Episode 11!! This series is where I sit down with leaders, innovators, and changemakers over a late-night snack to share real conversations. The goal? To entertain, inspire, and give you authentic insight into how successful people think, lead, and overcome challenges. Today’s Guest: Carmen Lux, GNTC 2026 CIO of the Year! Chatting with Carmen was a real treat! Like a bag of peanut M&M's! Carmen shared her story of going from a D1 college athlete in TWO sports to her technology career and now an esteemed member of the Nashville technology community. She was awarded the Greater Nashville Technology Council's 2026 CIO of the Year Award. She is currently transitioning from CTO of Deacon Health to her next full time leadership opportunity, where she can drive revenue growth, cut costs, and reduce compliance risk. If you know of a fit, I’d love to make the introduction! About TMG At TMG, we help IT leaders save Time, save Money, and play more Golf. We act as a trusted advisor, guiding organizations through complex technology decisions in cloud, mobility, cybersecurity, AI adoption, and beyond — at no direct cost to the client. By cutting through the noise of countless vendors, we help our clients find clarity, confidence, and results. About the Host Frank Rains Jr. is a technology advisor based in Nashville and also an improv comedian, actor, singer, and emcee. By day, he works with business leaders as a trusted advisor at TMG, helping organizations cut through the noise of thousands of IT vendors to make smart choices in cloud, mobility, cybersecurity, and AI. By night, he brings his love of storytelling, humor, and community to projects like Midnite Snack — blending his professional experience with his creative side to entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences.

Episode 10!! This series is where I sit down with leaders, innovators, and changemakers over a late-night snack to share real conversations. The goal? To entertain, inspire, and give you authentic insight into how successful people think, lead, and overcome challenges. Today’s Guest: Eric Snyder, Nashville Business Journal Editor in Chief I was super excited to hang with Eric, learn more about him and share some chocolate caramel cheesecake! He shared some insights on the Nashville Business Journal, the stories that are exciting, how Nashville is growing and his love for live music! There's no better town for that! And, we may have bloviated a little bit! Be sure to check out the journal and subscribe! https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville About TMG At TMG, we help IT leaders save Time, save Money, and play more Golf. We act as a trusted advisor, guiding organizations through complex technology decisions in cloud, mobility, cybersecurity, AI adoption, and beyond — at no direct cost to the client. By cutting through the noise of countless vendors, we help our clients find clarity, confidence, and results. About the Host Frank Rains Jr. is a technology advisor based in Nashville and also an improv comedian, actor, singer, and emcee. By day, he works with business leaders as a trusted advisor at TMG, helping organizations cut through the noise of thousands of IT vendors to make smart choices in cloud, mobility, cybersecurity, and AI. By night, he brings his love of storytelling, humor, and community to projects like Midnite Snack — blending his professional experience with his creative side to entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences.

This is a very special episode! I was able to record ON LOCATION at The Greater Nashville Technology Council Summer Party for 2026! I sat down with four guests to discuss their involvement in the tech council and its benefits!

My guests are:

Brian Adair, VP of Strategic Partnerships, GNTC

Johnny Anderson, GNTC Board Member, Entrepreneur in Residence, Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Lindsey Morgan Rardin, GNTC Board Member, VP of Business Development, VACO

Charlie Apigian, AI Strategist & Practice Lead, LMBC - Founder, Data Inspire