Chatting with Chief Executive Officer(CEO) at Bridge Institute Mac McKenzie from United Kingdom- Simon “Mac” McKenzie – Chief Executive Officer, Bridge Institute, London, United Kingdom. I had the honor of speaking with Simon “Mac” McKenzie, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bridge Institute, on my podcast Smart Cherrys Thoughts.
Mac is a visionary leader who brings together senior figures from government, business, and civil society through the Bridge Institute — a global, non-partisan organization committed to solving the world’s most pressing challenges in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From conflict resolution and education reform to equality and climate action, his work focuses on creating real and lasting impact.
With more than a decade of leadership at the Bridge Institute, Mac shared valuable insights on redefining leadership, fostering unlikely partnerships, and driving systemic change. A graduate of the University of Oxford with a Master’s in Engineering, Economics, and Management, he combines deep analytical thinking with empathy and collaboration.
Outside of his professional life, Mac is an avid sportsman and mountaineer who believes the qualities found in sport — endurance, teamwork, and resilience — are the same values that build strong, impactful leaders.
It was an inspiring conversation on Smart Cherrys Thoughts, exploring how collective leadership and compassion can truly shape a better world.
Website- https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Senior Principal Solution Architect at Red Hat - Thomas Cameron Austin, Texas, United States- recently had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas Cameron on Smart Cherrys Thoughts. Thomas is a Senior Principal Specialist Solution Architect at Red Hat, based in Austin, Texas, and a true expert in cloud computing, open-source technologies, and enterprise solutions.
In our conversation, Thomas shared insights from his current role, where he helps telecom customers automate processes using Ansible Automation Platform. Before this, he spent over four years at Amazon Web Services (AWS)as a Senior Technical Instructor, teaching everything from foundational cloud concepts to advanced AWS solutions and security best practices — and earning rave reviews from his students.
Thomas also brings extensive experience from his earlier 13+ years at Red Hat, where he served in roles like Global Red Hat Enterprise Linux Evangelist, Global Solutions Architect Lead, and Chief Architect for Central US. He represented Red Hat at global conferences and tech events, sharing his knowledge on cloud, Linux, open-source, and enterprise architecture across 20+ countries.
Thomas has a unique ability to make complex technologies easy to understand and to connect engineering teams, enterprise clients, and the open-source community.
More Info- https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
🎙️ Podcast Guest: Jason Ragosta
Writer | Director | Illustrator | Graphic Designer | Founder – Telling Visions Unlimited LLC
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Ragosta, a talented storyteller from San Francisco, California. Jason’s work beautifully blends imagination, emotion, and technology. He’s the creative mind behind Telling Visions Unlimited LLC and has built an inspiring career as a writer, director, illustrator, and designer.
Jason’s passion for storytelling shines through in his latest project, “GRIZZLY PEAK,” where he worked with an incredible cast including Danny Glover, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Spooky Madison, and Haley Bishop. The film, produced by Garbo Films and Telling Visions Unlimited, highlights Jason’s ability to combine strong narrative with stunning visuals and technical precision.
A graduate of The Maryland Institute College of Art, Jason continues to push creative boundaries across commercial, episodic, and long-form storytelling. His vision and dedication make him a true inspiration for filmmakers and artists around the world.
🎧 Watch or listen to my full interview with Jason Ragosta below — we talk about his filmmaking journey, creative process, and the art of telling powerful visual stories.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Chief Executive Officer(CEO) at E-Z Microgrids - Eric Jeffrey Kaufman about Noah's Ark communities, Transhumanism from Austin, Texas, United States- Eric Jeffrey Kaufman – Sustainable Communities & Transhumanism
Eric Jeffrey Kaufman is a retired commercial real estate executive, climate adaptation advocate, and AI enthusiast. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Natural Resilience Foundation, creating climate-resilient and sustainable communities worldwide.
