The Authority Company

Get inspired by an incredible rags to riches entrepreneurial story! On this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe sits down with April Budney, founder and president of Old Whaling Company. When April started handcrafting bath products in her tiny kitchen in 2012, she had nothing more than a dream of turning her passion into a business. Flash forward a decade, and Old Whaling Co. has blossomed into a thriving multi-million dollar company with a nationwide presence. In an uplifting interview, April shares how her creativity, grit, and unwavering commitment to quality paved the way for massive growth. From humble homemade beginnings to running a beloved brand, her journey proves that entrepreneurial dreams can become extraordinary realities. Tune in to hear April's inspirational story, how she pioneered gentle bath and body products long before clean beauty was mainstream, and her advice for aspiring founders ready to take the leap. You'll walk away motivated and believing that with dedication, anything is possible!About April Budney: April is the founder and president of Old Whaling Company and has turned her childhood dream of entrepreneurship into a remarkable success story. With a passion for crafting exceptional bath and body products, she established Old Whaling Company in 2012 with the goal of providing gentle and simple alternatives to drugstore products.April's entrepreneurial journey started from humble beginnings in a tiny kitchen. Her unwavering determination, grit, and creativity paved the way for Old Whaling Company's extraordinary growth. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and a dream pursued relentlessly.Old Whaling Company, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, has blossomed from its modest origins into a thriving multi seven-figure enterprise. Today, you can visit any of their three charming retail locations in downtown Charleston. Old Whaling Co also serves 1,200 wholesale accounts nationwide, and operates a thriving e-commerce business, all run from its Charleston headquarters.April's passionate commitment for crafting bath and body products is at the heart of Old Whaling Company's success. She is driven by a commitment to quality and authenticity, which has made her brand stand apart in an extremely competitive industry.April Budney's remarkable journey as a businesswoman has garnered her products numerous accolades and distinctions, having been featured in numerous publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Country Living, and Magnolia Journal. Old Whaling Company's growth under her leadership is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication.Outside of her thriving business, April is a devoted wife and mother of five children, including four teenagers. She, along with her husband and children, resides in Charleston, specifically on Johns Island, South Carolina.

In this episode of the Forbes Books podcast, Joe talks to Todd Rogers, a professor of public policy at Harvard University and a co-author of the new book WRITING FOR BUSY READERS: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Todd shares his insights on the science and psychology of how (busy) people read and respond to written messages, and how we can use six research-backed principles to write more clearly, concisely, and compellingly. He also gives examples of how these principles have made a difference in various domains such as healthcare, marketing, management, government, criminal justice, and among family and friends. Whether you are a recent graduate, an entrepreneur, or a professional who uses email and Slack, this episode will help you communicate more effectively with any recipient, any reader. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field of effective communication. Tune in to the Forbes Books podcast and listen to How to Write for Busy Readers with Todd Rogers.

This week, Joe speaks with Dr. Hassan Tetteh, an innovator at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence to transform healthcare. As a renowned cardiac surgeon, Dr. Tetteh has seen firsthand how AI and machine learning are fundamentally changing medical practice. In addition to his pioneering clinical work, Dr. Tetteh is a widely published author and sought-after speaker on using AI ethically and responsibly in medicine. On the show, he shares his unique perspective as an AI insider on how these technologies can enable precision diagnostics, automate mundane tasks, and augment human expertise across healthcare. Dr. Tetteh discusses his vision for the thrilling potential of AI, while ensuring it is thoughtfully implemented to benefit patients and build a healthier future. Tune in for fascinating insights on the coming healthcare AI revolution from one of its leading voices, Dr. Hassan Tetteh.

How can business and policy work together to empower communities? Peter Scher, Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase, joins the Forbes Books podcast to discuss his unique career journey spanning both worlds. Learn how Peter helped reshape JPMorgan's approach to corporate responsibility in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Peter shares his guiding philosophy that business growth relies on community health. He explains how this win-win mindset is fueling JPMorgan's community development initiatives from Detroit to Paris. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about how business can drive systemic change. Peter’s relentless optimism and collaborative leadership offer inspiration for making a difference in any field.About Peter Scher: Peter has an impressive story of leadership, beginning his career at JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) over 15 years ago after an accomplished career as a partner at a prestigious law firm and decades in public service. Today he’s the Vice Chairman, working closely with our CEO, overseeing several corporate and business functions of the company, including the firm’s business impact in communities around the world.During his time at JPMC, Peter has led the evolution of the firm’s approach to corporate responsibility—one that now brings in all the resources of the bank to help solve the most pressing societal challenges in communities while driving business growth. He was the architect of a $200 million investment in Detroit’s economic recovery following its bankruptcy. And the investment model created in Detroit is one the firm applies across the globe now, including in France.

