The Authority Company

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. 

Join Joe in this inspiring episode of The Authority Company Podcast as he sits down with Ciarán McArdle author of The Soccer of Success: How the Beautiful Game Can Help You Achieve Goals in Business and Life. Dive into the dynamic intersection of soccer, entrepreneurship, and productivity. McArdle shares how lessons from the pitch—like the "90-minute mindset" and the "hat trick of success" (plan, perform, recover)—can transform your approach to business and personal growth. Explore the evolving landscape of U.S. soccer, from the NASL’s star-studded era to MLS’s rising influence, and discover why homegrown talent and strategic investments could propel soccer into America’s "big five" sports. The conversation also highlights the legendary underdog story of Leicester City’s Premier League triumph, underscoring the power of teamwork and resilience. Whether you’re a soccer fanatic, a business leader, or someone seeking actionable strategies to boost productivity, this episode delivers game-changing insights.As the Co-founder and CEO of XL Soccer World, CIARÁN MCARDLE has built his entire business around soccer. XL Soccer World operates ten sports facilities along the East Coast with millions of annual visitors. The company’s travel branch, XL Travel, has taken thousands of teams around the world to some of the most impressive pitches on the planet. The company was recently purchased by SoFive, a City Football Group company. In his latest project, Ciaran has launched XL Academy, a fully licensed school for gifted young soccer players seeking a future in the game.Winner of “CEO of the Year” from the Orland Business Journal, Ciaran is also on the board of Coaches across Continents, an organization that has reached more than 49 million young people across hundreds of countries. 

Joe welcomes Brad Mahon, President and CEO of Great Plains College and author of Leadership is Personal: How Community and Culture Lead to Business Success. Brad shares his unconventional journey from professional guitarist to college president, revealing the essential leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. Joe and Brad explore the importance of community-centered leadership, the evolving role of higher education, and why businesses thrive when leaders foster strong internal and external cultures. They also discuss the growing debate around the necessity of college degrees and how organizations can better recognize transferable skills in hiring. Brad’s insights on leadership, reflection, and the power of meaningful connections will resonate with anyone looking to lead with purpose and authenticity. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, business, and the power of relationships.BRAD MAHON, PhD, MBA, is a seasoned higher education leader with over 25 years of experience. As a college president and former university dean, he champions transformative education and community alignment. Brad's leadership style emphasizes collaboration, forging strategic partnerships across sectors. An advocate for engaged learning, he balances his administrative duties with occasional stints as a freelance professional guitarist. 

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe is joined by John Spencer-Taylor, tech CEO and author of Change the Box: A Guide to Dream, Incubate, and Scale Your Innovations. They discuss why “thinking outside the box” isn’t always the best strategy and how small, intentional changes can lead to massive impact. John shares insights from his experience as co-founder and CEO of BrainGu, a DevSecOps company, and offers practical advice on fostering innovation while balancing risk. They also dive into the role of AI in business, the evolution of remote work, and how leaders can cultivate a culture of adaptability. Plus, John opens up about the personal dedication in his book and the inspiration behind it.JOHN SPENCER-TAYLOR, known as "Spence," has a diverse background in business intelligence, financial systems, and cybersecurity. His journey into the tech world began with a focus on data analytics and automation, leading to various R&D roles in both offensive and defensive cyber realms. In 2012, Spence co-founded BrainGu, a company dedicated to solving complex problems at the intersection of data and cyber. Today, BrainGu builds platforms that enhance innovation efforts in industries ranging from energy and finance to national intelligence and defense. As CEO, Spence combines his passion for creative problem-solving with a broad technological expertise to drive BrainGu's success. Outside of work, he is an avid music enthusiast and hobbyist musician.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Jack Myers, a renowned media ecologist, speaker, and advisor to major brands like GM and Disney. Jack discusses his latest book, The Tao of Leadership: Harmonizing Technological Innovation and Human Creativity in the AI Era, and explores how ancient philosophies, can guide us through the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence. Jack delves into the five core principles - harmony, stability, balance, flexibility, and integrity—and how they align with modern leadership challenges in the age of AI. He also shares insights on the generational divide in technology adoption, the importance of simplicity in leadership, and how companies can avoid being left behind in the AI revolution. From the impact of capitalism on technology to the future of education and the role of media in shaping society, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can navigate the complexities of the AI era while staying true to our human values. Tune in to discover how ancient wisdom can help us unlock our full potential in a world dominated by technological innovation.JACK MYERS is uniquely prepared to support leaders of organizations and corporations as they navigate the rapid transformation brought by AI, machine intelligence, and evolving cultural dynamics. The Tao of Leadership provides a blueprint for leaders, students, educators, and all those who seek to learn and successfully navigate the business world from 2025 to 2050. Jack is a pioneering Media Ecologist and influential business advisor, coach, and speaker focused on the intersection of technological, cultural, and generational change. His insight into emerging trends and expertise in organizational dynamics have made him a trusted advisor to leaders of many of the world’s largest and most innovative corporations, including General Motors, Microsoft, Comcast/NBCUniversal, CBS, TJX Corp, Campbell Soup, and The Walt Disney Company. Known for his ability to navigate disruption, Jack helps leaders align their strategies with the future, fostering agility, creativity, and sustainable success.