Eric has authored A Call to Action: How to Save Millions of Lives and The Awakening Trilogy, and has led major real estate and renewable energy projects exceeding $1B.
In my podcast, he discusses Noah’s Ark Communities, transhumanism, and the future of sustainable human habitats.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Chief Technologist at Office of The CTO, CDW UK - Tim Russell. Who is with extensive experience across countries, sectors, and industries. A leader, coach, mentor, and inspirational speaker. Engages with the C-Suite to provide thought leadership and drive change.- I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Russell, Chief Technologist for Modern Workspace at CDW UK&I, on my podcast. With over 30 years of experience across IT, from private banking to global telecoms, Tim is now shaping the future of workplace technology.
Tim’s approach goes beyond just implementing tools—he helps organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by simplifying complex workspaces and showing how technology can truly empower every user. Whether addressing executives or mentoring STEM ambassadors, he emphasizes clarity, adaptability, and strategic foresight.
During our conversation, Tim shared insights on adapting to emerging tech, driving productivity, and leading with purpose. His experience and vision make it clear that in today’s fast-moving landscape, it’s not enough to keep up—you need to pivot with intent and innovation.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Founder | Driving U.S. Market Success for B2B & B2G Companies | U.S. Trade Show ROI & Expansion Specialist
Founder & Client Advocate at MEET (My Expo & Event Team), Founder & Chief Pot Stirrer at Soft Land Partners- Bill Kenney from Newport, Rhode Island, United States- Bill Kenney – Helping Global Companies Thrive in the U.S. Market
Bill Kenney is a dynamic entrepreneur and global connector who has dedicated his career to helping international B2B and B2G companies successfully expand into the U.S. market. He is the Founder & Client Advocate at MEET (My Expo & Event Team) and the Founder & Chief Pot Stirrer at Soft Land Partners, organizations built around the mission of simplifying market entry and maximizing results for international businesses.
With more than a decade of experience, Bill has worked side by side with companies from around the world, guiding them through the complexities of U.S. expansion. His expertise goes beyond theory—he brings practical, data-driven strategies to optimize trade show participation, craft meaningful in-person engagement, and deliver measurable ROI.
Through MEET, Bill helps companies turn trade shows and events into growth engines, focusing on everything from event selection and booth design to team preparation and follow-up strategy. At the same time, through Soft Land Partners, he has created a supportive ecosystem for international companies, connecting them with valuable networks and resources to accelerate global growth.
🎙️ In my podcast Smart Cherrys Thoughts, I had the privilege of interviewing Bill Kenney, where he shared his journey, insights, and the passion that drives his work in helping companies break barriers and succeed in one of the most competitive markets in the world.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Founder of Man of Options | Biblical Marriage Coach | Author of Why Waiting Works - Rob Kowalski – A Look into Polygyny and Biblical Marriage" from Baltimore, Maryland, United States- Rob Kowalski, from Baltimore, Maryland, is the Founder of Man of Options, a community focused on biblical marriage and polygyny. He is a Biblical Marriage Coach and the author of Why Waiting Works, where he shares his views on faith, relationships, and intentional living.
On Smart Cherry’s Thoughts, I spoke with Rob about his journey, his practice of polygyny, and the mission behind Man of Options. This episode offers listeners a direct look into his lifestyle and beliefs, opening up a conversation rarely discussed in public.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with President at D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services and Author of "The Pale-Faced Lie" - David Crow from Washington, District of Columbia, United States- I interviewed David Crow, President and Founder of D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services (DCLRS), for my Smart Cherrys Thoughts podcast.
David founded DCLRS in 1991 as a full-service government relations practice with expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs. His talented team works with clients in a wide range of policy areas including agriculture, climate policy, energy, international, labor and immigration, pesticides and fertilizers, small business, transportation and infrastructure, and water policy.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Ragnar Heil – Business Development Manager for Microsoft Technologies at HanseVision (a Bechtle Company), Germany.
