The Authority Company

In this compelling episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Kara Trott, visionary founder of Quantum Health and author of No One Alone: Humanizing Healthcare as an Outsider.Kara, an accidental disruptor with a background in law and consumer market research, shares her unconventional journey into healthcare and how she leveraged outsider insights to revolutionize patient advocacy.Diving into the fragmented world of healthcare, Kara compares the patient experience to a chaotic "pinball machine," where individuals bounce between providers, insurers, and costs without guidance.She explains how Quantum Health’s "healthcare warriors" intervene to humanize the journey—offering sanctuary, expertise, and relentless advocacy to navigate the system. Discover how her company reduces costs, improves outcomes, and aligns incentives for self-funded employers by focusing on empathy and consumer behavior strategies.Kara also reflects on her bold decision to step down as CEO after 22 years, emphasizing the importance of fresh leadership and adaptive technology in scaling impact. Whether discussing her book’s mission or the cultural pillars behind Quantum Health’s success, this episode is a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and reimagining broken systems.Tune in for a story of resilience, practical wisdom, and why sometimes the best solutions come from those willing to ask, “What if?” from outside the status quo.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila speaks with Dr. Harm Scherpbier, physician and leading expert in healthcare IT, to explore the future of healthcare technology. Dr. Scherpbier, author of UN Vendor: Innovative Healthcare with a Diverse IT Stack, discusses the critical shift from single-vendor reliance to a more flexible, interoperable tech ecosystem.Key topics include:*The evolution from paper records to digital health systems and the ongoing challenges of interoperability.*How embracing third-party technologies—like AI-driven ambient clinical documentation—can enhance patient care, clinician efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.*The pitfalls of long-term vendor contracts and "all-in pricing," and strategies for healthcare systems to innovate without being locked into monolithic solutions.*Practical steps for healthcare leaders to diversify their IT stacks and foster a culture of innovation.Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the complexities of healthcare IT and preparing for a future where technology truly serves patients and providers alike.Dr. HARM SCHERPBIER is a physician and leading expert in health information technology with a career dedicated to improving healthcare through innovative IT solutions. Born in the Netherlands, Dr. Scherpbier earned his medical degree and a master’s in medical informatics before moving to the United States, where he has served as a CMIO and health IT strategy advisor. He has partnered with organizations to implement clinical systems, data analytics, and population health solutions while teaching at Jefferson College of Population Health. A fellow of HIMSS and AMIA, Dr. Scherpbier is passionate about advancing modular and agile healthcare IT systems. When not transforming healthcare, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In this inspiring episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Quang X. Pham, author of Underdog Nation: Zero in On Effort and Results for Success. Quang’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination—from fleeing Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a U.S. Marine, biopharmaceutical entrepreneur, and bestselling author. Quang shares powerful insights on leadership, decision-making, and the underdog mindset that propelled him from humble beginnings to extraordinary success. He discusses the lessons learned from his military service, the entrepreneurial risks he took, and how he navigated challenges as a minority in both the corporate and startup worlds. With candid stories about his family’s sacrifices, his time in the Marines, and building multiple companies, Quang offers actionable advice on embracing effort, overcoming doubt, and turning adversity into opportunity.Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and motivation—perfect for anyone looking to redefine success and unlock their potential.QUANG X. PHAM has been a war child refugee, a combat Marine veteran, top-producing biotech salesman, and successful serial entrepreneur. As a perpetual underdog, he is the first American of Vietnamese heritage to become a US Marine aviator and lead a biotech IPO on Nasdaq (CVKD)― Cadrenal Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a novel blood thinner for patients with rare cardiovascular conditions. He is also the author of A Sense of Duty: Our Journey from Vietnam to America and has received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award. A graduate of UCLA, he is a popular speaker and lives in Florida with his family.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila speaks with Monte Block, a legendary figure in the staffing industry with over 50 years of experience. Monte, the author of The Building Blocks of Success: An Inside Look at the Technical Contract Staffing Industry, shares invaluable insights from his remarkable career, including his early days working with his father, the evolution of the staffing industry, and how he built a thriving business in a constantly changing landscape. Monte delves into the importance of relationships, passion, and hard work—principles that have remained unchanged despite technological advancements like AI and social media. He also discusses his philosophy of "hire quick, fire quicker," the impact of the pandemic on staffing, and how his children are now carrying on his legacy in the industry. From placing engineers on nuclear power plants to securing government contracts and navigating generational shifts in the workforce, Monte’s stories are a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and success. Whether you’re in staffing, business, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom from a true industry pioneer. Tune in to learn from Monte Block’s unparalleled experience and discover the building blocks of success in the staffing world and beyond.MONTE BLOCK was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. His early years taught him street smarts and exposed him to life experiences. He later moved to East Brunswick, NJ, where his social and business circles exposed him to an elite group of successful business people. During these years, he traveled extensively to meet and greet clients, as well as the placements that represented his company. Always thankful to the people he met, friendships were created across the world. As his company evolved into a third generation, he took up residence in Florida where he continued his passion of helping clients through their staffing issues and placing people in rewarding roles. He is actively in many charities, helping youths through troubled times, and guiding those in need of success through a mentoring program. He is extremely proud of Bradley, Shannon, and Jourdan, who have earned the opportunity to take the company to the next levels. Monte boasts about how he is slowing down a bit, working half days, twelve hours as he states it.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila is joined by Dr. Rick Van Pelt, a board-certified anesthesiologist and healthcare transformation leader, to discuss his new book, It’s Not What You’re Thinking: Precision Problem Solving With No Hypothesis. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Van Pelt shares his insights on why the healthcare system is "perfectly designed" to deliver its current results—and how to fix it. The conversation explores the challenges of driving change in healthcare, from systemic inefficiencies to the personal conflicts that arise when shifting long-standing practices. Dr. Van Pelt reveals a near-catastrophic medical event that reshaped his approach to conflict resolution and patient care, highlighting the importance of transparency and peer support in high-stakes environments. Listeners and viewers will gain a fresh perspective on problem-solving, learning why traditional hypotheses often fail and how precision problem-solving—rooted in observation and collaboration—can lead to meaningful solutions. From OR delays to the "white wall of silence" in healthcare culture, this episode is packed with candid stories and actionable insights for leaders in any industry. Tune in to discover how to tackle complex problems by focusing on what’s actually happening—not just what we think is happening.Dr. RICK VAN PELT has over three decades of experience as a board-certified anesthesiologist and leader in healthcare transformation. Throughout his career, he has pioneered innovative approaches to improving clinical performance, quality, and patient safety, working with frontline-empowered teams to redesign healthcare delivery. His expertise spans system-based performance improvement, implementation science, and clinical variation management to improve structure, process, and outcomes across health systems. He is also a pioneer of peer support integration and creating solutions to the root causes of burnout faced by healthcare providers. Currently serving as the Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at UAB Medicine, Dr. van Pelt is known for facilitating sustained change in complex healthcare environments with his talented clinical transformation team.

