The Authority Company

Joe Pardavila sits down with Merle Symes, author of The Innovation Edge: How Large Companies Lose It and How to Get It Back, to explore the challenges and nuances of fostering innovation in established organizations.Merle breaks down the critical differences between incremental and strategic innovation, explaining why traditional project management methods often fail when applied to groundbreaking ideas. The conversation delves into the "S-Curve Paradox," where companies at their peak success are most vulnerable to disruption, and the concept of "intelligent failure"—how to fail purposefully and learn from setbacks without stifling creativity.Joe and Merle also discuss the cultural barriers to innovation, including short-termism, the "check-the-box" mentality, and the need for leadership to embrace an "ambidextrous" approach—balancing immediate goals with long-term vision. Through real-world examples like Kodak, Blockbuster, and Intel, they highlight the consequences of resting on past successes and missing emerging opportunities.Touching on the role of AI and the importance of organizational mindset, this episode offers actionable insights for leaders aiming to reignite innovation in their teams. Whether you're navigating corporate inertia or looking to build a culture of continuous reinvention, Merle’s expertise provides a roadmap for staying ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.Merle Symes works with senior management teams to help them realize their aspirations through agile strategy, high-impact innovation, and business performance. He has assisted senior management teams in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage ventures.Mr. Symes has developed a number of leading-edge principles and tools for enhancing business success. It includes a process for creating Innovation by Design® in strategically targeted areas, project management methods and active risk management tools for managing high return/higher risk innovation, and business performance initiatives and guidelines for helping management teams develop a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture.In his 50-year career, Mr. Symes has held a number of executive positions and he brings real-world knowledge and experience to leading-edge methods and practices. Most recently he has served as CEO of the tech venture, Graematter. His previous positions include President of Ulrich Medical, a U.S. subsidiary of a German medical device company. Prior to that he held the position of Vice President, External Technology for Bausch & Lomb where his organization established a process for locating and acquiring external technology that was recognized by the Corporate Executive Board as being one of the top five best practices, as identified in their research of major companies.Mr. Symes has served in executive positions in both the U.S. and Europe, including turnaround situations. Prior to Bausch & Lomb, he held positions in Wyeth (now part of Pfizer), Monsanto and Dupont. He regularly advises boards of directors and has held board director positions on both public and privately held companies as well as university and charitable organizations. He is affiliated with and serves as a Managing Director of The Walden Group, a boutique New York investment bank specializing in M&A in the medical industry.Mr. Symes has an MBA from the Wharton Graduate School and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology where he has been honored with their Distinguished Alumni Award and serves as Chairman of their University Advisory Board.

In this empowering episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Barbara Walker-Green, author of The Unstoppable Shero: A Woman's Guide to Thriving in a Resistant World. Dr. Green, a renowned entrepreneur and financial expert, shares her insights on how women can rise above societal barriers and embrace their inner "Shero" (she + hero). Together, they delve into critical topics such as the glass cliff phenomenon, where women are often set up to fail in leadership roles, and the importance of deliberate parenting to raise confident, empowered daughters. Dr. Green also discusses objectification buy-in, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the power of building Shero Nation, a community of women supporting each other. Whether you're a woman striving to thrive in a resistant world or a man looking to be a better ally, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset, embrace your truth, and become unstoppable.DR. BARBARA WALKER-GREEN is an accomplished entrepreneur and financial expert with more than two decades of experience helping individuals and businesses achieve financial stability and success. She is the founder of Advanced Wealth and Retirement Planning Concepts, a financial firm that provides innovative wealth management and retirement strategies. Barbara is also the creator of The Shero Nation™, a movement dedicated to inspiring and empowering women through leadership, motivation, and resilience. Her first book, The Inevitable Rise of the Shero Nation, became a beacon of hope for countless readers, and her latest work, The Unstoppable Shero, takes that message further by providing practical tools for women to break barriers and thrive.Barbara’s dedication to gender equality, financial literacy, and community empowerment is reflected in her outreach, mentorship, and public speaking. Whether through her writings, speaking engagements, or her leadership in the financial sector, Barbara continues to inspire women to rise above challenges and pursue their true potential. Her work remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of helping others along the way.

