In this episode of The NexGen Podcast, we sit down with Wayne Easterwood, experienced VCIO/VCISO, former music industry executive, and technology strategist, to explore the real-world impact of AI in business, cloud transformation, and IT leadership in 2025.Wayne shares his career journey from the music industry to tech consulting, how he discovered his passion for automation, and why effective CIOs must master both technology and human leadership. We dive into the practical side of digital transformation, vendor selection, cloud infrastructure, and the role of AI-powered SaaS tools in mid-market and enterprise organizations.🎯 Key Topics Covered:- What is a VCIO / VCISO?Transitioning from music industry to technology leadershipHow AI is changing SaaS, IT, and decision-makingCloud vs. on-premise vs. hybrid cloud: Which wins in 2025?Building tech strategy aligned with business goalsCultural leadership and team dynamics in ITCommon pitfalls in vendor and software platform selectionWhy digital transformation is still happening in construction, healthcare, and SMBsHow to evaluate AI projects vs. AI hypeThe future of CIO roles and why communication is more important than codeWhether you're a CIO, CTO, IT director, or just curious about where artificial intelligence and digital transformation are headed, this conversation is packed with insights and practical takeaways.🧠 Featuring: Wayne Easterwood📍 Connect with Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneeasterwood/#AIinBusiness #VCIO #TechLeadership #CloudStrategy #WayneEasterwood #NexGenPodcast #CIOInsights #DigitalTransformation2025 #ArtificialIntelligence #SaaSPlatforms #ITConsulting #HybridCloud #VendorSelection #ITBudget #BusinessTechnology #TechTrends2025 #nashville #ai

Kicking off Season 2 with a bang—and a whole lot of laughs—we’re joined by Naomi Kent, founder of The Boardroom Company, to talk about how serving on boards can elevate your career at any stage. From nonprofit beginnings in New York to advising CEOs, Naomi breaks down the why, when, and how of board service—plus the LinkedIn mistakes you don’t know you’re making. Naomi shares stories from a global life—born in Asia, raised in the UK, and now thriving in Florida. Whether you’re a 28-year-old aiming to build your network or planning a retirement strategy with purpose, this episode has practical insight—and a lot of banter.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow for more business-meets-fun content.#Podcast #Leadership #Boards #BoardroomCompany #NaomiKent #Networking #CareerGrowth #FunnyPodcast #Nashville #Entrepreneurship #NexGenPodcast #nashville #nashvillebusiness

Join us on Episode 22, our final episode of Season 1, as we talk about Eyes and the Ocularist 👁️ profession with our guest Erika Hedtcke of Cumberland Prosthetics. This episode is guaranteed to teach you some new things. We had no idea the intricate details of this profession, how difficult it is to get into it and the artistry involved in eye creation. Some would say you have to be sworn in like the "Mob"...

Lets get to know Erika, learn about a new industry and enjoy some good conversation and laughs. Join us, will you..?

Please like and leave a comment. Let us know what you would like to see in Season 2. Thank you for listening and watching! Till Season 2! 💪🏼

#podcast #thenexgenpodcast #season1 #ocularist #eyes #nashville #leadership #business #culture #marketing

On Episode 21, we discuss investing 💵 with our good friend Chris Robinette of Lighthouse Planning in Nashville, TN. We enjoyed sitting down with Chris and learning about his childhood/upbringing, Military background "Thank you for your service", and how he got into financial planning after getting a college degree in another field. Chris is planted now in Tennessee but will always root for his Oklahoma Sooners where he grew up. You can also find Chris on the Glass for every Nashville Predators home game. He's one of the biggest fans around.

Listen in on the great conversation about Life, investing and the story of Chris Robinette. Appreciate your time sir!

Let us know what you think! Please leave a comment.