In this episode of The Authority Company podcast, Joe sits down with Joe Hudicka, tech entrepreneur, supply chain expert, and author of The AI Ecosystems Revolution: Transforming the Global Supply Chain Through Real-Time Collaboration. They dive into the transformative power of AI, debunking the myth that it’s merely a "tool" and exploring its potential to reshape industries, particularly global supply chains.Hudicka shares insights on how AI can elevate human creativity rather than replace jobs, the pitfalls of current hype cycles, and why real-time collaboration is the future of resilient supply chains. From the "bullwhip effect" during the pandemic to the silent shifts revolutionizing fast fashion, this conversation unpacks the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI and logistics.Tune in for a dynamic discussion that blends history, innovation, and practical advice for leaders navigating the AI revolution—all with the enthusiasm of two Joes from New Jersey.JOE HUDICKA is the CEO and founder of EvenFlow, whose mission is to stop making people help technology and start making technology help people. In 2001, he founded The Clarity Team, LLC, where he is the Senior Solutions Architect, and in 2016, he imagined and launched Fizzee Labs Foundation, an award-winning innovation education nonprofit. He is also an Adjunct Professor of MBA and Undergraduate Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs at Rider University, where he serves on the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies Advisory Council, Center for Business Analytics Advisory Council, and is a volunteer entrepreneur in residence. Joe currently lives in Lawrenceville, New Jersey with his wife and two children.