Joe welcomes Olivia Jaras, renowned salary negotiation expert and author of Enough: A Woman’s Journey to Self-Empowerment and Wealth. Olivia shares her transformative insights on the critical difference between "worth" and "worthiness," and why recognizing you are enough is the foundation for achieving success and financial empowerment.From the power of journaling as a tool for self-discovery to breaking free from societal rules and embracing vulnerability, Olivia offers practical advice and tough-love wisdom for anyone looking to redefine their relationship with self-worth. She delves into the importance of celebrating small victories, silencing the inner critic, and embarking on a personal odyssey to unlock limitless possibilities.Whether you're navigating career challenges, seeking confidence in negotiations, or simply striving to own your worth, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how to step beyond conformity and into the uncharted ocean of your potential.Olivia is a writer, speaker, and advocate dedicated to helping women recognize their worth and step boldly into their careers. With deep experience in career development, salary negotiation, and workplace equity, she offers honest, practical guidance that meets women where they are—and helps them move toward where they’re meant to be.Her work has been featured in hundreds of articles internationally, including Forbes, BBC, CNN, The World Economic Forum, and more. But what matters most to her is the impact these conversations have on real women’s lives. Through her writing, she speaks directly to you—like a mentor, a friend, a voice reminding you of your power.Because understanding your market value isn’t just about earning more—it’s about seeing yourself clearly, standing in your power, and knowing you belong in every room you step into.

Joe Pardavila welcomes John Sapiente, CEO of Volition America, a direct-to-consumer brand dedicated to supporting the families of fallen military members and first responders. John shares the powerful story behind his "patriotic awakening" at a Folds of Honor event, which ignited his mission to create a brand that unites people through patriotism while giving back.  Discover how Volition America collaborates with top-tier brands like Puma, Luminox, and Revo to offer high-quality products infused with purpose—each purchase contributes to scholarships and support for heroes' families. John also opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch, the importance of unity over politics, and his ambitious vision for the future, including a potential TV series, Volition America Patriot Games.  Tune in for a conversation about resilience, innovation, and the power of choice in shaping a legacy that matters.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe chats with Mary Clements Evans, a seasoned financial advisor and author of Emotionally Invested: Outsmart Your Anxiety for Fearless Retirement Planning. Mary shares her journey from growing up in a financially struggling household to becoming a successful financial advisor, helping clients navigate the emotional complexities of money management. She introduces her concepts of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and FORO (Fear of Running Out), explaining how these emotional drivers influence financial decisions. Mary also delves into the history of pensions, the complexities of modern finance, and common mistakes people make when planning for retirement. With a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, Mary offers practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future. Tune in to learn how to outsmart your financial anxieties and plan for a fearless retirement.MARY CLEMENTS EVANS, CFP®, CDFA®, ABFS®, is the founder and president of Evans Wealth Strategies in Emmaus, Pennsylvania and a registered principal with Raymond James. She specializes in helping individuals and couples overcome their fear, anxiety and guilt about money so they can achieve financial happiness now and in retirement.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe welcomes Esther Franklin, a trailblazer in the transportation industry and author of the new book Bridging the Gap: Breaking Barriers and Building Pathways to Transportation Careers. Esther shares her journey from real estate to becoming a key player in infrastructure and transportation, offering insights into the complexities of the industry, the impact of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill, and the challenges of human capital in a rapidly evolving field. Esther discusses the importance of lowering barriers to entry for careers in transportation, the role of apprenticeships and training programs, and the need for diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She also delves into the intricacies of eminent domain, the process of acquiring land for public projects, and how her book aims to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals in this vital sector. Tune in to hear Esther’s inspiring story, her dedication to creating a legacy for her children, and her mission to make the transportation industry more accessible and inclusive. Whether you're curious about infrastructure, looking for a career change, or simply want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our roads and bridges functioning, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.ESTHER FRANKLIN an author and serial entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in the real estate sector, was born and raised in the City of Bridges―Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She believes that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can lead a life that is not just free and prosperous, but truly extraordinary.Another of her areas of expertise is centered in a niche market, namely highway infrastructure. Esther specializes in right-of-way acquisition work. She is the founder and CEO of ALROWS, LLC, which works with both the private and public sectors to assist in the process of roadway improvements, engineering and construction of bridges, highway design, and road maintenance. Her first book, Bridging the Gap, underscores the immense value of inclusivity and representation in the transportation sector, putting forward her belief that highway infrastructure contributes to economic growth through increased mobility.Esther also has an MBA in Finance from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and she holds a real estate title agent license in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Louisiana.Esther formed Tri-State Paralegal Service, LLC, in June 2011 and ALROWS, LLC, in May of 2018. She is a highly effective CEO offering an array of skills in business development, legal project management, real estate, paralegal support, marketing, and corporate communications. As a leader, she demonstrates an exceptional ability to build strong teams, implement significant initiatives and increase revenue. Esther brings her corporate experience, training in legal research and twenty years of legal and real estate title experience to support clients to achieve exceptional performance.Find her online at www.estherfranklin.com.

