Shows
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastIs Credit Underwriting Ready for AI? with Andrew CarmanEven the smartest AI needs leadership. Andrew Carman explores why accountability matters as much as intelligence in AI adoption. In this episode of The TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben, CLFP, chats with Andrew Carman, Founder and CEO of Percina Report, about rethinking credit underwriting, challenging industry assumptions, and building AI solutions that deliver real business value. Drawing on more than 25 years in structured credit and equipment finance, Andrew shares what he's learning as he brings AI into complex financial decision-making. What leaders will discover: Why AI needs clear guidelines, transparency, and accountability, just l...
2026-10-2736 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow to Overcome Change Fatigue and Make Transformation Stick with Michelle SmebyMichelle Smeby reveals why change fatigue often starts with leadership decisions, and what it takes to make transformation stick. In this episode of The TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben, CLFP, chats with Michelle Smeby, founder of wHolistic Change and author of The Tenacious Leader, about overcoming change fatigue and leading sustainable business transformation. As organizations accelerate AI adoption and launch new initiatives, leaders face a critical challenge: creating the capacity for meaningful change. Even committed teams can struggle when competing priorities, unclear direction, and constant demands stretch their ability to adapt. What you'll discover:...
2026-10-2040 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast130: Beyond Project Management: What Success Management Looks Like with Shane DixonShane Dixon, PMP, Managing Partner at Corbeau Tech, believes project leaders should manage success, not schedules. That shift changes how critical initiatives move forward. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Shane Dixon about what project leadership requires when complexity increases, decisions stall, methodologies get misapplied, and AI adds new possibilities. Deborah Reuben and Shane explore: Why Shane reframes project management as "success management" How project leaders can help decision-makers move faster by bringing context, options, consequences, and dependencies Why connecting silos and keeping people aligned to the "why" helps...
2026-10-1342 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow to Create the Conditions for Your Team to Think Differently with Gayle LantzGayle Lantz reveals why better future thinking starts with changing the conditions, not demanding better ideas. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Gayle Lantz about what it takes to help teams break out of familiar patterns, think differently, and imagine what's next. When leaders want fresh thinking, it's tempting to focus on the agenda, the activities, or the answers they need. Gayle shifts the focus upstream: create the conditions where curiosity, imagination, and new possibilities can emerge. In this conversation, explore: Why starting with "What shou...
2026-10-0637 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastAI Strategy Starts with Business Clarity with Patricio PazmiñoPatricio Pazmiño and Deborah Reuben, discuss why getting AI right starts with business clarity, not technology. Moving faster with AI can require spending more time upfront. When leaders understand the business need, align around what success looks like, and connect the opportunity to a meaningful KPI, they create stronger conditions for adoption and long-term value. In this conversation, Deborah Reuben, CLFP, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone® and Patricio Pazmiño, Chief Product Officer and partner at Kin Analytics, explore: How do you choose the right problems for AI to solve? Why should every AI ini...
2026-09-2938 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastIs Your Organization Ready for AI? A New Lens on AI ReadinessDeborah Reuben, Ross Smith, and Keith Onchuck reveal why AI readiness depends on clarity, data, governance, and people. What does it really take to prepare an organization for AI? This conversation explores the leadership and business foundations that help organizations move from AI urgency toward meaningful business value. In this episode, you'll hear perspectives on: What AI readiness really requires beyond the technology Why strategic clarity, data, and business context shape AI outcomes How governance can create guardrails for confident experimentation Why transformation readiness must keep evolving as AI and business conditions change ...
2026-09-2257 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastPeople First: Rethinking Innovation in Equipment Finance with Brendan CroninIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Brendan Cronin, Divisional Vice President of Innovation at Great American Insurance Group, about modernizing equipment finance insurance, building trust through co-creation, and helping organizations prepare for what comes next. What if moving faster isn't always the fastest path to meaningful innovation? When Brendan began helping modernize a long-standing insurance offering for the equipment finance industry, the work started with listening. Conversations with customers, service providers, and internal stakeholders came before decisions about technology. That time created space to understand the real problem...
2026-09-1533 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBuilding Transformation Readiness Through Team Ownership with Jun NozakiIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Jun Nozaki, President of Tokyo Century (USA), Inc., about what he learned while leading a data-centric transformation. Part of the Future Shaping Leaders series from TomorrowZone®, this conversation explores a leadership lesson that becomes more important as AI advances: human experience becomes more strategically valuable. Jun shares what his team learned while replacing its ERP, building a data-centric foundation, and developing Customer 360. Along the way, the work revealed something bigger than a technology challenge. Creating value from data depends on people bringing the...
2026-09-0828 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast124: AI Readiness Starts with Human Readiness with Roopa JayaramanIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Roopa Jayaraman, Chief Technology Officer, Odessa, about leading through AI, experimentation, and complex change when the old approaches no longer fit. For leaders, one of the biggest traps is mistaking activity for progress. AI adoption can climb, usage can spread, and new capabilities can reach production without creating meaningful business value. Roopa challenges leaders to keep asking a harder question: What measurable difference are we creating for the business and the customer? Drawing from her experience leading at the intersection of product, te...
2026-09-0136 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastCreating Value Through Flexibility with Deb BakerSometimes helping customers buy less today creates greater value over time. That's the counterintuitive approach to growth Deb Baker, Vice President, Head of Global Payment Solutions at HP, Inc., shares in this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast with host Deborah Reuben. When data helps customers determine what they actually need, better decisions, stronger trust, and long-term relationships can follow. Their conversation explores creating value through flexibility, building customer trust, and leading with curiosity when conditions keep changing. This Future Shaping Leaders conversation explores what future-shaping leaders can learn from that mindset, including: Why fle...
2026-08-2539 min
Biz Book Pub Hub PodcastHUB 519 AUTHOR PANEL - Deborah Reuben, Emma Toops, and Mitch Weisburgh"Build it, and they will come” is a terrible strategy for writing a business book.
