Podcast
The Digital Impact | Business Tech and AI
Hosted by Charles Verhey · ENGLISH
New episodes every Friday.
The Digital Impact, powered by Foxit Software, is a business technology podcast spotlighting the thinkers and doers shaping the future of work. Each episode features candid, intelligent conversations with CIOs, CTOs, tech strategists, and innovation leaders driving real change inside modern organizations.
This isn’t a surface-level tech news recap. It’s a platform for senior leaders to share hard-earned insights on how they’re solving complex problems with AI, automation, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and workflow modernization. From navigating hybrid work to leading digital transformation initiatives, we explore what it truly takes to adapt, scale, and lead in today’s fast-moving business landscape.
Hosted by the team at Foxit—an industry leader in document productivity and AI-powered workflow solutions—The Digital Impact serves as both a thought leadership platform and a sounding board for enterprise innovation. We cut through the noise to bring our audience real stories, expert perspectives, and actionable strategies.
Whether you're a listener looking to stay sharp or a guest ready to share your story, The Digital Impact is where business technology leaders meet to talk about what’s next—and what actually works.
20episodes
Episodes
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What is AI's Endgame? AI's Intelligence Explosion & Cybersecurity | Parzival Moksha
Aug 15, 202500:37:34Tap to summarizeThe AI intelligence explosion is months away. Cybersecurity is the first battleground. 🦊 Learn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmUUTxdM2XQ ---------- Where to find Parzival Moksha: 🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/leviturk CHAPTERS 01:00:00 - Introduction 01:01:37 - Moksha: The AI That Will Be Indistinguishable From God 01:02:35 - Why the Intelligence Explosion is Months, Not Years, Away 01:03:44 - The Catalyst: AI's Recursive Self-Improvement Explained 01:06:41 - The Human & Financial Factors Fueling the AI Arms Race 01:09:05 - Cybersecurity: The First Battleground 01:13:46 - Superhuman Coders & The Future of Geopolitical Cyberwarfare 01:16:33 - AGI vs. ASI: Redefining the Limits of Intelligence 01:19:10 - Visualizing the Timeline to the 2027 Singularity 01:27:41 - A Benevolent Dictator? The Utopian Endgame for AI Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this program are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Foxit Software Incorporated. Guest appearances do not constitute an endorsement of the guest or their statements by Foxit. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. DO MORE WITH FOXIT As the #1 Alternative to Adobe Acrobat, Foxit empowers businesses with AI-driven document intelligence platforms that accelerate digital transformation. From secure eSignatures to intelligent redaction, our solutions are built for the modern enterprise. Learn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast
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AI-Driven Development: Boosting Engineering ROI by Killing Interruptions | David Guttman
Aug 8, 202500:36:48Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast Daily standups and constant interruptions cost your engineering team time, drain your budget, and hinder innovation. Developer productivity is paramount, and the old management rules no longer apply. The key to unlocking efficiency isn't more meetings; it's smarter systems. In this episode of The Digital Impact, host Charles Verhey sits down with David Gutman, a 20-year software development veteran who has led engineering teams for projects like Disney.com and StarWars.com. David exposes the hidden costs of "interrupt-driven chaos" and presents a new framework for managing high-performing development teams. In this discussion, you will learn: The True Cost of Meetings: Why the conventional wisdom of daily standups is a net-negative for productivity and how to calculate their real impact on your bottom line. Deep Work & Asynchronous Communication: How to implement principles from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" to create large, uninterrupted blocks of time that are essential for complex problem-solving. The AI Engineering Manager: A look at how AI can be used to automate check-ins, uncover blockers, and provide accountability without the need for disruptive meetings. AI vs. Human Developer: The surprising results of an experiment pitting Devin, an autonomous AI software engineer, against a senior human developer on the same task—comparing speed, cost, and quality of work. The Future of Engineering Teams: Why the future isn't about replacing developers with AI, but augmenting them to create a new class of hyper-productive "10x" engineers. Where to find David Guttman: His book: treatdevslikeadults.