The Digital Executive

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas speaks with Dr. Denis Phares, President and CEO of Dragonfly Energy, the company behind the well-known Battle Born Batteries brand. A former USC professor with a background in energy, nanotechnology, and fluid mechanics, Dr. Phares shares how he transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship to advance sustainable energy solutions.He explains how Dragonfly carved out a leadership position in the lithium-ion battery market, especially in RV, marine, and off-grid applications—by focusing on brand growth, real-world adoption, and profitability. Dr. Phares also highlights Dragonfly's groundbreaking dry electrode cell manufacturing technology, a key step toward enabling domestic competitiveness and reducing reliance on overseas production.Looking ahead, he discusses the company's 23% year-over-year sales growth, expansion into heavy-duty trucking and other sectors, and Nevada's ambitious “lithium loop” ecosystem. With a strong foundation, innovative IP, and a commitment to onshore manufacturing, Dragonfly Energy is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in America's renewable energy transition.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Mark Weinstein—renowned tech entrepreneur, privacy expert, and one of the original pioneers of social networking. With over 25 years in the industry and 13 U.S. patents focused on data anonymization, Mark has dedicated his career to building platforms that protect users rather than exploit them.Mark shares insights from his new book, Restoring Our Sanity Online, praised by Sir Tim Berners-Lee as “a vital read” and by Steve Wozniak as “a must read.” He reflects on the early days of Web1, the rise of surveillance capitalism in Web2, and the stubborn hold Big Tech maintains over the social media landscape. He also introduces his concept of “Restoration Networking,” a new framework for user-centric design that prioritizes privacy, data portability, and safeguarding future generations.The conversation dives into the dangers of manipulative algorithms, the failures of Web3 in delivering on its promises, and the dual-edged role of AI—both as a manipulative force and as a powerful tool for eliminating bots and trolls. Despite the challenges, Mark remains hopeful, pointing to bipartisan legislative efforts, data ownership initiatives, and a growing movement toward digital sanity.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas speaks with Pablos Holman—hacker, inventor, futurist, and venture investor—whose career spans early cryptocurrency experiments, AI-driven stock trading, building spaceships at Blue Origin, and inventing disruptive technologies at Intellectual Ventures. With more than 100 patents to his name, including collaborations with Bill Gates to fight malaria, Pablos has dedicated his work to solving humanity's biggest problems.He shares why today's tech industry has over-indexed on software and why the future depends on deep tech—hardware-driven innovations that transform industries like energy, food, manufacturing, and construction. Pablos explains how supercomputing and simulation now make hardware experimentation faster, cheaper, and more viable than ever before, opening the door to breakthroughs once thought impossible.From advocating for ambitious, 10-year moonshot projects to tackling global energy inequality, Pablos challenges listeners to think beyond apps and incremental tools toward technologies that can truly uplift billions of people. His vision is rooted in one guiding principle: be a better ancestor by building solutions that serve future generations.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Ulf Arnetz, Founder and Chairman of Howwe Technologies and leader of Reforce New Ventures, to explore the critical link between strategy and execution.A serial entrepreneur with multiple Nasdaq-listed exits, Ulf shares insights from building multimillion-dollar companies in Sweden and the US, emphasizing why execution—not just strategy—determines growth in today's disruptive world. He discusses the role of CEOs in becoming more digital, how to align cross-functional teams around measurable priorities, and the importance of shortening the timeline from decision to action.From authoring Strategy Acceleration to mentoring future founders, Ulf reveals his passion for empowering executives to drive measurable revenue and profit growth while engaging employees across the organization. This conversation offers invaluable lessons for leaders seeking to transform plans into tangible results.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas speaks with Mitchell Demeter, early Bitcoin pioneer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Sonic Strategy, about his journey shaping the global cryptocurrency landscape—from launching the world's first Bitcoin ATM in 2013 to building and scaling crypto exchanges in Canada.Mitchell dives into the evolution of digital finance, sharing how his newest venture, Sonic Strategy, offers investors a streamlined, publicly traded way to gain exposure to the Sonic Blockchain. Unlike traditional crypto companies, Sonic Strategy runs validator infrastructure, accumulates Sonic tokens, and deploys DeFi strategies—serving as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto-native ecosystem.He breaks down the technical edge of the Sonic Blockchain, which now boasts 10,000+ transactions per second, sub-second finality, EVM compatibility, and developer incentives through innovative features like fee monetization and gas subsidies. With industry icon Andre Cronje (known as the “Godfather of DeFi”) at the helm of Sonic's roadmap, Mitchell previews the upcoming Flying Tulip DEX that could rival the largest centralized exchanges—all built natively on Sonic.Looking ahead, Mitchell envisions a future where real-world assets—from equities to real estate—move on-chain, unlocking efficiency, transparency, and global access. As stablecoins continue their meteoric rise, he sees Sonic as a next-generation platform built for the institutional and retail future of decentralized finance.If you're interested in the next big shift in Web3, this episode is packed with perspective from one of crypto's earliest and most consistent builders.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Cosmin Ene, digital monetization strategist, entrepreneur, and creator of one of the first scalable microtransaction platforms. Now leading Super Tab, Cosmin discusses how his frustration with subscription-only models inspired him to build systems that prioritize user choice, platform sustainability, and transactional access.Cosmin shares how Super Tab's recent partnership with Google marks a pivotal shift—allowing publishers to offer flexible access to premium content directly within the Google ecosystem. Rather than replacing subscriptions, Super Tab complements them, unlocking new revenue streams from the 98% of users who typically never subscribe.The conversation dives deeper into the rising relevance of microtransactions in an era of subscription fatigue, and how Super Tab introduces a "pay-as-you-consume" model that mirrors real-life experiences—like his memorable inspiration at a sushi bar.Looking ahead, Cosmin paints a compelling vision of the transactional web powered by AI agents that can perceive, reason, act, and transact on behalf of users. This future involves agent-to-agent commerce, where machines negotiate and execute tasks across industries like health, logistics, content, and SaaS—without human micromanagement.If you're a digital leader, content creator, or curious about the monetization models of tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Wilbur Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WoodmenLife, a leading provider of life insurance and retirement planning solutions. Wilbur shares his journey since joining the organization in 2023, highlighting his early focus on strategic execution, operational efficiency, and leadership development.The discussion explores how digital transformation is reshaping the life insurance industry, from streamlining customer experiences to deploying AI-driven tools like chatbots and mobile platforms. Wilbur emphasizes the importance of meeting customers where they are—across generations—and ensuring digital tools are intuitive and inclusive.He also addresses the misconception that older generations are excluded from digital solutions, advocating for a balanced, choice-driven approach that enhances human connection rather than replaces it.Whether you're a tech leader, insurance professional, or digital transformation enthusiast, this episode offers insightful strategies on leveraging technology to drive value and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Paul Boynton, Co-founder and COO of Company Search Inc. (CSI), a business intelligence platform transforming how companies perform global due diligence and risk analysis. Drawing from a career spanning underwriting, reinsurance, and corporate risk management with Fortune 100 firms, Paul shares how his deep industry expertise led to building CSI—a next-gen analytics platform designed for today's complex regulatory and global trade environment.Paul discusses how real-world experience and local partnerships inform CSI's data-driven tools, and how the company's proprietary AI assistant, ZABA, delivers precision insights that generic models can't. From uncovering hidden ownership structures under the new BIS 50% rule to mapping international trade flows, Paul explains how CSI's platform empowers compliance and strategy teams with actionable intelligence—without ever needing to board a plane.If you're navigating global markets, supply chains, or regulatory frameworks, this episode offers a practical look at how AI and specialized data can give you the edge.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Bryan Forrester, CEO and Co-founder of Boost Lingo, a language technology company that's transforming how the world accesses interpreters. Bryan shares how Boost Lingo was born from a mission to make requesting an interpreter as easy as ordering a ride—streamlining outdated systems with cloud-native, user-friendly solutions.He unpacks the startup's path to 50% year-over-year growth, the cultural values that drive innovation, and why focus and discipline were critical to staying on course. Bryan also dives deep into AI's evolving role in the language services space, emphasizing that AI is not here to replace human interpreters, but to expand access and fill critical language gaps—especially in healthcare and enterprise settings.With insightful takes on intelligent routing, real-time captioning, and the future of accessibility tech, this episode is a must-listen for founders, technologists, and anyone interested in how AI can elevate—not eliminate—human expertise.