The Digital Executive

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Peter Murphy Lewis, founder of Strategicpete.com and a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, shares his unique entrepreneurial journey. Lewis recounts how he built and successfully sold a nationally recognized tourism company, gaining invaluable lessons in leadership, brand building, and growth hacking along the way. Now, through Strategicpete.com, he helps CEOs untangle overwhelming marketing data and transform it into clear, actionable growth strategies, emphasizing the crucial need for a "map" and alignment on success metrics before launching campaigns. Lewis also discusses a key insight from his upcoming book, "Interns To A-Players," highlighting the mind shift companies need to make: stop hiring for experience and start hiring for trajectory. He advocates for building talent within robust systems and culture rather than constantly chasing "unicorns." Reflecting on his diverse career, from leading tourism shows in Latin America to advising US banks, Lewis offers aspiring entrepreneurs advice centered on solving problems worth solving, finding purpose in the mission, and collaborating with like-minded, creative individuals. Tune in to hear Peter Murphy Lewis's practical wisdom on marketing, team building, and carving a meaningful career. Like to be a future guest on the show? Apply Here

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Michel Langlois, former CTO and Senior Vice President at Calix Networks, shares insights from his 30-plus year career in the networking and software industry. Langlois discusses how his leadership style evolved across significant transformations at companies like Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Calix Networks, emphasizing the importance of building trust and fostering collaboration in diverse corporate cultures. Langlois also delves into his new book, "Beyond the Code: Unveiling the Human Factor in Technology Leadership Innovation," explaining his motivation for writing it and the key message he hopes readers take away about human-centric leadership in a technology-driven world. He highlights how innovations like the Software Defined Access (SDA) architecture and cloud-based analytics at Calix Networks enabled them to compete effectively with larger industry players. Tune in to hear Michel Langlois's vision for the future of the networking and software industry and how leaders should prepare for emerging technologies and trends. If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Dallas Counts, Chief Operations Officer at Vendormint, discusses his extensive background in retail operations, merchandising, and supply chain management. With nearly a decade at Walmart and Sam's Club, Counts shares how his experiences prepared him to champion Vendormint's mission to revolutionize supplier compliance, operations, and deductions management. He highlights the invaluable lessons learned about understanding retail culture, data-driven decisions, and the relentless pursuit of operational excellence, all stemming from the foundational principles of Sam Walton. Counts also delves into the significant inefficiencies within current supplier compliance and deduction management processes, which Vendormint is actively addressing through its centralized intelligence hub and automated document collection. He explains how Vendormint leverages data and automation to help suppliers recover lost revenue and optimize their operations, emphasizing the importance of proactively identifying and fixing upstream challenges. Finally, Counts discusses key emerging retail trends, including omnichannel retailing, evolving economic pressures, and the transformative power of AI and automation, outlining how Vendormint is strategically positioning itself for the future. Tune in to learn how Dallas Counts and Vendormint are shaping the future of supplier-retailer relationships. Join thousands of curious minds and never miss a beat – Subscribe to our Newsletter for exclusive insights, episode highlights, and expert takeaways delivered straight to your inbox.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas interviews Neil Batlivala, co-founder and CEO of Pair Team, an AI-enabled medical group dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved and Medicaid populations. Neil shares how his early experiences in India and Singapore shaped his passion for equitable healthcare, leading him to combine medical technology, machine learning, and a mission-driven mindset to tackle systemic disparities. Throughout the conversation, Neil discusses how Pair Team is deploying AI to expand access, support care delivery, and create scalable solutions for the country’s safety net. With a focus on operational excellence and technological innovation, Neil outlines his vision for open-sourcing Pair Team’s playbook to empower nonprofits and state systems alike.