🎙️ Microsoft MVP | Corporate Influencer | International Speaker | Office Productivity & Modern Work Expert
With over 26 years of experience, Ragnar has shaped the world of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, AI & Copilot, Governance, and Digital Transformation through various roles—ranging from developer and architect to project manager, trainer, and business strategist. Today, he leads Microsoft Business Development at HanseVision, focusing on Modern Workplace, Copilot integration, SharePoint Next with Shareflex, and Employee Experience via Microsoft Viva.
He’s not only a recognized Microsoft MVP in Copilot & M365, but also a founding member of the “Working Out Loud” movement in Germany, deeply committed to collaborative knowledge sharing.
Ragnar's background spans:
Deep product expertise in Microsoft 365 E5, including Power Platform, Viva, Sentinel, and Teams
Leadership in Quest product solutions (Migration, Security, GDPR, Compliance)
Certified in Prosci/ADKAR Change Management, Yammer Administration, and Community Leadership
Technical skills in Enterprise Search, Power BI, SQL, and development (Python, .NET, HTML)
Passion for video streaming, blogging, and podcasting
He also serves as:
Ortsbeirat in Felsberg’s local government
Senate Member at the German Sociological Association
Join us as we dive into his insights on AI in the enterprise, digital culture building, and his journey through the evolving Microsoft ecosystem.
MORE INFO at WWW.SMARTCHERRYSTHOUGHTS.COM
In Conversation with Michael Hamilton – The Mind Behind DataSimplified & HR Simplified
Michael Hamilton is the driving force behind two powerful platforms – HR Simplified, an all-in-one HR management system, and DataSimplified, a tech venture focused on streamlining business operations. With a deep focus on small to mid-sized enterprises, Michael has created solutions that reduce HR complexities, boost efficiency, and bring digital capabilities within everyone's reach. Join us as he shares how smart software can transform people management and unlock growth.
MORE INFO at WWW.SMARTCHERRYSTHOUGHTS.COM
Chatting with Kunal Chopra – A visionary leader from the Greater Seattle Area, United States, Kunal is currently the CEO & Founder of Certivo, a Fortive (NYSE: FTV) and Pioneer Square Labs-backed company that's transforming product compliance through the power of AI, including generative and predictive models. He also serves as Chairman of the Board at Aventis Alpha Care, and is an Investor and Board Member at Caretech, and an Investor at Pawcare.
With a dynamic track record as a 3x Tech CEO, board member, and product innovator, Kunal has led some of the most transformative initiatives in tech, scaling companies across multiple industries and delivering incredible business outcomes—such as 200% EBITDA improvements, 25x valuation growth, and 1000% shareholder returns.
Previously, he transformed Beckett Collectibles into a modern tech-enabled platform, added $40M in ARR, and launched patent-backed NFT products. As CEO of Kaspien (KSPN), he led a complete turnaround, taking EBITDA from negative to +3% and pushing the stock price from $2 to $50. At Microsoft, he revitalized the global learning division with a 20% top-line growth. He’s also left his mark on Amazon Fashion with $100M revenue expansion and a 5% EBITDA boost, and on Unikrn, where he scaled the company from $0 to $7.5M in just two years.
Join us as we dive into his journey of scaling startups, driving innovation, and making AI-powered compliance a strategic asset.
MORE INFO at WWW.SMARTCHERRYSTHOUGHTS.COM
🎧 Conversation with Iosif Peterfi – Visionary Behind Ethernity CLOUD
In this episode, I had the opportunity to connect with Iosif Peterfi, the Founder & CEO of Ethernity CLOUD, based in Bavaria, Germany. Iosif is not just a blockchain expert — he’s a problem-solver driven by a deep passion for technology, security, and scientific integrity.
With his team, Iosif developed and launched the Proof of eXecution Mainnet — a groundbreaking system that runs on bloxberg and Polygon blockchains. It allows researchers to verify and certify computational processes, paving the way for more trustworthy, reproducible research. The technology's potential extends beyond science — it’s built on strong information security principles, making it applicable in many fields.