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this groundbreaking episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Gokul NA, co-founder of CynLr, to explore how rethinking machine vision and robotics from a neuroscience-inspired lens can radically transform industrial automation and manufacturing.Gokul shares the journey from solving 30+ previously unsolvable vision problems—spanning everything from grain sorting at microsecond speeds to intricate medical device assembly—to the founding of SEINER in 2019. By treating motion as a core sensory input and mirroring the human brain's ability to intuitively understand and manipulate unknown objects, Gokul and his team developed Cyro, an intelligent robotic system that adapts in real time—much like a human infant.The conversation also dives deep into Gokul's recent presentation at the AI for Good Summit 2025, where he outlines a bold vision for decentralized, sustainable micro-factories. These “universal factories” challenge traditional, rigid manufacturing lines by offering agile, modular systems capable of adapting to dynamic customer needs while dramatically reducing material waste and production costs.If you're curious about the future of robotics, manufacturing, or how AI can more closely emulate human intelligence, this episode is a must-listen.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas sits down with Evyatar Ben Artzi, co-founder of Darrow, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal landscape. Evyatar shares the story behind Darrow's founding—sparked by a gap he noticed while clerking at the Israeli Supreme Court—and how the platform now acts as a legal "radar system," scanning billions of data points to uncover hidden legal violations in areas like finance, privacy, and consumer protection.Together, they delve into Darrow's mission of making justice proactive, not reactive, and how legal intelligence could become a standard layer of accountability for both corporations and public institutions. If you've ever wondered how AI can empower attorneys, protect individuals, and create a more just society, this episode is a must-listen.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Ritu Mehrotra—tech leader, cancer survivor, and founder of United We Care—to explore how AI can transform mental health support worldwide. With two decades of leadership at Booking.com, Zomato, Mahindra, and more, Ritu brings a rare blend of global business strategy, empathy, and deep tech vision.Ritu shares how her personal journey through cancer recovery and mental health challenges inspired her to launch United We Care and later spin out Sun Labs, a deep tech venture pioneering world-class AI voice and reasoning infrastructure. She details how her team built breakthrough technologies—like multilingual automated speech recognition and a clinical knowledge graph—designed for accessibility, accuracy, and affordability.Listeners will also meet Stella, United We Care's AI-powered mental health coach, which has facilitated over 10 million conversations worldwide. Ritu explains how Stella measures effectiveness through intent detection, emotional resonance, and clinical outcomes—while continuously evolving to understand not just what people say, but how they say it across cultures and languages.This episode highlights how innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership can create emotionally intelligent AI that makes mental health care more accessible and effective for millions.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Tracy Wood, CEO of The DNA Company, to explore how functional genomics is reshaping personalized healthcare. Tracy shares the powerful personal story of her sister's tragic passing that fueled her mission to reduce avoidable medical errors—one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. She discusses how pharmacogenomics (PGX) testing can prevent adverse drug reactions, reduce hospitalizations, and make precision medicine more accessible worldwide.With a focus on innovation, patient-centered care, and affordability, Tracy explains The DNA Company's groundbreaking approach to integrating genetic data, functional pathways, and patient history to deliver tailored health insights. She also highlights the company's commitment to ongoing research, expanding gene reports, and providing continuous updates through a unique mobile app—ensuring patients benefit from the latest science without the need for retesting.This conversation offers both a deeply personal perspective and a forward-looking vision of how functional genomics and precision medicine can save lives and transform healthcare globally.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Vidya Ramanathan, high-performance mentor, multimillion-dollar tech founder, and creator of the True Resonance Method. Vidya introduces her five-dimensional framework—core alignment, emotional precision, vision integration, aligned action, and resonant communication—designed to help entrepreneurs break through invisible ceilings and achieve seven- and eight-figure growth with clarity and conviction.She shares insights on how leaders can recalibrate their mindset, embrace identity shifts, and harness cross-cultural awareness to deepen emotional intelligence and build values-driven businesses. Vidya also explores the evolving role of emotional intelligence in a world increasingly shaped by AI, emphasizing how leaders can empower their teams to step into their “zone of genius” while leveraging technology for repetitive tasks. This conversation is a guide for mission-driven entrepreneurs ready to align their inner compass with their outer vision.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Valentina Flores, CEO and co-founder of Red Sentry, a proactive cybersecurity firm that “breaks into your network so hackers never get the chance.” With a career that spans from federal task force detective tracking cybercriminals to award-winning cybersecurity leader and advocate for women in tech, Valentina shares how her unique background shapes her approach to protecting organizations.She explains how Red Sentry's real-world attack simulations go beyond compliance checkboxes, combining hacker psychology, dark web intelligence, and hands-on penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities that automated scans often miss. Valentina also sheds light on the enterprise-like sophistication of hacker groups, why SMBs are frequent targets, and how businesses can disrupt attackers by removing easy wins.Looking ahead, she highlights AI as both the biggest opportunity and threat in cybersecurity—powering more convincing social engineering attacks while also giving defenders stronger detection and automation tools. Her perspective underscores the importance of blending AI precision with human creativity, while building a security-first culture that spans every level of an organization.Tags:#Cybersecurity #HackerPsychology #WomenInTech #AIandSecurity #ProactiveDefenseIf you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Chris Daigle, Founder and CEO of ChiefAIOfficer.com, to discuss how companies can move beyond AI hype and implement strategies that deliver measurable results. Chris shares insights from his Executive AI Immersion program, a two-day experience designed to help mid-market executives become expert-level users of AI tools without requiring years of technical training.Chris also introduces his Ignition Process, a framework that helps companies move from scattered AI pilot projects and shadow usage to enterprise-wide adoption with governance, training, and risk management in place. He explains how this approach not only mitigates risks like data leaks but also builds a culture of "thinking in AI" across departments.The conversation highlights practical AI use cases with the highest ROI today, including marketing, finance, sales, operations, and HR. Chris emphasizes his 10-80-10 framework—where humans set the direction, AI does the bulk of the work, and humans apply the final layer of oversight—underscoring the importance of keeping people in the loop.From cutting through misconceptions to scaling real-world applications, Chris offers executives a roadmap to transform their organizations and thrive in the AI economy.Tags:#AIAdoption #ChiefAIOfficer #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #HumanInTheLoopLike to be a future guest on the show? Apply HereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas sits down with Drew Messer, CEO and co-founder of Urban SDK, to explore how geospatial AI and real-time data are transforming how local governments operate. From Drew's early experiences in politics to launching Urban SDK after the U.S. DOT's Smart Cities Challenge, listeners will hear how Drew's vision led to the creation of a platform now used by over 250 municipalities across 34 states.Drew shares the challenges that cities face with outdated infrastructure assessment methods and how Urban SDK's data management platform replaces traditional tools like traffic counters with cost-effective, always-on data analytics. The conversation dives deep into use cases involving traffic safety, public works, and policing, highlighting how cities are making faster, evidence-based decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and budgeting.Drew also discusses broader trends in smart city development—including Infrastructure 2.0—and how removing personal bias through data is reshaping policy-making across the public sector. The episode ends on a personal note, with Drew acknowledging the role of faith and resilience in building a fast-growing, VC-backed tech company committed to civic innovation.#SmartCities #UrbanSDK #GeospatialAI #InfrastructureInnovation #CivicTechLike to be a future guest on the show? Apply HereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas chats with Pejman Roshan, CMO of Menlo Security, about how the rise of hybrid work and SaaS adoption is transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Pej shares how Menlo's isolation-based browser security shifts the model from reactive defense to proactive protection—keeping malicious content out by never letting it reach the endpoint.With a career spanning Cisco, Aruba, and VMware, Pej reflects on how marketing in cybersecurity now demands both creativity and deep technical understanding. He explains why the browser is becoming the new endpoint and how Menlo is leading the way in securing users wherever they work.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Fahd Rafi, founder of Noodle Seed, an AI startup transforming how modern organizations operate through intelligent automation. Drawing from a background leading AI and data strategy at Google Cloud and Microsoft, Fahd shares how his mission is to “automate the ordinary and enable the extraordinary” through a new paradigm: Agents-as-a-Service.Fahd explains how Noodle Seed builds agentic systems that go far beyond simple chatbots—by identifying business processes that should be automated, eliminated, or augmented with AI. He breaks down misconceptions around AI implementation, emphasizing the need for outcome-driven design over hype-driven deployment. Instead of charging by user seats or token usage, Fahd advocates for shared-value models where pricing aligns with business results.From eliminating repetitive tasks to empowering enterprise teams with intelligent agents, Fahd offers a compelling vision of the AI-powered future—where human creativity is prioritized, and machines take care of the rest.Like to be a future guest on the show? Apply Here

