The Digital Executive

Breaking Barriers and Fostering Innovation: Journey from Healthcare Clinician to Tech CEO with CEO Pam Saechow | Ep 837

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Pam Saechow, the dynamic CEO of Elite Groups and a seasoned IT executive with a rich background in healthcare. With over two decades of experience, Pam shares her transformative journey from her early days in Laos, inspired by her grandmother's healthcare work, to leading major digital transformations in prestigious institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and New York City Health and Hospitals.Pam's story is one of overcoming challenges, including racism and gender bias, to emerge as a powerful leader in technology and healthcare. She discusses the importance of patient advocacy, the art and science of leadership, and her agile approach to navigating the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous landscape of today’s healthcare and technology sectors.This episode dives into Pam's strategic thinking and planning, emphasizing her ability to balance short-term targets with long-term visions to propel organizational value forward. Listeners will be captivated by her philosophy of breaking barriers, empowering others, and ensuring technology enhances patient care and provider experiences.Pam also outlines her approach to digital transformation, highlighting her unique 90-to-120-day plan for understanding and actioning organizational needs. She stresses the significance of alignment between technology and healthcare, aiming to improve patient outcomes by focusing on intentional change and knowledge alongside people, process, and tools.Ending on a personal note, Pam shares her life and professional philosophy centered around the 5 L's: Lead, Live, Learn, Laugh, and Listen, showcasing how these principles guide her leadership and decision-making at Elite Groups. Join us for an episode that not only highlights a remarkable career journey but also provides profound insights into leading with integrity, passion, and a focus on impactful outcomes.

Empowering Data Literacy with AI: Journey from Dremio CEO to Innovator with Founder Tomer Shiran | Ep 836

Send us a textIn this episode of the Digital Executive, hosted by Brian Thomas at Coruzant Technologies, we delve into the groundbreaking journey of Tomer Shiran, a pioneer in the big data analytics space and a key figure in the evolution of Dremio. Shiran, with a rich background as Dremio's founding CEO and a former VP product at MapR, discusses the transformative path of Dremio from its inception to becoming a major player in data analytics, serving large enterprise customers and embracing generative AI technologies to enhance user productivity and data accessibility.Shiran shares insights into Dremio's innovative features, like Text to SQL, which converts natural language queries into SQL code, democratizing data querying for users across varying degrees of data literacy. Additionally, he highlights the significant impact of emerging technologies, such as Apache Iceberg and Apache Arrow, on the data analytics and management sector, emphasizing gen AI's potential to revolutionize the field. This episode provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into data analytics platforms, the importance of self-service data access, and the future trends that will shape the industry.

From Dropout to DeFi Dynamo: Journey to Revolutionizing Finance with CEO Connor O’Shea | Ep 835

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas dives into the fascinating world of decentralized finance (DeFi) with Connor O'Shea, the visionary CEO behind Bril Finance. O'Shea shares his unconventional path from dropping out of high school to founding a San Francisco-based payment startup, CCKB, and his subsequent roles at JPMorgan Chase, WPP Kantar, and Strategy&, before making a bold pivot into the DeFi and blockchain space.O'Shea's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the drive to disrupt traditional financial services. At the heart of the discussion is Bril Finance, a platform that democratizes access to professional-grade portfolio management algorithms, allowing everyday users to earn like experts. O'Shea explains the motivation behind Brill Finance was to move beyond the speculative nature of cryptocurrency holding and enable users to actively deploy their assets for yield generation.With its flagship product, Yield IQ, Bril Finance introduces a concentrated liquidity provision algorithm designed for compelling returns and a user-friendly experience. O'Shea's transition from traditional finance (TradFi) to DeFi is fueled by his recognition of the slow pace and bureaucracy in banking, contrasted with the agility and innovation possible in the startup and blockchain world.The conversation also explores the importance of strategic partnerships in blockchain and DeFi, highlighting O'Shea's experiences at Binance in forging pivotal Web 3 and Web 2 collaborations. He underscores the critical role of payments in blockchain adoption and the strategic positioning of Bril Finance to ease the entry of new users from centralized finance to DeFi platforms.Looking ahead, O'Shea anticipates the future of DeFi amidst the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing interest from traditional financial giants. He predicts a dynamic where both centralized and decentralized finance will coexist, with major banks potentially integrating DeFi tools and technologies to maintain competitive advantages.Brian Thomas and Connor O'Shea engage in a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within DeFi, the impact of incidents like the FTX scandal on public perception, and the ongoing need for education and innovation to foster mainstream adoption of blockchain technologies. O'Shea's insights offer a compelling glimpse into the potential of DeFi to transform the financial ecosystem, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of finance.

