The Digital Executive

Transforming Fears into Triumphs: VR Revolution in Public Speaking with Founder Sophie Thompson | Ep 881

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas talks with Sophie Thompson, co-founder of Virtual Speech, a revolutionary VR platform designed to conquer the fears of public speaking. Starting from her own intense social anxiety, Sophie narrates her transformation from being unable to speak publicly to confidently appearing on BBC World News, all thanks to the power of virtual reality training. Virtual Speech began as a personal tool and blossomed into a global solution that helps users from various backgrounds—from recovering stroke victims regaining their speech to individuals landing their dream jobs by mastering interview skills.The episode delves into the innovative features of Virtual Speech, such as AI-powered avatars and realistic virtual environments that provide bespoke feedback, enhancing the learning experience. Looking ahead, Sophie discusses the potential of mixed reality and generative AI to personalize and improve how we learn and develop professionally through VR.

Vision to Reality: The Creation of Center Cam for Enhanced Virtual Communication with Founder Ian Foster | Ep 880

Send us a textJoin us on this episode of The Digital Executive, where host Brian Thomas dives into a fascinating conversation with Ian Foster, the inventive mind behind Center Cam. Foster, a therapist turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from recognizing a critical gap in virtual communication tools during his clinical social work internship at the University of Alaska Anchorage to developing the world’s first middle screen webcam. His innovation, born out of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to facilitate true eye contact in remote interactions, enhancing the virtual connection. Foster details the design philosophy of Center Cam, emphasizing user-friendly features and broad compatibility to ensure optimal presentation in virtual meetings. The episode also explores the unexpected challenges and rewarding experiences Foster encountered while transitioning from therapist to CEO of a tech startup, providing valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring inventors.

From Finance to Flight: The High-Flying World of Approved Jets with Co-Founder Aaron Wilson | Ep 879

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas chats with Aaron Wilson, a venture capitalist, author, and co-founder of Approved Jets, one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies. Wilson shares his journey from starting as a finance analyst at JPMorgan Chase to reshaping the luxury travel and technology sectors with his innovative approach.He discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating Approved Jets, launching the "Approved Experiences" app, and delving into the emerging 'Lux Tech' industry, which integrates luxury, lifestyle, and cutting-edge technology. This episode is a deep dive into entrepreneurial spirit, the power of pivoting careers, and the future of luxury and technology. Join us to discover how Aaron Wilson is not only navigating but also innovating at the intersection of opulence and innovation.

Transforming Struggle into Success: The Joe Rojas Story with Founder Joe Rojas | Ep 878

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas, we dive into the remarkable journey of Joe Rojas, founder of Start, Grow, Manage, and author of "How Entrepreneurs Thrive." From overcoming a tumultuous childhood and finding his calling in the military to becoming a serial entrepreneur and revered business coach, Joe shares pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses the power of mentorship, the philosophy of running a human-centric business, and the transformative impacts of his Mentor Assisted Power Planning program. Tune in to discover how Joe's lessons from the military and personal trials have influenced his approach to helping entrepreneurs build resilient and profitable businesses.

Mastering Local Marketing: Strategy for Last Mile Success with CEO Alex Nocifera | Ep 877

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

Revolutionizing Workspaces: The Rise of Co-Working with CEO Sam Rosen | Ep 876

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

Shaping the Future of Tech: Flux, AI, and Disruptive Technologies with CEO Daniel Keller | Ep 875

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

Redefining Beauty Retail: The Fusion of VR, AR, and AI with Beautyque NYC with CEO Sonia Khemiri | Ep 874

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

Unleashing Digital Marketing’s Power: Personalization and Entrepreneurship with Founder Ashley Stanford | Ep 873

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

Building Brands and Networks: Journey from LinkedIn Strategies to Marketing Mastery with CEO Melanie Borden | Ep 872

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