The Digital Executive

Empowering Business Excellence: Blending Technology and Human Connection in Organizational Growth with Founder Amanda Russo | Ep 791

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas engages with Amanda Russo, a dynamic Chief Operating Officer and thought leader. With a rich background in fostering organizational excellence, Russo delves into her experience of founding Cornerstone Paradigm Consulting. She highlights the unplanned yet transformative journey that led to the inception of her company, emphasizing her passion for impactful work and the positive influence it has on clients and their businesses.Amanda discusses the intricate balance between technological advancement and maintaining a human-centric approach in business. She stresses the importance of not losing sight of the human element in our increasingly digital work environments, advocating for employee engagement and mental health awareness amidst technology-driven operations.Addressing the significance of a strong online reputation for leaders, Amanda underscores the value of authentic thought leadership and the need for a genuine connection with the audience. She believes in initiating conversations rather than just presenting facts, a strategy that fosters trust and credibility in the digital space.Finally, Russo shares her perspective on emerging trends in business consulting and optimization. While acknowledging the inevitable role of AI and machine learning, she advises not to overlook the fundamentals of business operations. Her focus is on addressing current operational gaps to ensure that the integration of advanced technologies does not simply yield "more junk faster."This episode provides a nuanced view of integrating technological innovation with a strong human focus, offering valuable insights for businesses aiming for sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Embracing Change and Innovation: Evolution of Network Management in a Hybrid World with CEO Doug Murray | Ep 790

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas interviews Doug Murray, CEO of Auvik Networks, a leading provider of cloud-based network management software. With over 25 years of experience in the network and security industry, Murray shares his journey and insights, including his tenure as CEO at Baltics and Big Switch Networks, and his roles at Juniper Networks, Sun Microsystems, and AT&T.Murray discusses the importance of embracing diverse roles and international experiences in career growth, highlighting the critical role of company culture in driving success and innovation. He emphasizes the pivotal role of Auvik Networks in the evolution of hybrid and remote work environments. Auvik's focus on SaaS-based IT operations management plays a vital role in reducing friction for IT teams, allowing for seamless operations across various environments - a necessity amplified by the pandemic.The conversation also touches on the integration of new technologies like AI in network management. Murray underlines the significance of AI and cybersecurity in the rapidly changing landscape of IT, emphasizing Auvik's commitment to security and innovation in their SaaS platform.Murray's advice for IT professionals is to never stop learning and to embrace change, suggesting that continuous education and adaptation are key to career advancement in the IT sector. This insightful episode ends with Murray's reflections on the future of network management and the importance of innovation in an increasingly digital world.

Revolutionizing Data Engineering: Dagster’s Journey and Open-Source Impact with CTO Nick Schrock | Ep 789

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Nick Schrock, the innovative mind behind Dagster Labs. Nick delves into his impressive journey from a principal engineer and director at Facebook to founding Dagster Labs, driven by his desire to solve engineering pain points. He explains how his past experiences, including co-creating GraphQL, shaped his approach to addressing complex data infrastructure challenges.Dagster, a prominent open-source data orchestration platform, is at the heart of their discussion. Nick elaborates on how Dagster redefines data engineering by prioritizing asset-oriented workflows over task-focused ones, ensuring more robust and intuitive data management. He emphasizes the platform's unique approach to consolidating tools, improving lineage tracking, and enhancing operational context, all contributing to a more streamlined and effective data engineering process.Furthermore, Nick highlights the significant role of open-source projects in shaping the tech industry, particularly in legacy companies. He shares insights into how these projects foster community building and empower engineers to adopt new technologies more freely.The podcast concludes with Nick's perspective on the future of data and ML engineering. He anticipates a shift towards greater accuracy and productivity, with Dagster strategically positioned to address these evolving needs by integrating software engineering principles into data engineering.Overall, the episode offers a deep dive into the transformative impact of Dagster in the data engineering landscape and the broader implications for the tech industry.

From Opera to PR: Victoria Kennedy’s Journey to Becoming a PR Powerhouse with CEO Victoria Kennedy | Ep 788

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Victoria Kennedy, a renowned Wall Street Journal bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Victorious PR. Kennedy shares her extraordinary journey from a classical opera singer to leading an award-winning multimillion-dollar PR agency, revealing how pivotal moments in her life, including a career-altering visa denial, led to her discovering her latent 'superpowers'. She reflects on the impact of the pandemic, the art of pivoting, and how her skills in music and connecting with people laid the foundation for her success in public relations.Kennedy delves into the unique aspects of Victorious PR, emphasizing the agency's authentic approach and her personal role in its growth, highlighting how they achieved remarkable success through PR alone. She discusses her “Authority Creator” program, designed to empower businesses and CEOs in handling their own PR, making high-level strategies accessible even to startups.The conversation also explores the significance of personal branding and PR in establishing a strong identity in the business world. Kennedy uses powerful examples, including the mention of Donald Trump, to illustrate the impact of a personal brand. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to harness the power of PR to amplify their influence.

