The Digital Executive

In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Dan Zaniewski, Chief Technology Officer at Auvik, to explore how MSPs and IT leaders can navigate today’s increasingly complex technology landscape.
With over 20 years in technology leadership, Dan shares why fragmented tooling remains one of the biggest challenges for managed service providers, who often juggle 10+ platforms across networks, SaaS apps, endpoints, security, and now AI systems. As shadow AI and tool sprawl accelerate, MSPs are being pushed beyond infrastructure management into governing digital behavior, compliance, and risk at scale.
Dan explains why true multi-tenancy, cloud-native architecture, continuous automated discovery, and deep observability are essential to delivering reliability across millions of devices and applications. He also unpacks where automation creates the most immediate value—eliminating repetitive operational tasks and accelerating root cause analysis—while cautioning against overhyping AI without proper governance and deterministic safeguards.
Looking ahead, Dan predicts the rise of the IT generalist, outcome-driven AI deployment, and embedded AI governance as core infrastructure. The next five years, he argues, won’t reward teams with the most tools—but those who prioritize visibility, simplicity, automation, and proactive governance.
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In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas speaks with Jude Odu, Founder and President of Health Cost IQ, about the staggering $1.6 trillion in annual waste embedded in the U.S. healthcare system.
Drawing from his doctoral research, Jude explains how more than half of employer-sponsored health plan spending can be lost to overcharges, billing errors, inflated pharmacy costs, and fraud—often because waste is built into the business model. He shares how AI-driven claims auditing, predictive modeling, and pharmacy optimization can deliver immediate, measurable savings for self-funded employers.
Jude also introduces his upcoming book, Model Optimal Care, a framework built specifically for self-insured employers. Centered on transparency, accountability, integration, engagement, and technology enablement, the model empowers organizations to treat healthcare as a managed asset—not a fixed cost.
Looking ahead, Jude outlines three major shifts shaping the next decade: self-funding as the default model, fiduciary PBM reform, and operationalized price transparency. The message is clear—the tools exist. The question is who will lead.
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In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Pamela Eyring, President of The Protocol School of Washington, to explore why protocol, executive presence, and cultural intelligence matter more than ever in today’s AI-driven business world.
Pamela explains that while AI can accelerate workflows and draft communications, it cannot build trust, interpret diplomatic nuance, or repair strained relationships. In high-stakes global environments—where hierarchy, symbolism, and cultural sensitivity shape outcomes—human behavior becomes a strategic advantage.
She shares how her school’s award-winning training goes beyond theory to transform behavior through practical application, role play, and real-world simulations. From government officials to corporate executives and global leaders, Pamela highlights the growing demand for formal etiquette as a form of risk management—protecting reputations, preventing costly missteps, and accelerating trust.
The conversation also addresses the gap many tech leaders face when transitioning from informal, disruption-driven cultures into diplomatic and international arenas where protocol and presence are critical. Pamela outlines three essential skills for the next generation of global leaders: cultural intelligence, executive presence under pressure, and strategic diplomacy.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, this episode makes a compelling case that credibility, composure, and authentic human connection cannot be automated.
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In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sam Bremner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IVEST Consumer Partners, to explore why licensing has evolved from a marketing tactic into a board-level growth strategy.
With global licensed merchandise and services reaching $369 billion, Sam explains the two major forces fueling the surge: capital-light expansion and high-margin royalty models that appeal to institutional investors. He breaks down why franchise IP continues to outperform digital-native brands in long-term value creation—and how experienced operators can successfully convert audience engagement into scalable consumer products.
Sam also shares how corporate brands are institutionalizing licensing into structured, investable revenue platforms, creating predictable cash flows that attract private equity. From entertainment giants to global retailers, he outlines how companies can unlock new royalty streams, expand into adjacent categories, and position IP as a durable financial asset class.
The conversation closes with insights into the future of IP-backed securities, governance standards required by institutional capital, and why disciplined data, transparency, and diversified licensing exposure are critical for underwriting brand royalties in today’s market.
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In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Adam Belmont, senior public relations and strategic communications executive, to discuss what it really takes for brands to stand out in today’s saturated and AI-influenced media landscape.
Adam explains that the biggest mistake companies make is talking about themselves instead of focusing on the audience they’re trying to serve. He emphasizes that people buy from people—not faceless brands—and that empowering leaders and team members to show up authentically builds far greater trust and influence than hiding behind a company logo.
The conversation also explores the disconnect between business strategy and communication strategy, with Adam highlighting why communications teams must have a seat at the table from the very beginning. Rather than being treated as a reactive function during crises, PR should operate as a proactive, always-on engine that steadily builds credibility, visibility, and long-term momentum.
Looking ahead, Adam shares why clarity, credibility, and meaningful storytelling will separate breakout brands from those that get lost in the noise—especially as AI-generated content and generative search reshape how companies are discovered and validated. The takeaway: communications is no longer an afterthought—it’s a core business function that directly impacts growth, reputation, and relevance.
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