The Digital Executive

The Future of Software: AI, Composability, and Breaking the Code Silos with Co-Founder Jonathan Saring | Ep 1041

In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas speaks with Jonathan Saring, co-founder of Bit, a platform transforming how teams build software through composability and AI. Jonathan shares how Bit has become indispensable for over 250,000 developers and numerous Fortune 100 companies by enabling modular, component-based development that boosts efficiency, consistency, and scalability. He explains how composable software is reshaping enterprise tech, offering real-world success stories, including a major Canadian healthcare organization that doubled its application output while cutting costs by over 60%.
Jonathan also dives into the growing impact of AI in software development, addressing both the promise and pitfalls of code generation and no-code tools. He introduces Bit’s latest innovation, Hope AI, a powerful platform that merges composability with natural language interfaces to deliver enterprise-grade, production-ready software. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on where software development is headed—listen now to learn how composability and AI are setting a new standard for innovation.

Building Transparent Finance and the Future of Digital Assets with Founder Thomas Ruble | Ep 1040

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Thomas Ruble—a humanist, technologist, and founder of Nirvana. With a background that spans healthcare, AI, banking, and cloud infrastructure, Ruble shares how his early studies in philosophy shaped his first-principles approach to decentralized finance. He explains why the true promise of blockchain isn't just about the technology, but about creating fair and transparent systems that remove human bias and fraud from financial markets.
Ruble dives deep into Nirvana’s mission to create a stable digital store of value, moving beyond the speculation and volatility that plague today's crypto landscape. He also unpacks the future of digital assets, advocating for algorithm-driven systems that operate with full transparency—regardless of whether they use a blockchain. Tune in to hear why Ruble believes the real evolution in crypto is yet to come and how Nirvana is leading that charge.

Transformative Leadership and Building High-Performance Cultures with CEO Adam Coffey | Ep 1039

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Adam Coffey, a dynamic CEO, board member, and bestselling author, to explore his unique approach to leadership across diverse industries. As the former head of three national service companies backed by nine private equity sponsors, Coffey shares how his immersion strategy—through interviews, ride-alongs, and financial tools like his "30-20-10 Rule"—helps him quickly assess and transform businesses in any sector. His hands-on method and informal feedback loops allow him to build strong cultures and lead successful turnarounds.
Coffey also dives into the world of private equity, discussing key factors behind strong CEO-PE firm partnerships, including alignment, incentive equity, and clearly defined roles. He unpacks insights from his book The Private Equity Playbook, offering valuable advice to entrepreneurs navigating today's $7 trillion PE landscape. Whether you're building, scaling, or selling a business, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and real-world wisdom—tune in to hear Adam Coffey’s masterclass in modern leadership.

Championing Crypto Rights and Regulatory Clarity with Crypto Advocate John Deaton | Ep 1038

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes John Deaton, a leading voice in cryptocurrency regulation and founder of Crypto Law US. Deaton shares his insights on the landmark SEC vs. Ripple case, detailing how his advocacy helped influence the ruling that XRP is not a security. He discusses the broader implications for the crypto industry and the ongoing regulatory battles shaping the future of digital assets.
Beyond his legal work, Deaton reflects on his recent Senate campaign in Massachusetts, where he challenged Senator Elizabeth Warren’s anti-crypto stance. He also expresses strong opposition to a Federal Reserve-issued Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), warning of its potential risks to financial freedom. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on the future of crypto regulation, decentralization, and financial independence.

Optimizing Construction Finances and Technology with Founder Timothy Wingate Jr. | Ep 1037

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Timothy Wingate Jr., founder of G+F Business and Financial Consulting, to discuss the financial challenges faced by construction companies. Drawing from his personal experiences and his father’s background as a general contractor, Wingate shares how his firm specializes in tax planning, bookkeeping, and strategic consulting tailored for construction businesses. By leveraging technology, he helps contractors bridge the gap between the field and back office, ensuring better financial decision-making.
Wingate emphasizes the importance of integrating software solutions like QuickBooks Online and Buildertrend to streamline operations and improve job costing. He also discusses emerging trends in construction finance, particularly the growing role of AI and automation in an industry historically slow to adopt technology. With valuable insights into financial sustainability, technology integration, and future-proofing construction businesses, this episode is a must-listen for industry professionals.

