The Digital Executive

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas chats with Alex Nocifera, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of LOMA, a leading venture in last mile technology for storefronts. With over 20 years of experience, Alex discusses how he leveraged early technological advancements to enhance local advertising for multi-unit brands like Starbucks and Walmart. He explains LOMA's approach to using data-driven strategies to optimize local marketing budgets, ensuring each dollar spent maximizes customer acquisition and retention. Alex delves into the innovative ways LOMA integrates technology to provide timely and relevant advertising solutions, akin to an "always on" investment strategy for local markets. He also shares insights on the evolving trends in last mile technology, emphasizing the importance of contextual and real-time marketing powered by AI to meet the unique needs of diverse locales. This episode offers a deep dive into how technology and strategic thinking are reshaping local marketing landscapes.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sam Rosen, co-founder and CEO of DeskPass, to discuss the evolution of coworking spaces and the innovative DeskPass platform. Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from operating Chicago's first coworking space, The Coop, to developing DeskPass—an online marketplace connecting thousands to diverse coworking environments. He elaborates on the initial challenges of pioneering coworking solutions and how these experiences shaped DeskPass’s user-centric approach. The conversation also explores the future of work post-pandemic, highlighting the shift towards more flexible and specialized office spaces. Sam's insights offer valuable perspectives on adapting workspace design to meet evolving work and lifestyle needs, making this a must-listen for entrepreneurs, designers, and anyone interested in the future of workspaces.

In this engaging episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Daniel Keller, co-founder of Flux and a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience across technology, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Keller shares his journey from the early days of IT to becoming a pioneering force in blockchain and decentralized technologies. He delves into how Flux is carving out a unique space in the tech landscape with its decentralized platform and discusses the potential of AI and blockchain to transform various industries. The conversation also explores the challenges and regulatory hurdles facing healthcare IT and the broader tech industry. Keller's insights on the future of technology make this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and practical application.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas explores the cutting-edge intersection of technology and beauty with Sonia Khemiri, the innovative mind behind Beautyque NYC and its VR extension, Beautyque Verse. Sonia discusses her groundbreaking use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the online beauty shopping experience. Starting her journey during the pandemic, Sonia aimed to create a bridge between digital convenience and the tactile richness of traditional shopping. Beautyque Verse now allows customers to interact in a virtual space, offering a social, immersive shopping experience where users can consult live avatars, try products virtually, and shop with friends. Sonia shares insights on her entrepreneurial path, the challenges of bootstrapping, and her strategic use of technology to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. Join us for a deep dive into how these technologies are set to revolutionize not only beauty retail but e-commerce at large.

In this engaging episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas chats with Ashley Stanford, a seasoned digital marketing consultant and entrepreneur. With over 15 years in the field, Ashley shares invaluable insights into the evolution of digital marketing within the events and entertainment industries, emphasizing the transformative power of 1-to-1 marketing facilitated by advances in social media and CRM technologies. Ashley also introduces her latest venture, Ice Cream Social, a unique widget designed to enhance word-of-mouth marketing through gamification. Additionally, she offers essential advice for freelancers and consultants on navigating business structures, financial organization, and preparing for future trends in digital marketing, especially the increasing relevance of AI. Join us to uncover practical strategies for harnessing digital tools to boost marketing efficacy and drive entrepreneurial success.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Melanie Borden, a seasoned marketing strategist and founder of the Borden Group. Melanie discusses her strategic use of LinkedIn to transition from a challenging job market into establishing her own successful marketing consultancy. She shares insights into building personal brands and creating impactful opportunities through consistent and engaging content on LinkedIn. Melanie also explores universal marketing strategies that resonate across tech, retail, and startup sectors, emphasizing synchronized messaging and storytelling to foster human connections. As a Forbes Agency Council member, she also delves into the evolving landscape of digital marketing, highlighting the shift from traditional lead generation to brand building as a cornerstone of modern marketing efforts.