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Hunter Dickinson, Head of Partnerships at Whop, about his entrepreneurial rise from founding Zen Task to leading Whop's sales and partnership strategy. Hunter shares how his early venture—born from the Web3 space and acquired by Whop—helped lay the foundation for a digital marketplace now generating over $1.3 billion in gross merchandise volume. His journey reveals the mindset shift from solo founder to team-driven operator and how shedding ego became a catalyst for scale.Hunter dives into how Whop is reshaping digital commerce by empowering creators to monetize their passions. He details how the platform is evolving—from building global payment systems to launching vertical SaaS tools—making it easier than ever for individuals to earn income doing what they love. With a vision centered on aligning skills, passion, and access, Hunter explains how Whop aims to unlock a sustainable future for creators around the world.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, host Brian Thomas sits down with Rohan Nayak, CEO and co-founder of Pocket FM, to explore how he made the bold transition from investment banking to building one of the most disruptive platforms in the entertainment industry. Rohan shares how his passion for storytelling and content innovation led to the birth of Pocket FM, an audio OTT platform designed to empower writers and give voice to untold stories.Rohan explains how Pocket FM is redefining the entertainment landscape by building a new category of audio storytelling powered by AI. From streamlining content production to identifying blockbusters and scaling marketing with machine learning, he offers insight into how data and technology are democratizing creative expression. With over 50,000 shows already produced, Pocket FM is not only transforming how we consume content—but also who gets to create it.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends.  Sign up now here. 

