The Digital Executive

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.

Shaping the Future with Light: Laser Legacy with CEO Shlomo Assa | Ep 827

Send us a textIn this illuminating episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas converses with Shlomo Assa, a luminary in the laser industry with over 30 years of pioneering contributions in healthcare and industrial sectors. Shlomo, with a rich background as the chief technology officer at Cineron Candela and the founder of four groundbreaking companies, delves into his journey from a curious engineer to a leading expert in laser technologies. His work has led to the creation of some of the most sought-after aesthetic platforms, such as Rotary and PicoWay, setting new standards in the global market.Shlomo's narrative begins with his educational foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering and a master's in lasers and optics, highlighting his early fascination with the potential of laser light in medical applications. This curiosity, coupled with a rigorous education, propelled him into a career marked by innovation and entrepreneurial success. He shares insightful stories from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of identifying unmet needs and tailoring solutions to address those challenges effectively.Holding over 20 published patents, Shlomo speaks to the critical role of intellectual property in safeguarding innovations and the strategic negotiation for technology licensing that laid the groundwork for his ventures. He advocates for a balance between aggressive market development and the protection of trade secrets, underscoring the foundational importance of intellectual property in building a successful business.Looking forward, Shlomo envisions a transformative future for laser technologies in healthcare, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures and the potential to significantly enhance patient care. He shares a personal story related to endometriosis treatment to illustrate the profound impact that improved laser applications could have on people's lives.This episode not only showcases Shlomo Assa's remarkable contributions to laser technology but also offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, the strategic importance of intellectual property, and the future possibilities in healthcare and industrial applications of lasers.

Revolutionizing Trading: The Journey of EFX ALGO with Co-founder Danny Reardon | Ep 826

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas dives into the fascinating world of automated trading with Danny Reardon, co-founder of EFX ALGO. Born from a quest to leverage years of day trading experience into a fully automated, hands-free trading bot, EFX ALGO represents a breakthrough in financial technology, offering investors high return opportunities by converting yearly gains into monthly profits. Once exclusive to an educational network, the software is now accessible to the general public, requiring no manual intervention to manage investments and execute trades.Danny shares the inception story of EFX ALGO, highlighting the challenges of creating a reliable automated trading system that operates without human involvement. The software, unique for its ability to employ eight different trading strategies simultaneously, marks a significant achievement with a two-year track record of 120 percent gain. Originating as a solution for passive income, the platform gained traction within their educational community, leading to its public release.Facing the hurdles of financial trading, Danny recounts his journey from a commercial painter with no financial leverage to managing an eight-figure portfolio, thanks to a combination of dedication, strategic networking, and leveraging prop firms. The podcast delves into the software's user-friendly design, offering customizable settings to align with individual investment goals and risk appetites, from conservative to aggressive profiles.Looking ahead, Danny reveals plans for EFX ALGO's evolution, including the development of an 'Ultra' risk profile for higher gains and a new automated trading system for the stock market. This episode not only sheds light on the innovative approach of EFX ALGO to automated trading but also underscores the importance of user feedback in shaping future enhancements.

Empowering Motherhood Through Innovation: Journey with Leva and CEO Vanessa Jupe | Ep 825

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas invites Vanessa Jupe, CEO and founder of Leva, to discuss her innovative approach to enhancing the motherhood experience through technology and human care. Leva, a platform designed to support, retain, and attract top talent for employers, focuses on the challenges women face during the transition to motherhood and the postpartum period.Vanessa shares her personal journey into motherhood, which, despite her meticulous preparation, presented unforeseen challenges that impacted her both personally and professionally. This experience led her to create Leva, aiming to prevent other women from facing similar difficulties. Leva combines Vanessa's expertise in product management, design, and AI with a deep understanding of the needs of new mothers, offering tailored support that evolves with feedback from its users.The platform not only addresses the immediate needs of mothers but also looks to the future, planning to enhance its AI capabilities for even more personalized care. Vanessa’s experience in leadership roles at insuretech startups, H&R Block, and USAA has heavily influenced her mission-driven approach to Leva, ensuring that the company remains focused on its core mission of supporting mothers through technology.Listen to this episode to discover how Vanessa Jupe and Leva are revolutionizing the support system for new parents, making the journey into motherhood a little easier and a lot more understood.