Green Goo Revolution: Plant-Based Wellness Journey and the Future of Natural Healing with Founder Jodi Scott | Ep 787

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas engages in a captivating discussion with Jodi Scott, a mastermind in the health and wellness sector and the founder of Green Goo. With a master's degree in health psychology, Jodi has become a trailblazer in the field of psychoneuroimmunology, creating a significant impact with her innovative approach to plant-based healing.Jodi shares her journey, starting Green Goo alongside her mother and sister. She emphasizes the void they observed in the first aid category, where natural consumers often compromised their ethos due to a lack of effective natural alternatives to products like Neosporin. Jodi and her team saw an opportunity to create plant-based solutions that were not only environmentally sustainable but also superior in efficacy.Her unique approach involves innovative lipid extraction techniques, a process they developed to extract and blend plants in a way that preserves their medicinal properties and maximizes efficacy. This attention to detail and commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients has been the cornerstone of Green Goo’s success, setting their products apart in the market.Jodi also touches on the burgeoning plant-based renaissance in healthcare, where more research and understanding are emerging about the effectiveness of plant-based treatments. She speaks about the science behind these solutions, including their systemic benefits and their influence on skin health and cellular longevity.The conversation then shifts to Jodi’s holistic approach to wellbeing, introducing her acronym SHAMAN (Sleep, Hydration, Antioxidants, Mindfulness, Avoidance of harmful chemicals, and Nutrition) which encapsulates her philosophy towards overall health. This approach emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, the selection of skin-care products, and nutrition, highlighting the interconnection between physical and mental wellness.Brian Thomas explores how Jodi leverages technology in her business. Jodi discusses the development of a self-gratitude journal app, aimed at providing a holistic skincare approach that combines gratitude and mindfulness practices with skin health. This app reflects her belief in the profound impact of journaling and mindfulness on personal development and wellbeing.The episode concludes with Jodi expressing her vision for Green Goo and the potential of natural healing methods in transforming health and wellness. This insightful conversation with Jodi Scott not only sheds light on the power of plant-based healing but also inspires listeners to consider alternative, more natural paths to health and wellbeing.

Exploring the Depths: The World’s First Subterranean Drone and Its Revolutionary Impact on Agriculture with CEO Lorenzo Conti | Ep 786

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas welcomes Dr. Lorenzo Conti, the innovative mind behind Crover.tech.  As an enterprise fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a PhD holder in engineering from the University of Edinburgh, Lorenzo shares his journey in developing the world's first subterranean drone, the Crover. This groundbreaking technology, stemming from his research in granular rheology and the discovery of the Crover effect, represents a pivotal advancement in the field of granular materials.Lorenzo delves into his career path, highlighting the challenges and hard work that led to his success as an entrepreneur and engineer. He emphasizes his fascination with complex problems, particularly in the realm of granular materials, a ubiquitous yet often overlooked area of study. The Crover, a robot capable of moving fully submerged in granular environments, is a testament to his dedication and innovative spirit.Throughout the conversation, Lorenzo and Brian explore the wide range of potential applications for the Crover technology. From revolutionizing grain storage management to its potential use in space exploration, Lorenzo illustrates how this technology can traverse environments previously deemed inaccessible. The Crover's ability to navigate through granular materials like sand, chemical powders, and grains opens new avenues for safer and more efficient handling and storage, particularly in the agricultural sector.A significant focus is placed on how the Crover technology contributes to reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security. Lorenzo explains the critical role of the Crover in monitoring grain quality, preventing infestations, and ensuring optimal storage conditions. This innovative approach not only preserves grain quality but also enhances food safety and reduces waste.Lastly, the podcast touches on the broader role of innovation and technology in the ag-tech sector. Lorenzo emphasizes the necessity of developing efficient technologies to meet the growing global food demand, underscoring Crover's contribution to this vital effort.This episode offers a fascinating look into the intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, showcasing how innovative technologies like the Crover can make significant strides in addressing global challenges.

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Freedom: Journey from Ranch Life to Elevated Leadership with CEO Chelsea Oyler | Ep 785

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of "The Digital Executive Podcast," host Brian Thomas welcomes Chelsea Oyler, the visionary founder of Elevated Leadership. Chelsea shares her transformative journey from witnessing her father's tireless work on their Idaho ranch to her own quest for freedom in the corporate world, ultimately leading her to establish a unique path in entrepreneurship.She vividly describes her upbringing and how it shaped her understanding of hard work, freedom, and leadership. Chelsea's deep insights into the challenges of being an entrepreneur, particularly for women balancing business and personal life, are both inspiring and enlightening.Focusing on her specialty, Chelsea discusses the creation of high-performing teams and the importance of culture and vision in business. She emphasizes how a clear long-term vision is crucial for attracting, elevating, and retaining the right talent.Furthermore, Chelsea talks about her unique approach to coaching that blends strategy with personal growth, and she introduces an innovative technique called HypnoBreathwork®, which she uses to break through her clients' limiting beliefs.Brian and Chelsea also touch upon the challenges and opportunities presented by remote work and the importance of leveraging technology in today's business environment. Chelsea's perspective on the overwhelming abundance of tech tools available and her ongoing search for the right ones to enhance her coaching methods offer a candid look into the realities of modern entrepreneurship.This episode provides a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to balance success with personal fulfillment. Chelsea Oyler's story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the pursuit of entrepreneurial freedom.

