The Digital Executive

Empowering Financial Advisors with AI: Visionary Leap with Co-Founder Parker Ence | Ep 857

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, we're joined by Parker Ence, a serial tech entrepreneur with a rich background that spans teaching guitar to leading innovative tech companies. Parker shares his journey from a guitar teacher to becoming the CEO and co-founder of Jump, a company that leverages AI to revolutionize the financial advisory sector. Parker's diverse experiences have shaped his unique approach to leadership and innovation, emphasizing the importance of dedication, creativity, and understanding customer needs.Parker delves into the origins of Jump, initially aimed at assisting B2B sales teams with AI tools before a pivotal shift towards serving financial advisors. This transformation was sparked by the realization that financial advisors faced significant challenges in managing client information and compliance data. By focusing on the financial advisory niche, Jump aims to streamline advisors' workflows, enabling them to serve more clients efficiently and with personalized care.The conversation further explores how Jump utilizes the latest in generative AI technology to assist financial advisors in managing client meetings, compliance, and follow-ups, significantly reducing the time and effort required for these tasks. Parker envisions a future where AI enhances the advisor-client relationship rather than replacing it, allowing advisors to serve a broader range of clients effectively.Lastly, Parker shares insights on emerging trends in AI, finance, and technology, stressing the importance of advisors adopting AI to augment their services and reach previously underserved client segments. His perspective highlights a future where technology and human expertise combine to provide more inclusive financial advisory services, making it an exciting time to innovate in software and AI.Join us for this inspiring episode as Parker Ence discusses the intersection of technology and financial services, providing valuable lessons on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of AI in enhancing client relationships and expanding service capabilities in the financial advisory industry.

Revolutionizing Public Health with Innovation and Technology with Founder Davin Wedel | Ep 856

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, we are joined by Davin Wedel, the visionary Founder and President of Global Protection Corp. For over three decades, Wedel has been at the forefront of public health innovation, steering his company to become a trusted name in sexual health and safety. Starting from his college days at Tufts University amid the AIDS crisis, Wedel was driven to change the perception of condom use from taboo to a norm as essential and socially acceptable as toothpaste. He shares the transformative journey of making condoms accessible and appealing through creative marketing and social acceptance strategies.Davin delves into the company's history of pioneering firsts in the condom industry, from introducing humor to designing groundbreaking products like glow-in-the-dark condoms, custom-fit options, and the world's first graphene condoms, enhancing comfort, and natural feel. He highlights how leveraging emerging technologies and manufacturing innovations has allowed Global Protection Corp to deliver high-quality, diverse products efficiently and affordably.For aspiring entrepreneurs in health, wellness, and technology sectors, Wedel offers invaluable advice. He emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, solving problems, maintaining a startup mentality, and striving for win-win business relationships. His insights into overcoming societal barriers and leveraging innovation for public health make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field. Join us for a conversation that illuminates the path from entrepreneurial vision to global health advancement.

Unlocking Global Challenges: Migration, Accountability, and Technology in International Affairs with Founder Refael Kubersky | Ep 855

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas engages with Refael Kubersky, a distinguished figure in international relations with a rich background working for the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and a passion for migration technology and the global rise of populism. A Georgetown School of Foreign Service alumnus, Kubersky shares his journey from public policy to documentary filmmaking, highlighting the human impacts of U.S. foreign policy through his work on the documentary "Allies Left Behind," which sheds light on the plight of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during its two-decade presence in Afghanistan but were left behind due to bureaucratic visa processes.Kubersky also delves into the critical role of technology in diplomacy and global governance, exemplified by the U.S. research monkey shortage crisis post-COVID-19, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and technological advancements in addressing global challenges. Through his experiences and insights, Kubersky offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to enter the field of international relations, emphasizing the importance of broad experiences, understanding foreign cultures, and the critical analysis of technology's influence on information dissemination and public policy. Join us as we explore the intersections of technology, accountability, and global diplomacy with Refael Kubersky on The Digital Executive.

