The Digital Transformist

Michael LaVista
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Digital Transformist, where we empower CEOs to lead their companies through digital transformation with confidence and clarity. If you’re a CEO of a midsize company between $100 million and $250 million in revenue or have those companies in your portfolio, and your goal is to create enterprise scale and exit, this podcast is your essential guide to leveraging technology for growth.Join us each week as we dive deep into the world of digital transformation, focusing on non-tech-enabled industries like manufacturing, construction, and distribution. We also extend our expertise to private equity and M&A firms, providing actionable strategies to drive digital excellence across investments, optimizing for both growth and exit.Whether you’re already on the path to digital success or facing obstacles in your journey, our interviews with CEOs provide valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories.Discover how successful leaders are removing friction from their businesses, implementing innovative solutions, and driving tangible results. From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, The Digital Transformist offers actionable strategies for every stage of your digital transformation journey.

  1. Construction Opportunities Nearly Doubled in 2025

    2d ago

    Construction Opportunities Nearly Doubled in 2025

    Construction opportunities have nearly doubled in 2025—and it's not just about buildings. Regional President Damian Eallonardo of W.E. O'Neill Construction reveals that optimism is driving unprecedented demand across the Midwest and beyond, fueling growth in everything from tech campuses to healthcare facilities. In this episode, you'll discover what's really behind the construction boom, how successful builders solve problems before clients even know they exist, and why the skilled labor shortage is about to get much worse as baby boomers retire. Damian brings over 30 years of construction expertise, leading O'Neill's operations east of the Rockies. He shares candid insights on attracting talent in an "online business" world, the death of tribal knowledge management, and why AI might finally transform an industry notoriously slow to adopt new technology. From data centers powering our digital lives to the future of apprenticeship programs, this conversation goes deep on the forces reshaping how America builds. If you're interested in where business, technology, and infrastructure intersect, this episode delivers actionable insights you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders navigating digital transformation in unexpected industries. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - Why W.E. O'Neill Construction 02:24 - What's Driving Construction Demand 05:59 - Problem Solving Mindset in Construction 09:16 - Finding and Retaining Skilled Labor 12:16 - Tribal Knowledge and Cultural Shifts 14:46 - Technology Adoption in Construction 19:20 - AI's Role in Construction Future 25:08 - Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure 31:45 - Apprenticeship Programs and Trade Schools 37:22 - Private Equity in Construction Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1Y2M3X4 Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with technology. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    31 min
  2. We Don't Have the Energy Infrastructure to Power AI

    Jun 16

    We Don't Have the Energy Infrastructure to Power AI

    The water shuts off mid-morning in Houston, and it's a stark reminder: we don't have the infrastructure to power AI at the scale everyone's betting on. Tamika Tyson, a veteran risk advisor with 25+ years managing infrastructure and energy investments, explains why she's not panicking about AI—and why you shouldn't either. In this episode, Tamika breaks down the real bottlenecks holding back AI adoption: energy grids that can't handle the load, water shortages competing with data centers (and golf courses), and the five-year timeline before we have real solutions. She shares hard-won lessons from managing risk through every crisis cycle, from dot-com to COVID, and explains why the best opportunities are created in downturns—if you're disciplined enough to see them. Tamika is the founder of Scale, a risk-informed advisory firm, and has spent her career at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and capital markets. Her perspective cuts through the hype with practical insights on navigating uncertainty, making smarter capital decisions, and positioning for long-term value when everyone else is reacting. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who've seen it all and know how to think clearly when the market doesn't. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Tamika's Background in Risk and Infrastructure 02:24 - Why Markets Repeat the Same Patterns 03:48 - Finding Opportunity in Crisis 05:23 - The Energy Infrastructure Problem with AI 09:42 - Why We Need All Energy Sources 11:50 - How Companies Are Actually Using AI 15:09 - AI Assistants and Task Automation 19:07 - Building Trust in AI Systems 22:15 - Setting Realistic Expectations for AI ROI 25:48 - Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1Y2M3X4 Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with technology. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    28 min
  3. 5 Reasons You Should Start Your Podcast Today (and Grow Your Business)

    Jun 7

    5 Reasons You Should Start Your Podcast Today (and Grow Your Business)

    Think cold calling is the only way to generate leads? John Morris, CEO of 444 Media, went from making 150+ cold calls a day to building a top 5% globally ranked podcast that generates revenue on autopilot. In this episode, he reveals the exact strategy that transformed his business development approach. You'll discover why your first 10 episodes will be terrible (and why that's perfectly normal), how consistency beats perfection every time, and the game-changing mindset shift from begging for attention to attracting your ideal clients. John breaks down his journey from reluctant cold caller to podcast powerhouse, sharing actionable insights on content creation, audience building, and turning conversations into customers. John Morris is the CEO of 444 Media and host of multiple top-performing podcasts. He's mastered the art of using content and podcasting as a business development tool, helping companies move beyond traditional sales tactics to build genuine relationships and generate sustainable revenue. If you're tired of traditional sales methods and ready to build a content strategy that actually works, hit subscribe and let us know in the comments what your biggest content creation challenge is right now! Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Leadership-Superpowers-Tech-driven-Organization-ebook/dp/B09D9XWWZS Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with software and AI. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    37 min
  4. The Why Behind Taking the Leap on New AI Tech | Chris Sullivan

