Ever had one glass of wine and thought, "Ah, screw it," then finished the bottle? Or eaten one donut and said, "What the hell, might as well have four"? Welcome to the What the Hell Effect—or as Kari’s calling it in this episode, the far more satisfying Fck It Effect*. In this episode, Kari Schneider unpacks the sneaky psychology behind why one small slip often turns into a downward spiral. Backed by fascinating research (think rigged scales and guilt-driven candy binges!), she shares exactly what’s happening in your brain—and how to break the cycle in real time. You’ll learn: Why shame and guilt fuel more bad choices, not fewer The three-step recovery method to get back on track instantly How self-compassion—not willpower—is your true superpower A game-changing quote about failure and recovery that you’ll want to write down Whether you're struggling with habits, procrastination, or emotional spirals, this episode will help you spot the moment, stop the spiral, and reclaim your power. Let’s make one small choice—right now—that changes the trajectory of your day. 🎯 Key topics: willpower, behavior change, shame spiral, self-compassion, leadership habits, decision making 📚 Based on research from The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal 🔁 Share this with someone who's had a “F*ck it” kind of week. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this solo episode, host Kari Schneider delivers a concise, high-impact playbook for handling the toughest conversations with clarity and confidence. Drawing on years of coaching leaders and high performers, Kari introduces the three advanced filters you must apply before you open your mouth—whether you’re confronting a team member, negotiating a boundary, or navigating personal conflict. 💡 Key themes covered: The three universal types of difficult conversations—and how to recognize which one you’re in. A critical question to ask yourself before saying anything. Why the issue is almost never what it seems (spoiler: “It’s not about the suitcase…”) How to stay rooted, responsive, and in control—even if emotions are high. What it means to “kill the monster while it’s small” 🔥 Plus, Kari drops a powerful reminder: sometimes the hardest convo… is the one you need to have with yourself. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just trying to show up better in your relationships, this episode will give you the clarity you need—and a toolkit you’ll keep coming back to. 🎧 Listen now and save this one—you’ll want it in your back pocket for the next time things get tough.   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

What does it take to live an adventurous, purpose-driven life—and still stay deeply connected to who you really are? In this powerful episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari sits down with Waldemar Franco—award-winning boutique hotel entrepreneur, lifelong adventurer, and the creator of Find Your Wild Flow. Waldemar has spent decades guiding whitewater expeditions, climbing mountains, and building trust-driven businesses around the globe. But his real mastery? Blending bold adventure with deep alignment. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why congruence is Waldemar’s non-negotiable for leadership and life How trust—both in others and in your own intuition—shapes your path The difference between routines and rituals (and why it matters) The key to creating a joyful, non-negotiable movement practice His philosophy on discomfort, vulnerability, and building resilience This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, creatives, and anyone who wants to live more boldly, connect more deeply, and design a life that aligns with who they really are. 🔗 Links: Find Your Wild Flow – The Book https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-WIld-Flow-Transform/dp/B0DZRGJQ1C Connect with Waldemar: https://wildflowmethod.com/   @wildflow.method | Waldemar Franco Personal IG   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

