Empowered Team Podcast

Want It. Hate It. Do It Anyway.

In this solo episode, Kari Schneider breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your follow-through, leadership, and self-mastery: the critical difference between wanting something and liking the process of getting there.

Drawing on neuroscience research from Kent Berridge and Terry Robinson, Kari explains how the brain’s dopamine (desire) and opioid (pleasure) systems operate separately—and how confusing them keeps high performers stuck.

Key themes in this episode:

• The neuroscience of wanting vs. liking and why it matters for motivation
• How confusing preferences with priorities leads to poor decision-making
• The hidden danger of mislabeling vs. misalignment and how it shapes identity
• Why leaders often default to comfort instead of values—and how to correct it
• A simple pattern interrupt tool to regain momentum instantly

Standout insight:
You don’t have a motivation problem—you have a mislabeling problem. When you say “I don’t want to,” you may actually be reinforcing an identity that isn’t true.

Memorable moment:
“You’re allowed to hate the alarm clock and still be someone who gets up.”

Key takeaway:

Stop asking “Do I like this?” and start asking: “Do I want what this leads to?”

That single question can realign your actions with your values and help you take consistent, meaningful action—even when it’s uncomfortable.

If this resonates, share it with someone who’s stuck between what they want and what they feel like doing—and start building a life aligned with your values, not your preferences.

Supporting Researches:

BJ Fogg — Stanford Behavior Design Lab. Tiny Habits published 2019. His core argument that motivation is unreliable is accurately represented.

Daniel Kahneman — Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011). The experiencing self vs. remembering self distinction is accurately applied. Note: Kahneman’s framing is about experienced vs. remembered utility — the application to want/like is an extrapolation, not a direct Kahneman quote. Present it as ‘Kahneman’s framework offers a useful parallel’ rather than a direct citation.

James Clear — Atomic Habits (2018). ‘Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become’ is a real and verified quote from the book.

Viktor Frankl — Man’s Search for Meaning (1946). Application is accurate. No direct quotes attributed to him in the script, so no risk there.

Dr Kelly Monahan Interview: AI Won't Replace Leaders - But Poor Leadership Will

What if the biggest risk of AI isn’t the technology—but how we lead through it?

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Dr. Kelly Monahan—organizational psychologist, former leader at Meta, Deloitte, and Accenture, bestselling author of Essential, and upcoming author of Reclaim the Plot.

Kelly has spent the last decade studying the intersection of AI, leadership, and human behavior—and what she reveals is both urgent and deeply human.

From witnessing the collapse of Kodak as a child to leading workforce transformations herself, Kelly brings a rare, lived perspective on what happens when organizations fail to adapt to technological change—and how we can do better this time.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why companies are still making “Kodak mistakes” in the age of AI
• The dangerous obsession with efficiency—and what it’s costing your people
• Why leaders must shift from “chess master” to “gardener” in today’s workplace
• The truth about “shadow AI” and why employees are already adapting without you
• How to build a culture of learning that actually keeps up with change
• What Gen Z is demanding—and why it’s reshaping the future of leadership
• The critical question every leader must ask: Just because we can… should we?

Standout Insight:
AI isn’t just a tool—it’s the “elevator moment” of our time. The real opportunity isn’t speed… it’s reimagining the entire blueprint of work.

Key Takeaway:
The future of leadership isn’t about control, certainty, or efficiency. It’s about curiosity, trust, and creating environments where people can adapt, learn, and thrive.

Connect with Dr. Kelly Monahan:

• Website: https://drkellymonahan.com
• LinkedIn: Dr. Kelly Monahan
• Book: Essential (available now)
• Upcoming: Reclaim the Plot (September release)

If you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating change—this episode will challenge how you think about work, people, and what truly matters next.

 

400 Episodes and Still Here: The Truth About Consistency No One Tells You

 In this milestone 400th episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay consistent—not for weeks or months, but for years.

Drawing from 8 years of showing up every single week, Kari shares the five most powerful lessons consistency has taught her—lessons that challenge the common belief that discipline and willpower are the answer.

This episode goes beyond surface-level advice and dives into the psychology, research, and lived experience behind sustainable high performance. You’ll discover why consistency alone doesn’t guarantee success, how to build self-trust through follow-through, and why purpose—not motivation—is the foundation for long-term growth.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or trying to show up stronger in your own life, this episode will reshape how you approach consistency—and what’s actually required to sustain it.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Why passion—not willpower—is the real fuel behind consistency
• The critical difference between showing up vs. making progress
• How to adapt and evolve while staying consistent
• The truth about the process: why it often doesn’t feel good
• How consistency builds self-trust—the foundation of leadership
• Why purpose outlasts motivation (and how to anchor into it)
• The role of feedback loops and recalibration in long-term success
• A powerful strategy to stay consistent without burnout: short-term commitments with redecision points

Notable Insight:
Consistency isn’t about loving every step—it’s about becoming someone who follows through, no matter what.