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-guttmanChapters 00:00 - Introduction: David Gutman, Engineering Leader 01:17 - The "Cargo Cult" Problem with Best Practices in Software 03:54 - Why Daily Standups Destroy Developer Productivity 07:53 - A Better Way: Asynchronous Communication & Deep Work 12:45 - The AI Engineering Manager: Automating Check-ins 14:28 - The Power of a Searchable, Written Record for Onboarding 22:53 - Experiment: AI Developer (Devin) vs. Senior Human Engineer 28:22 - The Surprising Results: Speed, Cost, and Code Quality 29:46 - The Future: Will AI Replace Software Engineers? 31:23 - How AI Empowers Non-Technical Leaders to Understand Their Product 35:58 - Final Thoughts Do More with Foxit: As the #1 Alternative to Adobe Acrobat, Foxit empowers businesses with AI-driven document intelligence platforms that accelerate digital transformation. From secure eSignatures to intelligent redaction, our solutions are built for the modern enterprise. Learn more at https://www.foxit.com
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AI and the Future of Work: Are We Repeating the Industrial Revolution? | Jedakiah Simonenko
Aug 1, 202500:36:15Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast In this episode of The Digital Impact, we explore the parallels between the current AI boom and the Industrial Revolution. Will AI lead to mass job displacement, or will it create new opportunities we can't yet imagine? Join our host, Charles, as he sits down with Evan Rees, VP of Marketing at Foxit Software, and Jed Simonenko, an AI developer with a background in economics. Together, they tackle the tough questions: ▶️ Is AI just a tool for productivity, or a genuine threat to job security? ▶️ How are companies shifting their hiring strategies to find talent that can thrive in an AI-driven world? ▶️ What are the ethical implications of AI-powered data collection and recommender systems? ▶️ As the US and China compete for AI dominance, what does the future of regulation and data privacy look like? From the C-suite to the individual developer, this conversation offers a 360-degree view of how AI is quietly reshaping our careers, our companies, and our world. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro: AI's Invisible Shift 00:00:40 - The Industrial Revolution vs. The AI Revolution 00:03:51 - How AI is Really Impacting Jobs and Productivity 00:08:14 - Will AI Create Monopolies or Democratize Innovation? 00:13:09 - The Rise of the "Garage Innovator" in the Age of AI 00:17:18 - The Global AI Arms Race: US vs. China 00:22:22 - Data Privacy, Regulation, and the Ethics of AI 00:28:08 - How AI Recommender Systems Know You Better Than You Know Yourself 00:35:31 - Final Thoughts and Outro Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6 Video version of this podcast is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOBYzUEL4ic
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AI vs. Human Creativity: Can Generative Video Ever Replace Real Artistry? | Rob Witlsey
Jul 25, 202500:39:39Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast In this episode of The Digital Impact, we're joined by Rob Witlsey, CEO and founder of VideoFresh, a full-service video production and marketing strategy company. We explore one of the most pressing topics in the creative industry today: the rise of generative AI video. Is AI a revolutionary tool that will democratize content creation, or is it leading to a flood of "AI slop" that devalues true creativity? Rob shares his expert perspective on why human-crafted video still holds a unique power to evoke emotion and build brands in a way that algorithms can't replicate. We discuss the "hype cycle" surrounding AI, the temptation of convenience, and the irreplaceable value of authenticity in a world saturated with generated content. Join us as we break down: 🎥 The true cost and effort behind "easy" AI video creation. 🎥 Why the soul of your brand can't be outsourced to a machine. 🎥 How to use AI as a powerful tool without sacrificing the human element. 🎥 The future of video production in the age of AI. Where to find Rob Witlsey ▶️ Website: https://videofresh.co/ ▶️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwiltsey/ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:54 - Why Human-Crafted Video Still Matters in the Age of Generative Content 00:02:11 - The Evolution of Video Production Technology 00:04:03 - The Power of Video to Capture Emotion 00:05:36 - The Rise of "AI Slop" and the Gamble of Generative Content 00:09:01 - Are We Outsourcing Our Creativity and Settling for Mediocre Content? 00:11:57 - The Human Element: Why Authenticity Will Always Matter 00:19:20 - The Role of Authenticity in Drawing an Audience 00:22:16 - The Reality of Using Generative AI in Professional Production 00:27:03 - The Hidden Costs and Limitations of AI Video 00:31:35 - Will AI Replace Video Production Houses? 00:35:22 - Does AI Really Make Video Production Faster? 00:38:34 - Outro Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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AI in Product Management: A CPO's Warning on Strategy vs. Hype | Brian Root