We’ve all done it — made a mistake, promised ourselves it would never happen again… and then bam, we’re right back in the same pattern. 😩 In this solo episode, Kari breaks down the real reasons we keep making the same frustrating mistakes and what to do about it. 🔥 What you'll hear: The 3 big traps that keep you stuck in mistake-mode Why 70% of people repeat their mistakes — and how to not be one of them A powerful strategy called the "Implementation Intention" that helps you follow through The difference between guilt and shame — and why it matters for your growth Coaching-style questions you can ask yourself right now to get unstuck Whether it’s in your leadership, relationships, or everyday habits — this episode gives you the tools to finally break the cycle. Key Quote: "Mistakes are not who you are — they’re data. Use them." 💡 If you're ready to level up your self-mastery and create better outcomes faster, this one’s for you. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this solo episode, host Kari Schneider takes us into the world of self-talk—that subtle (or sometimes loud!) internal dialogue that shapes our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, our results. Sparked by earlier episodes on procrastination and the inner critic vs. champion, Kari pulls together research from experts like Kristin Neff, Ethan Kross, and Timothy Pychyl to show how self-talk influences everything from motivation to performance to emotional resilience. 💡 Key topics covered: How to identify negative self-talk even when it’s unconscious. Why critical self-talk increases procrastination by 25%. How to reframe internal language to take bold action. Simple strategies to turn your inner voice into your biggest ally. 🎯 Takeaway: When you intentionally shift your self-talk, you’re not just changing your mood—you’re building a foundation for consistent action, higher self-awareness, and true self-mastery. If you’re committed to leadership, performance, and living empowered, this episode will change how you talk to yourself—starting today. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: “Chatter” by Ethan Kross https://www.ethankross.com/ Self-compassion work by Kristin Neff https://self-compassion.org/ Procrastination research by Timothy Pychyl  https://carleton.ca/psychology/people/timothy-a-pychyl/ Self-awareness studies by Tasha Eurich ​​https://www.tashaeurich.com/  Episode 354: Champion it. Challenge it. To Get the Best Results  https://bit.ly/ChampionIt-ChallengeIt-BestResults-ETP-Spotify  🎧 Tune in now and start changing the conversation in your head. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide  

In this solo episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider shares a powerful reframe on a concept we often misunderstand — discipline. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey and years of coaching high performers, Kari explores why true freedom only comes when we have structure, systems, and boundaries in place. Key topics in this episode: Why Kari turned down medical school to start her business — and how it nearly crushed her sense of freedom The hidden cost of having no discipline: decision fatigue, scattered priorities, and burnout The 3 critical elements of disciplined freedom: Structure – your foundation for clarity Systems – your path to sustainable momentum Boundaries – your protection from distractions Why motivation will never save you, but momentum will How to identify the real reason you feel overwhelmed (hint: it’s not the work) Powerful analogy: Discipline is like the yellow line on the highway — it’s what makes the journey feel safe, focused, and free. Whether you're buried in emails, juggling too many priorities, or just want your brain space back — this episode gives you a practical lens to reclaim control. 🔗 Take action: Choose one area of your life where you’re feeling reactive — and apply structure, systems, or boundaries to get your freedom back. 🎧 Tune in and share it with someone who needs to feel free again. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide  

Strength of Belief & Caveman Delegation with Dallas Burnett In this episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider sits down with the multi-talented Dallas Burnett — bestselling author of Move, Lift, and Caveman Delegation, founder of Think Move & Thrive, and a speaker whose career has taken him from patenting water tech to speaking at the Pentagon. Dallas opens up about what it takes to follow through on wildly different ideas, how to trust your gut when you're not sure of the path, and why grit without belief will never be enough. From seven years of failed patent attempts to building a publishing company and coaching performance teams, Dallas shares the real stories behind his wins — and the lessons you can apply to your own leadership journey. We cover: Why most people give up too early — and how to know when it’s worth pushing through The dangerous myths of delegation (and the surprisingly simple fix) Why burnout isn’t caused by stress — and what’s really missing His 4-step “Caveman Delegation” method that makes letting go actually work How AI is actually transforming leadership and performance Plus: Enneagram insights, entrepreneurial grit, and the key to keeping your belief strong when everything flops Key Takeaway: If you don’t deeply believe in what you’re doing, don’t bother. But if you do? Prepare to go all in. Resources Mentioned: 🛒 Caveman Delegation — https://www.thinkmovethrive.com/caveman-delegation/ 📲 Connect with Dallas on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallasburnett/ 🌐 Learn more at Think Move & Thrive   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