Joe takes a seat at the table with Pasha Esfandiary, professional poker player turned real estate entrepreneur and author of Raising the Stakes: Professional Poker Strategies for Winning in Business and in Life. Pasha shares his incredible journey from dropping out of college to mastering the high-stakes world of poker, and how the strategic mindset of the game propelled him into the competitive realm of real estate.Discover how Pasha’s poker skills—patience, calculated risk-taking, and game selection—translated into building a thriving portfolio, including mobile home communities, and founding Evo Capital. He also dives into the misconceptions around mobile home parks, the housing crisis, and why he believes technology holds the key to affordable housing solutions.Pasha’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of thinking long-term. Whether you’re a poker enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.PASHA ESFANDIARY grew up in San Jose, the son of a single father who gave up a fortune to immigrate to the US with his two sons. After a troubled childhood, Esfandiary was broke and unhappy until he stumbled onto the world of professional poker. He studied poker and personal development intensely and rose to play some of the highest-stakes games in the world. Applying poker strategies to life, he overcame obstacles to marry Jessica, the love of his life; amass a nine-figure real estate portfolio; and found Evoke Capital, a rapidly growing real estate company, with 2,500 units under management as of this printing. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their adorable twins, Zoe and Taj.

In this powerful episode of The Authority Company podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Tamar Gakharia, author of The Blitz: A Georgian Daughter’s Rise as a CFO in the Post-Soviet Era. Tamar shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in the shadow of the Soviet Union’s collapse to becoming a top CFO in Georgia. She recounts the harrowing struggles her family endured—surviving without basic utilities, navigating war, and rebuilding their nation brick by brick. Tamar reflects on the profound influence of her grandfather Konstantine, who instilled in her resilience, creativity, and the courage to defy societal norms. She also opens up about her tumultuous marriage, the challenges of being a woman in finance, and how she carved her path in a male-dominated industry. Through it all, her love for Georgia and her dedication to her daughter shine as driving forces behind her success. This conversation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of perseverance, and the importance of fighting for your dreams—no matter the obstacles. Tune in for an inspiring story of survival, leadership, and unwavering hope.TAMAR GAKHARIA is the Chief Financial Officer of CBS Group, one of the largest holding companies in the Republic of Georgia. Born during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tamar grew up in a nation undergoing profound transformation. She graduated with honors from a local university and began her career at the Bank of Georgia, where she held numerous positions and honed her financial expertise. Her success at the bank led her to CBS Group, where she oversees the company’s diverse holdings in sectors such as finance, real estate, and energy. Tamar resides in Tbilisi with her two children.

Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Mark Klaassen, an orthopedic surgeon with a life story as extraordinary as his medical career. From growing up as a missionary kid in the Andes Mountains of Colombia—where he dreamed in Spanish and rode horses to fetch mail—to becoming a pioneering surgeon in the U.S., Dr. Klaassen’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.Dr. Klaassen shares insights from his new book, Bone Voyage: Following One Surgeon on the Journey of a Lifetime, and delves into his unique philosophy: "Helping patients is everything." He discusses the challenges of modern healthcare, including the burdens of electronic medical records (EMRs) and the importance of human connection in medicine. The conversation also explores advancements in orthopedic surgery, such as outpatient joint replacements and innovative pain management techniques that minimize opioid use.With humor and humility, Dr. Klaassen reflects on his upbringing, the lessons he’s learned as a father and grandfather, and the unwavering support of his wife, Sue. Whether you’re fascinated by medical innovation, inspired by resilience, or simply love a great life story, this episode offers a heartfelt and enlightening look at the intersections of medicine, family, and purpose.Dr. MARK KLAASSEN is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced joint replacement, hip and knee surgery, and robotic-assisted techniques. With over thirty years of experience, he has served as both a practicing surgeon and an educator, mentoring orthopedic surgeons worldwide and contributing to medical device development. Dr. Klaassen volunteers regularly on mission trips, providing life-changing surgeries to underserved communities in Central America. He is a Professor of Science at the University of Notre Dame and an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Indiana University. An avid outdoorsman and family man, he brings his personal philosophy of faith and service to his work.

Joe welcomes Tracy Newell, a seasoned tech leader, mentor, and former Fortune 500 executive, to discuss her new book Hers For the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite and Beyond. Tracy shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities for women in corporate leadership, drawing from her 30+ years of experience.The conversation kicks off with a look at the current state of gender diversity in the C-suite, where Tracy highlights both progress and the work still to be done. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, managing through influence, and the power of asking the right questions to advance your career. Tracy also delves into practical strategies for navigating the corporate "jungle gym," overcoming burnout, and balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities.Tune in for an inspiring and empowering discussion that challenges the status quo and redefines what’s possible in the world of leadership.TRACEY NEWELL, former president of Informatica and board member, is a renowned business leader. She spearheaded Proofpoint's hypergrowth and held executive roles at Polycom, Juniper Networks, Webex, and Cisco. Recognized as a Top 100 Sales Leader, Tracey serves on multiple boards including Druva, DataRobot, and Sailpoint, and contributes to non-profit organizations.