The Digital Executive

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with futurist and founder of M7 Innovations, Matt Maher. Named one of Vogue’s Top 100 Innovators of 2024, Matt shares how his journey from major media firms to launching M7 positioned him at the forefront of AI, immersive tech, and the evolving internet.He discusses how brands can thrive in the new age of AI-powered search through his “Align, Design, Refine” framework, and why spatial computing could help us reclaim our attention from smartphones. From MIT labs to the latest wearables, Matt reveals how curiosity, human insight, and emerging technology are shaping a more connected, intelligent future.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Dr. Robert B. Kerstein, a pioneer in digital occlusal analysis and long-time advocate for advancing dental science through technology. A former Tufts University professor and prosthodontic expert, Dr. Kerstein has spent decades perfecting how dentists measure and correct the human bite using T-Scan technology—the world’s first computerized system for analyzing occlusal forces in real time.Dr. Kerstein explains how early tools like articulating paper and ink, still used in many dental offices today, fail to accurately measure bite pressure—often leading to patient discomfort, prosthesis failure, and repeat visits. In contrast, the T-Scan system captures dynamic force and timing data, allowing clinicians to deliver faster, more precise, and minimally invasive bite adjustments.He details how digital occlusal analysis not only improves patient comfort but also reduces remakes, chair time, and long-term complications—transforming both clinical outcomes and dental practice efficiency. Looking ahead, Dr. Kerstein envisions a future where AI-driven occlusal insights and digital workflows become standard, closing the final gap in modern dentistry’s digital transformation.Whether you’re a dental innovator, clinician, or technology enthusiast, this episode reveals how measured digital occlusion is redefining what’s possible in patient care and precision dentistry.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Kaarel Kotkas, founder and CEO of Veriff, a global leader in digital identity verification trusted by brands like Uber and Bumble.Kaarel shares how a childhood experience on a small island in Estonia sparked his lifelong mission to make the internet safer. What began as a teenager’s curiosity about online IDs evolved into Veriff, a company now protecting millions of users worldwide through AI-driven, video-based verification and behavioral data analysis.He explains why digital identity verification can be even more secure than face-to-face checks, using thousands of data points for objective, accurate decision-making. Kaarel also discusses how Veriff balances automation and human creativity to outsmart emerging threats like deepfakes and synthetic identities, keeping humans “in the loop” where it matters most.Looking ahead, Kaarel envisions a borderless identity ecosystem—a “pattern of trust” built from our digital interactions rather than government-issued documents. His goal: a world where everyone, everywhere, has equal access to secure online services based on trust, not geography.Whether you’re passionate about AI, cybersecurity, or the digital economy, this episode offers a visionary look at how technology can redefine who we are online—and how we prove it.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Charles Lambert, founder and CEO of Digital Life Box, a secure SaaS platform built to preserve what defines us—our memories, assets, and identity—across generations.Charles shares the personal story that inspired Digital Life Box: a realization that our growing digital lives—from crypto wallets to cloud photos—often have no plan for continuity. He explains how his platform bridges the physical, emotional, and digital worlds, using blockchain technology to organize, protect, and pass on both financial and sentimental assets with trust and transparency.Drawing from over two decades in IT operations and resilience, Charles reveals how digital continuity has become one of the defining challenges of our time. He also discusses how his books, Corporate Ladder 101 and The Endurance Executive, reflect the same values of leadership, persistence, and purpose that drive his mission today.In a moving moment, Charles shares how Digital Life Box helps preserve legacy through stories, memories, and intent—illustrated by the digital time capsule he created for his young daughter. It’s a powerful vision of how technology can protect what truly matters long after we’re gone.Whether you’re a tech innovator, digital strategist, or legacy-minded entrepreneur, this episode offers profound insights into the intersection of technology, humanity, and memory in the digital age.