Mastering Multigenerational Communication: Elevating LinkedIn Presence with Founder Brielle Wohlenhaus | Ep 854

Send us a textIn an insightful episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas explores the innovative world of social media and intergenerational communication with Brielle Wohlenhaus, the visionary founder of CrossGen Media and a leading voice for Generation Z. Brielle shares her journey of eschewing traditional social media for LinkedIn, a platform she believes in for building a future while engaging professionally and effectively. Her mission is to empower individuals across all generations to bridge communication gaps, foster resilient mindsets, and leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential.Wohlenhaus delves into the genesis of CrossGen Media, pinpointing the prevalent generational disconnects in communication as her catalyst. She emphasizes the importance of using LinkedIn not just for networking but as a tool for genuine engagement and brand building. Brielle offers tangible strategies for businesses to enhance intergenerational communication, stressing the need for effective communication skills as foundational for success in any professional and personal capacity.Highlighting her expertise in content creation, Brielle shares her approach to resonating with a diverse audience. Authenticity and relatability emerge as her content creation hallmarks, alongside practical advice for maximizing engagement through compelling storytelling and strategic messaging. Looking ahead, Wohlenhaus underscores the imminent role of AI in shaping the future of social media marketing and urges businesses to adopt innovative thinking to stay competitive.This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their LinkedIn strategy, improve their communication skills across generations, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of social media marketing.

Outsmarting Robocalls: Entrepreneur’s Battle Through Innovation with CEO Alex Quilici | Ep 853

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas delves into the world of telecommunications and security with Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail and a pioneering force in the fight against robocalls. With a PhD in computer science and over 30 patents to his name, Quilici has spent more than two decades at the forefront of technological innovation. He shares his journey with YouMail, a company that has been dedicated to enhancing communication safety through its free robocall blocking app and call protection service since 2007. Quilici highlights two patents he's particularly proud of: communication fingerprinting for detecting bad phone numbers and using speech recognition to access internet information. These innovations underline YouMail’s strategic approach to combating unwanted calls and securing communications.Under Quilici's leadership, YouMail has not only survived but thrived through perseverance and strategic pivots, evolving from a voicemail service to a robust call-blocking solution. The Robocall Index, launched by YouMail, stands out as a testament to the company's impact, offering unprecedented insights into robocall trends and fueling policy changes. Quilici discusses the role of AI in enhancing telecommunications security and foresees its potential to preemptively identify and neutralize threats in real-time. His vision for leveraging AI to protect vulnerable populations from scams underscores a commitment to using technology for societal good. This episode is a deep dive into the challenges and innovations in the ongoing battle against robocalls, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs and technologists alike.

Unlocking Unicorn Success: A Chief Revenue Officer’s Journey with Executive Brian White | Ep 852

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Brian White, the visionary Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Doorspace. With a rich background of 14 years in business development and B2B software sales, White shares the transformative strategies and pivotal moments that propelled his journey from a Series B startup employee to leading a company to unicorn status, achieving a valuation of $1 billion. White reveals the essence of building strategic partnerships, cultivating a customer-centric approach, and instilling a culture of trust and empowerment within an organization. As Doorspace continues to innovate within the healthcare sector, leveraging AI to address burnout and improve the working lives of healthcare professionals, White's insights offer invaluable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the power of a purpose-driven mission. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring leaders and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and societal impact.

Revolutionizing Finance Automation: An Entrepreneur’s Journey with Founder Paul Wnek | Ep 851

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas delves into the innovative world of Paul Wnek, a Salesforce virtuoso and entrepreneurial force behind Coalescence Cloud and ExpandAP. With an impressive track record of 14 Salesforce certifications, Paul has carved a niche in the B2B solutions arena, emphasizing CRM, ERP, and automated financial solutions. Coalescence Cloud, a Salesforce consulting partner, and ExpandAP, a pioneering expense and AP automation application, stand as testaments to Paul's expertise and vision in harnessing technology to streamline complex financial operations.Paul's journey from working in accounts payable to founding companies that solve critical inefficiencies in financial processes showcases his ability to identify and bridge gaps in the market. His story is particularly compelling, revealing the challenges and triumphs of starting a venture during uncertain times, armed with credit cards and a relentless spirit. ExpandAP's unique position as a Salesforce-native application addresses a significant industry need for integrated expense management, a gap Paul recognized through his firsthand experience.The conversation also explores the future of business systems technology, highlighting the potential of AI and machine learning to automate and refine processes further. Paul's insights into the evolving landscape offer valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs and technologists alike.As Coalescence Cloud prepares to support the official launch of ExpandAP, Paul shares exciting developments on the horizon, including innovative features like outbound payments and vendor risk assessments. This episode not only celebrates Paul Wnek's entrepreneurial journey but also provides a glimpse into the future of financial automation and efficiency, making it a must-listen for professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem and beyond.