Jul 18, 202500:43:06Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast Fractional CPO and product strategist Brian Root (formerly of Amazon and Walmart Labs) offers a critical perspective on the real role of AI in product development. He argues that while AI is a powerful tool, it is not a substitute for human leadership and the deep, nuanced insight required for true innovation. Joined by hosts Charles and Emily, Brian breaks down the dangers of treating AI like a person, why innovation requires breaking patterns that AI is built to follow, and the tell-tale signs of a company over-indexing on AI at the expense of qualitative, customer-centric data. He also explains his "anti-framework" philosophy, cautioning leaders against mindlessly applying popular frameworks without first gaining deep customer insight. This conversation is essential for any product leader curious about what it truly means to build with purpose in the age of AI. Where to find Brian Root:Website: www.rootedinproduct.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/br1an-r00t/ Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:15 Is AI a Tool or a Person? 00:03:08 The Danger of Ascribing Human Intent to AI 00:04:52 Why AI Struggles with True Innovation 00:07:23 McKinsey vs. Brian Root on AI and Strategy 00:10:28 Innovation vs. Enforcing Structure 00:11:22 What Happens When Companies Over-Index on AI? 00:16:13 Human Connection vs. AI Data: What's More Effective? 00:20:53 The Anti-Framework Approach to Product Strategy 00:28:24 Shuhari: The 3 Stages of Mastery in Product Leadership 00:30:40 Is AI Too Agreeable? The Future of AI's "Personality" 00:38:00 Measuring the ROI of AI and Corporate FOMO 00:42:21 Outro Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6 This podcast is also available as a video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoxitSoftwareInc
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Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up: How Real AI Automation Starts and Sticks | Judson Voss
Jul 11, 202500:26:32Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast Who should drive AI automation in a company? Should it be a top-down mandate from the CIO, or a bottom-up movement from the knowledge workers who face the problems every day? In this episode of The Digital Impact, we sit down with business strategist and author Judson Voss to explore the two primary approaches to AI implementation. We discuss the unique strengths that both C-suite leaders and frontline employees bring to the table and why a dual-lens approach is crucial for success. Judson shares his insights on: How CIOs can empower their organization rather than just handing down mandates. The reality of "shadow IT" and why it's a sign that your team is ready for change. The power of creating safe "playgrounds" for employees to experiment with new tools without risk. The concept of "Vibe Coding" and how it lowers the barrier for creating impactful applications.Why "demos win arguments" when there's a clash between IT and employee-led initiatives. This conversation is a must-listen for any technology leader or knowledge worker looking to understand how to make AI automation stick in their organization. Find Judson's books and learn more about his work: https://launchwithvibe.com https://judsonvoss.com https://kuhlewordconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/vossjudson --- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Pre-Show Banter 00:01:02 - Welcome to The Digital Shift 00:01:17 - Guest Introduction: Judson Voss 00:05:12 - Topic Intro: Top-Down or Bottom-Up AI? 00:05:55 - The CIO's Top-Down Perspective 00:08:21 - The Knowledge Worker's Bottom-Up Power 00:11:14 - Tacking Shadow IT and Ensuring Transparency 00:15:56 - The Challenge of Scaling Automation 00:18:56 - Real-World Examples of Worker-Led Success 00:22:45 - What is "Vibe Coding"? 00:24:31 - Creating a Safe "Playground" for Experimentation 00:27:31 - When the CIO and Worker Disagree 00:28:36 - How Demos Win Arguments 00:30:42 - Where to Find Judson Voss Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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Optimizing Your LinkedIn Impact with AI | AI Kushner