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Alberto Rizzoli, serial entrepreneur and CEO of V7, a UK-based company pioneering AI systems to automate knowledge work across industries like healthcare, finance, and insurance.Alberto shares his journey from creating AI Poly, a groundbreaking app that empowered the visually impaired, to leading V7, where AI agents now handle complex, document-heavy workflows with accuracy, traceability, and compliance at scale. He explains how V7 blends human expertise with AI, allowing organizations to design reliable automations that learn step by step and always ground decisions in documented evidence—ensuring trustworthy, transparent AI operations.Looking ahead, Alberto envisions a world where AI eliminates administrative burdens, reduces bureaucracy, and empowers a new generation of AI workflow designers—transforming how we define knowledge work itself.Whether you’re an AI innovator, enterprise leader, or future-focused technologist, this episode offers a bold perspective on how human creativity and machine intelligence will coexist to reshape the modern workplace.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Bryan Murphy, CEO of Smartling, the leading AI translation platform powering global communication for brands like British Airways, DoorDash, Verizon, and MasterCard.Bryan shares how Smartling is transforming translation and localization from a slow, manual process into a fully automated, enterprise-grade solution—delivering human-quality translations six times faster and at half the cost. He explains how Smartling’s custom-trained AI engines capture brand voice across languages and cultures while ensuring data security, reliability, and compliance.Looking ahead, Bryan envisions a future where translation becomes a centralized, AI-driven service embedded across every enterprise function—from marketing to customer support—helping organizations scale globally with precision and authenticity.If you’re passionate about AI innovation, language technology, or enterprise transformation, this episode reveals how Smartling is setting a new standard for global content.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Tim Callan, Chief Experience Officer at Sectigo and one of the leading voices in SSL and PKI technology. With over 20 years shaping the standards of digital trust, Tim unpacks how the invisible infrastructure behind certificates and encryption keeps our digital world secure.Tim explores the coming shift toward shorter certificate lifespans, why automation is essential for enterprises, and how post-quantum cryptography (PQC) will reshape cybersecurity in the near future. He also dives into the evolution of digital identity—from enterprise systems to personal digital wallets—and how encryption can both empower privacy and resist misuse.Whether you’re a tech leader, IT professional, or digital security enthusiast, this episode offers a rare look into the technologies protecting our connected future.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Andrea Luoni, founder and CEO of Rate Craft, who’s redefining transparency and ethics in the insurance industry.Andrea shares how her lifelong instinct to defend others fuels her mission to protect clients from hidden costs and industry abuse. She explains why too many businesses accept rising premiums without question—and how getting a second opinion can save millions.From her front-row view of the industry’s consolidation to her embrace of AI-driven insights, Andrea reveals why it’s time for bold leaders to challenge outdated systems and rebuild trust in insurance.Whether you’re a startup founder, business owner, or leader navigating risk management, Andrea’s perspective is a masterclass in courage, ethics, and disruption.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Martin Lucas, founder and CEO of Decision Boundaries, to explore how decision science and deterministic AI are reshaping the way humans and machines think together.Martin unpacks the psychology of brand trust—how emotion, timing, and tone influence decision-making—and explains why most marketing fails to connect at a subconscious level. He then takes listeners inside his breakthrough work combining decision science, decision physics, and symbolic mathematics to create AI systems that reason with human-like understanding.Looking ahead, Martin shares his vision for the next decade: AI that understands intent, context, and humanity itself, ushering in an era where technology enhances—rather than replaces—human creativity.Whether you’re a leader in AI, marketing, or innovation, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the science driving the next evolution of intelligent systems.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Behdad “B” Jamshidi, founder of CJAM Marketing Connector, to explore why most businesses struggle to choose the right marketing agency—and how to fix it.After evaluating over 1,000 agencies and curating a lean network of top performers, Behdad shares his proven framework for identifying “A-player” partners who deliver exponential growth versus “B-player” agencies that stall momentum. He unpacks red flags to watch for, from vague reporting to unrealistic “full-service” promises, and explains the 40-point checklist he uses to assess credibility and fit.Behdad also dives into how AI and specialization are reshaping marketing execution, and why strategy—not just tools—will define the next era of successful brand-agency relationships.Whether you’re a founder, CMO, or entrepreneur looking to scale smarter, this conversation offers practical insights for finding the right marketing partner and building trust that drives results.