In this episode, Joe connects with Lisa Wolfe, a corporate veteran with 40 years of experience in the tech industry and author of the Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller, Inner Fire: Protecting Your Spirit from Corporate Burnout. Lisa shares her insights on navigating the fine line between high performance and burnout in today’s fast-paced corporate world.  The conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing early signs of burnout, and the concept of being a "spirit keeper" to maintain energy and resilience. Lisa also discusses the "be water" mindset—a philosophy she adopted early in her career to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward. Joe and Lisa explore the challenges of modern work culture, including the always-on mentality, the impact of mobile phones on focus, and the importance of building an identity outside of work. Lisa offers practical advice for both employees and leaders on how to prioritize health, manage stress, and create a sustainable work-life balance. Whether you're a corporate professional, a leader, or someone looking to protect your spirit from burnout, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and strategies to help you thrive in today’s demanding work environment.Tune in to hear Lisa Wolfe’s inspiring journey and learn how to keep your inner fire burning.LISA WOLFE, author of Inner Fire: Protecting Your Spirit From Corporate Burnout, has 40 years of corporate experience – spanning roles in advanced R&D, software engineering, product marketing, product management, and leadership at some of the world's leading tech corporations, including Hewlett-Packard and ServiceNow. Lisa is a passionate mentor and has focused on cutting-edge tech innovations throughout her career such as HP’s e-services which was cloud before cloud. During her time at ServiceNow she created and hosted Finding Water, a podcast on digital transformation and artificial intelligence and she was a Forbes contributor on AI Thought Leadership. Lisa is a wife, mom, dog-mom, artist, avid reader, and runner, and she has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of California, San Diego.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Deborah E. McGee, author of The Leadership Attitude: Inspiring Success Through Authenticity and Passion. Deborah shares her journey from corporate executive to successful entrepreneur, offering insights into how faith, family, and military life have shaped her leadership style. She delves into the importance of authenticity, the challenges of transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and the lessons she’s learned about fostering a positive company culture. Deborah also discusses the role of informal leadership, the value of self-awareness in building strong teams, and how her faith has guided her through tough business decisions. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation is packed with wisdom on how to lead with integrity, passion, and a genuine care for people. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on what it means to have a true leadership attitude.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Brian T. Nowak, the innovative founder of Magic Box, a company revolutionizing the way movies, TV shows, and commercials are made. Brian shares how Magic Box is transforming the film industry by creating high-budget-looking content at a fraction of the cost using cutting-edge virtual production technology. Discover how Magic Box’s mobile LED studios are making it possible to shoot immersive scenes anywhere—from parking lots to deserts—without the need for expensive soundstages or location permits. Brian dives into the environmental and cost-saving benefits of this technology, explaining how it’s not only more efficient but also more sustainable than traditional methods like green screens. From car commercials to feature films, Brian discusses how Magic Box is enabling filmmakers to push creative boundaries while saving time and money. He also shares his thoughts on the future of independent cinema, arguing that technology like Magic Box is empowering a new generation of storytellers to create high-quality content without the need for massive budgets or Hollywood connections. Whether you’re a film buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about the future of entertainment, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the art of storytelling. Tune in to hear how Magic Box is making big-budget dreams accessible to everyone.

Joe welcomes Danaya Wilson, CEO of Better Certified and author of Changemakers Wanted: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact and Ethical Change. Danaya shares her journey of transforming the hazardous materials training industry, pioneering online learning in a traditionally male-dominated field, and advocating for women's leadership. She discusses the challenges of breaking into a male-driven industry, the importance of fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and how small changes can create lasting impact. Plus, she opens up about her personal experiences with anxiety, the Rise Up movement, and how men can support women in leadership.DANAYA WILSON is the award-winning cofounder and CEO of BetterCertify, a compliance solutions provider based out of Denver, Colorado. Recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree, Danaya is renowned for her innovative approaches to digital instructional design and regulatory training. As a visionary leader and educator, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of future female leaders. With a passion for ethical leadership and social reform, she has become a sought-after speaker at industry events and serves on the boards of the Environmental Information Association and the Colorado Environmental Professionals Association. She holds a master’s in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s in business marketing. Her work continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in both the regulatory training space and the broader professional community.