The Digital Executive

From Pro Basketball to Futures Trading: Discipline, Innovation, and the Future of Trading with Founder Ilan Levy-Mayer | Ep 951

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Ilan Levy-Mayer, an experienced futures trader and Associated Person at Cannon Trading Company, who shares his unique journey from professional basketball in Israel to becoming a leader in the futures trading industry. Ilan discusses how the discipline and work ethic developed as an athlete shaped his approach to trading and business success.Ilan dives into the challenges he faced when launching eFutures.com, one of the first online futures trading platforms, and explains how his background in a startup internet company helped him navigate the world of online trading during the early days of the internet. He also highlights key factors behind Cannon Trading’s sustained success, including integrity, personalized client service, and industry knowledge.Looking ahead, Ilan shares his insights on the rapid technological advancements in futures trading, including the rise of algorithmic trading and the potential impact of AI on the industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends personal resilience, entrepreneurial innovation, and a forward-thinking vision for the future of trading.

Transforming Harm Reduction: Drug Testing Innovation and Saving Lives with Founder Adam Auctor | Ep 950

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Adam Auctor, founder and CEO of Transparency and The Bunk Police. As a visionary in the harm reduction space, Adam has spent over a decade revolutionizing test kit technology and spearheading educational outreach to combat the dangers of contaminated drugs. He shares his journey from discovering adulterated substances in college to developing innovative test kits that empower users to safely assess their drugs.Adam delves into the advancements in testing technology, including antibody-based test strips and thin-layer chromatography, which have significantly enhanced harm reduction efforts. He also discusses his work as an investigative filmmaker, raising awareness about the dangers of adulterated drugs through impactful documentaries, including one that exposed cartel-run pharmacies in Mexico. Adam sheds light on the legal and logistical challenges faced by music festival organizers in implementing harm reduction measures and his ongoing efforts to change these systems.Tune in to learn how Adam is pushing the boundaries of harm reduction to save lives, create awareness, and shape safer drug-use practices.

Revolutionizing Industrial IoT: LPWAN, Innovation, and the Future of Connectivity with Founder Pavel Hübner | Ep 949

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Pavel Hübner, co-founder of Hardwario and an expert with over 20 years of experience in electronics development, embedded software, and project management. Pavel shares his journey, from growing up in an electronics-focused family to co-founding Hardwario, a company that is transforming industrial IoT with innovative LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies and non-invasive deployments.Pavel discusses how LPWAN technologies, such as LoRaWAN and Cellular IoT, are enabling long-range communication with low power consumption, making them ideal for industrial settings. He also highlights Hardwario’s focus on seamless integration and how their solutions help businesses digitize without costly retrofitting. Pavel shares insights on fostering innovation within his team of engineers and the leadership principles that drive the company's success.Looking to the future, Pavel identifies key trends in industrial IoT, including the rise of edge computing, sustainability, and the demand for interoperability. He explains how Hardwario is positioning itself to lead in this evolving industry by staying ahead of technological advancements and offering groundbreaking solutions. Tune in to learn how Pavel and his team are shaping the future of industrial IoT.

Revolutionizing Real Estate: Data-Driven Investing and Navigating Market Shifts with Founder Sean O’Toole | Ep 948

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sean O'Toole, a tech veteran and real estate expert who has transformed the real estate industry through data and technology. After working in Silicon Valley during the dot-com era, Sean launched ForeclosureRadar.com in 2007, which helped investors navigate the volatile housing market during the foreclosure crisis. He later expanded his vision with PropertyRadar.com, bringing off-market property insights to the real estate sector.Sean shares valuable lessons learned from his time in tech and real estate, from predicting market shifts to integrating data science with investing. He reflects on key indicators for market downturns, the evolution of regulatory policies, and the role of AI in transforming real estate marketing and operations. Whether you’re an investor, realtor, or tech enthusiast, Sean's wealth of experience and forward-thinking insights provide a roadmap for navigating today’s complex real estate landscape. Tune in to learn how data and AI will shape the future of real estate investing.