Join Joe as he dives into the high-stakes world of wedding planning with Sara Fay Egan, author of The Through Line: Finding Happiness Through the Curve Balls of Life, Family, and Business. In this episode, Sara recounts the jaw-dropping story of how she salvaged Eli Manning’s destination wedding in Cabo after a customs agent unexpectedly burned all the flowers—a crisis kept secret for over 16 years. Discover how Sara navigates the chaos of the wedding industry, from managing "ridiculous" requests (like a groom parachuting from a helicopter) to balancing client expectations with personal creativity. She also opens up about the challenges of work-life balance, transitioning from globetrotting event planner to family-first restaurateur, and the heartfelt dedication of her book to her husband, children, and unwavering support system. Whether you’re fascinated by behind-the-scenes event drama, seeking advice on pivoting through life’s curveballs, or curious about the realities of destination weddings, this episode offers laughter, insight, and inspiration.SARA FAY EGAN isn’t just a leader in the hospitality and entertainment world―she’s a master at turning life’s unpredictable twists into opportunities for growth and joy. As the president and CEO of Beale Street Blues Company, she’s built a thriving empire that stretches far beyond her roots in luxury event planning. Whether she’s orchestrating breathtaking weddings across the globe or running her entertainment group, Sara Fay’s passion for creating unforgettable experiences is unmatched.In The Through Line, she pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, sharing the highs and lows of building businesses, balancing family life, and finding happiness in the chaos. From her early days as the founder of Sara Fay Egan Events and co-founder of Jackson Durham Floral and Event Design to managing an international business, Sara Fay’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and heart.Sara Fay lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Merrick, and their two children, Grace and Walker.

In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Imamu Tomlinson, physician, healthcare CEO, and author of the groundbreaking book Less Than One Percent: How Disruptors Defy the Odds. Dive into a dynamic conversation exploring how underdogs and innovators reshape industries—from Steph Curry revolutionizing basketball with the three-point shot to the seismic shifts needed in healthcare’s financial models. Dr. Tomlinson unpacks the “dark side of disruption,” revealing why standardization often stifles progress and how true greatness requires relentless reinvention. Discover why talent assessments fail to predict success, the myth of work-life balance, and the power of embracing your unique superpower. With candid anecdotes about his Jamaican-Canadian roots, journey to CEO, and coaching athletes, Dr. Tomlinson challenges listeners to break free from societal boxes and pursue audacious goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply fascinated by outliers, this episode is a masterclass in defying odds and redefining what’s possible.As the CEO of Vituity, a multi-billion dollar healthcare company, IMAMU OSEI TOMLINSON, MD, MBA, knows all about succeeding against the odds. Combining his unique narrative and analytic perspectives, Dr. Tomlinson highlights how often we misjudge the qualities necessary to succeed. His relentlessness and propensity for disruption have galvanized Vituity in its mission to improve as many lives as humanly possible. In 2021, Modern Healthcare recognized him as one of the most influential leaders in healthcare. Beyond his roles as a physician, business leader, and writer, Dr. Tomlinson’s passion is inspiring others to exceed their own expectations―even if no one believes they can.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with financial expert and author David Scranton to explore the secrets of attracting, rather than chasing, clients. As the author of Attract and Grow: The Financial Advisor’s Blueprint for Attracting $50 Million in Annual Assets, David shares his insights on how financial advisors can differentiate themselves, build a thriving practice, and shift from a growth-based investing model to an income-generating strategy. David also breaks down the AIDA strategy (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and explains how advisors can leverage branding, education, and specialization to stand out in a crowded industry. He discusses the key elements of building a “$50 Million Team”, the importance of scaling a financial advisory business, and what the recent AI-driven stock fluctuations could mean for the market. Whether you’re a financial professional looking to refine your approach or an investor curious about market trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights.DAVID J. SCRANTON, CFA®, CFP®, CHFC®, CLU®, is an Amazon bestselling author, nationally recognized money manager, and founder of Sound Income Group, Sound Income Strategies, Retirement Income Source, and Advisors' Academy. David is on a mission to help retirees and preretirees understand the strategic value of shifting their investment focus to an income-first approach.