Jul 4, 202500:20:43Tap to summarizeLeveraging Artificial Intelligence to Transform Your Executive Profile and Professional Influence Learn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast Is your LinkedIn profile working for you, or is it just taking up space? In this episode, Charles sits down with Al Kushner, an award-winning author and sought-after LinkedIn growth strategist, to discuss his groundbreaking book, "The AI LinkedIn Advantage". Discover how executives, CIOs, and CTOs can leverage Artificial Intelligence to transform their professional brand, attract top talent, and create multi-million dollar opportunities. Al debunks common myths about LinkedIn, shares practical tips for creating engaging content, and reveals how to manage your presence in as little as 15-30 minutes a week with the help of AI. Learn about the risks of delegating your profile, the dangers of plagiarism, and how to use AI tools to remain authentic and original. This is a must-watch for any professional looking to save time, enhance visibility, and grow their influence on the world's largest professional network. Check out Al Kushner's book, "The AI LinkedIn Advantage": https://dl.bookfunnel.com/4qj53xt3p5 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - What is "The AI LinkedIn Advantage"? 02:16 - Why LinkedIn is Critical for Executives & Common Mistakes 03:49 - How AI Transforms Your LinkedIn Strategy 05:05 - Success Story: Landing a Multi-Million Dollar Project 06:13 - Measuring Your LinkedIn ROI 07:45 - Debunking LinkedIn Myths (Quality vs. Quantity) 09:53 - The Risks of AI: Plagiarism & Authenticity 10:45 - Time Management: How Often to Post & Finding the Time 12:17 - Practical Tools & Quick Wins to Improve Your Profile 16:59 - The Ripple Effect: Company Branding, Sales, & Hiring 22:41 - Outro & Final Thoughts Where to find Al Kushner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner/ Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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AI as Your Coach: Empowering Human Potential in the Age of Algorithms | Deion Wells-Ross
Jun 27, 202500:33:06Tap to summarizeWhy the future of work isn’t AI vs. people—it’s AI + people, done right. Learn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast What if AI wasn’t your competitor, but your coach? In this episode of The Digital Impact, Deion Wells-Ross, Founder of Ento Dynamics, creator of The Inner Advantage, and human performance strategist, shares how businesses and individuals alike can treat AI as a developmental partner rather than a replacement. From personalized growth to enterprise-wide empowerment, we explore how using AI for self-discovery, productivity, and decision-making can unlock human potential and why keeping humans in the loop isn’t optional; it’s essential. Where to find Deion Wells-Ross: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deion-wells-ross-mba-55a052120/ Website: https://entodynamics.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deionwellsross/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:18 - AI as Your Personal Coach 02:53 - Debunking AI Myths 06:14 - Algorithmic Self-Discovery 12:13 - Practical Ways to Use AI 15:17 - Avoiding the AI Echo Chamber 20:25 - Overcoming AI Skepticism 25:43 - What Companies are Doing Wrong with AI 30:39 - AI Dependency and Addiction Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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When AI Breaks the System: Why Faster Isn’t Always Smarter | Daniel Friker
Jun 21, 202500:50:02Tap to summarizeHow AI is flooding job markets, stressing recruiters, and revealing the myth of digital efficiency. Everyone says AI will make business more efficient — but what if that’s the wrong metric? In this episode of The Digital Shift, HR strategist and former CEO Daniel Friker exposes how AI is quietly making some systems worse, not better, especially in hiring and workforce management. From broken job portals drowning in 250+ AI-assisted resumes per role to small businesses overwhelmed by tech they don’t understand, we’ll break down the growing disconnect between executive AI mandates and functional reality — and explore why the illusion of efficiency may be the biggest risk of all. Where to find Daniel Friker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-friker/ Learn more about Foxit: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcastInterested in being a guest on the show? Find us on Matchmaker FM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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AI Transformation: Augmentation Before Efficiency | Alejandro Mainetto
Jun 20, 202500:34:35Tap to summarizeLearn more about Foxit Software: https://www.foxit.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast People Before Processes: Leading Human-Centered AI Transformation This episode challenges the common narrative that AI’s value lies in cutting costs or replacing jobs. Alejandro Mainetto, a technology executive and investor, argues that the real power of AI begins with augmentation: helping people do more, better and more efficiently. We’ll explore why prioritizing workforce enablement over automation is the smarter long game, how to reskill and retrain effectively, and what a responsible AI roadmap really looks like for forward-thinking companies. Where to find Alejandro Mainetto: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/amainetto Website: https://cxo.partners/ Interested in being a guest on the show? Find us on MatchmakerFM: https://www.matchmaker.fm/show/the-digital-shift-b05ef6
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