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Dan Benveniste, founder and CEO of SkillWaze and serial entrepreneur with over $150M in successful exits. Dan shares how his latest ventures—SkillWaze and AlumniBridge—are reshaping how we prepare the next generation for the workforce.From his early startup success to pioneering AI-powered “learn and earn” platforms, Dan reveals how he’s tackling the global skills gap by helping employers identify, train, and verify real-world talent—not just degrees. He discusses why traditional education is due for disruption, how SkillWaze guarantees career readiness through verified skills data, and why he believes in “succeeding slowly” over the old “fail fast” mantra.Whether you’re a founder, HR leader, or educator, this episode offers a powerful look into how AI and human-centered design are converging to redefine the future of hiring and education.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas speaks with Ruby Kolesky, CEO of Joyous, an AI-powered feedback platform transforming how organizations listen, learn, and act. From her early days pursuing stand-up comedy to leading one of New Zealand’s most innovative tech companies, Ruby shares how empathy, humor, and human insight guide her approach to building smarter, more human-centered AI.She dives into why traditional surveys fail, how Joyous replaces static feedback loops with dynamic one-on-one conversations at scale, and why she believes human connection—not automation—will become the ultimate premium. Ruby also discusses the importance of democratizing voice in large enterprises and how real-time, actionable insights from the frontline can drive both performance and purpose.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Shaahin Cheyene, the visionary entrepreneur behind the billion-dollar Herbal Ecstasy phenomenon and CEO of Accelerated Intelligence. From escaping Iran during the 1978 revolution to building empires in e-commerce and digital innovation, Shaahin shares how grit, risk-taking, and reinvention shaped his path to success.He dives into lessons learned from creating a legal “smart drug,” scaling Amazon businesses, and teaching thousands through his Amazon Mastery program. Shaahin also reflects on the power of teaching, resilience, and why today is the best time in history to create wealth through entrepreneurship.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sebastian Nelson, founder and CEO of Cruva, the SaaS platform powering over 400 brands and 10 million monthly TikTok Shop sales.Sebastian shares how frustration with manual creator management inspired him to build Cruva — now an official TikTok Shop partner — to automate affiliate outreach, vetting, and performance tracking. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing brand-creator matching, why affiliates are overtaking influencers, and what the next decade holds for social commerce.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas chats with James Terry, Head of U.S. Revenue at Indeed Flex, about how AI and automation are transforming staffing and workforce flexibility. James shares how smart matching, AI interviews, and marketplace technology are helping businesses fill roles faster while empowering workers with more choice and control. He also explores what the next decade of on-demand, flexible work will look like for companies and job seekers alike.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Joris Delanoue, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Fairmint, a pioneering FinTech company transforming how startups raise and manage capital through blockchain-based equity.Joris shares the personal frustrations that inspired Fairmint—his challenges with illiquid investments, limited access to ownership, and the outdated structure of private fundraising. He explains how Fairmint was built to democratize financial upside by embedding startup equity directly on-chain, making ownership more transparent, efficient, and inclusive.From navigating U.S. securities regulations to earning SEC registration as a transfer agent, Joris recounts the company’s journey balancing innovation and compliance. He also reveals how Fairmint’s Open Cap Format is redefining cap table management across the industry—creating a new, open standard for digital equity.Finally, Joris offers his vision for the future: a world where blockchain blurs the line between private and public markets, automating processes, cutting costs, and unlocking liquidity for founders, investors, and employees alike.If you’re passionate about the intersection of finance, regulation, and decentralized technology, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into how on-chain infrastructure is reshaping capital markets from the ground up.