Empowered Team Podcast

Kari's Interview on the What's Working Now Podcast

AI is revolutionizing business, but are you leading with integrity in this new landscape?

In this special episode of What’s Working Now with Katie Richardson, we dive deep into how AI is reshaping leadership, the ethical challenges it presents, and the mindset shifts CEOs must embrace to navigate this era effectively.

Here’s what we cover:
✅ The AI revolution in leadership—what every CEO needs to know.
✅ Ethical AI integration—how to harness AI without losing the human touch.
✅ Costly mistakes leaders are making with AI—and how to sidestep them.
✅ Why AI should be trained like a strategic team member, not just a tool.
✅ Self-mastery—the secret to leading effectively in an AI-driven world.

Leaders who ignore AI risk falling behind—but those who embrace it ethically will thrive. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and lead with confidence in an AI-driven future, this episode is a must-listen.

P.S. We also explore insights from my new book, The Human Algorithm: Leadership and Ethics in the AI Era, where I break down how leaders can navigate AI with clarity, purpose, and integrity.

Do I Owe You an Apology? The Skill You Didn’t Know You Needed

In this episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider explores the often-overlooked leadership skill of apologizing – and why it’s essential for building trust, deepening relationships, and mastering self-awareness.

With personal stories, actionable insights, and a practical 4-step apology framework, Kari helps you navigate those tricky moments when tension is in the air, but you're unsure why. Whether at work, at home, or in your closest relationships, understanding the art of a sincere apology can transform the way you lead and connect.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize the subtle signs that an apology may be needed.
• Why your gut check is the ultimate accountability tool.
• The exact words to use when offering or receiving an apology.
• How to avoid the pitfalls of insincere apologies and defensiveness.

Ready to enhance your relationships and leadership? Tune in now! 🎧

Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it!

Why Big Goals Might Be Holding You Back and What to Do Instead

In today’s episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, we’re challenging the traditional approach to goal-setting and uncovering why big goals might actually be holding you back.

We often set ambitious targets, believing they’ll drive motivation and success. But in reality, big goals can create unrealistic expectations, fleeting satisfaction, and a frustrating cycle of progress and setbacks. Instead of focusing on the finish line, we explore the power of systems over outcomes—a shift that fosters consistency, growth, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:
🎯 Big Goals vs. Sustainable Progress – Why setting massive goals can create pressure and hinder real growth.
📸 Beyond the Achievement High – The problem with tying happiness to the end result instead of the journey.
🛠️ The Systems-First Approach – How focusing on daily habits and processes leads to lasting success.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to break free from the cycle of setting goals that lead to burnout and start creating a framework for continuous improvement.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a new approach to success. Your ratings and reviews help us reach more people who are ready to make meaningful changes.

 

Until next time—progress is in the process. Keep growing!

Believe: The Mindset to Thrive in 2025

Start your 2025 with a burst of inspiration! In this episode, Kari Schneider dives deep into her personal journey of resilience, sharing how she overcame debilitating health challenges to regain her strength and confidence.

Whether you're chasing ambitious goals or recovering from a tough setback, this episode offers practical insights and unshakeable motivation to keep going.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why unwavering belief is your superpower when facing challenges.
• The mindset shifts that turn failure into a stepping stone.
• Simple strategies to keep moving forward, even when progress feels impossible.

Perfect for leaders, high performers, and anyone ready to conquer their dreams, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay motivated and resilient throughout 2025.

🎧 Listen now and start your year empowered!

Katie Richardson Interview: The Vital Framework for Aligned Leadership

In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider engages with Katie Richardson, a visionary entrepreneur and business coach celebrated for building a multimillion-dollar business and helping leaders elevate their game.

Katie shares her inspiring story of growing her brand from scratch, balancing life as a mother of four, and working in partnership with her husband.

Listeners will gain insights into Katie’s 'Vital Framework'—a proven strategy for identifying and addressing the root causes of business challenges, fostering team alignment, and leading with integrity.

This episode is perfect for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to optimize their decision-making, strengthen partnerships, and create a sustainable path to success.

To apply to work with Katie visit - https://now.katierichardson.com/casestudy

Follow Katie on Instagram @katie.live or Facebook @katierichardson.live

Website - https://katierichardson.com/

Fear as Fuel: Transforming Discomfort into Breakthroughs

"Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear." – George Adair

 

In this empowering episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider dives deep into understanding, harnessing, and transforming fear. As we approach a new year full of possibilities, Kari challenges us to face our fears head-on and see them as signals for growth rather than barriers. Drawing from personal experiences, client stories, and even lessons from sports, she unpacks actionable steps to turn fear into a tool for success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear as a Signal, Not a Stop Sign: Fear isn't an enemy but a signal that you're pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone. Embrace it as a guide.
2. Understand Fear: Learn how your brain's amygdala triggers fear, often overreacting to perceived threats. Recognize it for what it is—a survival mechanism.
3. Harness Fear's Energy: Use fear-induced physiological changes (like heightened focus and adrenaline) as fuel to sharpen your performance.
4. Transform Fear into Growth: Step outside your comfort zone and activate your brain's prefrontal cortex, enabling adaptability and creativity.
5. Reframe Fear as a Worthy Opponent: Like athletes facing challenging competitors, respect your fear as a catalyst for learning and growth.