Iosif’s experience is both wide and impressive. From working with the U.S. Department of Defense to his current role as Information Systems Architect at the Max Planck Digital Library, he combines academic rigor with real-world applications. A proud Romanian innovator, Iosif is passionate about using blockchain in education, research, and beyond.
💡 This episode dives deep into cloud decentralization, blockchain’s evolving role in research, and how Proof of eXecution is changing the game.
MORE INFO at WWW.SMARTCHERRYSTHOUGHTS.COM
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ardemis Boghossian, a brilliant mind in chemical engineering and nanobiotechnology, currently shaping the future of science at EPFL, Switzerland. With a B.S.E. from the University of Michigan, a Ph.D. from MIT, and postdoctoral research at Caltech, her academic journey is nothing short of elite. But beyond the labs and lectures, Ardemis is also a parent and a fearless advocate for scientific integrity. We dive into her life, research, the challenges of academia, and her mission to uphold ethical science in today’s world.
MORE INFO AT www.smartcherrysthoughts.com
Exclusive Interview: The Unique White Label Shopping Platform with Cash Back Online & In-Store — Featuring Martin Berns and Mike Verdun
I had the privilege of interviewing two visionary leaders: Martin Berns, Founder of Loyalty Superstore Inc., the only white-label shopping platform offering cash back both online and in-store, and Michael (Mike) Verdun, Co-founder, Chairman & CEO of Catalyst Capital Holdings, Inc., a seasoned financial services expert.
In this exclusive episode, we dive deep into their strategic collaboration and how Mike is providing critical technical and financial support to Martin in scaling Loyalty Superstore and its innovative Local Thanks℠ platform. Together, they’re driving a revolution in small business loyalty programs and customer engagement solutions across the U.S.
Mike’s decades of financial expertise perfectly complement Martin’s entrepreneurial vision and groundbreaking technology. Their partnership is accelerating the growth and scalability of Local Thanks℠, blending fintech innovation with loyalty marketing to empower merchants like never before.
This collaboration exemplifies the power of cross-industry synergy, merging fintech, marketing, and small business empowerment to shape the future of merchant loyalty.
Why You Should Listen:
Gain an exclusive look at a cutting-edge business partnership bridging technology and finance
Discover how Local Thanks℠ is evolving with Mike’s strategic guidance
Find inspiration for entrepreneurs seeking growth through collaboration and innovation
As a podcast host passionate about innovation and collaboration, it was truly inspiring to share Martin and Mike’s story — one that promises to impact the future of small business technology and financial solutions.
Visit their platform here: Loyalty Superstore
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Federal Government Judge- Tony Saragas From Harlan, Kentucky, United States- Tony Saragas is a respected attorney with the Social Security Administration (SSA), located in Harlan, Kentucky, United States. With extensive experience in federal law and public service, Tony is entrusted with the responsibility of representing the SSA in legal matters, ensuring lawful interpretation of policies, and advocating for the fair administration of Social Security programs.
His role is crucial in protecting the rights of individuals and maintaining the integrity of the federal benefits system. Tony’s work impacts the lives of many Americans, particularly those seeking support through disability and retirement benefits.
Recognized for his legal expertise, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to public service, Tony Saragas exemplifies professionalism within the U.S. federal legal system. His contributions help uphold the mission of the SSA to deliver services that promote economic security for the nation's people.
https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Founder of Ocuroot- Tom Elliott from New York, United States- Engineering leader with 15+ years of experience across full-stack web development, mobile applications, and command-line tools. Driven by a passion for enhancing developer experience, contributing to open source, and engaging in technical public speaking
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Olivier Gomez (OG), Co-Founder and CEO at IAC.Al From France- I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Olivier Gomez (OG) – a visionary leader in the world of Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Digital Strategy. Olivier isn’t just another tech expert; he’s a recognized global authority who has helped shape the future of automation across industries.
Currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of IAC.Al, Olivier plays multiple influential roles—as an advisor, investor, speaker, author, and influencer. He has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, guiding some of the world’s largest organizations through complex digital transformations.
Formerly the Chief Automation Officer at Hewlett Packard / DXC Technology, Olivier led one of the largest automation programs ever executed—deploying over 3,000 bots and generating more than $100 million in business impact. His experience spans startups, Fortune 3000 companies, and VCs, helping them align strategy with scalable, intelligent technologies.
In addition to his leadership at IAC.Al, Olivier is:
Advisor at Pointee, ANSE Technology, Automatorr
Ambassador for Automation & AI at Gartner Peer Community
Panelist at MIT Technology Review
Contributor to The AI Journal
Member of the Forbes Technology Council
Executive Committee Member at Intelligent Automation Congress
He’s also the co-author of the book “The A to Z of Generative AI” alongside Kieran Gilmurray, aimed at helping businesses understand and apply AI—without all the tech jargon.
In our podcast, we explored:
His journey through enterprise automation and scaling AI
What real digital transformation looks like beyond buzzwords
Why many AI initiatives fail—and how to avoid those traps
Practical advice for founders, startups, and enterprise leaders
His views on the future of generative AI and the evolving tech landscape
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone curious about the future of intelligent automation—this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
more info at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Jake Novak is the Host and Executive Producer of American Sunrise Early Edition with Jake Novak, airing Monday to Friday at 7 AM on Real America’s Voice News (@RealAmVoice). Based in New York, Jake delivers sharp political insight, timely news coverage, and thought-provoking commentary to audiences across the United States.
Beyond the newsroom, Jake is the Executive Spokesman for Betar USA, where he actively promotes Zionist values and advocates for freedom and national identity. A devoted father, a proud Jew, a sixth-generation American, and a committed Zionist, Jake brings a deep sense of purpose and heritage to everything he does.
Known for his journalistic integrity and impactful storytelling, Jake Novak continues to shape conversations on national policy, global affairs, and cultural identity.
https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Julian So is a forward-thinking executive and global strategist, currently serving as the Group CEO and Chief Advisor driving innovation at the intersection of AI, Web3, and finance. With a strong foundation in regulatory consulting, financial services, and emerging technologies, he is leading the creation of a decentralized AI-powered financial conglomerate. This ambitious vision spans across advisory services, broker-dealer operations, asset management, and digital exchange platforms, aiming to reshape the future of finance.
Operating from Hong Kong SAR, Julian also holds influential roles as Chief Advisor at China Information Technology Development (CITD) and Regulatory Consultant at Prosynergy Consulting Limited. His work focuses on enabling secure, intelligent, and scalable financial ecosystems by blending cutting-edge technologies with deep market insight.
Renowned for his strategic leadership and commitment to financial inclusion, Julian is on a mission to build transparent, decentralized systems that empower individuals and institutions alike. His efforts continue to position him as a key catalyst for the global digital finance revolution.
more infö at https://smartcherrysthoughts.com
Chatting with Principal Software Engineer at Treasure Data Justin Heyes-Jones from British Columbia, Canada- Justin Heyes-Jones is a seasoned software developer with broad experience spanning the Fintech, Leisure, and Entertainment industries. His career ranges from building AAA video games at studios like Sony and Activision to engineering scalable systems at Fintech startups and global enterprises. Known for his ability to translate complex technical challenges into clear, actionable insights, he excels at aligning technical solutions with real-world business needs.
With an academic background in Artificial Intelligence, Justin began his career developing high-performance systems in C and C++, including physical simulations and animation engines. Today, his focus is on highly scalable, cloud-based distributed systems. His technical interests include functional programming, microservices, and event sourcing. He is a regular speaker at local meetups and industry conferences and shares his insights through a widely read technical blog.
for more info visit- https://smartcherrysthoughts.com