Unveiling the Journey of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with CMO Jin Kim | Ep 784

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas converses with Jin Kim, the dynamic Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder of Prone Cushion. Jin, a graduate of New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Media, brings a unique perspective shaped by over 13 years of life experience in China, enriching his role at Prone Cushion with his bilingual abilities and international insights.Jin delves into the essence of Prone Cushion, a company at the vanguard of ergonomic solutions, and shares how his hands-on approach and exceptional talent in articulating the company’s vision have been instrumental in shaping its identity. From product design to website intricacies, Jin’s meticulous attention to every visual element has significantly contributed to the brand’s ethos.Discussing his career journey, Jin highlights his fascination with communication in various forms - art, music, dance, movies, and physical products. He stresses the importance of the Japanese concept 'monotsukuri' in crafting products with care and attention to detail, underscoring the crucial connection between creator and consumer.Jin also reflects on the role of AI in transforming digital storytelling and marketing, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in its application. He shares insights into Prone Cushion’s successful Kickstarter campaign and how it propelled the company to achieve seven-figure revenues in its first year. This campaign exemplifies the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive at Prone Cushion’s core.As the episode concludes, Jin discusses the intersection of technology and business, highlighting the use of advanced memory foam in Prone Cushion products and the ethical implications of AI in marketing. His insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and marketers alike, making this episode a must-listen for those interested in the confluence of technology, entrepreneurship, and effective communication.

Empowering the Future: Cosmic Wire’s Revolutionary Vision in Blockchain and Spatial Web with CEO Jerad Finck | Ep 783

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of the Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas engages in a stimulating conversation with Jerad Finck, the visionary CEO and founder of Cosmic Wire. With a rich background in technology, music production, and social responsibility, Finck offers a unique perspective on the intersection of tech and creativity.The episode delves deep into Cosmic Wire's pioneering role in the blockchain space and its contribution to the evolving concept of the spatial web. Finck details his journey from Silicon Valley's tech scene to the music industry, highlighting his achievements like winning VH1's Song of the Year and his involvement with prestigious labels. He discusses his commitment to social causes through his work in mental health and case management.A significant focus of the conversation is on Finck's overarching vision for Cosmic Wire. He emphasizes the importance of empowerment and unity, illustrating how Cosmic Wire is redefining the digital landscape with its innovative approach to spatial web technology. Finck explains how the company leverages XR, VR, and cloud storage technologies to break new ground in digital interaction and connectivity.The podcast explores the potential of Web 3.0 and blockchain, with Finck offering his insights into how these technologies can bring the original promise of the internet to fruition. He passionately argues for a more transparent, efficient, and user-empowering digital ecosystem, where individuals have control over their data and digital interactions.As the conversation progresses, Finck addresses the technical aspects of Cosmic Wire's services, highlighting their impact on various industries worldwide. He shares success stories of leveraging their technology in commodities trading, music rights management, and other sectors, demonstrating the wide-reaching implications of their innovations.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of blockchain, the spatial web, and the transformative power of technology in shaping a more interconnected and empowered digital world. Finck's enthusiasm and expertise make for an enlightening and inspiring discussion, offering valuable insights into the cutting-edge developments at Cosmic Wire.

Empowering Senior Living with Technology: A Journey in Health Tech with Founder Kyle Robinson | Ep 782

Send us a textIn this episode of "The Digital Executive," Kyle Robinson, an entrepreneur and partner at Wellzesta, delves into her extensive career in healthcare, senior living technology, and entrepreneurship. With a background in journalism, health communication, and gerontology, Kyle has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of older adults through innovative technology and wellness services. She discusses her journey from growing up in the senior living industry to launching Wellzesta, a health tech software company focused on active aging.Kyle emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and skilled individuals and following one's purpose with grit and tenacity. She shares how technology, particularly personalization and voice applications, has transformed the senior living landscape. Wellzesta's focus on high-tech, high-touch solutions illustrates the integration of technology with a human-centered approach.The intersection of technology and senior living is expected to evolve significantly, with advancements in AI, cloud computing, and personalized applications enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Kyle also highlights the role of technology in promoting socialization and reducing isolation among seniors. Her personal use of apps like the Calm App for mindfulness and balance underscores the wider benefits of technology in both professional and personal life. Kyle Robinson's story showcases the positive impact of technology in senior living and her commitment to improving the lives of the elderly through innovative solutions.