The Authority Company

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Jennifer N. Sutherland, founder of Sutherland Talent Solutions. Jennifer shares her journey as a leader in HR and learning and development, diving into how workplace culture and the concept of "talent" have evolved over the years. From the shift away from "checklist culture" to fostering genuine connections and intentional onboarding practices, Jennifer unpacks what it takes to create meaningful cultural change in the workplace. Learn about the power of buddy programs, the role of leadership in embedding cultural values, and how companies can avoid falling into the trap of performative measures. Whether you're navigating corporate environments or leading teams, Jennifer’s insights on balancing tradition and innovation in talent management will leave you inspired. Find out more about Jennifer and her work at www.sutherlandtalentsolutions.com.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe sits down with Mary Ann Cloyd, a trailblazing leader in accounting and consulting, who shares her inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing in Mart, Texas, to an esteemed career at PwC. Mary Ann discusses her new book, The Audacity to Wonder, which explores themes of resilience, curiosity, and personal growth. Joe and Mary Ann dive into her experience as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, the importance of mentorship, and how self-awareness and adaptability played a crucial role in her success. They also discuss the evolving role of consultants, the challenges of corporate leadership, and why public speaking and board membership aren’t just career milestones—they require real passion and purpose. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about leadership, perseverance, and finding your place in the world.MARY ANN CLOYD currently serves on the boards of Fresh Del Monte Produce, Ekso Bionics, and NCMIC Group. She is a retired PwC partner, and held many leadership positions, including serving on the Global and US Boards of Partners and Principals and leading the Governance Insights Center. In her commitment to giving back, she is Vice Chair of the Board of the Geffen Playhouse, and is on the Board of the Caltech Associates and the Advisory Board of the UCLA Iris Cantor Women’s Center. Mary Ann holds a BBA from Baylor University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mary Ann resides in New York City as a happy, childless lady who loves cats. 

In this episode, Joe sits down with culture transformation expert Jade Green to discuss building human-centric business cultures. Jade shares her unconventional entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the critical importance of creating environments where people thrive. She challenges leaders to take responsibility, do the hard work upfront, and embrace proven systems for effective scaling. Jade also addresses generational leadership gaps and the need to prioritize genuine human connection. Her mantra of "being the ripple" inspires positive change in today's workplaces.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe sits down with Dr. Tracee Perryman, author of "Elevating Futures: A Model For Empowering Black Elementary Student Success" and CEO/co-founder of the Center of Hope Family Services. Dr. Perryman shares insights on the current state of education and community development, drawing from her extensive experience in evidence-based programming and urban community empowerment. The conversation covers a range of topics, including:• The nuanced progress in racial equity and education over the past 60 years• The mission and impact of Center of Hope Family Services• The development and implementation of evidence-based afterschool programs• Strategies for engaging students and improving academic performance• The role of technology and social media in modern education• Practical approaches to supporting overwhelmed parents• The meaning behind Dr. Perryman's "Elevate" philosophyDr. Perryman discusses her organization's impressive results in improving student proficiency rates and shares valuable insights on holistic approaches to education that consider students' contexts and needs. She also touches on her work empowering women leaders, as explored in her book "Elevating Women Leaders: Stories of Strength, Survival and Success.”This episode offers educators, parents, and community leaders practical strategies and inspiring perspectives on elevating student success and community outcomes in urban settings.

Joe sits down with President Andrew Hsu of the College of Charleston to discuss the school’s evolving relationship with AI and the unprecedented growth it has experienced in recent years. President Hsu shares how the college has embraced AI technology to better serve students and operate more efficiently, while also working to educate students on how to leverage AI tools responsibly. They dive into the challenges of preventing academic dishonesty as large language models become more advanced and widespread. The conversation also explores the College of Charleston's skyrocketing popularity, with applications more than doubling in just five years. Hsu explains how the school's strong academic reputation, new programs, and prestigious Phi Beta Kappa membership have fueled this growth, even as the university struggles with limited on-campus housing. Listeners will get an inside look at the strategies and decisions college leaders must navigate to maintain excellence and opportunity in the face of rapid changes and surging demand. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone with a stake in the future of higher education.

Joe speaks with George Tinsley Sr., a former professional basketball player turned successful entrepreneur. George shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent franchisee, managing dozens of restaurants across multiple brands. He provides valuable insights into the world of franchising, explaining the dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, and what makes a great franchise system. George also opens up about his inspiring personal story, from his challenging childhood to his success in college basketball and brief professional career in the ABA, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and community support in overcoming obstacles. The conversation touches on various topics, including George's experience working with Colonel Sanders at KFC, the evolution of professional sports, and advice for aspiring franchisees. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sports history, or overcoming adversity.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Will Jones, President and CEO of Thompson Child & Family Focus. With nearly three decades in human services, Will shares his journey from overcoming childhood adversity to leading a nonprofit that serves over 10,000 clients annually. He discusses the evolution of child welfare and behavioral health services, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed practices. Will also highlights the challenges faced by children today and the critical role of leadership in driving change. Tune in to learn how Thompson's comprehensive programs are transforming lives and communities across the Carolinas.

This week, Joe chats with Blake Johns, the founder of Smokeye Hill Whiskey, who shares the incredible story of his premium craft bourbon's meteoric rise. Blake recounts his journey from world champion equestrian to whiskey entrepreneur, detailing how his family's Arizona ranching heritage inspired the authentic brand story behind Smokeye Hill. The conversation delves into the challenges of entering the competitive spirits industry as a newcomer and the game-changing impact of unexpectedly winning Bourbon of the Year at the prestigious Ascot Awards. Blake offers insights into the complexities of scaling production in the bourbon industry while maintaining premium quality, and shares valuable entrepreneurial advice on taking risks and following one's passion. Listeners will gain a fascinating look at the craft spirits industry and the journey of creating an award-winning bourbon from scratch. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides an intoxicating blend of family heritage, business strategy, and the pursuit of the perfect bourbon.

In this candid conversation, Joe sits down with Jacob Furbee, CEO of XFS Global. He shares his unlikely journey from being nicknamed "Furball" during his grueling Marine Corps bootcamp to leading a major defense manufacturing company. Furbee opens up about the challenges of government contracting, navigating bureaucracy, and the leadership lessons he learned from his military service. His story showcases the transformative power of perseverance and self-improvement against all odds. Whether you're an entrepreneur, former military, or appreciate a success story, this is an inspiring listen.

On this episode of The Forbes Books Podcast, Joe speaks with Astrid Soto, a renowned entrepreneur and impact investor named one of the most influential women in mid-market M&A. Astrid shares her journey from working in her family's business at age 12 to becoming a powerhouse in private equity, offering insights on fundraising, navigating career challenges, and breaking barriers as a Latina in finance. She discusses the current state of M&A, particularly regarding baby boomer-owned businesses, and the importance of balancing technology with personal development. Astrid also reveals her exciting new venture in predictive technology, a cutting-edge project she's been developing under the radar. This episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and thought-provoking reflections on success in the modern business landscape.