Call to Action:
Identify one area in your life where you want to build consistency. Ask yourself:

• Am I driven by passion or obligation?
• Am I progressing—or just repeating?

Then commit—fully—for a defined period of time, and build from there.

KEY REFERENCES

PODCAST STATISTICS

• 44-47% quit after 3 episodes → Amplifi Media + Loopex Digital 2026
• Why podcasters quit (burnout, passion loss) → Podbean Blog
• Shocking failure rates study of 1,200+ shows → Podcasters United

https://www.amplifimedia.com/blogstein-1/lyspqop3ylro9a2t7y2de820uwkgwx 

https://www.loopexdigital.com/blog/podcast-statistics 

https://blog.podbean.com/why-podcasters-quit-podcast-burnout/ 

https://podcastersunited.org/feed-your-brand/the-shocking-podcast-failure-truth-why-1200-podcasters-quit-and-the-10-signs-your-podcast-is-next/ 

ANGELA DUCKWORTH — GRIT

• Grit defined (passion + perseverance) → https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/ 
• Original peer-reviewed research (2007) → https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17547490/ and https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6290064_Grit_Perseverance_and_Passion_for_Long-Term_Goals 
• Grit research overview → https://angeladuckworth.com/research/ 

JAMES CLEAR — ATOMIC HABITS

• Identity-based habits → https://jamesclear.com/identity-based-habits 

• Full book summary → https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits-summary 

What 8 Fractures and A Punctured Lung Taught Me About Leadership

In this deeply personal and unforgettable episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider shares the harrowing story of a life-threatening accident that left her with eight fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and a critical wake-up call about leadership, systems, and self-trust.

What began as a normal day quickly turned into a fight for survival—and ultimately, a masterclass in leadership under pressure.

In this episode, Kari unpacks 5 powerful lessons:

• Trust Your Internal Signal: Why ignoring your gut—especially in high-stakes moments—can cost you everything
• The Danger of Authority Bias: How deferring to “experts” without question can lead to catastrophic outcomes
• Systems Won’t Save You: Why even the best systems fail in critical moments—and what leaders must do instead
• You Are More Capable Than You Think: The science of resilience and how adversity reveals hidden strength
• Asking for Help is a Leadership Skill: Why vulnerability builds trust—and can literally save your life

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself, questioning what doesn’t feel right, and having the courage to ask for help when it matters most.

Which of these five lessons are you ignoring right now?

Identify it—and take one step today to lead differently.

#Leadership #SelfTrust #Resilience #EmpoweredTeams #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment

Action Game Series: The Real Reason You aren’t Taking Action

What if the real reason you’re not taking action isn’t about motivation, time, or strategy—but about who you believe you are?

In this powerful solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider dives into the hidden force driving every action you take (or don’t take): your identity. Backed by research and real-life experience, Kari unpacks how identity-based thinking shapes behavior, influences long-term success, and determines whether you follow through or stay stuck.

Drawing from her own recent life transitions and recovery from serious injury, Kari shares how shifting her identity helped her navigate one of the hardest seasons of her life—and how you can do the same.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why identity—not discipline—is the foundation of consistent action
• The science behind “I am” language and behavior change
• How your brain sees your future self as a stranger (and how to fix it)
• Why you can’t outperform your identity—no matter how hard you try
• A simple 3-step framework to start shifting your identity today

Key Takeaway:
Every action you take is a vote for the person you believe you are. Change your identity—and your actions will follow.

Call to Action:
Declare who you are becoming. Share this episode and tag Kari with your “I am” statement.

Resources:

James Clear — Identity-Based Habits

• Atomic Habits (book reference)
• Article on identity: https://jamesclear.com/identity-based-habits 

Hal Hershfield — Future Self Research

• UCLA profile & research: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty-and-research/marketing/faculty/hershfield 
• UCLA newsroom interview: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/hal-hershfield-finding-harmony-with-future-self-book 
• HBR article: https://hbr.org/2013/06/you-make-better-decisions-if-you-see-your-senior-self 
• NPR feature: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1182387784 

William Swann — Self-Verification Theory

• Wikipedia overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-verification_theory 
• Simply Psychology summary: https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-verification-theory.html 

Amy Cuddy — Embodiment (use with caveat above)

• Original 2010 paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610383437 
• TED Talk (47M views): https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are 
• Updated Q&A on the research: https://ideas.ted.com/inside-the-debate-about-power-posing-a-q-a-with-amy-cuddy/ 

Action Game Series: Episode 2 - 3 Reasons Why You Finish Other People's Priorities 1st

Are you constantly busy, yet somehow not moving forward on what matters most to you?