The Leadership Blind Spot That’s Costing You More Than You Know Leaders make one costly mistake over and over: they polish broken systems. In this episode, Kari Schneider shows you how to tell if you’re facing a harmless refinement or a high-impact red flag that demands urgent action. With stories from real business transformations, jaw-dropping stats, and her 3-step “Red Flag Radar” method, you’ll learn how to: Diagnose problems without wasting months (or millions) Avoid the 70% failure rate of most “improvement” projects Stop energy leaks before they crush morale and profitability If you want to protect your resources and make changes that actually move the needle — in business, relationships, and life — this episode is your non-negotiable listen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_re-engineering https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Sigma 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

"You can’t be in performance mode all the time… unless your goal is burnout."   In this solo episode, Kari pulls back the curtain on a quiet epidemic: burnout in high performers. While everything may look "successful" on the outside, many high-performing leaders and professionals are running on fumes behind the scenes.   What You’ll Learn: The crucial difference between a high performer and a high achiever (and why it matters) The internal shift that helps avoid burnout while still crushing your goals Real-life red flags: behavioral, physical, emotional, and cognitive signs of hidden burnout Stories from Olympic athletes, top executives, and Kari’s own experience with pushing too hard 3 powerful reframes to start feeling progress, peace, and purpose again 📌 Whether you're a founder, leader, or relentless go-getter, this episode will help you spot the burnout signs before they cost you your health, relationships, or impact. 👉 Listen now and share it with someone who really needs to hear this!    💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide  

Are you falling into the delegation trap? You hand it off. It seems handled. But weeks—or months—later, it turns out it’s a total mess. Sound familiar? In this episode, Kari Schneider unpacks why even well-intentioned delegation can go sideways—and shares a powerful, research-backed 1-2-3 framework that helps leaders delegate smarter. Whether you're leading a team, managing a household, or running a business, this framework helps you know when to step back, when to stay close, and how often to check in. 🧠 Learn: The 3 biggest delegation pitfalls: unclear expectations, poor risk assessment, and neglected follow-up. A quadrant-based system that helps you assess risk + resources before assigning a task. Real-world stories of delegation gone wrong—and what would have prevented disaster. How to shift from “I should’ve done it myself” to empowered, scalable leadership. This framework is what research supports   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8144810/    https://medium.com/disruptive-leaders-journal/understanding-the-impact-delegation-framework-and-raci-a9ab0bb4192a  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Delegation-frequency-and-desired-vs-perceived-risk-level-of-principals-Panel-A_fig2_337740336  ✨Plus: Get Kari’s top tip for choosing the right follow-up cadence—so you avoid micromanaging without dropping the ball. This is your go-to guide to effective, confident, and empowering delegation. 📢 Share this episode with anyone who's growing a team or scaling their leadership.   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this solo episode, Kari tackles a challenge that plagues even the most driven leaders — procrastination. But it's not what you think. It’s not about time management or laziness — it's an emotional trap that quietly sabotages your progress. Kari breaks down: The surprising science behind why we delay important actions The true cost of procrastination (hint: it's deeper than missed deadlines) The 3D Detox: Disrupt, Decide, Design — a practical system to get moving again The link between procrastination and self-trust How to shift your emotional state to reclaim momentum and confidence If you've been stuck, stalled, or just “waiting for the right moment,” this episode will reframe everything.   Key Takeaway: Procrastination isn't about what you're avoiding — it's about what you're feeling. Master your emotions, and you’ll master your follow-through. 🔗 Want more? Join the Empowered Team Mastermind to create momentum with real accountability and support.   💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

