The Digital Executive

Reimagining Creativity: Vans General Store Is Changing the Game in Advertising with Founder Scott Carlson | Ep 847

Send us a textIn this engaging episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas converses with Scott Carlson, the innovative mind behind Vans General Store, a creative collective renowned for its groundbreaking work in digital strategy, storytelling, and integrated marketing. Delving into the origins of Vans General Store, Scott shares its evolution from a traditional advertising approach to a pioneering model that harnesses a diverse array of talents—from architects to lighting designers—to solve client challenges uniquely. This approach has not only attracted high-profile clients like Pepsi and Hulu but has also led to creating impactful and authentic brand experiences.Scott discusses the importance of collaboration and aligning with clients who share the collective’s creative vision and values, emphasizing an approach termed "regenerative media," which maximizes a core idea into a plethora of creative outputs within budget constraints. Looking towards the future, success for Vans General Store is defined by team happiness, client satisfaction, creative output, and the ability to attract innovative thinkers.Additionally, Scott highlights the balance between leveraging new technologies, like AI, and maintaining the creative spark that drives the agency. The podcast wraps up with insights into how Vans General Store, blending elements of a general store, art gallery, and advertising agency, organically creates unique brand narratives and immersive experiences for its clients. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the future of creative industries and the power of innovation in storytelling and advertising.

Revolutionizing Work Culture: Building Inclusive, Human-Centered Workplaces with CEO Nancy Lyons | Ep 846

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas converses with Nancy Lyons, the CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, about her mission to transform the workplace into a more inclusive, flexible, and adaptable environment. Nancy shares her personal journey of navigating through rigid and exclusive work cultures, which inspired her commitment to fostering workplaces where diversity, empathy, and adaptability are paramount. She stresses the importance of organizations making a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels, recognizing unconscious biases, and creating policies that accommodate various life circumstances.Nancy also emphasizes the need for open dialogue and safe spaces where employees can express themselves freely, highlighting the significance of acknowledging and valuing individual differences. Drawing from her book, "Interactive Project Management: Pixels, People, and Process," she advocates for a human-centered approach in digital product management, where understanding end users' challenges and aspirations leads to more effective and satisfying outcomes.Measuring success in creating human-centric workplaces, according to Nancy, involves a blend of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including employee engagement scores, retention rates, diversity and inclusion metrics, and the organization's adaptability to change. She underscores the essence of a successful workplace as one where employees feel genuinely supported, valued, and connected to their work, the organization's purpose, their values, and each other.This episode not only provides practical steps for organizations to become more inclusive but also delves into the broader implications of such changes on product development, team dynamics, and overall business success. Nancy Lyons' insights offer a roadmap for leaders looking to cultivate work environments that truly work for humans, driving better products, experiences, and work lives.

Mastering Change and Cultivating Trust: Guide for Tech Business Transformation with Executive Bob Stoneking | Ep 845

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas engages with Bob Stoneking, the principal of Pachydermos, a consultancy dedicated to empowering small and medium technology businesses. With over three decades of experience as a management consultant and advisor, Bob shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of driving organizational change, emphasizing the significance of adopting models for discipline, focusing on incremental progress, and celebrating small victories to shift mindsets and achieve tangible results.Bob, a staunch advocate for customer success, underscores the importance of leadership giving first to foster trust within teams. He details his approach to setting clear expectations and goals, which he believes are essential steps many organizations overlook, yet are crucial for building a successful organizational culture. He also touches on accountability, viewing it as a personal and organizational state of mind rather than merely a tracking mechanism, and discusses how embodying accountability can dramatically improve performance and growth.Drawing from his diverse experiences, ranging from operating a nuclear submarine to facilitating productivity improvements in mature business models, Bob highlights the value of perspective. He shares how his varied background has equipped him with a unique outlook that enables him to tackle challenges calmly and efficiently, reassuring teams that they can navigate obstacles without panic.This episode not only explores Bob Stoneking's journey and methodologies for effecting positive change within organizations but also provides listeners with actionable strategies for enhancing team dynamics, fostering trust, and driving sustainable growth in the technology sector.

Beyond Avatars: Journey from EA Sports to Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI with CEO Chuck Rinker | Ep 844

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of The Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas of Coruzant Technologies, we delve into the life and innovations of Chuck Rinker, founder and CEO of PRSONAS, a pioneering digital human and AI avatar company. Chuck, a resilient late-stage colon cancer survivor and an avid aviation pilot, shares his transformative journey from a humble cattle farm in Virginia to leading the forefront of digital innovation. His path took him from military technology and iconic video games at EA Sports to establishing one of the earliest companies focused on creating digital personas.Chuck's inspiration for PRSONAS was rooted in his fascination with human-computer interaction and his desire to enhance how people connect with technology and, more importantly, with each other. He discusses the shift from simply engaging customers to focusing on healthcare, where digital humans serve as patient advocates, ensuring that individuals receive vetted, accurate information throughout their medical journeys.Furthermore, Chuck emphasizes the importance of genuine human communication over attempting to replicate human appearances in digital avatars. This approach fosters deeper brand loyalty and a more authentic customer and patient experience. Reflecting on his career, Chuck encourages aspiring tech innovators to embrace the challenges of doing the impossible, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's pioneering spirit. This episode not only explores Chuck Rinker's remarkable contributions to technology and healthcare but also offers profound insights into the power of innovation, resilience, and the human connection.

