The Digital Executive

Unlocking Success in AI and Venture Capital: A Deep Dive with CEO Akli Adjaoute | Ep 861

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas engages with Akli Adjaoute, the visionary founder of Exponion and the former CEO of Brighterion. Akli shares his remarkable journey from founding Brighterion, a company that has become a cornerstone in enterprise AI applications across various industries, to his venture capital pursuits with Exponion. He recounts the challenges faced and the resilience required to navigate the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of unique innovation and the power of determination rooted in his experiences as a minority entrepreneur.Brighterion, trusted by top banks and recognized with numerous awards, stands as a testament to Akli's dedication to impactful, applied AI. The conversation takes a deeper turn into the technical feats achieved by Brighterion, highlighting its unmatched transaction processing capabilities that set new industry standards.Transitioning to his role in venture capital, Akli outlines his mission to support startups that are not only technologically innovative but also ethically aligned, rejecting investments in ventures that could potentially harm society. He stresses the value of resilience, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the crucial role of mentorship in navigating the tumultuous journey of startup growth.Furthermore, Akli offers a critical perspective on the future of AI, discussing the ethical implications, potential risks, and the necessity for stringent regulation to mitigate the adverse effects of advancements in artificial intelligence. His insights into AI's impact on society, coupled with a call for ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving landscape, provide a compelling narrative on the responsibilities of technologists and entrepreneurs alike.Brian Thomas wraps up the conversation, reflecting on Akli's profound impact on the tech world and his continued influence as a mentor, investor, and advocate for ethical technology development. This episode not only highlights Akli Adjaoute's achievements and insights but also serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists navigating the complex interplay of innovation, ethics, and success in the digital age.

Transforming Travel Photography: Journey from Silicon Valley to Founder with Executive Vaibhav Srivastava | Ep 860

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Vaibhav Srivastava, the visionary behind PhotoSpot, a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize the way photographers discover unique photo locations. With an illustrious 13-year tenure at tech giants like Meta, Pinterest, and eBay, Srivastava's shift from leading database decisions to entrepreneurship is both inspiring and insightful.PhotoSpot emerges from Srivastava's personal passion for photography and an identified gap in the travel industry, where travelers struggle to find the Instagram-worthy spots they see online on conventional travel planning websites. This platform not only aids in discovering exceptional photo spots but also integrates travel planning and photography into a seamless experience, leveraging AI to cater to the modern traveler's needs.Srivastava also shares his perspective on the evolving role of technology in enhancing the creative process for photographers of all levels, emphasizing the importance of discovery and composition in capturing the perfect shot. As PhotoSpot prepares to introduce new features and expansions, including an AI-based trip planner and partnerships with local tour guides, Srivastava's journey from a tech leader to a pioneering entrepreneur is a compelling narrative of innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of filling an unmet demand in the market.

Strategic Marketing Voyage with Growth and Opportunities with Executive Aggie Tuxhorn | Ep 859

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, Aggie Tuxhorn, a seasoned marketing professional and the Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer at Citizens Bank of Edmond, shares her journey and insights into the banking sector's evolving landscape. With over a decade of experience, Aggie's transition to Citizens Bank was sparked by an unexpected encounter and subsequent mentorship with Jill Castilla, the bank's CEO, during an awards ceremony in New York. This pivotal moment led her to seize a unique opportunity to amplify her impact within the industry, moving from a larger organization to a community-focused bank where innovation and customer engagement are paramount.Aggie discusses the critical strategies for expanding market presence, emphasizing the importance of understanding the target audience, differentiating from competitors, and adopting an integrated marketing approach. She highlights the necessity of patience and consistency in marketing efforts, debunking the myth of instant success in new markets.Leveraging technology, particularly social media, has been instrumental in enhancing Citizens Bank of Edmond's growth and visibility. Aggie underscores the role of social media in shaping the bank's narrative and expanding its reach, praising Jill Castilla's pioneering use of the platform to connect with customers transparently and authentically.Looking ahead, Aggie is particularly excited about the launch of ROGER, a digital banking platform dedicated to serving the military community. This initiative reflects Citizens Bank's commitment to 'do good, do well,' aligning with Aggie's personal and professional ethos. Through strategic marketing and community-focused projects, Aggie Tuxhorn is poised to drive significant growth and innovation at Citizens Bank of Edmond, contributing to the broader goal of serving and supporting underserved communities.Join us as Aggie Tuxhorn delves into the nuances of strategic marketing in the banking sector, her collaborative efforts with a visionary leadership team, and her dedication to impactful projects like ROGER, all aimed at fostering community engagement and financial empowerment.

Bridging Gaps in M&A: A Strategic Vision from Wall Street to Entrepreneurship with Founder Arthur Petropoulos | Ep 858

Send us a textIn an illuminating episode of The Digital Executive, Arthur Petropoulos, Founder and Managing Partner of Hill View Partners, shares his insightful journey from a distinguished Wall Street career to establishing a boutique firm that caters to the unique needs of privately held companies. With over a billion in transaction value to his name, Arthur identified a critical gap in the market for family, entrepreneur, and small investment group owned companies seeking mergers and acquisitions and capital advisory services. He founded Hill View Partners in 2016 to offer a more efficient, targeted approach to these services, moving away from the inefficient "pray and spray" method prevalent in the industry.Arthur discusses how emerging technology has revolutionized the way Hill View Partners operates, enhancing the firm's ability to diagnose company inefficiencies, optimize operations, and scale businesses more organically. Leveraging technology for global collaboration and automating services has allowed for unparalleled growth and efficiency in serving their clients' needs.The podcast delves deep into the strategies that have made Hill View Partners successful in navigating the complexities of over 100 transactions. Arthur emphasizes the importance of a meticulous, process-oriented approach, combining the best of traditional business practices with cutting-edge technology to optimize outcomes for their clients.Arthur's transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship has taught him valuable lessons about the necessity of embracing discomfort and uncertainty. He highlights the importance of persistence, faith, and the willingness to endure long journeys toward success, sharing personal reflections on the entrepreneurial experience and the fulfillment it brings.This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and finance professionals alike, offering profound insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions, the transformative impact of technology in finance, and the resilience required to chart one's own path in the business world.

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.