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas welcomes Ed Watal, founder and principal of Intellibus, a top-ranked Inc. 5000 software firm. Ed shares his insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial sector, particularly around the challenges of fraud and deepfakes. He explains how his ethical AI platform, Big Parser, was born from a long-standing vision to build transparent, responsible AI systems using community-sourced, human-curated data.The conversation also explores how data sourcing, model usage, and AI's impact on jobs must be ethically grounded to ensure AI contributes positively to society. Ed emphasizes the importance of guardrails in digital governance, describing his work with initiatives like the World Digital Governance (WDG) project. His vision of accelerating innovation while maintaining accountability offers a thoughtful blueprint for navigating AI's rapid evolution.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Tom LeNoble—international speaker, resilience coach, and former executive at Facebook, Walmart, Palm, and Verizon—joins host Brian Thomas for a thoughtful conversation on what it truly takes to lead in high-pressure environments. Now a sought-after coach and advisor, Tom shares how his journey through startups, Fortune 500s, and personal challenges shaped the trademarked Risk Ability Factor and his people-first leadership philosophy.Listeners will hear how Tom's work at companies like Facebook and Mitiga underscores the importance of listening, presence, and adapting with humility. From creating psychologically safe cultures to stepping outside the C-suite to truly connect, Tom offers candid insights and actionable wisdom for leaders seeking purpose and impact in the face of constant change.Empower your decisions with elite insights – Subscribe to the Digital Executive newsletter today for handpicked strategies, leadership perspectives, and market trends sent directly to you. Sign up today!