Too many entrepreneurs assume that once their book is published, readers will somehow discover it, recommend it, and start reaching out to become clients. But books rarely create opportunities on their own. They need a clear strategy behind them.
Before you write your first chapter, it’s worth asking: How will people find this book? Why will they choose to read it? And once they do, what do I want them to do next?
Those questions can dramatically chan...
2026-08-2550 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast122: Why Strong Leaders Don't Need All the Answers with Katie Emmel The higher you rise, the less your value comes from having all the answers. That's one of the leadership lessons Katie Emmel, Chief Operating Officer at Solifi, shares in this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Drawing from nearly four decades of technology change, Katie explores what it takes to make better decisions and prepare for what comes next. Host Deborah Reuben and Katie dig into strategic clarity, transformation readiness, and the curiosity and adaptability equipment finance leaders need to shape the future. In this Future Shaping Leaders conversation, Katie shares practical insights on...
2026-08-1833 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast121: Same Information. Different Conclusions. with Deborah Reuben and Jennica BurghMany of the frustrations teams experience aren't rooted in capability or intent, they're rooted in how people are making sense of the same situation. In this episode, host Deborah Reuben and TomorrowZone Director of Operations Jennica Burgh explore a simple framework for understanding leadership, collaboration, and decision-making, inspired by an article they recently read. They unpack why leaders who navigate complexity most effectively know when to shift their thinking rather than relying on a single approach. Their conversation explores: How different thinking modes shape alignment, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration Why team friction is often a se...
2026-08-1126 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Leadership Advantage AI Can't Replace with George ParkerIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with George Parker, Co-CEO of VenSource Capital and President of the Black Equipment Finance Network (BEFN), about what it takes to build future-ready organizations with the transformation readiness to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As industries compete for talent, embrace AI, and navigate continuous change, George makes a compelling case that lasting business transformation begins with leadership. Future Shaping Leaders don't wait for the right pathway to appear. They build the front door that helps others discover opportunity, contribute, and grow. Drawing on decades o...
2026-08-0444 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastReal Momentum Starts with Co-Creation with Lisa RafterFuture Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Lisa Rafter about what it really takes to create lasting momentum inside an organization. Rather than asking people to simply support a vision, Lisa shares how inviting them to help shape it transforms engagement, ownership, and results.
2026-07-2828 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBuilding Butterflies, Not Faster Caterpillars with Deborah Reuben and Jennica BurghIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben is joined by TomorrowZone Director of Operations Jennica Burgh for a thought-provoking conversation about what transformation really means. Using the metaphor of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, they challenge the common assumption that moving faster equals meaningful progress. Together, they explore why the messy middle is often where the most important work is happening, why leaders must build the capability to transform continuously rather than chase one successful initiative after another, and how AI should support a larger vision instead of simply accelerating existing ways of w...
2026-07-2130 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast117: Stand Out When Everyone Sounds the Same with Brian Burkhart Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with communication strategist, bestselling author, and SquarePlanet founder Brian Burkhart to explore what separates leaders who are remembered from those who are simply heard. As AI makes polished communication easier than ever, Brian argues t...
2026-07-1439 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastWelcome to the Age of Continuous Evolution with Tracey Lovejoy Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Tracey Lovejoy, Co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations, to explore one of the biggest leadership shifts of our time: the move from episodic transformation to continuous evolution. As AI accelerates change and uncertainty becomes the new normal, organizations need more than another t...
2026-07-0729 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast115: Building a Culture That Can Handle What's Next with Chris Enbom Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Chris Enbom, CEO of AP Equipment Financing and AP Fleet Management, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, culture, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on decades of experience building and scaling bu...
2026-06-3043 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow Better Questions Reveal the Future with Dale Laszig Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah talks with Dale Laszig, Founder and CEO of DSL Direct, Content Strategy Director at The Green Sheet, and longtime observer of technology transformation. Together, they explore how leaders can maintain relevance in a world shaped by AI, accelerating change, and endless information. Dale shares why the future...
2026-06-2337 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBuilding Trust in the Age of AI with Brian Mohr Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah sits down with Brian Mohr to explore why human connection may become one of leadership's greatest advantages in an AI accelerated world. Brian shares lessons from building startups, leading inside large organizations, and creating trusted spaces where leaders can have honest conversations about work, growth...
2026-06-1639 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Most Human Wins: Leadership in the Age of AI with Deborah Reuben and Jennica BurghIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben and Jennica Burgh explore one of the defining leadership questions of the AI era: what happens when intelligence, automation, and efficiency become widely accessible? As organizations race to integrate AI into workflows, a deeper shift is emerging beneath the surface. Deborah and Jennica unpack the rise of the meaning economy and why trust, judgment, creativity, discernment, and human connection are becoming increasingly valuable in a world saturated with automation. They examine the widening gap between companies simply layering AI onto old processes and those fundamentally reimagining the future of work...
2026-06-0943 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHuman Connection Is the Future Advantage with Dominic Janney Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah chats with Dominic Janney, President of Canon Financial Services, about what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Dominic shares why the organizations that thrive are not necessarily the biggest, but the ones that adapt quickly while staying closely aligned with...
2026-06-0231 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Real Competitive Advantage in the AI Era with Rich Vohra Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Rich Vohra, SVP of Sales at LEAF Commercial Capital, about what it really takes to build future ready organizations in the age of AI. Rich shares how his team is using AI to strengthen decision quality, modernize sales training, accelerate onb...
2026-05-2648 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast109: Calm is the Leadership Superpower for a Disrupted World with Dr. Rosie Ward Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben sits down with Dr. Rosie Ward to explore what leadership looks like in a world where disruption never slows down. Rosie shares why many leadership challenges are rooted in the internal patterns driving how leaders react, communicate, and make decisions under pressure. Together, they...
2026-05-1933 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast108: Why Clarity Beats Complexity in the Age of AI with Pete Steege Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben sits down with Pete Steege to explore why clarity is becoming a defining leadership advantage in the age of AI. As AI accelerates output, many organizations are increasing activity without strengthening direction. Pete shares a critical insight: companies struggle when they lose sight of the d...