What does it take to exit your business with style, grace, and more money? In this episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with business transition expert John Martinka, known as “The Escape Artist,” to explore the world of small business exits, mergers, and acquisitions. With over 30 years in the buy-sell space, John shares what most business owners get wrong when trying to sell, how to dramatically increase the value of a company before an exit, and why your business might be “too dependent on you” to ever sell well. We dive into: Why 70% of business owners want to exit… but few actually do The single biggest mistake that will slash your business’s value How to prepare your company for sale years in advance Why AI will never replace relationship-based roles like John’s The myth of the “special snowflake” business Real talk on Gen Z, job markets, and legacy John also opens up about his personal philosophy for success (spoiler: it involves being “aggressive, shameless, faster and edgy”) and the life-changing work he leads in Antigua & Barbuda. 🔗 Mention this podcast to get a free e-copy of John’s book: Exit with Style, Grace, and More Money This is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and leaders who care about optimizing their life’s work — not just running a business, but building a legacy.    🤔 Want to know more about John? Check him out here: https://www.martinkaconsulting.com/ 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this thought-provoking solo episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider dives into a powerful leadership paradox: why embracing both your inner champion and devil’s advocate is the key to high-stakes decision-making, resilient confidence, and empowered leadership. 🌉 Through a vivid parable and practical strategies, you’ll discover: How to challenge ideas without spiraling into self-doubt. Why belief without testing leads to failure—and how to avoid it. Tools to self-regulate and stay clear under pressure. How to create a culture that fosters innovation and accountability. You’ll walk away with practical tips to: Tap into emotional agility Make bolder, smarter decisions Cultivate high-performing, psychologically safe teams 🎧 Whether you're leading a business, a team, or your own life—this episode is your bridge between vision and reality. Listen now and master the art of leading with both heart and strategy.     💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait. It’s the currency of leadership influence in today’s uncertain world. In this solo episode, Kari unpacks why curiosity is a game-changer in a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) and how you can harness it to fuel innovation, strengthen connection, and build trust in every part of your life and leadership. You’ll discover: The 3 elements of powerful curiosity: Compassionate, Intelligent, and Creative How curiosity boosts psychological safety and elevates team performance The science behind leadership multipliers (yes, it’s research-backed) Real-world ways to make your conversations more impactful Courageous questions that can shift the entire room Plus, Kari shares the true story of a leadership meeting she completely transformed by ditching the slides and leading with one bold question. Whether you’re running a team or navigating tough conversations at home, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to lead with presence, not persuasion. 💬 Start a conversation with Kari’s AI → https://www.delphi.ai/karischneider 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Want to use AI to amplify your leadership? Grab our free guide “The 50 Best AI Prompts for Executives” → https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this empowering solo episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider unpacks one of the most requested leadership topics: Confidence and why most of us are doing it wrong. Using humor, a deeply relatable (and slightly humbling) story about weed-eating 😅, and the psychology behind the Dunning-Kruger effect, Kari breaks down the real journey of confidence from overconfidence and the Valley of Despair to sustainable self-belief. You’ll learn: Why knowledge alone doesn’t lead to true confidence How overconfidence keeps you “stranded on Mount Stupid” The 5 key elements that create lasting, humble confidence What “cross-confidence” is and how to use it when you're in a new zone Why serving others might be the ultimate confidence hack This episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded individuals ready to shift from shaky self-doubt to solid self-trust. 🔑 Key takeaway: Confidence isn’t something you “get” it’s something you create. 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider sits down with executive coach and leadership mentor Valarie Sandjivy, founder of Ellipsus. With over 20 years of experience coaching C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs, Valarie offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of high-performing leaders. Together, they explore: Why “it’s lonely at the top” and how to find space for your own evolution. The true role of emotional intelligence in hitting key performance outcomes. What “emotional mastery” really means — and how it helps leaders hold more without burning out. Why innovation starts with the inner game. How to shift from survival mode to possibility thinking. The overlooked power of presence and the subtle difference between fighting and surrendering. Valarie shares personal stories, bold truths, and a surprisingly grounded approach to leadership that challenges conventional hustle culture. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or just your own life — this conversation will expand what you think is possible. 🎯 Key takeaway: The most powerful leaders are not the ones who do more — they’re the ones who can hold more with clarity, calm, and emotional coherence.   Take Valarie’s FREE Leadership Assessment: https://www.ellips.us.com/quiz Connect with Valarie: Website: https://www.ellips.us.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriesandjivy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valarie_sandjivy/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/valarie.sandjivy 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide 

