The Digital Executive

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.

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.