2026-05-1230 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastEyes Wide Open: Navigating AI Without Losing Your Judgment with Deborah Reuben and Jennica BurghIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben and Jennica Burgh step into a real-time exploration of a question most leaders are moving too fast to consider: what is AI doing to the way we think? As AI becomes embedded in how we work, decide, and create, it's easy to default to speed and convenience. But this conversation surfaces a deeper dynamic. When leaders aren't intentionally guiding their own thinking, AI begins to shape it in subtle ways. Not just the answers, but the confidence behind them. Deborah and Jennica unpack emerging research on cognitive surrender, the tendency...
2026-05-0547 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast106: Turning Friction into Opportunity with Steve Siler FutureShaping Leadersseriesbrings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Steve Siler, Chief Technology Officer at North Mill Equipment Finance, about what it takes to lead when both technology and expectations of work are shifting fast. Steve brings a practical lens to AI, moving beyond hype to focus on how leaders can ret...
2026-04-2830 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow to Turn AI Possibility into Real Business Value with Steve Taplin Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah sits down with Steve Taplin, Chief Product Officer at Lendscape, to explore what it really takes to modernize in an industry shaped by legacy systems and rising expectations. Steve brings a clear perspective from decades in the field: many transformation ef...
2026-04-2127 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast104: Stop Filling Agendas. Start Creating Momentum with Chris CumminsIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Chris Cummins to explore why so many meetings still fall flat and what leaders can do differently. As organizations balance rising costs, shifting expectations, and the ongoing tension between virtual and in-person, Chris challenges a common assumption. The issue isn't the format. It's the design. When participants remain passive, their intelligence goes unused and outcomes are left to chance. Chris shares how leading organizations are shifting away from content-heavy agendas and toward intentionally designed experiences that spark participation, connection, and momentum. Instead of filling time w...
2026-04-1447 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast103: The Five-Year Plan is Dead: How Leaders Succeed Without a Map with Jeff RogersIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Jeff Rogers to explore what leadership looks like when change is constant and accelerating. Adaptability is no longer a supporting skill for leaders. It's the strategy. When the future cannot be mapped, the ability to respond in real time becomes the competitive advantage. As timelines compress and uncertainty rises, Jeff challenges the idea that better planning is the answer. Instead, he introduces a more dynamic approach grounded in improvisation, cognitive agility, and real-time collaboration. This conversation unpacks how leaders can move beyond rigid plans and build tea...
2026-04-0740 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastWhy AI Literacy Will Define the Next Generation of Leaders with Adya Tewari Future Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben speaks with Adya Tewari, founder of the AI Literacy Project, about why understanding AI is becoming a foundational capability for the next generation of leaders. Adya brings the perspective of someone working directly with students and emerging professionals who are...
2026-03-3123 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastCustomer Experience as a Leadership Discipline with Jeannie WaltersFuture Shaping Leaders series brings you inside the thinking of leaders across generations who are shaping the future of their organizations, industries, and communities. In each episode, host Deborah Reuben explores how they navigate complexity, make critical decisions, and sustain momentum when the path forward is still unfolding. In this episode, Deborah is joined by customer experience expert Jeannie Walters, Founder of Experience Investigators and author of Experience Is Everything: Making Every Moment Count in the Age of Customer Expectations. Together they explore why customer experience is a leadership discipline, not just a department. Jeannie shares her Mindset – Strategy – Discipline frame...
2026-03-2444 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast100 Conversations Later: Reflections on What Drives Real Innovation with Deborah ReubenIn this special 100th episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben reflects on what a hundred conversations with innovators and leaders have revealed about how innovation really happens. Joined by Jennica Burgh, TomorrowZone's Director of Operations, Deborah connects the patterns that surfaced again and again across the show. One insight stands out: innovation is not limited by intelligence. It is shaped by the conditions leaders create for it to thrive. Together they explore the human dynamics behind transformation, including fear, alignment, co-creation, and why stepping away from day-to-day pressures helps leaders imagine new possibilities. Deborah Reuben, CLFP, is the...
2026-03-1727 min
Experience Is Everything: The CX Podcast with Jeannie WaltersWhy Purpose Must Lead And Tools Must Follow with Deborah Reuben (CX Pulse Check - March 2026)When AI can move faster than your team ever could, the real question isn’t “What can we automate?” It’s “What should represent us?” In this CX Pulse Check episode, Jeannie Walters sits down with Deborah Reuben, CEO of Tomorrow Zone and author of Enter the Tomorrow Zone, to unpack how agentic commerce and automation can elevate customer experience only when purpose leads and tools follow.They dig into the messy middle of AI adoption—from trust gaps and backlash moments to why innovation driven by shiny features often scales the wrong experience. They share a practical blue...
2026-03-1026 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastClarity Under Pressure: Leading Transformation in Real Time with Deborah ReubenIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben steps into the guest seat as Jennica Burgh, TomorrowZone's Director of Operations, turns the tables and interviews her about the journey behind writing Enter the TomorrowZone. What unfolds is an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about leadership, reflection, readiness, and what it really takes to guide transformation under pressure. Writing the book forced Deb to live the shifts she teaches. The endless decisions. The doubt loops. The discipline required to make something complex simple. What started as a project became a real-time case study in leading through uncertainty. One truth stands ou...
2026-03-1045 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast98: Enter the TomorrowZone: Innovation by Design (Book Launch Special)In this special episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben shares the replay of the official launch event for her new book, Enter the TomorrowZone: How to Inspire Breakthrough Innovation and Shape Your Future. This conversation goes beyond celebration. It explores why so many transformation efforts stall and what leaders must strengthen before making major technology investments. Technology does not transform organizations. People do. Deborah unpacks the patterns she has seen across executive teams navigating AI acceleration, system modernization, and high-stakes change. The breakdowns are predictable: moving to solutions before clarity, investing before alignment, accelerating before readiness. Enter the...