In this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas at Coruzant Technologies, we dive deep with Kevin Hewgley, a seasoned expert in risk management across healthcare, education, and financial services. Hewgley, who brings over three decades of experience and serves as the Senior Vice President at Lockton Companies, shares his journey from academia to a leading figure in executive risk. He discusses the evolution of cyber and management liabilities, the increasing complexity of these risks, and the importance of proactive education to stay ahead in a fast-evolving landscape. Key topics include the impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare and education, the current state of cyber threats, and the future challenges boards face in navigating regulatory and technological shifts. This episode offers invaluable insights for professionals seeking to enhance their risk management strategies and boardroom effectiveness in dynamic environments.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas engages with Sandy Carter, COO and Head of Business Development at Unstoppable Domains, to explore the transformative world of user-owned digital identities. Sandy discusses the significant opportunities and challenges in the adoption of digital identities, emphasizing their potential impact in sectors like healthcare and professional verification. With a rich background that spans startups and tech giants like IBM and AWS, Sandy shares how her experiences have honed her leadership style and approach to customer-focused innovation. She delves into the evolving landscapes of AI and blockchain, envisioning their convergence and ethical implications for future technologies. This conversation not only sheds light on the technical side but also underscores the importance of empathy and ethical considerations in technological adoption.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas chats with Kelli Wolansky, a dynamic professional from Ocean Townships, New Jersey, whose career spans across tech, health care marketing, and entrepreneurship. Kelli shares her journey from her early days working with Fortune 500 companies to discovering her passion for health care at HMP Global and how these experiences have shaped her marketing strategies. She also dives into the current trends impacting health care media, such as the rise of digital platforms and the importance of authentic storytelling in engaging consumers. On a more personal note, Kelli talks about her side business, a charcuterie company started during the pandemic, which combines her cultural roots and marketing acumen. This episode explores how Kelli manages to weave her professional skills with personal interests to create a fulfilling career path.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Yori Lavi, the visionary field CTO of SQream. With over 25 years in the tech industry and a background in developing influential technologies, Yori shares his journey and the evolution of SQream's GPU-accelerated data analytics software. He explains how this technology is revolutionizing big data analytics and AI/ML workloads by significantly improving processing speeds and cost-effectiveness. Yori also discusses the broader implications of these advancements for business insights and operational efficiency, highlighting the potential of GPUs to break the traditional trade-offs between speed, cost, and quality. Tune in to learn how SQream is navigating the challenges of modern data analytics and what the future holds for AI-driven technologies.

In this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Brad Micklea, Founder and CEO of Jozu and project lead for the KitOps.ml Project. Micklea shares his journey from founding CodeEnvy, a pioneering container-based development environment acquired by Red Hat, to launching his latest venture, Jozu, aimed at advancing the integration of AI and machine learning in production environments. With deep dives into the challenges and innovations of bringing AI models into operational stability and scalability, Micklea elucidates his vision of AI’s transformative potential in tech. The discussion spans the genesis of Jozu and KitOps, exploring how these tools are set to reshape the landscape of tech development and operationalization. Join us for a robust conversation about the future of DevOps, AI operations, and how companies can strategically position themselves in this evolving technological frontier.