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Geoff Haydon, CEO of Ontinue, shares how his leadership journey—from SecureWorks and VMware to heading Ontinue—has helped shape a new era of cybersecurity services. Geoff dives into how Ontinue's MXDR platform, Ontinue ION, is transforming legacy MDR practices by combining automation, AI, and a holistic approach to threat management. He explains how today's cybersecurity demands go beyond just alerting and into proactive risk reduction across cloud, network, and identity.Geoff also unpacks how Ontinue's partnership with Microsoft and its integration with the Microsoft security platform is enabling enterprises to reduce tool sprawl, cut costs, and deliver measurable outcomes. With over a third of security incidents resolved autonomously and 99.5% handled without customer intervention, Ontinue is helping CISOs do more with less—replacing outdated "defense in depth" models with scalable, intelligent operations powered by agentic AI.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends. Sign up now here.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Elliot Johnson, CEO of Bitcoin Treasury Corporation and CIO of Evolve ETFs, shares his journey pioneering Canada's first spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the regulatory and operational challenges of launching these crypto investment products, highlighting how Evolve ETFs now manages nearly $300 million across multiple digital asset funds with institutional-grade infrastructure and custody.Elliot also unpacks the mission of Bitcoin Treasury Corporation, a publicly traded company focused on Bitcoin as a reserve asset and lending vehicle. He explains how institutions are gradually warming up to Bitcoin, why large players will likely be the last to adopt, and how layer two networks like the Lightning Network may become a surprising catalyst for global mainstream Bitcoin adoption.Like to be a future guest on the show? Apply Here 