Breaking Open the Black Box of Healthcare: A Conversation with CEO Mark Newman | Ep 1036

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Mark Newman, co-founder and CEO of Nomi Health, to discuss his mission to transform America’s healthcare system. Newman, a seasoned entrepreneur, previously founded HireVue, revolutionizing AI-driven talent assessment before shifting his focus to healthcare. He shares how his passion for human resources and business innovation led him to create a more transparent and direct healthcare experience, benefiting employers, providers, and patients alike. By cutting through industry inefficiencies, Nomi Health has helped organizations reduce healthcare costs by over 30% while ensuring faster provider payments and zero out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Newman highlights the systemic issues plaguing U.S. healthcare, particularly the lack of price transparency and the inefficiency of provider payments. He argues that while technology—AI, machine learning, and digital tools—plays a crucial role in modernization, the real driver of change is the growing demand from consumers, employers, and HR leaders for a more accountable system. By leveraging data analytics and direct contracting models, Nomi Health aims to simplify transactions, eliminate unnecessary costs, and empower stakeholders to take control of their healthcare decisions. Tune in to the full episode to hear how Newman and his team are working to dismantle the barriers of traditional healthcare and pave the way for a more efficient, patient-centric future.

Building the Forever Web: Decentralized Data Storage with Founder Philip Mataras | Ep 1035

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Philip Mataras, founder and CEO of AR.IO, discusses his journey from enterprise IT to blockchain entrepreneurship and how AR.IO is pioneering the future of decentralized, permanent cloud storage. By leveraging the Arweave Permaweb, AR.IO provides a tamper-proof, pay-once-store-forever solution that ensures data reliability, transparency, and security. Mataras explains how AR.IO’s infrastructure decentralizes access to stored data, reducing single points of failure and enabling a truly censorship-resistant internet.
With an emphasis on open-source collaboration and user empowerment, AR.IO introduces innovative solutions such as a decentralized domain name system and a token-based incentive model. Mataras envisions a future where immutable storage fosters digital permanence, offering individuals and businesses a resilient alternative to traditional cloud services. To explore how AR.IO is shaping the next generation of the internet, tune in to the full conversation.

Exploring Digital Asset Policy and Economic Growth with Chase Ergen | Ep 1034

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Chase Ergen, Executive Director of the Make America Wealthy Again (MAWA) Super PAC and Board Member of DeFi Technologies. Ergen discusses MAWA’s mission to drive economic prosperity through legislative initiatives, tax reforms, and digital asset policies. He highlights the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs and advocates for a 0% tax on digital assets to attract investment, retain technological innovation, and position the U.S. as a global leader in the digital economy.
Ergen also shares insights into MAWA’s strategy to influence U.S. economic policy through legislative advocacy and representation in Congress. He emphasizes the need for clear and supportive regulations to prevent innovation from moving overseas, citing cases like Binance as cautionary examples. With a focus on stabilizing digital asset policies and fostering a pro-business environment, Ergen outlines MAWA’s vision for ensuring long-term economic growth. Listen to the full episode to hear more about the future of digital assets and economic policy reform.

AI-Powered Business Optimization: The Future of Decision-Making with CEO Avrom Gilbert | Ep 1033

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas speaks with Avrom Gilbert, a seasoned technology leader and AI pioneer. Gilbert, the CEO of SparkBeyond, shares his insights on the evolution of AI in business decision-making, from its early days to the era of generative AI. He discusses how businesses can move beyond generic AI-generated insights by leveraging structured data from CRM, ERP, and IoT sources to create highly optimized operations. With the rise of AI agents, he envisions a future where businesses will trust AI not just for insights but also for decision-making, fundamentally transforming industries.
Gilbert introduces the concept of "always optimized" AI, a system that continuously analyzes data, detects patterns, and recommends actions in real time to prevent issues such as customer churn or operational inefficiencies. He likens this advancement to having an AI assistant as intuitive as Marvel’s Jarvis, capable of making business decisions with unparalleled accuracy. With AI's rapid progress, he predicts that soon, organizations of all sizes will harness its power to remain competitive. To dive deeper into this exciting conversation, listen to the full podcast.

Exploring AI's Impact on Healthcare with Dr. Oliver Degnan | Ep 1032

In The Digital Executive podcast, Dr. Oliver Degnan, a pioneering technology executive and leadership coach, discusses his extensive experience in AI and healthcare innovation. With leadership roles at IBM Watson Health, Intuit, and major healthcare organizations, Dr. Degnan shares how AI is revolutionizing patient care, operational efficiency, and physician burnout prevention. He emphasizes the importance of designing AI solutions that integrate seamlessly into healthcare workflows, acting as supportive companions rather than intrusive tools. His insights highlight how AI-driven diagnostics, predictive analytics, and automation are transforming both the patient and provider experience.
Dr. Degnan also delves into leadership challenges faced by tech executives transitioning from hands-on roles to strategic decision-making. He stresses the need for balancing innovation with stability, developing strong communication skills, and prioritizing human-centric technology solutions. By fostering a leadership approach that prioritizes real-world problem-solving over mere technological capability, he helps organizations achieve sustainable progress. For a deeper dive into his insights, tune in to the full podcast episode.