In this solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider breaks down the three powerful (and often uncomfortable) reasons high performers prioritize others over themselves—and how it’s quietly leading to burnout, frustration, and self-abandonment.

This episode is part of the Action Game Series, designed to help you reclaim your time, energy, and leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Competence Trap: Why being highly capable attracts more requests, interruptions, and urgency—and how it slowly drains your energy
• Self-Betrayal Disguised as Generosity: The difference between giving from fullness vs. giving to feel worthy
• The Priority Audit: What your calendar actually reveals about your values—and why most people are living out of alignment

Standout Moments:

• “Being available to everyone is not a superpower. It’s a slow leak.”
• “Just because I’m good at something doesn’t mean I should be doing it.”
• The realization that high performers spend up to 60% of their time on misaligned tasks

Practical Takeaways:

• Identify the last 5 tasks you completed—were they yours or someone else’s?
• Define your top 3 priorities for the week—and schedule them first
• Eliminate, automate, or delegate anything that doesn’t move your goals forward

Key Message:

You’re not overwhelmed because you’re doing too much—you’re overwhelmed because you’re doing too much of what doesn’t matter to you.

Call to Action:

Audit your time. Protect your priorities. And start building a life that reflects what actually matters.

Action Game Series: E1: The 3 Reasons Why Smart People Don't Start

Welcome to the kickoff of the Action Game series on The Empowered Team Podcast—where Kari Schneider dives into what actually drives results: action.

In this solo episode, Kari unpacks the surprising science behind why high achievers and intelligent leaders are more likely to procrastinate—and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why overthinking is a strength (and how it turns into a trap)
  Learn how your brain’s “prediction machine” can create decision loops that stall progress—and how to break free.
• The truth about perfectionism
  Discover why perfectionism isn’t a high standard—it’s procrastination in disguise, and how it leads to burnout instead of results.
• The research-backed method that increases follow-through by 200–300%
  Kari shares the powerful concept of implementation intention (when-then planning) and how it eliminates hesitation and drives consistent action.

Key Insight:

High performance isn’t about more motivation—it’s about clarity, structure, and making decisions your brain can execute.

Memorable Quote:

“Overthinking isn’t weakness—it’s intelligence without a deadline.”

Take Action:

Before you finish this episode, choose ONE thing you’ve been delaying—and decide exactly when and what action you’ll take.

If you’re ready to stop circling and start executing, this episode will give you the clarity and momentum you’ve been missing.

Key Research Links:

Peter Gollwitzer — Implementation Intentions

• Core 1999 paper: https://www.prospectivepsych.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Gollwitzer_Implementation-intentions-1999.pdf 
• Meta-analysis (94 studies): https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/goal_intent_attain.pdf 
• Wikipedia overview (accessible summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation_intention 
• Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Vl1IDvYAAAAJ&hl=en 

Flett & Hewitt — Perfectionism & Procrastination

• Original multidimensional perfectionism paper (1991, PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2027080/ 
• Perfectionism & procrastination chapter: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4899-0227-6_6 
• 30-year review (2021): https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/cap-cap0000288.pdf 

#LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance #MindsetShift #Productivity #SelfMastery

Arielle Tayar Interview: The Power of Little Yeses

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Arielle Tayar to explore what it really takes to build a thriving, human-centered business in a world that often prioritizes strategy, scale, and rigid frameworks.

Arielle shares her unconventional journey from theater and documentary storytelling to building a seven-figure global creative agency without investors. Along the way, she discovered that success is not always built through having the perfect plan. Sometimes, it comes from following your intuition, saying yes before you feel fully ready, and choosing human connection over formulas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ How “a lot of little yeses” can create massive momentum in business
✔️ The hidden power of storytelling in brand building and leadership
✔️ Why imposter syndrome can become a driver for growth when reframed
✔️ What Arielle discovered working inside a large agency — and why it changed everything
✔️ How to balance intuition and structure when scaling a company
✔️ Why mindfulness practices like meditation and movement can unlock creativity and clarity
✔️ How human-centered leadership and relationships drive long-term success
✔️ A fresh perspective on AI, human creativity, branding, and marketing

One standout moment comes when Arielle shares the turning point where she realized that even the biggest and most established companies are still “figuring it out.” That realization gave her a new level of confidence and helped her step more fully into leadership.

The biggest takeaway? There is no single “right way” to build a business. Trust your gut, lead with connection, and don’t wait until you feel fully ready — because nobody has it all figured out.

