased engagement, strengthened retention, and expanded leadership pipelines—while also delivering overachievement of business objectives.

Inspired by this, she pursued certifications in LeadershipCoaching and HOGAN Personality Assessments to deepen her ability to support and elevate others. My passion is helping people gain clarity on what’s possible, build the skills and confidence to get there, and create their own cultures ofsuccess along the way. I believe the best leaders don’t just grow themselves—they grow others and elevate entire teams.   

Connect with Lynne:

LynneThornton | LinkedIn

[email protected]

Mobile: 716-316-1358

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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 his body — turned into making bars in his kitchen with his mom, andeventually into a brand that now reaches millions of people.

We talk about how his curiosity about nutrition started at ayoung age, how training and studying abroad in China helped shape the idea, and why he’s always believed that taste, ingredients, and how you feel after eating something all matter.

We also get into:

• Why so many “protein bars” are really just sugar bars in disguise

• What it takes to grow a product without losing what made it good in the first place

• Why focusing on building something truly useful beats chasing hype or trends

• And, of course, a little food talk, wings, and some friendly Patriots vs. Bills banter

This is a grounded, honest conversation about curiosity,consistency, and building something you’re genuinely proud to stand behind.

Thank you, James, for such an engaging conversation. Weloved hearing about your journey and your product!!

Where to find additional information on James and AtlasBars:

Instagram -Atlas Bars

Amazon- Atlas Bars

James Oliver | LinkedInBio:

James Oliver is the founder of Atlas, a company dedicated to providing clean, convenient, high-protein nutrition. He’spassionate about helping others unlock their full potential by fueling their bodies with intention and purpose.

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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 totalk about what it really takes to turn creativity, consistency, and a whole lot of Bills Mafia energy into a thriving community.

In just two years and nearly 700 pieces of content,Buddy in da Basement has built something special — not just a following, but a place where food, tailgates, crazy cocktails, costumes, and pure Buffalo energy collide in the best possible way.

We talk about:

• How Buddy became a character and why Buffalo embraces creativity

This episode is a reminder that Buffalo doesn’t just createfans — we create families. And the best content doesn’t come from chasing trends… it comes from showing up as yourself and inviting people along for the ride.

And yes — we confirm:

• It is Buffalo Bills weather

If you love Buffalo, love creators who keep it real, or justwant a genuinely fun listen — this one’s for you!

Thank you, Buddy in da Basement, for such an engaging, fun episode.

And a shout out to our location sponsor, Labatt Brew House for hosting our episode!! Delicious beer and great conversation …what an amazing night!! Go Bills!

Links to Buddy:

Buddy in da Basement

Facebook - Buddyin da Basement

About Buddy:

Buddy in da Basement started just about two years ago as asimple idea — bring joy, laughter, and Buffalo Bills hype to the internet. Buddy celebrates three things: Eat. Drink. Be a Bills Fan!  Self-proclaimed unofficial bar master of Buffalo - mixes up a different chaotic cocktail every week; talks proud about Buffalo food spot - mostly pizza but has dabbled into other foods.  Finally, Buddy tries to create some ridiculous antic that is relatable to Bills fans bringing our community together.

Buddy is a character I created — upbeat, passionate,ridiculous in all the right ways and always aiming to spread positivity. He’s never trying to offend, argue, or be controversial. The goal is simple: give people a smile and an escape from the heaviness of everyday life.

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