2026-03-0356 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastEnter the TomorrowZone: Lead With Focus When Everything Feels LoudWhen everything feels loud, focus becomes a leadership advantage. Complexity, competing priorities, and constant urgency can pull teams in too many directions at once. Without shared clarity, even good intentions can create noise. This is part three of a three-episode series based on Deborah Reuben's book, Enter the TomorrowZone. In this final episode, Deb shifts the conversation from insight to action and explores how leaders stay centered and focused when everything feels urgent. Sustainable progress grows out of clarity, shared vision, and systems that support intentional action. When teams align around what they are creating together, momentum becomes easier to su...
2026-02-2412 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast96: Enter the TomorrowZone: Why Faster Isn't Always ForwardMoving faster doesn't always mean moving forward. Many teams push harder, add pressure, and increase speed, yet still feel stuck or off course. When clarity is missing, speed can quietly pull effort in the wrong direction. This is part two of a three-part mini series based on Deborah Reuben's book, Enter the TomorrowZone. In this episode, Deb explores the tension between speed and strategy and why progress often feels heavy when urgency is mistaken for momentum. Sustainable momentum grows from intention, shared understanding, and alignment. When leaders slow the rush to create clarity, teams gain direction and energy rather than fr...
2026-02-1915 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastEnter the TomorrowZone: Before the Tech, Before the Plan, Start HereMost leaders are working hard yet still feel stuck. Decisions get made quickly, pressure stays high, and progress feels harder than it should. Often, the challenge is not effort, but the thinking shaping those decisions. This is part one of a three-episode series based on Deborah Reuben's book, Enter the TomorrowZone. In this opening episode, Deb invites leaders to pause long enough to see what is really influencing their choices, their strategy, and their results. When leaders stay in reaction mode, familiar patterns keep running the show. The future struggles to take shape there. Momentum begins when teams step back to...
2026-02-1719 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBridging the AI Gap: Leading Through Multigenerational Complexity with Marti GrimminckWhat if the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn't the technology but the lack of trust? In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Marti Grimminck, founder of International Connector, about how AI is quietly reshaping early career experiences. From invisible gatekeeping in hiring to the erosion of entry-level learning opportunities, Marti shares insights from two decades of working with young leaders in 190 countries. You'll hear surprising truths about how Gen Z is really using AI and why assumptions about tech-savviness often miss the mark. If you're rethinking how to grow talent in a fast-changing wo...
2026-02-0331 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastEmpower the People Who Power You: Rethinking AI Adoption with Jake CutlerIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with fintech founder and futurist Jake Cutler. As part of our "From Spark to Shift" series on AI adoption, Jake shares powerful lessons from the front lines of building two platforms designed to modernize small business lending. You'll hear how he's using AI in real-time to design faster, smarter workflows. But this conversation goes deeper than just tools and trends. Jake challenges conventional thinking around innovation, leadership, and what it really takes to gain traction with emerging tech. One idea that stands out: AI's real power isn't what it can do f...
2026-01-2723 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastLead with Purpose, Not Panic: Future-Ready Strategies with John FentonIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with John Fenton, executive coach and "CEO Sensei," to explore what it really takes to lead through complexity and build a future-ready firm. With decades of leadership experience, John shares why transformation isn't about collecting the latest tools. It's about upgrading your thinking, aligning your actions with purpose, and empowering your people to thrive in change. From football to Tai Chi to firm leadership, John's journey reveals how inner discipline fuels external impact. Together, Deb and John unpack powerful strategies for adopting AI and automation without losing your hu...
2026-01-2030 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastReflection as a Strategy: Fueling the Future with Deborah Reuben and Jennica BurghIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben and Jennica Burgh sit down together for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about the patterns, insights, and surprises that defined 2025. They also share how they are preparing for the year ahead. As they explore the year's themes, Jennica and Deborah reflect on what they saw across client work and within their own team. They talk about what worked, what shifted, and how they stayed grounded while helping others lead through uncertainty and change. You'll hear stories, practical insights, and powerful mindset shifts from behind the scenes. One of the key takeaways fro...
2025-12-3023 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastStop Selling Your Ideas and Start Attracting Attention with David NewmanIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with David Newman, speaker, advisor, and author of Market Eminence, about the future of influence inside organizations. Today's innovation leaders face a new challenge: being heard in a sea of digital noise, internal politics, and shifting priorities. It's not enough to have great ideas. If your voice isn't seen as essential, your vision can stall before it starts. David shares strategies for moving from invisible to indispensable without shouting, chasing, or struggling for buy-in. Whether you're building innovation initiatives or championing transformation within a complex organization, this conversation of...
2025-12-1640 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastLeading Change from the Core with Eileen SchoonmakerReinvention doesn't always require a revolution. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Eileen Schoonmaker, President of the Americas at PEAC Solutions, for a grounded conversation about what it really takes to lead lasting transformation. Eileen brings decades of experience navigating operational change in complex, highly regulated environments, and shares why sustainable innovation often comes from a series of small, intentional shifts rather than sweeping overhauls. From rethinking risk as a strategic tool to empowering teams through curiosity, she breaks down what future-ready leadership looks like in action. If you're a leader navigating co...
2025-12-0231 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastRethinking Operational Excellence using the N.I.C.E. Framework with Lilian StarrEmotional intelligence isn't a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage in digital transformation. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Lilian Starr, Director of Operations at First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance, about reimagining customer experience, empowering teams, and fueling operational innovation through a people-first lens. Lilian introduces the story behind the N.I.C.E. Framework - Notice, Interact, Care, Execute - a deceptively simple tool she developed to bring emotional intelligence into everyday decisions. What began as a team training tool evolved into a strategic compass guiding transformation across systems, processes, and culture. Tog...
2025-11-2528 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBuilding Confident Teams That Win Together with Dr. André MartinMany leaders are rethinking what it really means for teams to thrive. In a business landscape filled with pressure, disruption, and shifting expectations, there's a growing recognition that high performance starts with something deeper than strategy or structure. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Dr. André Martin, organizational psychologist, advisor to global brands, and author of Wrong Fit, Right Fit. Together, they explore how to shape environments where teams believe in their shared ability to succeed and where people have the conditions to do their best work. Dr. Martin shares insights drawn from his...