CRN202802-7931411

Christopher Robinette is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC, www.SIPC.org. Supervisory Office: 10 Cadillac Drive, Ste 300, Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 309-6300. Lighthouse Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. Domiciled in TN; AR Insurance License #16385400, CA Insurance License #0I80544

On Episode 20 we discuss Women in Technology 👩🏽‍💻! Our special guest, Lindsey Lance VP of IT in Healthcare, tells us about her background and thoughts on Leadership in the Tech Industry. We appreciate Lindsey coming on and sharing insight into the tech world and her experience as a female in what use to be a mostly dominant male profession.

Stick around for some rapid fire questions and let us know what you think about the IT industry and Females making waves in it.

#podcast #thenexgenpodcast #nashville #IT #leadership #relationships #ladiesintech #womeninit #technology #healthcare

We talk Men's Health on Episode 19 with Gameday Men's Health franchise owner, Cory Caruthers!
Cory gives us insight into how Gameday has innovated simple ways for men to feel better and perform better. Testosterone treatment, Weight loss treatment, Vitamin injections and erectile disfunction is what they are known for. Their Amazing Teams goal is to keep you at peak operating levels.
Lets dive into Cory starting this business, his background and what makes Gameday Men's Health so special.
Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to leave us a comment and a LIKE 👍🏼
#menshealth #gameday #gamedaymenshealth #podcast #thenexgenpodcast #nashville #health #testosterone

On Episode 18 we talk about the one thing everyone loves talking about, FOOD! We are joined by special guest Sam Corley IV, of Middle TN. We dive into what an actual Foodie is and what one must do to earn the title "The Dom".. LOL.

Sam is known for "Foodies of Nashville - Facebook Group" among many other things and gives us insight into what it takes to run a Facebook group in all of it's FOOD-Glory.. Lets dive in, shall we..? Bon Appetit!

Go out and support your food service workers and Giving Kitchen to help those in need. Thank you for listening!

#foodies #givingkitchen  @givingkitchen  #food #nashville #podcast #humor #funny #thenexgenpodcast #leadership #relationships

On Episode 17 we sit down with ServPro 🟩🟧 Franchise Owner of almost 20 years, Rob Dixon, of ServPro of Belle Meade/West Nashville/Downtown Nashville 🏢. Rob, has been a Pioneer in the franchise space of ServPro and is one great human being.

Rob and the NexGen team go way back and have been working together for numerous years to help solve technology problems for their franchise and others. Listen in as we talk Leadership and the Restoration business, along with relationships in business. Let us know what you think..!

Thank you Rob for being an advocate of ours and a friend. We have enjoyed seeing your success over the years and hope for many more. Happy New Year everyone!

#relationships #leadership #restoration #nashville #servpro #podcast #thenexgenpodcast #newyear #disaster #flooding #construction #episode17 #season1

On Episode 16 we talk with special guest Josh Jones, a sports fitness trainer in the Middle Tennessee area. Josh was a High School Football 🏈 standout locally and has continued his love of sports in helping other athletes realize their potential through sports fitness.

Josh gives us insight into proper training techniques, his thoughts on nutrition, work out fads, drive and motivation needed to take it to the next level.

Join us in the fitness discussion and let us know your thoughts. 💭 Stick around for some laughs and rapid fire questions for Josh.

Should Jason and Chad do a race off..? 🏃🏻‍♂️

#sports #sportsfitness #conditioning #training #life #relationships #football #baseball #athletes #softball #volleyball #podcast #thenexgenpodcast #highschoolsports #collegesports

On Episode 15 James Farley, of Atiba in Nashville, TN, shares his insight into the MSP 💻 "Managed Service Provider" World and his 20 year career in Technology Sales. We get to know James and discuss where he's from, where he's been and where he sees the future of MSP's and CyberSecurity.

Also, we learn that James is a huge outdoor enthusiast and he shares one of his scariest moments with us! Comment and let us know your scariest outdoor encounter. 😱

#podcast #thenexgenpodcast #relationships #MSP #IT #cyber #cybersecurity #technology #business #culture #nashville #tennessee #scary #outdoors #adventure