Pioneering a Universal Swag Platform and Disrupting Traditional Promotional Product Distribution with Co-Founder Jeremy Parker | Ep 834

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Jeremy Parker, a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Swag.com. Parker's journey from an award-winning filmmaker at Boston University to a serial entrepreneur showcases a relentless pursuit of innovation and disruption in the promotional products industry. His early fascination with storytelling through documentary filmmaking set the stage for a career that would blend creative passion with entrepreneurial acumen.Parker recounts the pivotal moment at the Vail Film Festival, where an Audience Award win led him to question his career path in film, setting him on a trajectory towards entrepreneurship. He shares insights from launching various startups, including the formation of a T-shirt company straight out of college and pioneering product placement in YouTube videos through Tip Media. These experiences laid the groundwork for Swag.com, a company he co-founded to revolutionize how businesses purchase and distribute quality promotional products.Swag.com's success story is marked by rapid growth, making it onto the Inc 500 list twice under Parker's leadership. He credits this to a customer-centric approach, innovative strategies, and a willingness to pivot and adapt, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Parker emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and learning from failures, revealing how a focus on office managers rather than marketing teams became a game-changer in their strategy.As Swag.com was acquired by Custom Ink, Parker initiated Swag Space, aiming to create a universal swag platform. He envisions this new venture as a solution for the fragmented promotional product industry, offering a white-labeled e-commerce experience that empowers promo distributors, screen printers, designers, and event planners to efficiently sell and distribute branded merchandise.Throughout the episode, Parker's passion for fostering a culture of innovation and creativity shines through. He discusses the transition from being CEO of Swag.com to leading Swag Space, highlighting the importance of empowering team members and embracing leadership that nurtures growth and ideas at all levels. Parker's journey is a testament to the power of asking the right questions, embracing change, and pursuing a vision with relentless enthusiasm and dedication.

Championing Financial Justice: Crusade Against Market Corruption with James Koutoulas | Ep 833

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with James Koutoulas, Esq., the formidable founder of Typhon Capital Management and a staunch advocate for financial transparency and ethics. Koutoulas, known for his pivotal role in the Commodity Customer Coalition, where he fought for the recovery of $6.7 billion in customer assets during the MF Global bankruptcy, shares insights from his journey at the intersection of law, finance, and advocacy.Starting with the origin story of Typhon Capital Management, Koutoulas delves into how his classics background influenced the firm’s unique approach to investment, focusing on stress events and leveraging volatility to protect and profit investors. He highlights Typhon's success in navigating financial crises and its expansion into long-short strategies and cryptocurrency funds, emphasizing the firm's adeptness at risk management and benefitting from market fluctuations.The conversation takes a deeper turn as Koutoulas recounts the formation and achievements of the Commodity Customer Coalition during the MF Global crisis. His pro bono work not only led to significant financial recoveries for affected customers but also exposed systemic flaws in financial regulation and the management of customer funds. Koutoulas's story reveals the challenges and triumphs of advocating for justice in the face of corporate malfeasance and regulatory shortcomings.Reflecting on the broader implications of these events, Koutoulas critiques the current state of financial regulation in the U.S., highlighting conflicts of interest, lack of accountability, and the pressing need for reform. His ongoing legal battles, including a lawsuit against the SEC, underscore his commitment to challenging corruption and advocating for sensible digital asset regulation.As the discussion concludes, Koutoulas shares his vision for the future of commodities and futures trading, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology and digital assets into the financial markets responsibly. His insights into the evolving landscape of investment, combined with his fierce advocacy for ethical management and transparency, offer a powerful perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the financial industry today.This episode of The Digital Executive not only sheds light on James Koutoulas' remarkable contributions to financial justice but also serves as a call to action for more transparent, ethical, and effective regulation and management of financial markets.