On The Digital Executive podcast, Pratik Balar, co-founder and tech lead at NodeOps, shares his vision for how decentralized compute systems are reshaping the future of AI and cloud services. He explains how DPN 2.0—short for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks—offers scalable, cost-effective, and privacy-focused alternatives to traditional cloud computing by leveraging blockchain and global participation. Balar emphasizes that enabling anyone to contribute compute power—such as GPUs or storage—through token incentives can dramatically reduce costs while enhancing performance and resilience. His mission centers on building open, trustless infrastructure that empowers developers without sacrificing reliability, even during challenges like DDoS attacks or cloud outages.Balar also unpacks the technical and philosophical hurdles of building at scale, from maintaining node-to-node connectivity to ensuring data integrity in decentralized environments. He outlines NodeOps' developer-first features, including YAML-based template deployments, an in-browser AI sandbox, and dynamic geographic resource replication—tools that lower the barrier to entry for those new to Web3. With advanced capabilities like port tunneling, RPC APIs, and integrated package managers, NodeOps is focused on simplifying deployment while maintaining high security and performance. Balar believes that decentralization isn't just a technical choice, but a movement toward greater openness, privacy, and global accessibility in cloud infrastructure.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends.  Sign up now here.

On The Digital Executive podcast, Ani Mishra shares his insights as a seasoned software engineering leader at DoorDash, where he oversees the logistics systems powering grocery, retail, convenience, and alcohol delivery. Mishra emphasizes the importance of solving a single customer problem deeply and effectively before generalizing the solution for other verticals, ensuring both speed and scalability. He explains that high-performing teams thrive when they are built with top talent, are given autonomy, and have clear focus areas—along with a shared sense of ownership for the reliability of their systems. His leadership approach is grounded in understanding each team member's motivation, fostering inclusive culture, and always planning ahead to align talent with future problems.Drawing on his early startup experience at Phoenix and Mobify, Mishra reflects on the hands-on, all-hats nature of startup life, which taught him to build products from the ground up, scale them, and lead with empathy. Looking forward, he is most excited about how large language models (LLMs) are transforming logistics. From improving item discovery and route optimization in stores to enhancing customer experience and delivery safety, LLMs are enabling more intelligent and responsive systems. While AI has long played a role in logistics, Ani believes LLMs will accelerate innovation—from real-time decision-making to autonomous vehicles—making deliveries faster, safer, and more precise in the years ahead.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, Mukarram Mawjood shares how his diverse upbringing across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States shaped his global investment philosophy. With over 15 years of experience trading in equities, commodities, and crypto, he emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and international awareness in navigating global markets. Mawjood discusses how true risk is often misunderstood—not as a guaranteed loss, but as a probability that can be managed with discipline and emotional intelligence. He also breaks down the importance of distinguishing between earning and creating money, a concept that guides both his investing approach and his work educating young people.Mukarram passionately describes his “Young Trader of the Year” initiative, which aims to equip youth with real financial literacy—not just saving or budgeting, but learning to generate wealth and make informed decisions. He stresses that time, not money, is the real currency, and that teaching self-reliance is critical for future success. When asked about AI's role in trading, Mawjood asserts that while technology increases access, it doesn't level the playing field—education, effort, and resourcefulness do. He concludes with the insight that 75% of trading success is mental, not technical, and encourages aspiring investors to develop emotional discipline and follow price action like a skilled surfer catching a wave.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends.  Sign up now here.

In this powerful episode of The Digital Executive podcast host Brian Thomas welcomes Eric Winegard, co-founder and CEO of Rare Balloon Moon Marketing. Eric shares his incredible journey from homelessness and the foster care system to leading an eight-figure digital marketing firm alongside his wife, Alexis. He reflects on the two life-changing turning points that shaped his path—first, a brush with the justice system in his 20s, and later, a bold decision to leave corporate leadership in his 40s to build something of his own.Eric discusses the lessons learned over a 17-year corporate career, how those insights shaped the foundation of Rare Balloon Moon Marketing, and why authenticity, heart, and humility drive the company's success. He also offers candid advice to those seeking to reinvent their lives—emphasizing the importance of traits like character and work ethic over technical skills, and urging listeners to get their mind, body, and spirit aligned before taking bold risks.Empower your decisions with elite insights – Subscribe to the Digital Executive newsletter today for handpicked strategies, leadership perspectives, and market trends sent directly to you. Sign up today! 

