The Authority Company

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, host Joe Pardavila talks with Davin Kazama, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and leadership mentor whose philosophy blends family, humility, and the Hawaiian spirit of aloha. Drawing from three generations of entrepreneurs, Davin shares how his grandfather’s grit, his father’s wisdom, and his own dedication to family shaped his leadership style and life purpose. They discuss Davin’s book, Making Waves: Inspiring Transformational Leadership Through Positivity, Persistence, and Aloha, and unpack the meaning of “leading with aloha”—leading with compassion, service, and authenticity. Davin reflects on the lessons of resilience passed down from his immigrant grandparents, the balance between ambition and gratitude, and how the Hawaiian concept of ohana (family) guides how he builds teams and relationships. From ringing the NASDAQ bell to teaching his daughters about legacy, Davin’s story is a masterclass in leading with heart while staying true to your roots.

From being mistaken for a secretary and told to “get the coffee” to becoming CEO of a New York Stock Exchange company, Suzanne Hopgood’s career is anything but ordinary. In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Suzanne, author of Get Your Own Coffee: Underestimated, Overlooked, and Now the Boss, to explore how she turned underestimation into strength and built a legacy of resilience and principled leadership.Suzanne shares: * The three-minute conversation that made her Chairman and CEO of a public company * The “get your own coffee” moment that inspired her book’s title * Why women were once forced to compete for a single seat at the table * How friendship and support networks made her leadership journey possible * Her candid perspective on being “good at getting fired” and how setbacks opened new doorsAlong the way, she reflects on her marriage to Frank, her biggest supporter, and the life they built together filled with adventure, laughter, and big dreams. If you’re interested in leadership, resilience, or breaking barriers, this conversation delivers timeless lessons from someone who has lived them.

Before “college isn’t worth it” became a popular idea, Dr. Kenan Sahin had already lived every side of the American education system—as a student, professor, innovator, and entrepreneur. In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, he joins host Joe Pardavila to share insights from his new book, American Educational Excellence: The Foundation of Our Values, Democracy, and Market Capitalism.Dr. Sahin explains why U.S. education remains the most dynamic system in the world, why it’s tied directly to democracy and innovation, and why calls to abandon college miss the bigger picture.He also breaks down: * How comfort and prosperity can distort our view of progress * Why American education produces more adaptable and entrepreneurial * thinkers than any other system * The historical roots of collaboration between universities, business, and government * Why tenure and academic independence still matter * The future of learning in the age of automation and AIIf you’ve ever questioned the role of higher education—or the future of learning in America—this conversation will change how you think about both.🎧 Listen to the full episode and learn more at theauthoritycompany.com.

Former LA Clippers and UTA CTO Charles Sims, known as The Hurricane CTO, joins Joe Pardavila to share how chaos, pressure, and persistence led to the creation of his Hurricane Methodology—a framework designed to help startups move from idea to execution.Drawing from decades of experience in both corporate tech and venture investing, Charles explains how founders can close the gap between capability and performance, avoid tech sprawl, and build modular systems that scale. He also reveals how AI and empathy are reshaping what it means to lead in the modern startup world.If you’re a founder, investor, or operator tired of analysis paralysis, this episode will help you reframe how you think about progress, execution, and value creation.💡 What You’ll Learn• How high-pressure environments shaped the Hurricane Methodology• The difference between technical excellence and practical execution• How to identify and close the “human execution gap”• Why modular systems thinking keeps startups nimble and scalable• How AI helps bridge communication gaps between founders, teams, and investors⏱️Episode Highlights[00:02:00] Charles recounts his time at the LA Clippers, where quick thinking during tech crises earned him the nickname “The Hurricane.”[00:05:00] From CTO to Investor Lessons from technical firefighting that now guide his approach to evaluating and scaling startups.[00:08:00] What Traditional Due Diligence Misses - Why numbers only tell half the story—and how people, processes, and purpose drive true startup value.[00:10:00] The danger of overpromising and underdelivering, and how agile execution keeps teams focused.[00:12:00] Binary Troubleshooting & Systems - Thinking How founders can use structured questioning and modular design to find clarity in complex problems.[00:15:00] Tech Stack Sprawl - Charles breaks down the mess of overlapping tools and offers a plan for simplifying how teams communicate.[00:18:00] Build, Buy, or Configure - Why configuration beats customization and how to make smarter decisions about your tools and systems.[00:20:00] Inside SkaFld Studio - How SkaFld Studio helps startups get operational fast with frameworks that drive execution and alignment.[00:25:00] Real-World Case Study - A client story showing how productizing services and standardizing systems can unlock exponential growth.[00:31:00] Pragmatism Over Perfection - Why simplicity and adaptability often outperform “technical excellence.”[00:33:00] AI’s Role in the Hurricane Methodology - How artificial intelligence bridges communication gaps and amplifies human problem-solving.• Website: skafldstudio.com• Email: charles@skafldstudio.com• LinkedIn: Charles Sims