Scooping Success: Merging Artisanal Craft and Tech to Redefine Gastronomy with Founder Ralf Sander | Ep 850

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas speaks with Ralf Sander, the innovative Founder and Chief Gelato Officer of Gimme Gelato. Starting his career in brewing and the food industry, Ralf transitioned his expertise into creating a unique gelato experience by blending traditional gelato making with advanced technology. Under Ralf's leadership, Gimme Gelato introduces zero waste, contactless transactions, and mobile vending solutions, setting a new standard in the food industry for sustainability and customer engagement.Ralf shares insights into how technology like AI enhances operational efficiency without compromising the artisanal quality of gelato. He also discusses the future expansion plans for Gimme Gelato across Germany and offers advice for aspiring food industry entrepreneurs on embracing sustainability and digitalization to enhance product quality and business operations. Join us for a deep dive into how technology is reshaping gastronomy, one scoop at a time.

Unlocking Cybersecurity Excellence: Strategic Growth and Innovation with Founder Matt Tinney | Ep 849

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas engages with Matt Tinney, Chief of Strategic Growth Partnerships at Windows Management Experts (WME), to explore the depths of cybersecurity, compliance, and strategic partnerships in the IT sector. With over 30 years of experience, Tinney shares his journey from the founder of WME to leading the charge in strategic growth and innovation, highlighting the constant evolution in the field of cybersecurity and the pivotal role of advanced technologies like AI and generative intelligence. WME, known for its leadership in cybersecurity and compliance, offers a range of services from project delivery to managed services, with a strong focus on Microsoft security solutions.Tinney emphasizes the importance of core values such as collaboration, integrity, and open-mindedness in driving WME's success. He discusses the significance of strategic partnerships in navigating the complex landscape of IT and cybersecurity, outlining how WME cultivates relationships that align with its mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions. Tinney also shares success stories demonstrating WME's expertise in sectors with stringent regulatory and compliance requirements, showcasing their comprehensive approach to IT services and solutions.Looking towards the future, Tinney predicts that cybersecurity and compliance will continue to evolve rapidly, with a greater need for agility and proactive measures. WME's strategy includes continuous education, leveraging advanced technologies, and engaging with regulatory bodies to stay ahead of these changes. This episode is a deep dive into how strategic partnerships and a forward-looking approach are crucial for staying at the forefront of cybersecurity and compliance, offering valuable insights for IT professionals and businesses alike.

From Wall Street to Crypto Streets: Navigating Compliance and Growth in the Digital Age with Executive John Mannino | Ep 848

Send us a textIn an insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas hosts John Mannino, the Chief Compliance Officer at sFOX, who brings a wealth of experience from over two decades at Goldman Sachs to the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. Mannino discusses his transition from the traditional finance sector to the cutting-edge realm of crypto, emphasizing the similarities between derivatives markets and cryptocurrencies in terms of utility, technology, and mathematics. He highlights how his background in regulatory compliance and operations has been instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of digital assets at sFOX.Mannino delves into the factors driving institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, including the growing acceptance of digital assets as a new class, portfolio diversification, client demand, and the development of institutional infrastructure like custody solutions. He explains how sFOX's Wyoming-based trust company offers bankruptcy-protected, regulated custody services, addressing the challenges seen in the crypto space with entities like FTX.Furthermore, Mannino offers predictions on the future of cryptocurrency regulation, pointing to international advancements and the need for the U.S. to catch up. He cites the European Union's MICA legislation and the bipartisan Loomis-Gillibrand bill in the U.S. as hopeful signs for creating a clearer regulatory framework. Finally, Mannino stresses the importance of compliance and risk management in fostering growth and ensuring security within the crypto industry, drawing lessons from traditional finance to apply to the decentralized finance (DeFi) world.This episode is a must-listen for enthusiasts and professionals interested in the intersection of compliance, traditional finance, and the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency, providing a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the digital finance landscape.