2025-11-1833 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Future Won't Wait: Why Innovation Matters Now with Chelsey Barron**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders are Navigating AI Adoption. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with Chelsey Barron, Senior Vice President at LEAF Commercial Capital and Chair of the ELFA Innovation Committee, for a conversation that challenges the status quo in the equipment finance industry. Chelsey shares real-world insights from her experience leading innovation across the industry. You'll hear about the mindset shift leaders need, unexpected lessons from AI adoption, and how to move from overwhelm to action (even if you feel behind). One powerful takeaway? Not every solution needs...
2025-11-1127 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Secret to Gaining Traction with AI? Start with People, Not Tech with Martha GalleyIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Martha Galley, Chief Sustainability Officer at Calix, about the mindset shifts that helped her organization gain traction with AI adoption. Instead of chasing the latest tech, Martha explains how her organization began their AI journey by identifying where they could create the most value for their customers. That shift in perspective set the foundation for everything that followed, from product innovation to internal operations. Martha shares how Calix cultivated a culture of curiosity and experimentation, where psychological safety is prioritized and new ideas are...
2025-11-0423 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastStaying Strategic When Everything Feels Urgent with Deborah ReubenSlowing down isn't a setback, it's an accelerator. Pausing to gain clarity is what enables faster, more intentional progress. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, guest host Jennica Burgh sits down with Deborah Reuben to explore the surprising truth about clarity, busyness, and visionary leadership. What if the constant pressure to hustle is actually holding you back from real progress? Together, they unpack why creating space to think, far from being a luxury, is one of the most strategic leadership moves you can make. From reframing urgency to recognizing when your calendar is leading you (instead of the ot...
2025-10-2825 min
The TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Power of Curiosity with Deborah ReubenWe're often so focused on finding answers that we forget to ask if we're even posing the right question in the first place. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with co-host Alissa Bartlett about curiosity – not as a fluffy trait, but as a critical leadership skill. Drawing inspiration from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, they explore how asking better questions can prevent costly missteps, accelerate innovation, and build genuine buy-in. Deb breaks down the five shifts of the TomorrowZone System™, revealing how curiosity threads through every stage, from alignment to evolution. You'll hear real-wo...
2025-09-3024 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastApplying AI Where It Truly Delivers with John Sokol**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders are Navigating AI Adoption. The best AI use cases don't start with the tech; they start with real business problems. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with John Sokol, founder of LeadX, to talk about what it really takes to build a future-ready, data-driven sales engine. With a background in data science and real-world experience in the equipment finance space, John shares his journey from academic AI to practical innovation. He reveals how his startup was shaped by listening to customer pain points, and why...
2025-09-2333 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastAuthenticity as Strategy: Reclaiming Your Leadership Edge with Hilary BilbreyWhat if your untapped potential isn't in another productivity hack, but in coming home to who you really are? In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben sits down with speaker, coach, and peak performance expert Hilary Bilbrey to discuss The Authenticity Key, her new bestselling book that challenges leaders to redefine success from the inside out. Hilary shares why high achievers often leave 20% of their performance on the table by chasing validation instead of aligning with their core values. From her Authenticity Compass framework to rethinking how we build trust, she offers a practical and powerful p...
2025-09-1625 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBusiness-First AI: From Pain Points to Progress with Deborah ReubenIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deborah Reuben chats with producer and certified AI Design Sprint facilitator Alissa Bartlett about moving AI conversations beyond the hype, toward practical outcomes. Together, they break down a simple, structured discovery process that helps teams identify business pain points, explore AI capabilities, and quickly connect the dots to high-value use cases. The message is clear: "Business first, tech second." Through a gamified, visual approach, they show how non-technical teams can transform curiosity into momentum and actively participate in innovation. Along the way, Deborah and Alissa reveal why mindset matters, how to work wit...
2025-09-0924 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Missing Step in Digital Transformation with Deborah ReubenMost tech initiatives fail, and not for the reasons you think. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, guest host Alissa Bartlett flips the script and interviews Deborah Reuben, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, about the surprising truth behind innovation success. They explore the Catalyst Sprint, a fast-paced, co-creative process that helps teams uncover the truth about what's really happening in their business. By aligning on a shared view of the current state, teams unlock clarity, cross-functional alignment, and a roadmap for meaningful change. If you're slamming in tech without reimagining your workflows, you're just automating broken processes. Tune...
2025-08-2626 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastMake Virtual Meetings Matter: How to Design Energizing Experiences with the TomorrowZone TeamIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben hands the mic to producer Alissa Bartlett for a jam session with Jennica Burgh and Deb herself on rethinking virtual meetings. What if meetings didn't drain your energy, but sparked real connection and collaboration instead? They explore how thoughtful design, intentionality, and even AI can help you reclaim your time and make virtual spaces more human. Packed with practical tips, fresh perspectives, and candid stories, this episode will inspire you to rethink the way you gather your teams. If you're ready to reclaim your time, foster real collaboration, and ma...
2025-08-1943 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Real AI Risk? Ignoring Human Potential with Paula SkaperIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with strategist and 33Dolphins Growth Strategy founder Paula Skaper, a courageous voice challenging the status quo on AI. Known for her bold, human-centered approach, Paula debunks common myths about AI replacing junior roles and explores what sustainable business growth really requires. Through real-world examples, Paula reveals how AI can elevate rather than overshadow your team's potential. As she puts it, "It's not human in the loop; it's AI in the loop", a subtle but powerful shift in thinking that redefines how we lead through technological change. This episode...
2025-08-1253 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBeyond the Hype: A Smarter Path to AI Success with Sarah KalicinIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Sarah Kalicin, founder and data strategist at Achieve More with Data. Together, they explore how leaders can create meaningful momentum in their data and AI initiatives by starting with alignment, clarity, and the right questions before jumping into technology solutions. Together, they unpack the costly pitfalls of diving into AI and advanced analytics without a clear strategic foundation. Drawing from Sarah's decades of cross-industry experience, they highlight how organizations can shift from chasing hype to building real momentum by focusing first on purpose, people, and process. Sarah sh...