    Jun 7

    The Why Behind Taking the Leap on New AI Tech | Chris Sullivan

    What separates companies that successfully adopt AI from those that get stuck in endless planning cycles? In this episode, Chris Sullivan shares the exact moment he decided to move forward with AI implementation at Painters USA, despite uncertainties and risks. You'll learn how Chris identified a critical business problem costing hundreds of thousands in labor hours, made the strategic decision to pilot AI technology, and transformed his sales team's proposal process. We dive deep into his approach to keeping sales teams "in flow," the challenge of scaling from 12 to 20 sales reps while maintaining consistency, and how AI became the solution for both standardization and efficiency. Chris Sullivan is the Senior Vice President of Sales at Painters USA, bringing over 20 years of sales leadership experience across technical industries. With a unique background combining a chemistry degree with extroverted sales skills, Chris has built expertise in consultative technical sales, authored over 400 industry articles, and mentored sales teams on leveraging technology for competitive advantage. If you're a sales leader considering AI implementation or wondering how to move from planning to action with new technology, this episode provides a practical roadmap. Subscribe to The Digital Transformist for more insights on playing offense with AI and technology. Like this episode if it helped clarify your AI strategy, and comment below with your biggest challenge in sales process automation. Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Leadership-Superpowers-Tech-driven-Organization-ebook/dp/B09D9XWWZS Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with software and AI. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    28 min
  5. Why Eliminating Jobs Because of AI is Failing and How to Get It Right

    Jun 7

    Why Eliminating Jobs Because of AI is Failing and How to Get It Right

    Companies like Klarna made headlines for replacing 700 customer service workers with AI agents, only to quietly hire them all back 18 months later. IBM laid off 8,000 employees to implement AI systems, then had to bring people back when they realized the 15% of problems AI couldn't handle contained all the real risk. This episode reveals why the "AI will eliminate jobs" narrative is backfiring spectacularly. Join Michael LaVista, CEO of Caxy Interactive, and COO Hannah Deason as they break down what's really happening with AI in the workforce. You'll discover Hannah's "TJR Scan" framework (Time, Judgment, Risk) for identifying what should actually be automated, learn about the "Decent Effect" - why removing all easy tasks makes jobs unbearably difficult, and understand why companies that think they can eliminate entire roles might have contempt for their own workforce. Hannah Deason is COO at Caxy Interactive, where she's been implementing AI solutions for 5+ years. She specializes in AI integration that enhances rather than replaces human capabilities, and has developed frameworks for successful AI adoption that preserve workforce development pipelines. If this episode changed how you think about AI and jobs, hit subscribe for more insights on digital transformation that actually works. Drop a comment with your own AI implementation experiences - we'd love to hear what's working (and what isn't) in your industry. Like this episode if you think more leaders need to hear this message before they make expensive mistakes with their workforce. Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Leadership-Superpowers-Tech-driven-Organization-ebook/dp/B09D9XWWZS Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with software and AI. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    31 min
  6. 3 Things You Should Call Your Banker About Today

    Jun 7

    3 Things You Should Call Your Banker About Today

    Is your business outgrowing basic online banking? If you're hitting 7-8 figure revenues with 10+ employees, you might need more than just digital convenience from your bank. In this episode of The Digital Transformist, host Michael LaVista sits down with Mike Goelitz, VP of Commercial Banking at FNBO, to reveal when and why growing businesses should pick up the phone and call their banker. You'll discover how banking has evolved beyond simple transactions to strategic partnership, especially for businesses navigating rapid growth. Mike shares insider insights on protecting your company from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts, leveraging banking technology for operational efficiency, and why the "new community banking" focuses on businesses with serious growth trajectories. Learn about positive pay protection, dual authorization systems, and how AI is revolutionizing both fraud prevention and banking convenience. Mike Goelitz brings 32 years of banking experience to this conversation, with 14 years at FNBO helping business owners achieve their financial goals. His expertise in commercial banking and focus on relational banking makes this a must-listen for any entrepreneur ready to think strategically about their banking relationships. Running a growing business? Don't let banking hold you back. Subscribe to The Digital Transformist for more insights on using technology and strategic partnerships to drive real business results. Like this episode if it helped you think differently about your banking strategy, and comment below with your biggest banking challenge. Hosted by Michael LaVista, CEO of Caxy Interactive - helping companies use software and AI to play offense and impact the bottom line. Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Leadership-Superpowers-Tech-driven-Organization-ebook/dp/B09D9XWWZS Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with software and AI. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    28 min
  7. The power of transparency