In this engaging episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Kimberly Crowe, an accomplished public speaker, author, and founder of Entrepreneur's Rocket Fuel. Kimberly shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a renowned speaker and advocate for empowering others to share their stories. She explains the importance of knowing what emotion you want your audience to feel and what action you want them to take after your talk, which are critical to audience engagement. Kimberly also discusses her online platform, Speaker's Playhouse, which connects speakers with opportunities to share their messages. She highlights the evolving nature of public speaking in the digital age, stressing the significance of interactivity and direct audience engagement to stand out in a world where information is readily available at our fingertips. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their public speaking skills and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas hosts Anne Kim, co-founder and CEO of Array Insights. Based on her innovative work at MIT, Anne discusses her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, driven by her desire to implement privacy-enhancing technologies in healthcare. She explores the pivotal role of federated learning and blockchain in clinical trials and patient data security, offering a primer on these technologies for the uninitiated. Anne outlines Array Insights' mission to partner with patient advocacy groups, ensuring patient engagement without compromising privacy. She also projects into the future of AI and machine learning in healthcare, envisioning a world where advanced technologies seamlessly protect patient privacy and personalize treatment. This conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of technology, privacy, and healthcare innovation.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas engages with Karla Jo Helms, the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist at JOTO PR Disruptors. Karla Jo shares her journey from crisis management to pioneering the Anti-PR approach, a method leveraging crisis management techniques and media algorithms to safeguard and enhance the reputations of innovative startups against established giants. She discusses the strategic use of AI in public relations, emphasizing its role as an enhancer of human creativity rather than a replacement. Karla Jo explains the importance of understanding media algorithms and the balance needed between AI assistance and maintaining authentic brand messaging. This insightful conversation sheds light on the cutthroat nature of PR and the power of Anti-PR in shaping public opinion and driving company valuation.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas converses with Nick Rubright, the founder and CEO of Ranko Media. Nick shares how his background as a musician and his passion for creativity have profoundly influenced his approach to running a successful content-focused SEO and Digital PR agency. He discusses the importance of balancing SEO techniques with creative content that resonates emotionally with audiences, setting it apart in a competitive digital landscape. Nick also reveals the challenges and triumphs of scaling Ranko Media, from managing rapid growth to enhancing customer communication, and the crucial moments that shaped his journey from musician to digital marketing mogul. Moreover, Nick offers insights into future trends in SEO and digital marketing, particularly the role of AI as an assistant rather than a replacement in content creation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how artistic creativity merges with digital marketing strategies to drive business success.

In this illuminating episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Roshan Shah, co-founder and CEO of Decimal Digital Currency and President of Hamilton Road Capital. Roshan delves into the strategic integration of his vast experience in real estate with innovative cryptocurrency ventures. He discusses Decimal Digital's aggressive expansion amidst the Bitcoin halving and the unique approach of their new SMA offering aimed at making Bitcoin mining accessible to a broader audience. Roshan also shares his insights on the intersections between his roles in digital currency, commercial real estate, and health and wellness, revealing how these diverse sectors complement each other and create unexpected opportunities. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the convergence of traditional business models with cutting-edge technology.

In this insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas engages with Akli Adjaoute, the visionary founder of Exponion and the former CEO of Brighterion. Akli shares his remarkable journey from founding Brighterion, a company that has become a cornerstone in enterprise AI applications across various industries, to his venture capital pursuits with Exponion. He recounts the challenges faced and the resilience required to navigate the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of unique innovation and the power of determination rooted in his experiences as a minority entrepreneur. Brighterion, trusted by top banks and recognized with numerous awards, stands as a testament to Akli's dedication to impactful, applied AI. The conversation takes a deeper turn into the technical feats achieved by Brighterion, highlighting its unmatched transaction processing capabilities that set new industry standards. Transitioning to his role in venture capital, Akli outlines his mission to support startups that are not only technologically innovative but also ethically aligned, rejecting investments in ventures that could potentially harm society. He stresses the value of resilience, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the crucial role of mentorship in navigating the tumultuous journey of startup growth. Furthermore, Akli offers a critical perspective on the future of AI, discussing the ethical implications, potential risks, and the necessity for stringent regulation to mitigate the adverse effects of advancements in artificial intelligence. His insights into AI's impact on society, coupled with a call for ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving landscape, provide a compelling narrative on the responsibilities of technologists and entrepreneurs alike. Brian Thomas wraps up the conversation, reflecting on Akli's profound impact on the tech world and his continued influence as a mentor, investor, and advocate for ethical technology development. This episode not only highlights Akli Adjaoute's achievements and insights but also serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists navigating the complex interplay of innovation, ethics, and success in the digital age.