In this solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, host Kari Schneider issues a heartfelt and powerful call for presence. In a world dominated by tech, AI, and endless distractions, why do we feel more disconnected than ever before? She explores why presence is the most critical leadership skill today and how it fuels trust, creativity, and authentic connection. You’ll learn the 4 dimensions of presence that top leaders and extraordinary humans use to inspire, influence, and connect on a deeper level: Connection Calm Captivated attention Curiosity This episode is for leaders, parents, partners anyone who wants to show up more powerfully in their life. With real-life stories, scientific insights (like social presence theory and mirror neurons), and simple practices you can start today, this is your guide to cultivating meaningful impact in a noisy world. 🎧 Don’t miss this one - your presence could be your greatest legacy. 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide   

In this solo episode of The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider reveals the five non-negotiable habits she commits to every single morning, no matter the time zone, weather, or environment. Whether she’s in a cabin by a frozen lake or traveling internationally, these core practices set the foundation for her mental clarity, physical energy, and laser-sharp focus. Kari dives deep into how these morning habits from hydration to daylight exposure to brain-fueling nutrition, create a domino effect for peak performance. She also shares personal stories of sleep struggles, circadian rhythm mistakes, and how science-backed strategies have helped her and her clients build unshakable energy. 🔑 Key Takeaways: How to ditch the alarm clock dread and wake up with natural energy Why early daylight is your secret weapon for mental clarity and better sleep The underestimated power of movement first thing in the morning What your brain is desperately craving before breakfast Supplements Kari swears by for cognitive performance and recovery Take what works, leave what doesn’t but build a morning routine that’s so good, you’ll keep doing it on holidays.   📌 This one’s for you if you’re a: High performer, heart-led leader, or anyone craving calm, clarity, and confidence to lead the day.   Listen now and start creating your morning magic before 8am! 🌅 👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide 

In this solo episode, Kari unpacks the Motivational Triad - a powerful psychological model explaining why we avoid things we want to do.We’re wired to avoid pain, seek pleasure, and stay comfortable. But here's the twist: that wiring often sabotages our goals, habits, and even our identities. Kari shares: How our brain’s default setting creates resistance—even to the things we love The effort paradox and why pleasure isn’t enough to motivate us What “activation energy” is and how to lower it to make change easier Why values and identity are the real keys to overriding your brain’s ancient programming Real-life strategies to set up “easy wins” and overcome resistance in your daily life This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, procrastinating on goals, or craving greater consistency in the areas that matter most. Key takeaway: Your brain is doing what it's designed to do. But when you understand the Motivational Triad and lower the activation energy, you take the power back. Subscribe and listen now!  👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide 

This week on The Empowered Team Podcast, Kari is joined by one of the most sought-after leadership experts in North America—Steven Gaffney, CEO of The Steven Gaffney Company and author of Unconditional Power. With 30+ years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and organizations ranked #1 in their industries, Steven reveals what it actually takes to build consistently high-achieving teams. They dig deep into: Why emotional safety is the #1 leadership skill (and why most leaders miss it) The real problem with “honest communication” — it’s not what you think A 9-step formula to have difficult conversations that actually move the needle Why psychological safety isn’t enough — and what emotional safety looks like in action How leaders accidentally train people to lie to them (and how to reverse it) Plus: why AI is not your enemy in leadership, how to rebuild team norms even after years of dysfunction, and the crossover lessons that can transform not just your team—but your marriage, too. 🎁 BONUS: Listen in to hear how to get a FREE digital copy of Steven’s book Just Be Honest and access his AI-powered leadership tool for building elite teams. www.StevenGaffney.com  www.JustBeHonest.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/  https://www.instagram.com/stevengaffneydc/  👉 Ready to go deeper? Join the Empowered Team and take your leadership to the next level: https://theempowered.ca/team-learn-more 👉 Ready to use AI to support your leadership? Grab our free guide “the 50 best AI prompts for executives” https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/free-ai-guide