The Authority Company

Joe Pardavila is joined by Judy McCutcheon, CEO of Go Blue Consulting and author of Unfiltered and Unapologetic, for a raw and inspiring conversation about reclaiming authenticity in a world that often demands self-sacrifice.  Judy opens up about her journey from growing up in Tobago as one of ten children in a single-parent household to becoming a global leadership consultant, sharing how her mother’s resilience and a near-death medical emergency reshaped her outlook on life.  Dive into discussions on balancing unapologetic truth-telling with kindness, the critical role of self-awareness in leadership, and why intention matters more than blunt honesty in the workplace. Judy also reveals how cultural empathy—and a love of food—fuels her consulting work across the Caribbean, North America, and beyond.  Whether you’re navigating leadership challenges, seeking empowerment, or curious about breaking cycles of self-doubt, this episode is a masterclass in living boldly—and kindly. Tune in for stories that will challenge your perspective and practical insights to transform your personal and professional life.

Why does the U.S. healthcare system feel so complex, expensive, and impossible to fix? In this eye-opening episode, healthcare strategist Judith Kunisch joins Joe Pardavila to demystify the labyrinth of American healthcare through the lens of her book, The Center of the Star: Understanding and Changing the US Healthcare System. Drawing on decades of frontline experience—from bedside nursing to Fortune 100 executive leadership—Kunisch breaks down the system’s five interconnected sectors (patients/consumers, payers, providers, policymakers, and the "health industrial complex") and reveals why sustainable change must start from the "center of the star." Judith shares powerful stories—like saving Hartford’s maternal health program by bridging insurers, policymakers, and providers—and debunks myths about AI’s limits in diagnosis. For anyone overwhelmed by healthcare’s complexity, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and a actionable framework for change.

In this profoundly moving episode, Sandy Lundy joins Joe Pardavila to share the heartbreaking story of her son Shane, who died by suicide in 2018 after enduring relentless bullying—a pain Sandy never saw coming. Raw and honest, Sandy discusses how bullying evolves beyond childhood into digital cruelty and adult complacency, revealing why victims often suffer in silence and how society’s "casual cruelty" normalizes harm.Sandy’s mission—inspired by Shane’s hidden kindness to others—unveils the power of "Earth Angels": everyday people whose small acts of integrity (like a teacher who saved Sandy’s own future) can alter destinies. Through grief, guilt, and hope, she calls on listeners to lead by example, combat digital toxicity, and recognize their ripple effects in a world desperate for compassion. Her book Earth Angels is a rallying cry: ordinary actions can heal an extraordinary brokenness.

Join Joe Pardavila on The Authority Company Podcast for an eye-opening conversation with hospitality pioneer Travis Wilburn. As the architect behind The 100 Collection – a revolutionary portfolio of invitation-only, professionally managed vacation rentals – Travis unveils why traditional platforms like Airbnb fail luxury travelers and how his company is becoming the "Michelin Guide of luxury short-term rentals."In this episode, you’ll explore:How overtourism and Instagram culture have transformed travel expectations, why booking direct saves guests 15-20% versus Airbnb/VRBO, and the surprising truth behind "influencer-driven" tourism (including Beyoncé’s game-changing $10k Airbnb stay that reshaped the industry). Travis breaks down the dark side of vacation rental oversaturation and reveals how The 100 Collection partners with elite local operators (averaging 25+ years in hospitality) to deliver trusted, unforgettable stays from cozy retreats to 32-guest estates.Why this matters now:With post-pandemic travel demand shifting and regulations tightening in destinations like Charleston and Iceland, Travis explains how his model protects communities while offering access to extraordinary properties you won’t find on mainstream platforms. Learn why he champions local management companies as the "Ritz-Carltons of vacation rentals" and how The 100 Collection’s bootstrapped growth to 80+ destinations (and counting!) is rewriting the rules of luxury travel.Connect & Explore: 🌐 Visit the100collection.com to discover curated escapes

Joe Pardavila welcomes Joycelyn David, author of The Multicultural Mindset: Driving Business Growth in a Borderless Era, to tackle the complexities of fostering multicultural understanding in a world increasingly divided over DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).Amidst political headwinds and shifting cultural norms, Joycelyn shares her journey as a global leader and unveils her groundbreaking concept of MQ (Multicultural Quotient)—a dynamic framework for navigating today’s interconnected, AI-driven world. From humorous anecdotes like the "bubble tea incident" to poignant reflections on identity and belonging, Joycelyn argues that embracing cultural diversity isn’t just ethical—it’s a strategic advantage. Learn why terms like "multiculturalism" are more vital than ever, how to avoid performative "diversity theater," and why bridging cultural gaps requires humility, curiosity, and leadership courage.Whether discussing the pitfalls of tribal thinking, the power of immersive experiences, or the superpower of a hyphenated identity, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders, marketers, and anyone striving to thrive in a borderless era.Tune in to discover how turning discomfort into dialogue can unlock growth—and why your multicultural mindset might just be your greatest asset.