    Jun 7

    The power of transparency

    What if total salary transparency was the key to solving construction's labor crisis? Paul Liles shocked his own team in 2021 when he revealed every employee's compensation and mapped the exact path from entry-level laborer to the C-suite. The results transformed retention at Liles Construction. In this episode, Paul walks through the infrastructure boom happening across the Carolinas and why certain counties have literally run out of sewer capacity. He breaks down how the 2010-2014 recession created a four-year talent gap that's only now recovering, and why it takes eight years to turn a field engineer into a superintendent. Paul also dives into his AI strategy—using large language models to connect disconnected construction software and why being a mid-sized company gives them an experimentation advantage over bigger competitors. Paul Liles is the leader of Liles Construction, a multi-division general contractor serving North and South Carolina with specialties in retail, municipal, and industrial projects. https://lilesconstruction.com If you're rethinking transparency, talent development, or tech implementation in your business, subscribe and share this episode. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Market shifts across construction divisions 02:13 - Infrastructure boom and sewer capacity limits 05:07 - The eight-year labor gap crisis 07:41 - Full salary transparency implementation 10:37 - Technology strategy for mid-sized contractors 14:30 - AI tools connecting enterprise software 18:45 - Future of construction management systems Get Mike's book "Superpowered" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1Y2M3X4 Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with technology. https://www.caxy.com | hello@caxy.com

    23 min
  8. Brian Floriani: Building Bookoo Branded to Fight Illiteracy

    May 1

    Brian Floriani: Building Bookoo Branded to Fight Illiteracy

    In this episode of The Digital Transformist, host Michael LaVista sits down with Brian Floriani, Founder & Steward of BUKU Branded and founder of Bernie's Book Bank. Brian shares his innovative approach to social entrepreneurship, combining branded products with literacy advocacy to create sustainable impact. Brian discusses how he founded Bernie's Book Bank in 2009 with the mission to ensure every child owns quality books, aiming to serve 20 million children by 2045. He explains the evolution from traditional philanthropy to social enterprise through BUKU Branded, a promotional products company that donates profits to literacy initiatives. This model taps into already-budgeted corporate spending while enhancing companies' social responsibility efforts. The conversation explores the critical importance of book ownership in childhood literacy development, the challenges of scaling social impact, and how businesses can differentiate themselves through mission-driven partnerships. Brian provides insights into the promotional products industry, the power of corporate social responsibility, and practical strategies for creating sustainable social enterprises. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to build purpose-driven businesses, a corporate leader seeking meaningful community impact, or simply passionate about literacy and education, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating positive change through innovative business models. To reach Brian please visit his website at www.BUKUBranded.com or visit Bernie's Book Bank at https://www.berniesbookbank.org/ Get Mike's book "Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers Technology Executives Can Use to Grow a More Engaged, Tech-driven and Profitable Organization" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Leadership-Superpowers-Tech-driven-Organization-ebook/dp/B09D9XWWZS Caxy Interactive -- Showing organizations how to play offense with software and AI. https://www.caxy.com hello@caxy.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:15 Bernie's Book Bank Mission and Goals 05:30 The Birth of BUKU Branded 08:45 Why Promotional Products? 11:20 Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy 14:10 The Literacy Crisis and Its Impact 16:45 Success Stories from the Field 19:30 Book Selection and Cultural Relevance 22:15 Target Market and Business Model 24:50 From Bad Ideas to Good Business

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Digital Transformist, where we empower CEOs to lead their companies through digital transformation with confidence and clarity. If you’re a CEO of a midsize company between $100 million and $250 million in revenue or have those companies in your portfolio, and your goal is to create enterprise scale and exit, this podcast is your essential guide to leveraging technology for growth.Join us each week as we dive deep into the world of digital transformation, focusing on non-tech-enabled industries like manufacturing, construction, and distribution. We also extend our expertise to private equity and M&A firms, providing actionable strategies to drive digital excellence across investments, optimizing for both growth and exit.Whether you’re already on the path to digital success or facing obstacles in your journey, our interviews with CEOs provide valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories.Discover how successful leaders are removing friction from their businesses, implementing innovative solutions, and driving tangible results. From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, The Digital Transformist offers actionable strategies for every stage of your digital transformation journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael LaVista
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Digital Transformist
  • Show Website
    The Digital Transformist