In this episode Dale Thomas discusses his journey from technology roles at Microsoft to AI consulting, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, exploring ethical AI usage, and the practical application of AI tools like TextCortex and Read.ai. Dale also introduces his book, 'The Ultimate AI Guide to Small Business Success,' aimed at helping business owners navigate AI innovations. Throughout, Dale shares insights on AI strategies, personalized consulting, and how AI can transform traditional businesses for increased efficiency.



Episode Highlights:

02:25 Dale's Journey in Technology and AI

04:19 Target Audience and AI Implementation

06:54 Overcoming AI Fears and Misconceptions

09:54 Developing an AI Strategy

12:53 Impact Stories and Favorite AI Tools

22:21 The Ultimate AI Guide for Small Business Success



Dale Thomas, founder of ActionableOps, is a strategic operations executive and thought leader in AI implementation for small and medium-sized businesses. With a strong ethical focus, Dale integrates advanced technologies to drive innovation. His best-selling book, The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for Small Business Success (ISBN: 979-8-218-43445-8), simplifies AI for business leaders of all expertise levels. Rooted in responsible AI practices, Dale's work is shaped by his deep technical knowledge and family values, with his wife Shelagh and daughter Olivia being his biggest supporters. Dale continues to help businesses embrace AI with transparency and integrity.



How to connect with Dale:

Website: actionableops.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops



For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode Dale Thomas discusses his journey from technology roles at Microsoft to AI consulting, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, exploring ethical AI usage, and the practical application of AI tools like TextCortex and Read.ai. Dale also introduces his book, 'The Ultimate AI Guide to Small Business Success,' aimed at helping business owners navigate AI innovations. Throughout, Dale shares insights on AI strategies, personalized consulting, and how AI can transform traditional businesses for increased efficiency.
 
Episode Highlights:
02:25 Dale's Journey in Technology and AI
04:19 Target Audience and AI Implementation
06:54 Overcoming AI Fears and Misconceptions
09:54 Developing an AI Strategy
12:53 Impact Stories and Favorite AI Tools
22:21 The Ultimate AI Guide for Small Business Success
 
Dale Thomas, founder of ActionableOps, is a strategic operations executive and thought leader in AI implementation for small and medium-sized businesses. With a strong ethical focus, Dale integrates advanced technologies to drive innovation. His best-selling book, The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for Small Business Success (ISBN: 979-8-218-43445-8), simplifies AI for business leaders of all expertise levels. Rooted in responsible AI practices, Dale's work is shaped by his deep technical knowledge and family values, with his wife Shelagh and daughter Olivia being his biggest supporters. Dale continues to help businesses embrace AI with transparency and integrity.
 
How to connect with Dale:
Website: <a href="http://actionableops.com/">actionableops.com</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-thomas/</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops">https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionableops</a>
 
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel: <a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a> 
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  <a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: <a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Inspire your team. Elevate your people. Transform your organization from within.

The most common problem business leaders face is being able to identify a problem before it ripples into the entire organization. As the Drop in CEO I help businesses get to the root of the issue and use 15+ years of proven executive leadership strategies to fix the problem and make way for a brighter future.

Join me, Deborah Coviello, each week as I connect you with CEO’s and industry leaders who are doing the work of transforming their businesses from the inside out. Learn how to be an inspirational leader, take control of your career, and build a strong foundation of purpose.

What if the secret ingredient to your company’s success is you?
Inspirational leadership starts with acknowledging that people are the most important asset in your company. Learn how to identify strengths within others and elevate them to the next level of success.

Inspiration and Insights from Industry Leaders

The Drop In CEO

Dale Thomas: Exploring AI for Small Business Success

In this episode, Dave Sanderson shares his harrowing experience as the last passenger off U.S. Airways Flight 1549 and the leadership insights he gained from it. Drawing from his background in sales and his mentorship under Tony Robbins, Dave discusses the importance of process, decision-making, and resourcefulness in leadership. He also touches on changing personal narratives, the power of mentorship, and how he pivoted to inspire others post-crisis. The episode is filled with actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders.



