The Recovered Leader Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Recovered Leader Podcast, host Sicily Owings sits down with performance marketing executive, speaker, and recovery advocate Kara Burns to explore the intersection of addiction recovery, identity transformation, and leadership development.Kara shares her raw and unfiltered story of meth addiction, incarceration, relapse, and long-term recovery, and how she rebuilt her life into one rooted in purpose, discipline, and high-level leadership. From federal prison to leading high-performing teams and generating eight-figure monthly revenue in affiliate marketing and lead generation, this conversation highlights how recovery can become a true leadership advantage.Together, Sicily and Kara dive deep into:How addiction and recovery shape identity and self-worthThe role of habits, discipline, and recovery infrastructure in long-term sobrietyWhy a compelling future and sense of purpose are critical for staying soberThe connection between self-leadership, emotional sobriety, and successHow mentorship, environment, and community accelerate transformationTurning pain into purpose through service, contribution, and leadershipWhy people in recovery often have a unique “superpower” for impact and resilienceThis episode is for anyone navigating:Addiction recovery or relapse preventionIdentity shifts after trauma or adversityBuilding healthy habits, systems, and self-disciplineStepping into leadership, purpose, and personal growthIf you're ready to move from survival to self-mastery, purpose, and impact, this conversation will challenge you to rethink recovery—not as a limitation, but as a foundation for extraordinary leadership and transformation.Tune in to learn how to:Rebuild your identity after addictionCreate sustainable recovery through habits and structureChannel intensity into purpose-driven leadershipTake radical ownership of your life and futureKara Burns is a performance marketing executive, speaker, and recovery advocate who turned adversity into purpose. With over a decade of rebuilding her life after prison and addiction, she now leads with resilience, faith, and a mission to help others unlock their potential and create lasting impact.