Blending Tech Prowess with Culinary Passion: Journey to Revolutionize the Food Industry with Founder Fisayo Oluwadiya | Ep 832

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas engages with Fisayo Oluwadiya, the brain behind OKAO, Inc., a platform where technology meets gastronomy. Fisayo, with a robust 16-year background in the tech world, having contributed to giants like Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Nordstrom, shares her unique journey from tech enthusiast to food industry innovator. Fueled by her deep-rooted love for food, inherited from a family lineage of chefs and farmers, and her serendipitous dive into technology, Fisayo has created OKAO to address the gaps in the food industry through a sophisticated AI-driven recommendation engine.Fisayo recounts the genesis of OKAO, inspired by her desire to merge her two passions: technology and food. This revelation led to the creation of a platform designed to enhance dining experiences through personalized recommendations while also solving critical industry challenges such as real-time data accessibility for restaurants. OKAO aims to empower not only diners but also restaurateurs and chefs, particularly solopreneurs, by providing valuable insights to tailor their offerings to consumer preferences and trends.Further delving into the impact of technology on the food industry, Fisayo discusses the pivotal role of efficiency, scalability, and innovation in bridging the gap between culinary arts and business acumen. She highlights OKAO’s commitment to fostering a space for chefs to connect with investors, aiming to transform culinary talents into successful entrepreneurs. Fisayo also touches on the future of food personalization, emphasizing the growing necessity for tailored dining experiences driven by AI and machine learning to meet individual dietary needs and preferences.Concluding the episode, Fisayo offers sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to blend their technological skills with personal passions. Drawing from her own experience of building OKAO single-handedly, she stresses the importance of perseverance and the power of passion as the ultimate fuel for overcoming challenges. Through her story, Fisayo Oluwadiya exemplifies how innovative thinking and a relentless pursuit of one’s passions can lead to groundbreaking solutions that not only fulfill personal aspirations but also significantly contribute to industry advancements.

Revolutionizing Career Awareness: Merging Gaming with Real-World Job Opportunities with CMO Cynthia Jenkins | Ep 831

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas welcomes Cynthia Jenkins, the Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of Skillionaire Games by skillsgapp. Skillionaire Games is pioneering a unique approach to workforce development, leveraging mobile gaming to connect youth with career exploration and local pathways for high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, cyber technology, life sciences, and healthcare. With an innovative platform that tailors career content and pathways based on a player's location, preferences, and in-game achievements, Cynthia shares the inspiring journey behind skillsgapp and Skillionaire Games, the challenges they aim to address in bridging skills gaps regionally, by industry sector, and the incredible impact of gamification on career awareness no matter where you live.Diving into the core of Skillionaire Games' mission, Cynthia explains how the idea was born out of a need to tackle the skills-based talent deficit by making career discovery engaging and accessible through gaming. Amidst the backdrop of COVID-19, they saw an opportunity to capitalize on the widespread use of smartphones and the universal appeal of gaming to create a career gaming platform that's both scalable and entertaining. Cynthia highlights the thoughtful game development process, emphasizing collaboration with industry experts and the use of gamification to create a virtual apprenticeship experience that's both fun, informative and regionalized.Furthermore, Cynthia discusses the critical role of feedback from players, educators, and industry partners in evolving the games, ensuring they remain relevant and effective. She also gives insights into future developments for Skillionaire Games, including the integration of generative AI to personalize the career discovery journey and the exploration of new sectors and skill-enhancing methodologies to expand their impact on workforce development.This episode not only sheds light on how Skillionaire Games is changing the landscape of career exploration, but also underscores the potential of innovative tech solutions in addressing societal challenges.