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Jared Navarre, a seasoned founder, strategist, and the creative force behind Zillion, a multi-sensory music and storytelling project. Jared shares insights from launching and exiting ventures across industries like IT, logistics, and entertainment, and reveals the foundational principles he looks for in any business—purpose, product-market fit, and real exit potential.Jared also dives deep into the evolution of Zillion, explaining how the project merges theatrical performance with hard rock, AR, and narrative-driven content. As technology like AI and immersive media reshape entertainment, Jared discusses both the limitless creative potential and the ethical responsibility creators face in ensuring that innovation doesn't erase the human soul of art.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 sits down with Andrew Coppin, co-founder and CEO of Ranchbot, to discuss how remote monitoring is transforming water management in agriculture. With deep roots in rural Western Australia and decades of experience in finance and agritech, Andrew shares how his team at Ranchbot—and his other venture, Farmbot—are solving an age-old challenge: checking water systems across vast and remote ranches. With over 4,000 ranches now using Ranchbot technology and 12,000 users logging in weekly, the impact is measurable: significant time savings, tens of thousands of dollars in reduced operational costs, and peace of mind for hardworking producers.Andrew also talks about the cultural and practical challenges of tech adoption in agriculture and how Ranchbot's plug-and-play simplicity helps overcome them. From easy installation to intuitive dashboards with red-yellow-green alerts, the platform is purpose-built for the realities of life on the land. Looking ahead, Andrew shares how Ranchbot is exploring AI, satellite-driven virtual fencing, and non-invasive cattle monitoring—making the company a key player in shaping the future of agri-food systems.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Charlie Thomas, a veteran tech leader known for scaling startups to $100M+ in recurring revenue. Now at the helm of Mitiga, Charlie shares his approach to building exceptional teams, anticipating market shifts, and mentoring founders—several of whom have led companies to billion-dollar exits. His emphasis on culture, go-to-market excellence, and strategic timing has been central to repeated success across the cybersecurity landscape.Charlie also dives into Mitiga's mission to redefine cyber resilience for the cloud era. With organizations relying on increasingly complex, multi-cloud environments, Mitiga offers a real-time platform that integrates hundreds of SaaS applications and cloud systems into a unified security view. As attackers grow more sophisticated—often using AI—Mitiga empowers defenders to keep pace with smarter, faster threat detection and response.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends. Sign up now here.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas speaks with Jim LaRoe, a uniquely skilled leader whose background spans engineering, law, and entrepreneurship. As CEO of Symphion, Jim shares how his diverse experience has shaped a high-performing culture centered around relentless work ethic, continuous innovation, and uncompromising customer service.The conversation dives deep into Symphion's flagship offering—Print Fleet Cybersecurity as a Service—a fully managed, vendor-agnostic solution protecting one of the most overlooked attack surfaces in enterprise networks: printers. Jim explains why these complex devices pose major security risks, especially in industries like healthcare, and how Symphion is leading the charge to close this critical gap.Like to be a future guest on the show? Apply Here

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Aaron Tate, Senior Vice President and CIO at TechnoMile. With over 15 years in government contracting and defense, Tate shares how his diverse background in engineering, consulting, and field deployment shaped his product-first, customer-centric approach. At TechnoMile, he leads the development of secure, AI-enabled cloud solutions that help GovCon businesses find the right opportunities, remain compliant, and accelerate contract performance.Aaron also discusses how TechnoMile's platform—built specifically for the public sector—enables government contractors to stay competitive through tools like GovSearch AI and Notices IQ. As the industry embraces agentic AI, Aaron offers insight into how emerging technologies will redefine how proposals are built, opportunities are identified, and digital transformation is achieved. For anyone navigating the evolving GovCon space, this conversation offers a clear look at what's next.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends. Sign up now here.