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas sits down with Ashanti Abdullah, founder and CEO of Ternwheel, a platform built to solve two of the most pressing challenges in the music industry: financial sustainability and tour management. Drawing from nearly 20 years of experience managing artists, Ashanti shares how Ternwheel empowers musicians to plan, budget, and streamline every aspect of their tours. Ternwheel gives artists and their teams a single source of truth—allowing for real-time adjustments, better communication, and ultimately, higher earnings. One artist saw a 21% increase in tour income using the app. Tune in to learn how Ashanti is helping artists shift from surviving to thriving.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Chat Joglekar, co-founder and CEO of Baton, a marketplace revolutionizing how small businesses are bought and sold. With prior leadership roles at Zillow, Spotify, and Google, Chat shares how his background in scaling tech platforms shaped his vision for Baton—to become the “Zillow for small businesses.” He explains how Baton empowers entrepreneurs by offering instant, data-driven business valuations, addressing a long-standing gap in transparency and access within the small business market. Chat also discusses key trends driving change, including the “silver tsunami” of retiring baby boomers and a rising interest among professionals in acquiring established small businesses rather than launching startups. Baton, with its easy integration of financial systems and real-time valuation tools, is at the forefront of this transformation. Tune in to hear how Chat is democratizing entrepreneurship and why Baton is becoming an essential tool for the next generation of business owners.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Jakob Wahl, CEO of IAAPA, the leading global association for the attractions industry. Jakob shares his inspiring journey from program manager to CEO, highlighting pivotal moments like honoring trailblazing members and expanding IAAPA's mission of connection, innovation, and inclusivity. With heartfelt stories, including the creation of Morgan’s Wonderland, Jakob emphasizes the power of community in driving industry-wide change. Wahl also discusses IAAPA’s strategic initiatives around safety, sustainability, workforce development, and global growth—including the launch of the IAAPA Expo Middle East. His insights on evolving trends like immersive accommodations, tech-driven experiences, and the use of intellectual property underscore IAAPA’s role as a catalyst for industry progress. 🎧 Listen now to explore how IAAPA is shaping the future of amusement and attractions worldwide.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas speaks with Vivek Kumar, CEO and co-founder of Social Trait, the world’s first audience behavior simulation engine. Vivek shares his journey from public service at HMRC and investment banking to launching a breakthrough AI platform in Australia. He reveals how a social media backlash moment sparked the idea for Social Trait, leading to the development of AI-powered virtual audiences that allow brands to preview real reactions before a campaign goes live. Vivek also dives into the technology behind Social Trait, including the platform’s ability to simulate millions of AI agents that behave like real consumers. He explains how this drastically shortens research timelines, eliminates the need for traditional focus groups, and helps marketers test everything from message resonance to virality. If you're interested in the future of AI in market research and want to hear how Social Trait is changing the game, don’t miss this conversation.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Ken Gavranovic, a seasoned technology leader and keynote speaker, shares his insights on turning vision into scalable growth, having guided over 18 successful exits and one IPO. With executive experience at top-tier brands like Disney and 7-Eleven, Ken dives into the patterns he looks for when evaluating a company’s potential for high-impact growth. Now CEO of Product Genius, he’s helping businesses tap into real-time data and AI to improve customer service and operational efficiency. Ken discusses how Product Genius enables customer-facing businesses to move beyond static reports, using tools like QR codes and AI-driven feedback loops to gain instant, actionable insights. He also offers practical advice for leaders on implementing AI for measurable ROI—from boosting developer productivity to enhancing sales and customer support operations. 🎧 Don’t miss this episode for powerful strategies on using AI to build smarter, more agile businesses.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Sebastian Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Impossible Cloud Network. Sebastian shares how Impossible Cloud is disrupting the cloud computing industry by building a decentralized, community-driven infrastructure that offers enterprise-grade performance without the risks of centralized control. He explains the advantages of composability, edge performance, and open participation as key differentiators from traditional hyperscalers like AWS and Azure. Sebastian also delves into the complexities of designing a legal and tokenomics framework that fosters transparency, trust, and long-term sustainability. From choosing Switzerland for regulatory clarity to implementing dynamic token-based incentives, Impossible Cloud is building a demand-driven ecosystem that rewards reliability and innovation. 🎧 Tune in to discover how Impossible Cloud is reshaping the future of Web3 infrastructure.

Joseph Noor, co-founder and CTO of Ownwell, joins The Digital Executive podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey from coding sneaker bots and MMORPGs to building advanced property tech solutions. Born into a multi-generational real estate family, Joseph found a way to unite his background in computer science with his heritage—ultimately creating a company that helps property owners reduce costs and navigate the complex world of home finances. At Ownwell, Joseph leads the charge in using technology to identify tax assessment gaps and optimize every corner of property ownership. His story highlights the power of curiosity, relentless problem-solving, and how tech-savvy solutions are transforming even the oldest industries. Tune in to hear how Joseph Noor is building smarter systems for a better homeowner experience.

In this gripping episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Clay Moffat shares the urgent, emotional story behind his book The Trust Trap, written in just 21 days while facing the terrifying possibility of total blindness. With raw honesty, Clay opens up about his battle with a failing eye, a life-altering surgery, and the drive to leave behind something real and deeply useful. His firsthand experience of betrayal while building his tech platform led him to redefine what trust truly is—and how dangerous it can be when misunderstood. Clay draws from his work with elite performers, billionaires, and high-stakes environments to reveal powerful insights about how trust operates, why the smartest people are often the easiest to deceive, and how you can protect yourself from manipulation. His story is a rare and inspiring testament to resilience, clarity, and purpose. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation—especially if you're a founder, coach, or anyone who leads.