2025-07-2935 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastUnleashing Super-Intelligent Organizations: The AI Octopus Model with Jonathan BrillIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with futurist Jonathan Brill, a leading authority on anticipating and designing for exponential change. Jonathan invites leaders to look beyond fears of being replaced and instead reimagine new ways humans and AI can collaborate. He explains that the real competitive risk isn't AI itself, but how others will harness it to reshape the playing field. Through vivid metaphors and real-world examples, Jonathan reveals how organizations can evolve from rigid, top-down structures to fluid, distributed models that mirror the intelligence of an octopus. If you're ready to shift your le...
2025-07-1543 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastB.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 6: Why Empathy Accelerates Innovation with Jen CronebergerIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben and Jen Croneberger close out the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series by exploring the "E" in B.R.A.V.E.: Empathy. Together, they break down what empathy really means, beyond sympathy or "Kumbaya" stereotypes, and explore how it drives innovation, elevates performance, and shapes thriving cultures. Jen shares how leaders can hold space while still upholding accountability and how choosing curiosity over judgment can shift team dynamics. You'll hear real-world stories, practical frameworks, and tools to build empathy as a leadership superpower, especially in times of...
2025-07-0839 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastTurning Everyday Processes into Innovation Engines with Ross SmithYou don't need to change the world overnight. Just fix one process that makes someone's day better. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben talks with Ross Smith, CEO of Initium SoftWorks, about practical digital transformation. With decades of experience in intelligent automation and content management, Ross shares how to simplify complexity, align tech with real business needs, and build trust through small, high-impact wins. He also dives into responsible AI use, system integration, and how lessons from banking and government can be applied to equipment finance. If you're looking for actionable ways to modernize without ov...
2025-07-0126 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast61 B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 5: Vulnerability: The Gateway to Innovation with Jen CronebergerInnovation requires risk and risk requires the safety that only vulnerability can create. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben and Jen Croneberger explore the "V" of B.R.A.V.E.: Vulnerability. This isn't about oversharing or being emotional, it's about cultivating the kind of honest leadership that builds psychological safety and fuels true innovation. Jen shares real stories, unexpected strategies, and actionable insights on how leaders can show up differently, especially in times of uncertainty. Whether you're leading a massive tech implementation, navigating digital transformation, or dealing with the daily complexity of modern business, th...
2025-06-2436 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast60 B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 4: Authenticity that Drives Real Business Impact with Jen CronebergerWe can't expect 100% performance but only allow people to bring 30% of themselves to work. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben continues the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® series with returning guest, Jen Croneberger. They unpack what it really means to lead with Authenticity, and why it's not just a nice to have, but non-negotiable for future-ready leadership. Jen explains how authenticity can quietly slip away without us even noticing it, and what it takes to reclaim it. Together, they explore the myth that authenticity and professionalism can't coexist, and why...
2025-06-1729 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastSaying No to Say Yes: The Focus Formula for Future-Ready Leaders with Lauren BaingoIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Lauren Baingo, Program Manager for Global Major Accounts at DLL and a visionary leader in equipment finance. As chair of both the ELFA Women's Council and Inclusion Committee, Lauren brings a thoughtful and inspiring perspective on how future-focused leaders can redefine success in a hyper-connected world. Together, they explore how the definition of leadership is evolving in the age of AI, why work-life balance may be a myth, and how intentional presence transforms the way we lead, connect, and get things done. Lauren shares simple, practical tools f...
2025-06-1041 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast58 B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 3: The Resilience Reset: Small Shifts that Create Big Impact with Jen CronebergerResilience isn't about pushing through, it's about knowing when to pause, breathe, and protect your energy. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben continues the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership series with Jen Croneberger, focusing on the "R" in B.R.A.V.E.: Resilience. Jen brings a fresh perspective to resilience, showing that it's not about powering through at all costs. Instead, true resilience comes from the ability to adapt, set boundaries, and lead from a place of presence and awareness. She shares powerful stories, including lessons from frontline he...
2025-06-0328 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastB.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 2: How Belonging Fuels Innovation and Performance with Jen CronebergerPsychological safety isn't created through grand gestures. It's built through consistency. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben continues the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® series with Jen Croneberger, exploring the first and foundational element of the B.R.A.V.E. framework: Belonging. This conversation explores why even well-intentioned leaders often miss the mark on belonging and what it looks like when a team feels seen, heard, and valued. Jen shares a powerful story of transformation sparked by a simple connection circle and offers practical, actionable ways to cultivate psychological safety through intention, vu...
2025-05-2742 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastB.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Series, Episode 1: Human First – The Real Key to Transformation with Jen CronebergerConnection, not competence, is the new cornerstone of leadership. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben kicks off the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® series with Jen Croneberger, Chief Inspiration Officer of The HUMAN Leadership Institute. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead with Belonging, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Empathy in a rapidly changing world. Jen shares surprising findings from her research, revealing that only 19% of leaders successfully balance people and performance, and why this rare ability is the key to organizational success. From overlooked human dynamics in transformation initiatives to the l...
2025-05-2030 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastTroubleshoot Trust Like You Troubleshoot Tech with Eileen GrimesIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben connects with Eileen Grimes, EVP of Growth and Learning at the Human Leadership Institute, for a deep dive into the intersection of human systems, AI, and transformational leadership. With roots in mathematics and tech, Eileen shares her powerful journey from formulas to facilitating future-ready organizations through relational leadership. You'll learn why understanding human systems is just as crucial as understanding technical ones. If you can troubleshoot a server crash, you can troubleshoot a trust breakdown. You just need to look for different signals. This episode challenges how we define s...
