The Authority Company

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.

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.