The Authority Company

In this compelling episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Itzhak Fisher, author of The Courage to Continue: A Family’s Legacy of Resilience and Global Enterprise. Dive into a profound conversation about resilience across generations, beginning with Itzhak’s family surviving the Holocaust—a trauma shrouded in silence yet shaping their lives in unexpected ways, from his mother’s survival-driven habits to the unspoken strength passed to future generations. Discover Itzhak’s entrepreneurial leap of faith, from a $400,000 gamble to co-founding a telecom giant valued at over $1 billion, and hear how a serendipitous meeting catapulted his career. Beyond business, explore his transformative work in Rwanda, where he channels lessons of perseverance into rebuilding a nation post-genocide as Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board. Packed with raw personal stories—including a whirlwind romance with his wife and the legacy-driving motivation behind his book—this episode is a testament to courage, legacy, and the unyielding power of hope. Tune in for an inspiring 30-minute journey through history, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Joe Pardavila welcomes Dr. Marschall Runge, Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School and author of The Great Healthcare Disruption: Big Tech, Bold Policy, and the Future of American Medicine. Dr. Runge shares his bold vision for transforming the U.S. healthcare system, tackling pressing issues like physician burnout, AI-driven innovations, and the challenges of accessibility and affordability.From the potential of AI to streamline administrative tasks and improve patient care to the controversial role of government in healthcare, Dr. Runge doesn’t shy away from hard truths. He discusses the obesity epidemic, the promise (and pitfalls) of drugs like Ozempic, and why a blended healthcare system—combining baseline government-provided care with optional private upgrades—could be the key to a healthier America.Whether you’re frustrated with long wait times, high costs, or the complexities of modern medicine, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and provocative solutions. Tune in to hear why Dr. Runge believes disruption is exactly what healthcare needs—and how big tech and bold policy could reshape the future of American medicine.Dr. MARSCHALL RUNGE serves as Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, dean of the Medical School, and CEO of Michigan Medicine. With advanced degrees from Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins, and specialized training at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital, he has spent his career driving healthcare innovation and transforming medical education. His insights draw from decades of experience as both a practicing cardiologist and healthcare executive.

Joe Pardavila welcomes Ken Polk, founder of Arlington—a multi-family office managing $15 billion in assets—and author of The Spirit of Wealth Preservation: Leverage Your Finite Life for the Infinite. Ken delves into the often-overlooked challenges of wealth preservation, arguing it can be just as difficult as building wealth itself. He introduces the concept of “spiritual capital”—the collective purpose that binds families and businesses—and shares how values, legacy, and intentionality form the bedrock of lasting success. From starting Arlington at age 25 with “a desk and a chair” to navigating economic unpredictability, Ken reveals how discipline, simplicity, and a focus on “followship” (not just leadership) drive his approach. He discusses generational shifts in finance, Gen Z’s desire to “do good” with wealth, and why he chose not to pass his business to his children, prioritizing their autonomy over tradition. Listeners will gain actionable insights on crafting family legacies, identifying personal gifts, and balancing innovation with timeless principles. Whether you’re managing significant wealth or simply seeking to build a meaningful legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom on aligning money with purpose.KEN POLK is the visionary founder of Arlington, a multifamily office specializing in wealth preservation and purpose-driven financial planning. With more than 25 years of experience, Polk has guided affluent families in aligning their financial strategies with their personal and communal values. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, Polk blends professional expertise with personal passion, helping clients create meaningful legacies. Ken lives with his wife and children in Alabama, where he continues to inspire families to thrive across generations.

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.