Shaping the Future of Tech: The Evolution of AI, Data Analytics, and IoT with Engineer Humberto Moreira | Ep 824

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Humberto Moreira, Principal Solutions Engineer at Gigster, to explore the transformative journey of the software industry driven by advancements in AI, data analytics, and IoT. Humberto, with over 15 years of experience, including roles at Cloudflare and InMobi, shares his observations on how the software industry has evolved, emphasizing the explosion of data generation and the shifting policies around privacy.Moreira discusses the integration of analytics and AI into software development from the outset, underscoring the necessity for companies to be data-ready and to break down silos for holistic data utilization. He envisions a future where software and business solutions are inherently designed to leverage data, facilitating more informed decision-making and innovative problem-solving.Addressing the demand for personalization and customization, Humberto highlights AI's role in enabling brands to anticipate and meet consumer needs more naturally. He points out the importance of understanding customer signals across various touchpoints and leveraging AI for predictive analytics to tailor offerings that resonate with consumer preferences.Looking ahead, Humberto predicts significant innovations in intelligent manufacturing, where AI, IoT, and data analytics converge to create a seamless flow of information across supply chains. He anticipates a future of dynamic, just-in-time production processes capable of responding to short-term customer demands, leading to the creation of highly customized products.This episode not only offers a deep dive into the current state and future prospects of AI, data analytics, and IoT in shaping software development and business solutions but also provides valuable insights for professionals navigating these rapidly evolving fields.

Empowering Nonprofits Through Voice: Journey to Volunteer Voiceover with Founder Melissa Harlow | Ep 823

Send us a textIn this heartwarming episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas engages with Melissa Harlow, the innovative founder of Volunteer Voiceover, and a seasoned voiceover talent and mentor. Melissa shares her captivating journey from her altruistic work and volunteering in nonprofits to embracing her passion for voiceover, detailing her transition from corporate life to exploring the world and eventually founding a unique platform. Volunteer Voiceover bridges the gap between emerging voice talents and nonprofit organizations, providing a space for artists to hone their skills while contributing to causes they care about.Melissa's story begins with a daring decision to leave the corporate world, sail the Pacific, and travel across North America, during which she discovered her potential in voiceover work through blogging about her adventures. This experience, combined with her extensive background in nonprofit work, inspired her to create Volunteer Voiceover. The platform addresses the critical need for professional voiceover services in the nonprofit sector, often sidelined due to budget constraints.Melissa emphasizes the importance of being natural in voiceover work to stand out in an industry increasingly concerned with synthetic voices. She highlights the necessity of good recording space, quality equipment, and professional training to succeed. For those interested in voiceover, whether as a career or volunteer work, Melissa advises on the significance of practice, passion, and planning, offering Volunteer Voiceover as a valuable resource for beginners to gain experience, connect with the community, and make a meaningful impact.This episode not only showcases Melissa's inspirational journey and the creation of Volunteer Voiceover but also serves as a guide for aspiring voiceover talents looking to navigate the industry and contribute to meaningful projects.

Mastering Mass Customization: Leading Innovation at Protocase with Cody Cecchetto | Ep 822

Send us a textIn this engaging episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Cody Cecchetto, the Engineering and Design Services Manager at Protocase, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in mass custom manufacturing. Cecchetto, a seasoned leader, shares his approach to managing day-to-day operations with an emphasis on efficiency, quality, and fostering a growth-oriented team culture. He delves into Protocase's distinctive mass custom methodology, which balances work elements and parameters to deliver tailor-made solutions for high-profile clients like Boeing, Google, and NASA.Cecchetto discusses the importance of customer experience and rapid turnaround times in maintaining relationships with diverse clientele, highlighting how Protocase's innovative practices set it apart in the industry. Facing challenges such as staffing, training, and the customization demands, he reveals how the company has adapted by investing in an efficient training program and leveraging automation to reduce cognitive load, ensuring quality and speed in their service.Furthermore, Cody touches on the future of product development, considering the potential impacts of emerging technologies like AI and new machinery on enhancing Protocase's capabilities and meeting evolving customer needs. Through this conversation, listeners gain insight into the complexities of custom electronic enclosures and the strategic thinking behind Protocase's success in a competitive market.