Episode Highlights:

07:42 Leadership Lessons from the Hudson River Landing

13:33 The Aftermath and Media Attention

29:39 Finding Your Unique Ability

31:59 Changing Your Narrative

32:53 Habits and Processes for Success

34:56 Managing Your Mindset



Dave Sanderson is a renowned leadership speaker, author, and survivor of "The Miracle on the Hudson." As the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, Dave turned his near-death experience into a mission to inspire resilience and community. Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he has raised over $14.8M for the American Red Cross, helping others navigate adversity and find opportunities in uncertainty. With a passion for mentorship, Dave empowers individuals to define their personal "life brand" and achieve meaningful goals. He lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Terri, and their four grateful children.



How to connect with Dave:

Website: https://davesandersonspeaks.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson/



For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, Dave Sanderson shares his harrowing experience as the last passenger off U.S. Airways Flight 1549 and the leadership insights he gained from it. Drawing from his background in sales and his mentorship under Tony Robbins, Dave discusses the importance of process, decision-making, and resourcefulness in leadership. He also touches on changing personal narratives, the power of mentorship, and how he pivoted to inspire others post-crisis. The episode is filled with actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders.
 
Episode Highlights:
07:42 Leadership Lessons from the Hudson River Landing
13:33 The Aftermath and Media Attention
29:39 Finding Your Unique Ability
31:59 Changing Your Narrative
32:53 Habits and Processes for Success
34:56 Managing Your Mindset
 
Dave Sanderson is a renowned leadership speaker, author, and survivor of "The Miracle on the Hudson." As the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, Dave turned his near-death experience into a mission to inspire resilience and community. Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he has raised over $14.8M for the American Red Cross, helping others navigate adversity and find opportunities in uncertainty. With a passion for mentorship, Dave empowers individuals to define their personal "life brand" and achieve meaningful goals. He lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Terri, and their four grateful children.
 
How to connect with Dave:
Website: <a href="https://davesandersonspeaks.com/">https://davesandersonspeaks.com/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson/</a>
 
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel: <a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a> 
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  <a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: <a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Dave Sanderson: Leadership Lessons from the Miracle on the Hudson

In this episode, Tom Oliver shares his career journey that began as an 'Army brat,' his aspirations to attend the Air Force Academy, and how he navigated challenges during his military service, including life-threatening situations while flying. After transitioning to the corporate world, Tom excelled in turnaround and crisis management roles at companies like General Foods, Nabisco, and Dole Food Company, showcasing his ability to streamline processes and improve performance metrics. Later, Tom ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a successful medical device company. Throughout his career, Tom emphasizes the importance of mentoring, developing people, and the simple but powerful principle of 'try.'



Episode Highlights:

10:19 Flying Career and Near-Death Experiences

14:31 Transition to the Pentagon

17:01 From Military to Corporate: The Big Shift

27:05 Addressing CEO Burnout

28:06 Revitalizing Dole Food Company

32:36 Innovative Solutions for Workforce Management

37:10 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

37:41 The Power of Trying



Tom Oliver is a seasoned leader specializing in business turnarounds, change management, and strategy execution. As CEO of CoolSystems, he transformed a struggling startup into a leading medical device company, growing revenues to $19M despite significant challenges. His career highlights include leading PowerBar's $415M acquisition by Nestlé, saving Dole Food Company $131M through global productivity initiatives, and driving a 97% revenue increase at Dolefil. Known for his ability to rebuild companies from the ground up, Tom's focus on innovation, strategic growth, and culture-building consistently delivers extraordinary results across industries.



How to connect with Tom:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasoliver/



For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, Tom Oliver shares his career journey that began as an 'Army brat,' his aspirations to attend the Air Force Academy, and how he navigated challenges during his military service, including life-threatening situations while flying. After transitioning to the corporate world, Tom excelled in turnaround and crisis management roles at companies like General Foods, Nabisco, and Dole Food Company, showcasing his ability to streamline processes and improve performance metrics. Later, Tom ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a successful medical device company. Throughout his career, Tom emphasizes the importance of mentoring, developing people, and the simple but powerful principle of 'try.'
 