Overcoming Adversity and Building Startups: Journey from Cancer Survivor to Tech Innovator with Jothy Rosenberg | Ep 947

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Jothy Rosenberg, a two-time cancer survivor, amputee, and serial entrepreneur who has built nine successful startups across diverse industries, including supercomputing, cybersecurity, and TV production. With a PhD in computer science from Duke University and over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jothy shares his powerful story of resilience, overcoming personal battles, and thriving in the face of adversity.Jothy discusses the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, key lessons from his book Think Like a Tech Founder, and the challenges of building successful startups. He highlights critical advice for aspiring founders, from managing cash flow to achieving product-market fit. Jothy also explores future opportunities in technology, including AI and magnetic charging, and reflects on how personal connections have been a cornerstone of his business success.Tune in for valuable insights and motivation from a true fighter and innovator in the tech world!

Empowering Financial Access Through Web3 Innovation with Founder Alex Hoffman | Ep 946

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Alex Hoffman, Head of Ecosystem at Superposition and Moveposition, a groundbreaking universal credit hub. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early venture to buy a computer with a paper route, to building and selling healthcare companies, and eventually pioneering in the cryptocurrency space.He explains how Moveposition makes decentralized finance (DeFi) accessible and secure by offering an advanced money market platform that leverages cutting-edge risk models for safe borrowing. Alex also discusses the exciting future of tokenization and real-world assets in blockchain and how simplifying user experiences will drive mass adoption in Web3. Tune in to discover how MovePosition is reshaping financial services and democratizing access to new investment opportunities.

Unlocking the Future of Bitcoin Mining with CEO Mitchell Weijerman | Ep 945

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Mitchell Weijerman, CEO and founder of Epic Mining, a leading Bitcoin mining company with 80,000 machines under management. Mitchell shares his journey from a corporate career in Silicon Valley to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Bitcoin mining.He explains how Epic Mining makes Bitcoin mining accessible and profitable for investors worldwide through its plug-and-play system, utilizing 57% green energy. Mitchell also highlights the importance of pooling resources, using advanced technology, and finding cost-effective, renewable energy sources. He offers insights on navigating Bitcoin’s volatility and shares his vision for the future of mining, focusing on green energy and innovation.

Building Billion-Dollar Brands: Lessons from the Master of Branding, Ernie Harker | Ep 944

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Ernie Harker, also known as the "Billion-dollar Branding Guy." Ernie shares his journey from concept artist to branding expert, helping transform companies into multi-billion-dollar brands. Known for his dynamic personality, Ernie discusses his approach to branding, which emphasizes authenticity, emotional connection, and strategic differentiation.He also highlights critical branding mistakes businesses often make and reveals how companies like Maverick and iconic collaborations with Chuck Norris have leveraged his branding expertise to significantly boost profitability. Ernie’s insights are a masterclass in how effective branding directly impacts the bottom line, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to redefine their brand strategies and thrive.

Disruptive Innovation and Affordable Solutions: A Visionary Journey with CEO Thanos Smith | Ep 943

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews visionary entrepreneur and inventor, Thanos Smith. From building a motorless glider at just seven years old to founding disruptive companies, Thanos shares his passion for innovation and love for the planet. He discusses his pioneering work in oil and gas recovery, his popular invention of the collapsible four-cup beverage carrier, and his groundbreaking projects within the Paragon universe, including a revolutionary electric vehicle set to be unveiled this year.Thanos also highlights his upcoming affordable housing initiative, featuring homes that can withstand extreme weather conditions and incorporate zero-point energy. This conversation dives deep into his vision for transforming industries and helping communities thrive with sustainable, cost-effective solutions.

Empowering Leaders Through Holistic and Science-Based Approaches with Coach Meike Bettscheider | Ep 942

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Meike Bettscheider, an architect of change with an impressive background in leadership development. With qualifications spanning continents, including an Executive MBA from Chicago Booth and advanced coaching certifications from France, Meike shares her unique insights into integrating epigenetic coaching and psycho-physiognomy (face reading) into leadership programs.Meike discusses how these holistic, science-based tools help leaders better understand themselves, manage stress, and prevent burnout, while enhancing their decision-making and intercultural communication skills. The conversation highlights the growing demand for emotionally intelligent, adaptable leaders who can navigate complex, global challenges. Tune in to learn how Meike is transforming the future of leadership through innovative coaching strategies that merge personal development with cutting-edge science.