2025-05-1340 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastStop Copy-Pasting the Past into the Future with Amy RadinIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Amy Radin – innovation trailblazer, former Chief Innovation Officer at Citi, and author of The Change Maker's Playbook. Together they discuss what it really takes to drive change in industries where innovation is often feared more than embraced. Amy shares practical strategies from her "seek, seed, and scale" framework and reveals why traditional risk controls can strangle new ideas before they have a chance to grow. One of the most compelling insights? Resistance isn't opposition – it's often a signal of legitimate concerns we haven't yet understood. This mindset shift...
2025-05-0636 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastBuilding a Culture of Integrity and Vigilance with Jill MolitorIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Jill Molitor, Director of Credit and Fraud Administration at Stearns Bank. With over 25 years of deep, cross-functional experience, Jill is on a mission to help businesses build credit-strong cultures and take fraud prevention seriously – not just as a function, but as a leadership mindset. Jill shares the fraud tactics leaders need to be aware of right now, from deepfake scams to synthetic identity fraud schemes involving minor's Social Security numbers. But it's not just about identifying fraud – she explains how to create environments where fraud risk is active...
2025-04-2924 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastReclaiming Creativity in the Age of AI with Jeff RogersWe're thrilled to celebrate one full year of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast! In this milestone episode, host Deb Reuben sits down with creativity igniter Jeff Rogers to explore what happens when the systems and routines that once supported us, start holding us back. Jeff doesn't just talk creativity – he lives it. With a rich background in storytelling, improv, and helping business leaders spark innovation, he brings a refreshing perspective that will challenge everything you think you know about how innovation really happens. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead through uncertainty, why "we've always done it this way" is...
2025-04-2241 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast51 Brand Trust Begins with Voice: Authentic Storytelling for Transformational Impact with Britta NewlyIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Britta Newly – artist-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Crane Podcasts – about the power of storytelling and the surprising role podcasting plays in B2B transformation. You'll hear Britta's inspiring journey from sculptor to strategy agency owner and why she believes podcasting is more than just content creation – it's a relationship-building engine disguised as media. She shares how voice is one of the most underutilized assets in branding and how staying curious (even in messy, uncertain moments) can unlock major breakthroughs. Whether you're navigating transformation or looking...
2025-04-1522 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastFrom Task Taker to Strategic Partner: Rethinking AI in Business with Jeanette DorazioIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with global tech leader Jeanette Dorazio about the power and misconceptions of agentic AI. Drawing from her experience leading digital transformation across multiple industries, Jeanette shares why the real story of AI isn't about replacement, it's about redefinition and reinvention. AI isn't replacing jobs – it's redefining them by offloading the tasks no one wants to do, so humans can focus on meaningful, strategic work. This conversation explores how agentic AI works, why it's different from the tools most people are used to, and how leaders can use it to...
2025-04-0828 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastGreen Light Thinking: The Secret to Getting Buy-In for Your Ideas with Cindy SkalickyA compelling 60-second story can be the difference between buy-in and rejection. In today's fast-paced world, leaders often overwhelm their audience with details, but real persuasion happens when messaging is clear, compelling, and emotionally engaging. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben talks with executive communication expert Cindy Skalicky about the power of messaging that moves people to action. Cindy introduces her Red Light, Green Light model, a framework that helps leaders transform complex ideas into persuasive narratives that inspire confidence and drive decisions. Explore why many executives struggle to get buy-in, how to simplify messages w...
2025-04-0131 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastWhy 70% of Transformations Fail and How to Beat the Odds with Shannon LucasIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Shannon Lucas, Co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations, about what it really takes to drive transformation inside organizations. For years, studies have shown that up to 70% of major change initiatives fail – but what if the problem isn't the employees? What if the issue is the outdated way we approach transformation? Shannon breaks down why traditional change management methods are no longer enough in today's rapidly shifting world and why innovation isn't a one-size-fits-all process. She reveals the real secret to making change stick. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do...
2025-03-1832 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastThe Future of AI, Law, and Finance with Erich DylusIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Erich Dylus, founder of Varia Law, about the evolving relationship between AI, blockchain, and automation – and why business leaders need to rethink the future of contracts, transactions, and decision-making AI is powerful at subjective reasoning, but when it comes to objective execution, blockchain and smart contracts are essential. The future of business isn't just AI; it's AI working alongside automation and decentralized code. Erich explains how smart contracts are already handling major financial transactions behind the scenes and why forward-thinking business leaders need to pay attention now. They...
2025-02-2532 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastUnlock Innovation by Shifting Mindset with Deb ReubenIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Alissa Bartlett flips the script, and interviews TomorrowZone® founder Deb Reuben about her work with the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council and the mindset shift that's redefining innovation in the equipment finance industry. For years, leaders assumed that new technology was the key to innovation. But the real challenge is mindset. The biggest barrier to change isn't a lack of tools; it's how leaders think about the future, engage their teams, and create environments where experimentation is safe. Deb shares how TomorrowZone® helped the ELFA build a thriving innovation ecosystem, how AI has e...
2025-02-1836 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow to Stay Ahead in the Age of Intelligent Automation with Ken DrozIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with AI consultant and innovator Ken Droz about the game-changing shift in how businesses should approach AI. Forget "content is king." Ken argues that context is the real power play in the AI era. He shares his journey from AI curiosity to building automation-driven lead-generation systems and explains why AI isn't about replacing humans, it's about removing friction and unlocking human potential. From practical AI strategies to navigating the rapid pace of change, this conversation will shift your perspective on what's possible. If you're a leader looking to c...
2025-02-1149 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastDriving Breakthrough Innovation Through AI - A Conversation with Bill StaintonMany leaders treat AI as a shiny new toy. But the real question is: How can AI align with your mission, vision, and values to create long-term impact? In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with innovation expert and 29-time Emmy Award-winning producer Bill Stainton. Bill shares how leaders can redefine their approach to innovation by leveraging AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement. Drawing from his diverse career, which has included leading creative teams in television and consulting with Fortune 500 companies, Bill explains why every disruption creates opportunities for those ready to e...