Building Empires from Scratch: Journey from Real Estate to Global Ventures with Founders Graeme & Leanne Carling | Ep 843

Send us a textIn this episode of the Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas at Coruzant Technologies, we dive into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Graeme and Leanne Carling, Scotland's powerhouse couple. With a saga that begins with overcoming early failures to becoming Scotland’s largest privately-owned landlord, the Carlings share the grit and strategy behind their success. Graeme, influenced by financial education icons like Robert Kiyosaki, alongside Leanne, with her acute talent for sourcing acquisitions and deal-making, have expanded their empire beyond real estate into sectors including engineering, AI, and green energy.Leanne, as the Mergers and Acquisitions Director at United Capital, elaborates on her criteria for selecting lucrative deals, emphasizing cash flow, capital, and equity. Meanwhile, Graeme reflects on the Carlings' humble beginnings during the financial crash, purchasing single-family homes and gradually diversifying their investments based on market opportunities and future trends.Now operating globally, with recent expansions into the U.S. market and investments in AI and security, the Carlings are excited about the future. They share insights into their latest ventures, such as Elevate Holdings in Florida, focusing on civil and structural engineering, and their interest in government contracts and health tech. This episode not only highlights the Carlings' remarkable path to entrepreneurship but also showcases their continuous quest for growth, innovation, and the impact of partnership in business success.

Transforming Technology Partnerships: Vision for a Simplified IT Landscape with Founder Keith Daser | Ep 842

Send us a textIn this engaging episode of The Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas at Coruzant Technologies, we are introduced to Keith Daser, the visionary founder of Deliver Digital. Daser shares his journey and the inception of Deliver Digital, a company dedicated to reshaping the way businesses and IT leaders manage technology partnerships and spending. With over 15 years in the technology sector, he has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Canada's leading companies.Daser discusses the challenges of modern technology services, emphasizing the need for simplification in a complex landscape and advocating for a move away from generalized services to specialized, value-driven solutions. He addresses the common pitfalls in digital transformation efforts, highlighting the importance of investing in foundational technologies and strategic execution. Daser also delves into his approach to product and service development, stressing the importance of listening to customers and adhering to the hedgehog concept for focused excellence.Looking ahead, he predicts a significant shift in the role of IT service providers, driven by advancements in AI and a growing demand for specialized expertise. Daser's insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating digital transformation, making this episode a must-listen for business and IT leaders aiming to leverage technology partnerships for sustained growth.

Navigating Cyber Risk in Critical Infrastructure: A DeNexus Perspective with CEO Jose M. Seara | Ep 841

Send us a textIn a compelling episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas delves into the intricate world of cyber risk quantification and management with Jose M. Seara, the visionary Founder and CEO of DeNexus. Transitioning from a successful career in renewable energy to tackling the pressing challenges of cybersecurity in operational technology, Seara shares his journey and the pivotal experiences that shaped his current venture.Jose highlights the critical need for advanced cybersecurity solutions in the face of growing threats to operational technology and industrial control systems, particularly in sectors responsible for critical infrastructure. His insights reveal the vulnerabilities of legacy systems and the escalating risks posed by state-sponsored attacks, emphasizing the importance of resilience and swift, informed response to cyber incidents.The discussion also unpacks the distinction between cyber threats, which are largely uncontrollable external factors, and cyber risks, which organizations can mitigate through strategic security measures and risk transfer. Seara elaborates on the complex nature of cyber risk in critical infrastructure, pointing out the unique challenges posed by the physical and digital integration of these systems.Moreover, Seara addresses the recent regulatory changes requiring public companies to disclose their cyber risk management practices. He underscores the significance of Cyber Risk Quantification and Management (CRQM) tools in complying with these new mandates, offering a clear explanation of how DeNexus is at the forefront of providing solutions that not only meet these compliance requirements but also enhance the overall security posture of companies in critical sectors.This episode offers a deep dive into the necessity of understanding, quantifying, and managing cyber risks to protect the infrastructures that underpin modern society. Jose M. Seara's expertise and DeNexus' innovative approach present a compelling narrative on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the strategic responses needed to safeguard our collective digital future.