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Nic Aldrich, a seasoned leader in the medical device industry with over a decade of experience spanning Stryker, Johnson & Johnson, and now OrthAlign. Nic shares how his journey from global marketing in large corporations to leading a nimble medtech innovator has reshaped his approach to marketing, technology, and organizational agility.Nic dives into the evolution of surgical navigation—from bulky capital systems to handheld, data-driven precision tools—and how OrthAlign’s platform has now surpassed 400,000 surgical procedures worldwide. He reveals the company’s mission to make precision accessible to every surgeon, in every setting, while maintaining simplicity, accuracy, and trust.As OrthAlign transitions from a hardware company to a tech-enabled service provider, Nic discusses how data, software, and connectivity are transforming surgery into a smarter, more collaborative ecosystem. Rather than chasing automation, he emphasizes augmentation—using intelligent tools that empower surgeons to perform at their best.Finally, Nic shares how clarity of mission and culture of collaboration drive agility in an industry that traditionally moves slowly. His leadership philosophy: when people are deeply connected to purpose, innovation naturally accelerates.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Tetiana (Tanya) Kobzar, founder of Diversido, an award-winning software development company supporting 65+ startups across HealthTech, EdTech, and IoT. With a master’s in computer science and over 15 years of experience bridging technology and business outcomes, Tetiana shares how she helps founders turn great ideas into products people truly want to use.Tetiana discusses her transition from hands-on coder to business leader and what it takes to delegate, build trust, and lead with vision. She dives deep into gamification and behavioral design, explaining how emotional engagement—not just functionality—drives long-term user success. From helping kids improve speech through playful therapy to keeping seniors motivated in cognitive health apps, her work proves gamification has no age limits.She also unpacks her data-first philosophy: “You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” Tetiana reveals how user logs, analytics, and heatmaps uncover hidden insights that drive product evolution. For early-stage founders, she stresses the power of starting lean—building a minimum viable product (MVP), measuring impact, and pivoting quickly when needed.Whether you’re a product strategist, developer, or startup founder, Tetiana’s insights offer a masterclass in human-centered product design and smart, scalable innovation.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Juan DeAngulo, co-founder of Inselligence, a global tech startup redefining how small and medium-sized businesses manage sales operations across three continents.Juan shares how he’s challenging the long-held belief that sales is purely an art form—showing instead how data, process, and structure drive scalable success. Drawing from his experience building a $4 billion real estate investment platform, Juan discusses the importance of strong foundations, from culture to documentation, and how process discipline fuels long-term growth.The conversation explores the tension between speed and structure in startups, the critical role of people in driving innovation, and how Inselligence is pioneering a “process-first” approach to AI that helps teams sell smarter, not just harder.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas welcomes Zach Giglio, CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency helping organizations harness AI to boost efficiency, performance, and profitability. Certified in AI Strategy for Business by the Wharton School and a curriculum committee member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, Zach is a leading voice in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.Zach shares how to turn high-level AI visions into tangible business results—by bringing implementation down to the human level. He explains why most AI initiatives fail at the start, and offers a clear framework for getting teams aligned: identify champions, focus on simple but meaningful tasks, and start with what’s already working.Beyond technology, Zach emphasizes that successful AI adoption is a change-management challenge, not a tech rollout. He details how leaders can reduce fear and build trust through strong AI-use policies, clear communication, and a transparent vision that positions AI as an ally, not a threat.Zach also introduces a powerful metaphor—treating AI as a junior employee: it’s fast and ambitious but needs direction, context, and oversight from experienced human “managers.” Used this way, AI amplifies expertise rather than replacing it.Looking ahead, Zach envisions a future where AI levels the playing field, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide to compete and innovate responsibly. He urges society to learn from the mistakes of social media—ensuring that AI development and regulation include informed voices from every sector, not just a handful of tech giants.His message is clear: with thoughtful leadership and education, AI can elevate both business and humanity.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.