Unlocking the Future of Retail: Sustainability Meets Profitability with CEO Matthew Adam Smith | Ep 830

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with Matthew Adam Smith, the visionary Founder and CEO of MAS Commerce. Smith delves into how his pioneering consultancy is reshaping the retail industry by harnessing the power of AI and advanced technologies to drive both profitability and sustainability. As a key player and advisor for tech startups like Centric AI and Gift Hint, and a founding member of influential councils, Smith shares his unique journey from advertising and marketing for iconic media brands to spearheading commercial transformation at Walmart, and finally launching MAS Commerce. His work embodies the intersection where cutting-edge technology meets environmental stewardship, setting a new paradigm for businesses worldwide.Matthew Smith's narrative is a testament to the transformative potential of AI in retail, emphasizing practical applications that benefit both the bottom line and the planet. Through engaging storytelling, he outlines how AI can solve complex sustainability challenges, optimize operations, and create a more personalized shopping experience. His insights extend to emerging technologies poised to revolutionize retail and e-commerce in the coming years, including the role of AI in automating decision-making and enhancing customer journeys.Moreover, Smith offers invaluable advice to entrepreneurs aspiring to innovate in the retail tech space, highlighting the importance of balancing commercial success with sustainability. His perspective not only illuminates the path for current and future business leaders but also underscores the critical role of technology in advancing social justice and positive change for communities and society at large.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of retail, technology, and sustainability, offering a glimpse into the future of commerce shaped by visionaries like Matthew Adam Smith.

Innovating Healthcare: Journey from Medical Devices to AI-Enhanced Solutions with CEO Bill Colone | Ep 829

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas engages with Bill Colone, the pioneering CEO of SinglePass, a company at the forefront of medical device innovation. With a career spanning over three decades, Colone has made significant contributions to the development of medical devices, leading teams through investor presentations, fundraising, product development, and clinical trials. His journey from leading companies like EndoMed and Spinal Singularity to his current role at SinglePass showcases his deep commitment to advancing healthcare technology.Colone introduces listeners to SinglePass's unique electrocautery device designed for deep tissue biopsy procedures. This revolutionary device addresses a critical unmet need in the medical field by ensuring the closure of biopsy tissue channels, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding and adverse events post-procedure. Colone's experiences at Spinal Singularity, particularly in fundraising and navigating the patent landscape, have been instrumental in shaping SinglePass's strategic direction and success.He discusses the challenges of bringing new technologies from concept to commercialization, emphasizing the importance of a thorough evaluation process, securing intellectual property rights, and the daunting task of fundraising for early-stage startups. Colone highlights how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are influencing the medical device sector. Despite SinglePass's focus on hardware, the company leverages AI in its marketing strategies, using a QR code system that allows for instant access to information and support through AI-driven chat functionality.Looking to the future, Colone sees AI playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare technology, predicting that the next big breakthroughs will likely involve AI's integration into medical devices and procedures. SinglePass's innovative approach to using AI for customer engagement is just the beginning of how the company plans to stay at the cutting edge of medical technology advancements.This episode not only explores the evolution of medical devices and the impact of AI on healthcare but also offers a glimpse into the mind of a visionary leader dedicated to improving patient outcomes and transforming the healthcare landscape.

Navigating Transformation and Innovation: A Conversation with CEO Piers Dormeyer | Ep 828

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas engages with Piers Dormeyer, the visionary CEO of EagleView, a company at the forefront of transforming industries through technology. With an educational background from the University of Florida and MIT Sloan School of Management, Piers shares his journey from a tech-enthusiast kid building PCs to leading EagleView in revolutionizing property data solutions. His early inspirations, driven by a passion for technology and its potential to make significant impacts, set the stage for a career dedicated to innovative solutions and transformative leadership.Piers discusses his path to EagleView, highlighting his realization of the company's potential to reshape the insurance and construction industries through aerial imagery and data analytics. This technology, he notes, not only improves efficiency and safety but has the power to save lives by reducing the need for hazardous roof inspections. He reflects on the importance of purpose and performance in driving organizational health and growth, emphasizing a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and psychological safety as key to fostering a productive and engaging work environment.Under Piers's leadership, EagleView is not just about hitting financial targets; it's about making a real difference in people's lives and the environment. The company's mission is deeply integrated into its strategy and culture, providing employees with a clear sense of purpose and direction. As technology continues to evolve, Piers is excited about the future possibilities, from enhancing remote work capabilities to addressing workforce challenges in various industries.This episode offers an inspiring look at how EagleView is leading the charge in using geospatial data to create safer, more efficient workflows across multiple sectors. Piers's journey from a curious child to a transformative leader underscores the impact that passion, innovation, and a commitment to purpose can have in driving change and delivering value on a global scale.