Revolutionizing Sales in the Trades: A Deep Dive into AI and Sales Mastery with CEO Gene Slade | Ep 840

Send us a textIn an enlightening session of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas explores the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and sales strategies with Gene Slade, CEO of LeadNinja system. Gene, with his rich background in helping his father's HVAC company to owning a rapidly growing construction company, shares invaluable insights into the trades industry's unique challenges and opportunities.Gene's journey from the grassroots of HVAC to the pinnacle of business success illustrates the transformative power of listening, understanding customer needs, and providing unparalleled value. He emphasizes the crucial role of silence and questions in sales, learning from his early days of navigating his father's moods and body language, skills that would later become foundational in his sales approach.Diving into the competitive landscape of the trades industry, Gene discusses how LeadNinja system stands out by offering AI-driven solutions for outbound sales, training, and business development. He tackles the common misconception that competitive pricing is key, instead advocating for the importance of selling oneself and the company, thus justifying higher prices through unmatched service and value.Gene also highlights the revolutionary impact of AI on sales strategies. He shares his experience with conversational AI technology, which enables real-time interactions with clients for up to 40 minutes, providing a scalable, efficient solution for outbound calling, appointment scheduling, and sales follow-ups. This technology not only fills a critical gap in the market but also positions LeadNinja at the forefront of innovation in sales training and business development.For those embarking on a sales career in the trades, Gene underscores the importance of finding a mentor, diving deep into their teachings, and applying knowledge with action. Drawing from personal experience and the wisdom of mentors like Grant Cardone, he advocates for focused learning and the application of proven strategies to accelerate success.Join us as Gene Slade shares his journey, insights, and the groundbreaking integration of AI into sales processes, offering a blueprint for success in the competitive trades industry. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone looking to harness the power of AI and innovative sales strategies to drive business growth.

Unlocking Actionable Insights in Media Intelligence with CEO Tan Sukhera | Ep 839

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas dives into the fascinating world of media intelligence with guest Tan Sukhera, CEO and Founder of Piar. Based in New York, Sukhera brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at leading media intelligence companies worldwide. He discusses the transformative journey that led him to establish Piar, highlighting his diverse background from starting a marketing agency in Canada to becoming a news anchor in South Africa, and eventually, his pivotal role in media monitoring across the globe.Sukhera sheds light on the critical issue plaguing the industry: the abundance of data without meaningful insights. With Piar, he aims to bridge this gap by providing actionable intelligence that aligns with strategic goals, moving beyond mere reporting for the sake of it. He elaborates on the challenges of traditional media monitoring and the innovative approaches Piar employs, leveraging machine learning and natural language processing to sift through data and deliver real value to clients.Further, Sukhera discusses the importance of media intelligence in understanding public sentiment and market trends, emphasizing the need for standards aligned with the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). He offers advice to organizations still hesitant to integrate media intelligence into their strategic planning, underlining the competitive advantage it brings.Join us as Tan Sukhera enlightens us on making data meaningful and how companies of all sizes can leverage media intelligence to stand out in a crowded marketplace. This episode is a must-listen for marketing, social, public relations, and communication professionals looking to transform information into actionable insights.

From Personal Struggle to Nutritional Revolution: Journey to Transforming Health with CEO Ari Tulla | Ep 838

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas hosts Ari Tulla, the visionary entrepreneur behind Elo, a groundbreaking smart nutrition service leveraging AI to tailor food into a powerful medicine. Ari's foray into the health and wellness sector is deeply rooted in personal adversity, beginning with his wife's health challenges and their arduous journey through the complexities of healthcare. These experiences ignited Ari's passion for making a substantial difference in people's lives through technology and nutrition.Ari shares the inception story of Elo, describing how a decade-long battle with healthcare woes led to the discovery that food could indeed be the best medicine. This realization spurred the creation of Elo, which stands out for its AI-driven approach to analyze personal health biomarkers and create precision nutrition plans tailored to individual needs. Ari delves into the technological and scientific challenges overcome in developing Elo's unique solution, highlighting its impact on users, with 95% showing biomarker improvement within just six months.The conversation shifts to the broader implications of personalized nutrition and the future of health tech. Ari envisions a world where food and nutrition play central roles in preventative care, potentially revolutionizing the healthcare industry by shifting focus from pharmaceuticals to food as medicine. With Elo, Ari aims to address the alarming trends in obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases by offering personalized, data-driven nutritional guidance.Brian and Ari discuss the potential of AI and technological advancements to transform the way we approach health and wellness, making personalized nutrition accessible to all, not just the "worried well." Ari's mission with Elo is to lead a change in the healthcare paradigm towards preventative care, using food as a foundational pillar to improve national health outcomes and extend life expectancy.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of health, technology, and nutrition, offering insights into the future of personalized healthcare and the power of innovation to solve some of our most pressing health challenges.