Joe Pardavila sits down with Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of the global nonprofit Soles4Souls, which transforms lives through clothing and shoe donations. Buddy opens up about steering the organization through crisis, turning financial turmoil and reputational challenges into a thriving mission that serves millions. Discover how Soles4Souls balances philanthropy with earned revenue, using innovative programs like For the Planet, For Opportunity, For Relief, and For Every Kid to create lasting impact. Buddy shares hard-earned leadership lessons from his book From Tailspin to Tailwind, including the critical role of board governance, the emotional weight of succession planning, and his leadership philosophy. He also reflects on overcoming personal and organizational loss, and why “no margin, no mission” is key to sustaining nonprofit work. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or simply inspired by stories of resilience, this episode offers profound insights into turning crisis into clarity, the power of compassionate leadership, and building a legacy that outlives your tenure. Watch or listen now to uncover how purpose-driven leadership can transform lives—and why caring might just be the most undervalued strategy in business.

Joe Pardavila is joined by leadership expert Emil K. Everett, author of Leading With Trust: The 12 Elements of Achieving Peak Performance. They delve into the evolving landscape of leadership, from the seismic shifts caused by the pandemic—where empathy and transparency became non-negotiable—to the timeless balance between character and skills. Emil shares poignant lessons from his mother’s resilience, his journey from Wall Street to leading a family business, and how crises like Starbucks’ turnaround under Howard Schultz reveal the power of adaptive leadership. The conversation explores generational dynamics in the workplace, the pitfalls of ego-driven leadership, and why emotional intelligence is critical for modern managers. Everett unpacks concepts like radical transparency, servant leadership, and trust restoration, offering actionable insights from Dale Carnegie’s principles to his own “three C’s” framework (competency, consistency, comprehension). Viewers will walk away with strategies to navigate volatility, inspire multigenerational teams, and lead with authenticity. Perfect for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike, this episode is a masterclass in building cultures of trust and agility.

In this compelling episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with James L. Decker, a seasoned healthcare leader with 47 years of experience, to explore the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and compassion in modern healthcare. Jim, author of Reviving the Heart of Leadership: Empowering Healthcare Executives to Lead With Compassion, reflects on how the industry has evolved since his start in 1976—from technological advancements to the impact of Medicare reforms and COVID-19. Dive into candid discussions about the "crucibles" that reshape leadership, the challenges of bridging financial constraints with patient-centered care, and the cultural shifts between faith-based and secular healthcare institutions. Jim also shares a deeply personal story about his wife’s life-altering accident, revealing how it transformed his approach to empathy and crisis management. From navigating physician-administrator dynamics to advocating for a return to compassionate care, this episode is a masterclass in resilient leadership. Discover why Jim dedicates his book to frontline healthcare heroes and gain insights into fostering environments where both patients and professionals thrive. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that underscores the heart of healthcare—and why compassion must remain at its core.

Joe Pardavila sits down with Terri Eagle, renowned luxury marketing leader and author of The Champagne CEO: A Sparkling Journey of Success Through Courage, Confidence, and Collaboration. With over 25 years of experience shaping iconic brands like L’Oreal, Mont Blanc, and David Yurman, Terri shares her remarkable journey from slinging pizzas at her family’s Seattle shop to becoming a visionary in the luxury industry. Discover how Terri’s early lessons in customer service and work ethic from her father fueled her relentless drive, and learn why she’s been dubbed the “Madonna of entrepreneurs” for her ability to reinvent herself across industries. Dive into her insights on storytelling’s critical role in luxury branding, the art of building passionate teams, and fostering joy in high-pressure workplaces. Terri also unveils her latest venture, the Terri Eagle Group, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses refine sales strategies, marketing, and operational excellence. From hilarious anecdotes about oversized Texas furniture in a NYC apartment to heartfelt reflections on her 32-year marriage with husband Bart Eagle, this episode is a toast to resilience, innovation, and living life to the fullest. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that sparkles with wisdom for aspiring leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.TERRI EAGLE is a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer, specializing in growth and marketing strategies for top businesses. With more than 25 years of experience, Terri has led growth strategies for luxury brands, including L’Oreal, Montblanc, David Yurman, John Hardy and Morilee. A transformational leader, she has driven small to large scale business modernization while creating organizational and customer value. Terri has a proven ability to recruit and build high performing teams. As a trusted mentor, she guides both seasoned and emerging leaders toward success. Business and marketing growth strategies are a winning combination for her career success. She has been part of 6 different business industries, with an expertise in brand reinvention, strategic innovation, and change management to foster growth. Originally from Seattle, Terri now lives in New York City, with her husband Bart, and their pup Kazzy, loves cooking and entertaining, travel, music, cycling, and Anguilla beaches for R&R.

Joe Pardavila sits down with Damon Stafford, CEO of Alpine Intel and author of Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles that Pioneered an Industry. Damon shares his journey of mastering self-awareness, embracing transparent leadership, and fostering a relentless pursuit of "better" in both business and life. Discover how Damon’s philosophy of continuous improvement drives Alpine Intel’s mission to bring transparency and efficiency to the insurance industry, ensuring carriers "pay what they owe—no more, no less." Dive into candid conversations about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the critical role of having a "champion" in your corner, and how faith influences tough leadership decisions without compromising authenticity. From humorous anecdotes about avoiding Monday happy hours to profound reflections on leading with integrity, Damon’s stories reveal the power of owning your narrative and evolving through life’s lessons.  Whether you’re a leader seeking inspiration or someone striving to refine your principles, this episode offers actionable insights on turning setbacks into steppingstones.