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila talks with Dr. Midhat Zwayen, president of Dijlah Consulting Engineers and author of Leadership Beyond Borders: A Western Executive’s Guide to the Iraqi Business Mindset. Dr. Zwayen shares how his upbringing during Iraq’s transformation—from a modern, globally connected nation to decades of dictatorship and back toward recovery—shaped his views on leadership, resilience, and collaboration. He explains how Western executives can engage meaningfully in Iraq’s rebuilding economy, the misconceptions that keep investors away, and why early partnerships matter for multinational growth.They discuss: * Iraq’s evolving relationship with the West and lessons from its modern history * How Iraq’s new generation and technology are reshaping business culture * What Western leaders should know before entering the Iraqi market * Why understanding local culture is key to long-term successA rare, candid look into leadership across borders—and how cultural understanding can drive opportunity and progress. Watch now to learn how Dr. Zwayen is helping bridge worlds and redefine leadership in one of the oldest civilizations on Earth.

What does it take to build wealth, create freedom, and avoid the traps most entrepreneurs fall into? In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Cliff Nonnenmacher, CEO and co-founder of Franocity and co-author of Beyond the Brand: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Fearless Franchising. Cliff shares his journey from selling golf balls as a kid to guiding hundreds of aspiring franchise owners today.He explains: * Why franchising mitigates risk compared to starting from scratch * How discipline, systems, and fit determine success * Why most small businesses struggle to sell, but franchises retain value * The five societal trends shaping franchise opportunities today * How fear and ego stop people from pursuing business ownershipFrom the lessons of McDonald’s and Subway to the rise of brands like Jersey Mike’s and CertaPro Painters, Cliff reveals what separates thriving franchises from failures. Whether you’re considering franchise ownership, curious about business models, or looking to rethink your career path, this conversation delivers practical insights you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila welcomes back Damon Stafford, CEO of Alpine Intel and author of Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles that Pioneered an Industry.  Damon returns to share why profitability is more than a short-term goal. It’s a discipline and a journey. He explains why founders should stop chasing “growth at all costs,” the importance of listening deeply to customers, and how to recognize early warning signs that your business is drifting off the path to profit.  The conversation dives into: * Why profitability at the transaction level matters more than top-line growth. * The pitfalls founders face when selling to private equity. * Why some mergers and acquisitions fail and what makes others thrive. * The “Profitability Triangle” of people, process, and technology. * Why CEOs must understand transactions without becoming micromanagers. * How to know when it’s time to bring in a CFO.  Damon also shares practical takeaways for leaders who are close to profitability but need a clear plan to cross the finish line. If you want a candid look at sustainable growth and how to build a company that lasts, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with transformational business leader Kim Skanson, author of Attitude Advantage: The Timeless Power of Positive Perspective. Kim shares how the lessons of resilience and optimism she learned from her grandmother shaped her leadership style and fueled her career across Fortune 50 companies like Target, Cargill, and Travelers. She explains why a positive mental attitude (PMA) is not about ignoring challenges, but about staying grounded, transparent, and intentional in how you respond to them. From breaking through barriers as a woman in technology, to balancing her roles as an executive, mother, and mentor, Kim reflects on the pivotal moments that defined her journey. She also offers practical advice on leading with authenticity, managing time with intention, and pursuing growth without self-imposed ceilings. If you want insights on resilience, leadership, and the mindset that turns setbacks into opportunities, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you show up in both business and life.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Sherry McAllister, author of Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole Being for Optimal Living and Longevity. Dr. McAllister shares her personal journey from aspiring pediatric oncologist to passionate chiropractor after a devastating car accident changed the course of her life. Sherry and Joe discuss the historic struggles of chiropractic pioneers, the AMA’s campaign to discredit the profession, and why so many people still misunderstand chiropractic care. Dr. McAllister also explains how chiropractic adjustments work, the importance of patient empowerment, and the “seven pillars” of whole-being health she outlines in her book—including her favorite, revitalizement. Listeners will come away with a new perspective on drug-free healing, the power of lifestyle choices, and how to reimagine their own path to optimal health and longevity.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with executive career strategist Gina Riley, creator of the Career Velocity™ System and author of Qualified Isn’t Enough. Drawing on her background in executive search and career coaching, Gina shares why being “qualified” is only the starting point for landing competitive leadership roles.They explore:How hiring attitudes toward transferable skills have shifted since the pandemicWhy “job hugging” is shaping today’s workforceThe pitfalls of relying solely on resumes and applicant tracking systemsThe importance of a unique value proposition in standing out from equally qualified candidates How to navigate interviews with confidence using her RARE Candidate FrameworkThe hidden job market and strategies to access itChallenges executives face in mid-career transitions, including age bias, and how to overcome themPacked with insights from her book and coaching practice, Gina provides practical advice for leaders who want to sharpen their presence, tell their story effectively, and position themselves as the clear choice for high-stakes opportunities.