The Forbes Books Podcast with Joe Pardavila

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" philosophy

Dr. 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.

In this eye-opening episode of The Forbes Books Podcast, host Joe sits down with Kate Morgan, founder and CEO of Boston Human Capital Partners, to explore her revolutionary "embedded partner approach" to recruiting. Kate shares insights on why traditional recruiting methods are falling short and how her innovative strategy achieves a remarkable 20-25% candidate response rate. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of work culture, including the shift away from rigid job descriptions and towards purpose-driven roles, as well as the impact of the tech bubble burst on salaries and employee expectations. Kate offers valuable strategies for balancing company culture with financial realities in both startups and established firms, while also discussing the challenges of managing younger generations in the workplace. Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge on modern hiring practices, team management, and navigating today's complex employment landscape, with Kate even offering a sneak peek into her upcoming book on hiring strategies for cash-strapped startups.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Rob Douk, a trailblazer in behavioral health and wellness. Dr. Douk is the founder of The Well Club and has developed the "9 Dimensions" philosophy for holistic well-being, encompassing emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, creative, environmental, and financial aspects of life. The wide-ranging discussion covers Dr. Douk's journey of burnout and self-discovery that led him to prioritize whole-person wellness. Dr. Douk explains how the nine dimensions must be viewed holistically, as neglecting any one area creates an imbalance. He stresses the importance of tapping into the body's innate ability to heal through science-backed practices like meditation, breathwork, and developing a spiritual outlook beyond religion. The conversation explores techniques for overcoming lies, trauma, and harmful conditioning to unlock one's true potential for an abundant life. Dr. Douk outlines a process of knowledge, belief, habit-building, and attaining personal freedom. Overall, he shares his vision for transforming healthcare by empowering people to facilitate their profound mind-body-spirit wellness.