In this powerful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Steve Muth shares the deeply personal story that led to the founding of ZEM Life Device—a wearable technology company driven by a mission to prevent overdose deaths. After losing his only son, Zachary, to fentanyl, Steve turned unimaginable grief into action by developing a discreet, stylish smartwatch that automatically administers emergency medication like Narcan. Steve explains how the ZEM Life Device combines smart design, real-time vitals monitoring, and modular cartridges to deliver life-saving medication precisely when it's needed most. With potential applications ranging from heart attacks to allergic reactions and even fertility treatments, ZEM is pioneering the future of medical automation. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about technology, resilience, and saving lives.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, serial entrepreneur Ken Burrows shares how he's pushing boundaries as the founder and CEO of KINLUX, a company revolutionizing luxury group travel through the tokenization of real estate. Burrows explains how KINLUX is bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and real-world assets, creating new investment opportunities for both crypto holders and property owners. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a licensed mortgage banker and his diverse entrepreneurial background, Burrows discusses why now is the time to merge blockchain with luxury travel experiences. He also touches on his nonprofit work with SaveUnited.org, helping small businesses grow. Tune in to hear how Ken is helping redefine the future of real estate and crypto—one vacation property at a time.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Eli Promisel, Partner at Silicon Foundry, shares how his entrepreneurial roots and global experiences have shaped his unique perspective on innovation and corporate strategy. From launching a drone-based business in high school to advising Fortune 500 clients, Eli discusses the importance of early hands-on experience and the value of human connection in business. He dives into the rise of "physical AI" and its transformative potential across mobility, energy, and retail industries. Eli also explains how Silicon Foundry grounds its guidance in actionable, near-term innovation rather than speculative futurism. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that blends global perspective with practical strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Joe Kiani, founder of Masimo and current leader of Willow Laboratories, joins The Digital Executive podcast to discuss his mission to turn once-impossible health innovations into accessible tools for everyday wellness. At Masimo, Kiani revolutionized non-invasive patient monitoring; now at Willow Laboratories, he's applying that same visionary approach to personalized health management with the Nutu app. Nutu, developed by Willow Laboratories, blends cutting-edge science with behavioral insights to help users make smarter decisions around food, activity, and sleep—backed by a personalized "Nutu Score." With real-world outcomes like reduced HbA1c levels and expanded global reach on the horizon, Joe shares how technology can reshape our health span.

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Patrick Young, a seasoned Web3 leader with over eight years in blockchain innovation. As the head of go-to-market at Galxe and Gravity, Patrick shares how Web3 has shifted from speculative buzz to delivering real-world utility through applications like decentralized identity, tokenized assets, and AI-powered smart contracts. He also reflects on his impactful tenure at Chainlink Labs and his entrepreneurial experience with Ledger Matic. Patrick offers insights into how Galxe is powering over 7,000 teams with tools for growth, loyalty, and user engagement across more than 33 million users. From reward-based campaigns to digital identity solutions and AI copilots, Galxe is stitching together the fragmented Web3 space into a unified growth engine. Tune in to learn how Web3 is finally maturing—and why Galxe is at the heart of that evolution.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Nimrod Harel, a renowned mentalist and the visionary CEO of Game Changer, a virtual production company revolutionizing how television and game shows are made. Harel discusses how his background in mentalism directly informs his approach to technology, enabling the creation of immersive, illusion-based experiences that blur the line between real and virtual. Game Changer’s advanced virtual studio technology is turning heads globally, offering a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to traditional production sets. With major hits in markets like Mexico and Portugal, Harel explains how their platform democratizes big-budget visuals for broadcasters worldwide. Tune in to hear how illusions and innovation are merging to shape the next era of global entertainment.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Dave Gerry, a seasoned cybersecurity leader and current CEO of Bugcrowd. Dave shares how Bugcrowd is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape through a crowdsourced model that taps into a global network of over 600,000 ethical hackers. He explains how this approach not only expands access to elite talent but also helps organizations stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats. Dave also unpacks the growing impact of AI on both defenders and attackers, highlighting how Bugcrowd empowers companies to detect and respond to threats faster than ever. From zero-day vulnerabilities to shifting perceptions about ethical hackers, this conversation offers a deep dive into the future of cybersecurity. Tune in to hear how Bugcrowd is helping companies turn the tide in the fight against cyber threats.

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Ken Rutkowski, founder of Metal.Men, a global community for leaders in media, entertainment, technology, and the arts. Broadcasting from Cambodia, Ken shares his journey from pioneering podcasting and working with tech legends like Mark Cuban, to creating a thriving network focused on heart-centered leadership and collaboration. He also explains why he calls himself a “nexus” instead of a futurist, offering practical insights into short-term trends and emerging technologies. Ken dives into the philosophy behind Metal.Men, explaining how it brings together thousands of influential men every week to learn, grow, and support one another. He also shares the five traits he observed across the 20,000 entrepreneurs he’s interviewed—practices that separate the successful from the rest. Don’t miss this compelling conversation filled with stories, strategies, and actionable wisdom from a true super-connector. Tune in now to hear how Ken’s mindset can help elevate your life and career.