Episode Highlights:
10:19 Flying Career and Near-Death Experiences
14:31 Transition to the Pentagon
17:01 From Military to Corporate: The Big Shift
27:05 Addressing CEO Burnout
28:06 Revitalizing Dole Food Company
32:36 Innovative Solutions for Workforce Management
37:10 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
37:41 The Power of Trying
 
Tom Oliver is a seasoned leader specializing in business turnarounds, change management, and strategy execution. As CEO of CoolSystems, he transformed a struggling startup into a leading medical device company, growing revenues to $19M despite significant challenges. His career highlights include leading PowerBar's $415M acquisition by Nestlé, saving Dole Food Company $131M through global productivity initiatives, and driving a 97% revenue increase at Dolefil. Known for his ability to rebuild companies from the ground up, Tom's focus on innovation, strategic growth, and culture-building consistently delivers extraordinary results across industries.
 
How to connect with Tom:
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasoliver/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasoliver/</a>
 
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel: <a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a> 
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  <a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: <a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Tom Oliver: Navigating Leadership Challenges and Turnarounds

In this episode, JL Heather shares insights from his extensive experience in organizational transformations, emphasizing the importance of empowered culture, transformational leadership, and continuous improvement. Deb and JL discuss the concept of agile methodologies, human-centered design, and how to overcome innovation blockers. JL provides practical advice for leaders on how to rekindle their creativity, effectively delegate, and maintain psychological safety within their teams. The conversation also explores real-life examples of coaching successes, making it a valuable listen for senior leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive organizational growth.



Episode Highlights:

04:20 Understanding Agile Methodology

07:56 The Importance of Innovation in Leadership

14:04 Addressing Leadership Burnout

22:18 Identifying and Overcoming Innovation Blockers





JL Heather is a seasoned expert in organizational transformation with 20 years of experience helping businesses achieve extraordinary results through Empowering Culture, Transformational Leadership, and Continuous Improvement. Having partnered with global brands like Ford, Pfizer, Wendy’s, and T-Mobile, JL blends a mastery of lean/agile principles with advanced coaching credentials, including CPCC and ACC certifications. A Leadership Circle Profile (LCP) practitioner and skilled facilitator, JL has led hundreds of workshops—from Design Sprints to executive team building—creating safe, dynamic spaces for leaders and teams to solve challenges collaboratively. JL’s mission is to elevate how organizations deliver value and inspire impactful leadership.



How to connect with JL:

Website: www.centered.work

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlheather/



For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://bit.ly/49SmRV3

In this episode, JL Heather shares insights from his extensive experience in organizational transformations, emphasizing the importance of empowered culture, transformational leadership, and continuous improvement. Deb and JL discuss the concept of agile methodologies, human-centered design, and how to overcome innovation blockers. JL provides practical advice for leaders on how to rekindle their creativity, effectively delegate, and maintain psychological safety within their teams. The conversation also explores real-life examples of coaching successes, making it a valuable listen for senior leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive organizational growth.
 
Episode Highlights:
04:20 Understanding Agile Methodology
07:56 The Importance of Innovation in Leadership
14:04 Addressing Leadership Burnout
22:18 Identifying and Overcoming Innovation Blockers
 
 
JL Heather is a seasoned expert in organizational transformation with 20 years of experience helping businesses achieve extraordinary results through Empowering Culture, Transformational Leadership, and Continuous Improvement. Having partnered with global brands like Ford, Pfizer, Wendy’s, and T-Mobile, JL blends a mastery of lean/agile principles with advanced coaching credentials, including CPCC and ACC certifications. A Leadership Circle Profile (LCP) practitioner and skilled facilitator, JL has led hundreds of workshops—from Design Sprints to executive team building—creating safe, dynamic spaces for leaders and teams to solve challenges collaboratively. JL’s mission is to elevate how organizations deliver value and inspire impactful leadership.
 
How to connect with JL:
Website: <a href="http://www.centered.work/">www.centered.work</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlheather/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlheather/</a>
 
For more insights:
Follow me on my YouTube Channel: <a href="https://bit.ly/47GgMdn">https://bit.ly/47GgMdn</a> 
Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter:  <a href="https://bit.ly/3T09kVc">https://bit.ly/3T09kVc</a>
Sign up for my LinkedIn Newsletter: <a href="https://bit.ly/49SmRV3">https://bit.ly/49SmRV3</a>

Dale Thomas: Exploring AI for Small Business Success

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