Practical Applications:

• Public speaking anxiety? Break it down into small, actionable steps like practicing with friends.
• Afraid of feedback? Use active listening and actionable steps to shift from defense to growth.
• Facing big decisions? Break them into manageable parts and seek diverse perspectives.

Triple Threat Planning: Your 5-Step Guide to a Successful 2025

Start 2025 strong with Kari Schneider’s signature Triple Threat Planning system, featured on the Empowered Team Podcast. This episode equips you with a 5-step method to turn your vision into reality:

1. Set clear goals: Identify your top 1-3 priorities.
2. Establish milestones: Map out key steps to achieve your objectives.
3. Define actions: Break milestones into practical, manageable tasks.
4. Build accountability: Share your goals and track progress with others.
5. Schedule and adapt: Plan effectively while staying flexible.

Using relatable examples, including her own book launch, Kari demonstrates how to align with your values, stay focused, and navigate challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply looking to make the most of the year ahead, this episode provides the tools and motivation you need.

👉 Access your free planning workbook in the show notes to kickstart your journey! 

https://www.theempowered.ca/year-reflection-workbook-freebie

2024 Year in Reflection: 10 Questions to Celebrate, Learn and Prepare for 2025

In this episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider shares a powerful guide to closing out 2024 with clarity and purpose. With over 25 years of experience in personal growth and leadership coaching, Kari explains how reflection isn’t just a feel-good activity—it’s a scientifically backed tool to enhance your well-being, sharpen decision-making, and build self-esteem.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories, including Kari’s transformative experience in 1999 that shaped her future success. You’ll walk away with 10 proven questions (and bonus prompts!) to help you process your year, celebrate your wins, and set meaningful goals for 2025.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Power of Reflection: Why reflecting on your past is essential for personal growth and alignment.
• Celebrate and Learn: How to identify your biggest wins and most impactful lessons from 2024.
• Plan for 2025: Tips for creating actionable goals rooted in gratitude and clarity.
• Bonus Insights: Discover what three words will guide your new year and how to let go of beliefs that no longer serve you.

🎧 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Backed by research on the benefits of reflection.
• Engaging personal stories that inspire and motivate.
• A free, downloadable workbook to make reflection simple and repeatable.

Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone ready to align with your goals, this episode will give you the tools to start 2025 with intention and focus.

👉 Listen now and grab the free reflection workbook: https://www.theempowered.ca/year-reflection-workbook-freebie

Love the Moment: No Matter What

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider explores how to find happiness and contentment in every moment, even when life feels difficult or overwhelming. Drawing from her own experience overcoming a painful back injury that disrupted her ability to de-stress and enjoy life, Kari discusses the essential mindset shift that allows us to love the moment no matter the circumstances.

With insights inspired by Byron Katie’s transformative approach to questioning limiting beliefs, Kari walks listeners through practical ways to turn any situation into one of growth and self-compassion. Learn three essential questions that can help you dissolve stress, enhance emotional intelligence, and bring a deep sense of calm into daily life—especially helpful during the holiday season when expectations can lead to stress and frustration.

Key Takeaways:

How to transform negative thoughts and see challenging moments with a new perspective
Practical applications of mindfulness and self-compassion in leadership and personal life
A simple three-question framework to help you find inner peace, no matter the external pressures


Join Kari in exploring the real power of embracing each moment, and discover how mastering this skill can elevate your leadership, improve relationships, and bring joy to everyday life.

The Fresh Start Effect: Your Secret Weapon for Success

In this episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider explores the Fresh Start Effect, a psychological phenomenon that pushes us to take action on our goals during key milestones like New Year’s, birthdays, or even a change of seasons.

Through research-backed insights from scholars like Hengchen Dai and Katherine Milkman, Kari explains how these temporal landmarks help disassociate from past failures and motivate a clean slate mindset.

She shares a relatable personal story about her daughter’s friends experiencing a “fresh start” in high school and provides 3 actionable tips to help you capitalize on your fresh starts for lasting success.

Key Takeaways:

• How temporal landmarks create psychological momentum.
• How to harness the fresh start effect for new goals or long-term projects.
• The importance of planning beyond the initial motivation to maintain consistency.

Whether you're planning for the New Year or your next personal milestone, this episode offers the tools to make those fresh starts work for you.