As Arielle reminds us:

“Nobody knows what they’re doing — and the people who win are the ones willing to go out and try anyway.”

If you’ve been holding back, waiting for clarity or confidence, this episode is your permission to move. Start with one yes.

Get in touch with Arielle here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielletayar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-tayar-45430a61/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whipcreativestudio

Lee Caraher Interview: Specificity Creates Energy- How Most Leaders are Draining Their Teams

In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Lee Caraher—CEO of Double Forte PR, bestselling author of Millennials & Management and The Boomerang Principle, and a leading expert in leadership communication.

Lee has spent decades helping leaders say what they actually mean—and in this conversation, she reveals why most workplace dysfunction isn’t about people… it’s about clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why vague language like “end of day” and “on time” creates massive inefficiencies
• How generational differences impact communication—and what leaders get wrong about Millennials and Gen Z
• The concept of “specificity creates energy” and how it transforms team performance
• How unclear expectations drain productivity, increase stress, and erode culture
• The critical balance of high expectations + high care for high-performing teams
• Why overcommunication is not only necessary—but a leadership superpower
• How to define company values in a way that actually drives behavior (not just sits on a wall)
• What leaders must do in uncertain times to create clarity and calm

Standout Moment:
Lee shares the story of nearly losing her company when 8 employees quit within 8 weeks—revealing a powerful lesson about generational communication gaps and leadership blind spots.

Key Takeaway:
Your team isn’t failing—you’re just not being specific enough. Clarity isn’t micromanagement. It’s leadership.

Power Quote:
“Specificity creates energy.”

About Lee Caraher:
Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte PR, a national communications agency, and a renowned expert in leadership communication. She is the author of Millennials & Management https://www.amazon.ca/Millennials-Management-Essential-Guide-Making/dp/1629560278 and The Boomerang Principle, https://www.amazon.ca/Boomerang-Principle-Inspire-Lifetime-Employees/dp/1629561681/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1IQUZYSBZPC66&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VJV4V9ommBi--JjJzo4yEnlfSSPxxOtyBjkt7s0FY-DjtO187F2V5iE5CS3YCgJBe1wcII52_m5C6oXb15rF7YIidFwyKQ5kXvW-v4GyZQ7QeSfB2ExsmCqp4_9q5JwBnNVG3oXFOXeqqnNwXuQ87A.CJ4K02P1tx5gXwGdYVBmTClqnowhmo8Zu3akmPskMbo&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+boomerang+principle&qid=1774914103&s=books&sprefix=the+boomerang+principle%2Cstripbooks%2C162&sr=1-2  and helps organizations build high-performing, engaged teams through clear and effective communication.

Connect with Lee:

• Website: https://leecaraher.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/?hl=en 

 

Listen If You Want To:

• Improve team communication and alignment
• Lead across generations more effectively
• Reduce confusion, friction, and wasted time
• Build a high-performance culture rooted in clarity

🎧 Tune in and discover how better communication can unlock your team’s full potential.

Dr Robin Hills Interview: No One is Making You Feel Anything- That Changes Everything

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with Dr. Robin Hills, business psychologist, Director of EI4Change, and global leader in emotional intelligence training with over 500,000 students across 200+ countries.

Together, they unpack the real meaning of emotional intelligence—and why it’s not about controlling emotions, but learning how to interpret and use them as data to make better decisions and build stronger relationships.

Key Themes & Insights:

• Emotional intelligence as “being smart with your feelings”
• The distinction between your inner world (thoughts, emotions, reactions) and the outer world (people, situations, events)
• Why empathy is about understanding—not agreeing
• The critical gap between intention and impact in communication
• How to identify whether someone is an “energy radiator” or “energy drain”
• The transformative question: What is this emotion telling me?
• Why no one can make you feel anything—unless you allow it
• Practical tools like self-coaching, journaling, and reflection to improve emotional awareness
• How to navigate difficult people and challenging workplace dynamics with greater clarity and choice

Standout Moments:

• “Nobody can make me angry… unless I choose to allow them to.”
• “Emotions are data—what are they telling you?”
• “Emotional intelligence is simple… but incredibly hard to do.”

Key Takeaway:
Your emotions are not the problem—they are information. When you learn how to interpret them, you unlock better leadership, stronger relationships, and more intentional decision-making.

Connect with Dr. Robin Hills:

• Website: https://ei4change.com
• LinkedIn: Robin Hills
• Books: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business & The Authority Guide to Behaviour in Business
• Emotional.intelligence.courses
• Online magazine ei-matters.com 

🎧 Listen now and start leading with greater awareness, intention, and impact.

 

💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider

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