This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe is joined by inspirational guest Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess Project. Ashley is an intrepid entrepreneur and advocate for women, with her thought leadership pieces appearing in Forbes, Austin Business Journal and at SXSW. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in Austin and London. Driven to have both a thriving career and time for family, Ashley started Prowess Project, an integrated platform for job training, community and work opportunities to help caregiving women return to the workforce as Online Business Managers. The proprietary matching technology pairs jobseekers and employers based on professional compatibility. So far, 70% of trained women get hired within 3 months through Prowess Project. When she can find spare moments outside growing her company, Ashley enjoys walks with her baby girl and bulldog, yoga, and spaghetti and meatballs. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about entrepreneurship, women in business, and achieving work-life fulfillment.

This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe is joined by John Fieldly, CEO of Celsius. With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations, John has been instrumental in Celsius' growth and success since joining the company in 2012. First serving as CFO, John helped drive strong business results and shareholder value. He was named CEO in 2018, and under his leadership Celsius has reached new heights, becoming a billion-dollar brand. Strategic partnerships, like the recent deal with PepsiCo, have expanded Celsius' distribution and introduced the brand to new audiences. As CEO, John has leveraged his background in finance and proven operational expertise to maximize resources, drive revenue, efficiency, and shareholder value. John's strategic leadership and commitment to results have been invaluable to Celsius. Tune in as Joe and John discuss John's journey to CEO of Celsius, the strategies behind the company's tremendous growth, and his vision for the future. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

Discover the transformative power of plastic surgery and find inner beauty with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Dennis Schimpf. Dr. Schimpf shares his incredible journey to becoming an acclaimed plastic surgeon and founder of the esteemed Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery. He reveals how he helps patients restore confidence and transform their lives through thousands of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures each year. We dive into the wisdom from his bestselling book Finding Beauty: Become a Better You Through Plastic Surgery, including how to use plastic surgery wisely to reveal your unique inner beauty. Dr. Schimpf also shares profound lessons on self-acceptance, living authentically, and seeing beauty in everyone. Join us for an eye-opening and inspiring conversation about the intersection of outer appearance and inner beauty with the talented Dr. Dennis Schimpf. Discover how to unleash the power within and live your best life.

This week, Joe is joined by the incredible Michael Tollin, a storytelling veteran of over 30 years who's brought us some of the most gripping sports narratives ever. As one of the masterminds behind the Emmy Award-winning documentary series "The Last Dance," Michael took us behind the scenes of the Chicago Bulls dynasty and the iconic Michael Jordan. But his impact doesn't stop there; his storytelling prowess has touched numerous films and TV shows, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Today, Michael continues to redefine creativity as the co-founder of SlamBall, a revolutionary sports concept blending basketball, football, and hockey with the energy of a video game. Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the power of sports to captivate our spirits and push the boundaries of innovation. Tune in and get ready to be inspired to reach new heights!

On this episode, Joe Pardavila steps away from discussions about business books to explore the world of show business. Specifically, he takes a deep dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by examining the book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. This fascinating book by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards includes insider interviews with over 100 people involved with Marvel Studios, from studio head Kevin Feige to star Chris Hemsworth. It reveals how Marvel transformed comic book characters into successful cinematic icons, going from a struggling studio to Hollywood royalty.To discuss the book and their passion for Marvel, Joe welcomes co-authors Joanna Robinson and Dave Gonzales onto the podcast. As accomplished writers and podcasters themselves, Robinson and Gonzales provide unique insights into the creative processes behind the MCU’s massive success. Together, they give listeners a rare glimpse behind the curtain, unlocking the secrets of how Marvel achieved its phenomenal cinematic reign. Tune in to hear key details about Marvel’s journey from bankruptcy to billions, what it takes to bring these stories to the big screen, and hints about what’s next for Marvel’s beloved superheroes. This entertaining and enlightening episode is a must-listen for fans eager to unmask the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This week on the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe connects with entrepreneur Ashley Sumner, founder of the coaching platform Liminal. As a visionary founder on a mission to transform lives, Ashley is breaking down barriers and democratizing access to coaching and mentorship. With over 15 years dedicated to uplifting and connecting communities, Ashley brings a wealth of experience and passion to her innovative work with Liminal. Previously, her venture Quilt provided a vital sense of community during the uncertainty of the pandemic by facilitating open dialogues when people needed it most. Now with Liminal, Ashley is once again innovating, reshaping the traditional coaching model into something more interactive, relatable and affordable. She is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, tackling bold ideas with creativity and care. Joe had the honor of speaking with Ashley on a previous episode of the Uncertain Times podcast during the pandemic, and he is thrilled to have her back to discuss her journey and the powerful impact Liminal is having. Tune in to hear Joe's conversation with this remarkable founder who is committed to empowering people through access to coaching and mentorship.