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes back Daniel Fallmann, CEO and founder of Mindbreeze, to explore how his product-first philosophy has shaped a powerful, scalable platform built to simplify enterprise AI. Fallmann explains how Mindbreeze InSpire and Insight Workplace reduce the need for complex customizations by embedding core functionality out of the box—leading to faster adoption and immediate value for enterprise users.Daniel also breaks down the growing shift toward agentic AI, which goes beyond assisting to truly acting—with context, autonomy, and pattern recognition that drive smarter decision-making. From preparing high-stakes meetings to surfacing critical business insights in real-time, Mindbreeze is helping enterprises move from reactive data access to proactive intelligence. It's a glimpse into the future of AI-powered decision-making that's already transforming organizations today.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, host Brian Thomas speaks with Ahikam Kaufman, co-founder and CEO of Safe Book's AI. With over two decades of experience in corporate finance, including leadership roles at Intuit, Kaufman shares how his team is revolutionizing financial data governance through intelligent automation. He highlights the unique challenges CFOs face with fragmented financial systems and explains why today's tools often fall short in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and speed.Kaufman delves into the slow adoption of AI in finance compared to other departments, emphasizing how Safe Book's AI is bridging that gap. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing M&A due diligence, he outlines how AI can transform finance from a reactive function to a strategic powerhouse. If you're a finance leader looking to future-proof your operations, this is a must-listen conversation.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas interviews Chris Condon, founder and CEO of Aircon, a Dallas-based platform that's transforming air freight logistics through AI-driven workflow automation. Drawing on over 26 years of leadership experience in global logistics, Chris shares how his competitive spirit and firsthand frustrations with traditional freight forwarding inspired him to create Aircon. His mission: to empower small and mid-sized freight forwarders with the speed and efficiency needed to compete with global logistics giants.Chris explains how Aircon's AI agents—Laura, Rocky, and Rosie—are reshaping the freight industry by automating quoting, booking, and exception management. From cutting quoting time to under two minutes, to rebooking shipments based on predictive analytics, Aircon is eliminating bottlenecks and boosting margins. With a focus on people, trust, and real-world problem solving, Chris paints a compelling vision for a more agile, connected, and AI-augmented future in freight logistics.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, host Brian Thomas sits down with Krishna Gupta, co-founder of Presto and founding partner at Remus Capital. Gupta shares the story of launching his venture capital firm while still at MIT and how his early exposure to AI led to his co-founding of Presto, a company pioneering voice AI for restaurant drive-throughs. He breaks down the technical and operational challenges of deploying AI in noisy, high-volume environments, and how Presto overcomes these with a hybrid approach combining LLMs and NLP.Gupta also explores the compelling case for vertical AI, especially in industries like quick service restaurants (QSRs), logistics, and manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of industry-specific insights, integration, and go-to-market execution. As he looks ahead, Gupta envisions a fully AI-instrumented business environment—powered by real-time feedback loops, robotics, and automation—with Presto and Remus Capital playing a leading role in that transformation. Don't miss this conversation packed with insight into the rapidly evolving world of applied AI.Like to be a future guest on the show? Apply Here

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast Gino Ferrand shares the journey behind TECLA, the AI-driven platform he founded to connect top Latin American developers with U.S. companies. Drawing from his personal experience and technical expertise, Ferrand explains how staying hands-on with development shaped TECLA's evolution into a fast, smart, and human-centric solution for remote hiring.With over 50,000 users and a 97% success rate, TECLA leverages AI not just for efficiency, but to foster long-term talent success across borders. Gino also reveals his vision for blending automation with community, helping clients onboard talent seamlessly while building deeper, lasting partnerships. Tune in to hear how TECLA is transforming the global tech hiring landscape.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 Peckrill, Executive Director of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, shares how the Fund is driving real-world change through place-based philanthropy. He explains why scaling national programs must start with a local lens and how deep community engagement leads to measurable, long-term impact.Brian also discusses the McGowan Fellows Program and its unique focus on ethics and leadership development for MBA students. Drawing from his global experience in leadership training, he emphasizes the power of experiential learning and the universal need for trust. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on responsible innovation and values-driven leadership.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or Spotify

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Josh Hicks, Senior Technical Sales Engineer at JumpMind, shares his decade-long journey shaping the company's evolution from its startup roots to a retail tech powerhouse. Hicks dives into the development of JumpMind's mobile point of sale platform, used by brands like American Eagle Outfitters and Petco, and explains how his transition from coding to customer-facing roles helped him better understand what clients truly need in scalable, data-driven retail solutions.With deep insights into data architecture, cloud-native tools, and the growing role of AI in retail, Hicks discusses how JumpMind stays ahead of evolving customer expectations. From building resilient platforms to cultivating a culture of excellence, this episode offers valuable lessons for tech professionals and retail leaders alike.Subscribe to the Digital Executive Newsletter for curated strategies, expert perspectives, and industry trends.  Sign up now here. 

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Dr. Robert P. Murphy, co-founder and chief economist at Infineo, to explore how Austrian economics is shaping a new era of financial products. Dr. Murphy discusses how Infineo is bringing life insurance to the blockchain with innovative tools like Life Notes, and why decentralized finance (DeFi) offers a natural evolution for traditionally conservative asset classes.Dr. Murphy also reflects on the growing mistrust in financial institutions and how transparency, philosophy, and AI-driven platforms like Infineo are restoring public confidence. From tokenizing $500 million in life insurance to building an “operating system” for alternative assets, this conversation offers deep insight into the future of finance.Empower your decisions with elite insights – Subscribe to the Digital Executive newsletter today for handpicked strategies, leadership perspectives, and market trends sent directly to you. Sign up today!

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.

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.