In this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Vaibhav Srivastava, the visionary behind PhotoSpot, a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize the way photographers discover unique photo locations. With an illustrious 13-year tenure at tech giants like Meta, Pinterest, and eBay, Srivastava's shift from leading database decisions to entrepreneurship is both inspiring and insightful. PhotoSpot emerges from Srivastava's personal passion for photography and an identified gap in the travel industry, where travelers struggle to find the Instagram-worthy spots they see online on conventional travel planning websites. This platform not only aids in discovering exceptional photo spots but also integrates travel planning and photography into a seamless experience, leveraging AI to cater to the modern traveler's needs. Srivastava also shares his perspective on the evolving role of technology in enhancing the creative process for photographers of all levels, emphasizing the importance of discovery and composition in capturing the perfect shot. As PhotoSpot prepares to introduce new features and expansions, including an AI-based trip planner and partnerships with local tour guides, Srivastava's journey from a tech leader to a pioneering entrepreneur is a compelling narrative of innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of filling an unmet demand in the market.

In this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, Aggie Tuxhorn, a seasoned marketing professional and the Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer at Citizens Bank of Edmond, shares her journey and insights into the banking sector's evolving landscape. With over a decade of experience, Aggie's transition to Citizens Bank was sparked by an unexpected encounter and subsequent mentorship with Jill Castilla, the bank's CEO, during an awards ceremony in New York. This pivotal moment led her to seize a unique opportunity to amplify her impact within the industry, moving from a larger organization to a community-focused bank where innovation and customer engagement are paramount. Aggie discusses the critical strategies for expanding market presence, emphasizing the importance of understanding the target audience, differentiating from competitors, and adopting an integrated marketing approach. She highlights the necessity of patience and consistency in marketing efforts, debunking the myth of instant success in new markets. Leveraging technology, particularly social media, has been instrumental in enhancing Citizens Bank of Edmond's growth and visibility. Aggie underscores the role of social media in shaping the bank's narrative and expanding its reach, praising Jill Castilla's pioneering use of the platform to connect with customers transparently and authentically. Looking ahead, Aggie is particularly excited about the launch of ROGER, a digital banking platform dedicated to serving the military community. This initiative reflects Citizens Bank's commitment to 'do good, do well,' aligning with Aggie's personal and professional ethos. Through strategic marketing and community-focused projects, Aggie Tuxhorn is poised to drive significant growth and innovation at Citizens Bank of Edmond, contributing to the broader goal of serving and supporting underserved communities. Join us as Aggie Tuxhorn delves into the nuances of strategic marketing in the banking sector, her collaborative efforts with a visionary leadership team, and her dedication to impactful projects like ROGER, all aimed at fostering community engagement and financial empowerment.

In an illuminating episode of The Digital Executive, Arthur Petropoulos, Founder and Managing Partner of Hill View Partners, shares his insightful journey from a distinguished Wall Street career to establishing a boutique firm that caters to the unique needs of privately held companies. With over a billion in transaction value to his name, Arthur identified a critical gap in the market for family, entrepreneur, and small investment group owned companies seeking mergers and acquisitions and capital advisory services. He founded Hill View Partners in 2016 to offer a more efficient, targeted approach to these services, moving away from the inefficient "pray and spray" method prevalent in the industry. Arthur discusses how emerging technology has revolutionized the way Hill View Partners operates, enhancing the firm's ability to diagnose company inefficiencies, optimize operations, and scale businesses more organically. Leveraging technology for global collaboration and automating services has allowed for unparalleled growth and efficiency in serving their clients' needs. The podcast delves deep into the strategies that have made Hill View Partners successful in navigating the complexities of over 100 transactions. Arthur emphasizes the importance of a meticulous, process-oriented approach, combining the best of traditional business practices with cutting-edge technology to optimize outcomes for their clients. Arthur's transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship has taught him valuable lessons about the necessity of embracing discomfort and uncertainty. He highlights the importance of persistence, faith, and the willingness to endure long journeys toward success, sharing personal reflections on the entrepreneurial experience and the fulfillment it brings. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and finance professionals alike, offering profound insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions, the transformative impact of technology in finance, and the resilience required to chart one's own path in the business world.