2025-01-2848 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastFrom Fear to Alignment - Strategies for Tech Success with Michele Toland and Deb ReubenIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben teams up with Michele Toland to unveil the hidden keys to successful technology adoption. Spoiler alert: it's not just about the tech! Together, they explore the critical human factors that determine whether transformation efforts soar or stall. The sexiest, most powerful technology won't deliver ROI if people don't adopt it. Leaders need to rethink their focus on software alone. From strategies to foster empathy and build trust to the surprising power of visuals in overcoming resistance, this conversation is packed with actionable insights every transformational leader needs. Ready to re...
2025-01-2156 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHow Micromanagement Is Killing Innovation with Gayle LantzIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben welcomes leadership expert Gayle Lantz for a thought-provoking conversation about micromanagement and its surprising impact on innovation. Gayle unpacks a compelling truth: micromanagement often stems from fear, not control. This fear ripples through teams, stifling creativity, trust and problem-solving. The discussion explores how leaders can shift from task-focused oversight to an outcome-driven vision, creating a space where teams feel empowered to excel. Gayle shares actionable insights on fostering trust, building psychological safety, and using storytelling and metaphors to align teams with a clear, inspiring vision of the future. If y...
2025-01-1428 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast37 Demystifying AI: A Leader's Toolbox for Innovation with Deb ReubenIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben takes us on a journey into the AI adoption mindset. She breaks down the myths and technobabble surrounding artificial intelligence, emphasizing that it's not a futuristic concept—it's already embedded in our daily lives. Deb shares practical examples, from AI-powered email sorting to real-time traffic navigation, illustrating how AI tools are woven into the fabric of business and life. But the real takeaway? AI isn't about replacing humans—it's about amplifying our potential. Discover how cultivating curiosity, experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, and aligning AI initiatives with clear business goal...
2025-01-0729 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast36 Deb's 2024 Reflection and Looking Ahead to 2025In this special year-end episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben takes us on a journey through the most transformative insights from a year of conversations. Revisiting key moments from the 2024 episodes, Deb highlights themes that spark innovation, challenge traditional thinking, and celebrate the human side of transformation. This episode explores how industry leaders are embracing bold thinking, collaboration, and curiosity to drive meaningful change. If you're a transformational leader seeking actionable ideas to expand your vision, empower your team, and create future-ready strategies, this reflection will leave you inspired. Let's celebrate a year of progress, breakthroughs, and th...
2024-12-3141 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastGeek Out on AI with Deb Reuben & Jennica BurghThe "Geek Out" Series is a collection of lively conversations where curiosity meets possibility, taking you on deep dives into trends, innovations, and bold ideas about shaping the future. In this first episode of the new "Geek Out" series in the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, flips the script, joining Jennica Burgh, Director of Operations at TomorrowZone, for a lively and insightful conversation about their shared experiences experimenting with AI. Together, they share personal stories, practical insights, and candid reflections on how AI can empower leaders to think differently and work...
2024-12-2454 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastInnovating in Space with Erika HechtIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben connects with Erika Hecht, founder and CEO of Market Ascent, to explore bold strategies for driving industry-level transformation through co-innovation. Erika reveals how collaboration across industries and ecosystems isn't just a buzzword, it's the essential pathway to shaping a better, more sustainable future. Challenging the status quo, Erika asks: "Hackathons are great, but where's your execution hackathon?" Together, they explore how leaders can bridge the gap between ideas and action by fostering cultures that prioritize experimentation, inclusivity and collaboration. The conversation takes a fascinating turn into the world of s...
2024-12-1726 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastGrowth Mindset in Practice - Leading From Any Level with Katie ThompsonThe Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the latest episode of the series, TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast host, Deb Reuben, chats with Katie Thompson of Siemens Financial Services, a dynamic innovator shaping the future of equipment finance. Katie shares her journey, from navigating new challenges to driving digital product initiatives, revealing the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Her insights into leading with a customer-first mindset showcase how prioritizing the customer experience can simplify even the most complex projects. Discover how adopting growth mindset pr...
2024-12-1020 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastInnovator Success Series - Building Trust, Creativity, and Transformation with Jillian MunsonThe Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. What does it take to transform bold ideas into meaningful progress? Jillian Munson, VP of Process and Automation at QuickFi, joins the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast to reveal the mindset and strategies behind her innovative strategies in equipment finance. From building trust within her team to designing processes that empower bold experimentation, Jillian shares her journey of pioneering new approaches in the field—and thriving in the unknown. In this latest episode of the Innovator Success Series, host Deb Reube...
2024-12-0317 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast30 Innovator Success Series - Innovating with Purpose and Vision with Moto TohdaThe Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast's Innovator Success Series, host Deb Reuben dives into the evolving role of AI, data, and technology in business with Moto Tohda, VP of Information Systems at Tokyo Century (USA) Inc. Moto shares his insights on building a sustainable innovation culture in today's tech-driven landscape and explores how leaders can prioritize strategies that advance their teams and their business. "An AI strategy isn't the goal—focus on a business strategy that so...
2024-11-1927 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastInnovator Success Series - Building Innovation Through Culture with Denis StypulkoskiThe Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the next episode TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast's Innovator Success Series, Deb Reuben talks with Denis Stypulkoski, founder of Reimagine Advisors and a long-time industry leader known for bridging the worlds of business and technology. Denis shares his unique approach to sustainable innovation, focusing on creating a movement rather than a mandate. With a career spanning successful startups and transformative roles at major financial institutions, Denis's strategies are refreshingly clear and actionable. From advising boards to mentoring rising leaders, h...
2024-11-1229 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastUnlock the Power of Business Model Innovation with David NewmanIn this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with David Newman, bestselling author and business growth expert. David reveals the secret sauce behind how he empowers B2B consultants and executive coaches master the art of selling and business model innovation. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, David emphasizes the power of experimentation in driving radical business growth. "Companies that wait for things to return to 'normal' are destined to fall behind. Instead, the question to ask is: 'What's next?' and how can we get there first?" David's insights on navigating change, mastering sales, and ada...
2024-10-2248 min
Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.Deborah Reuben, Founder & CEO of TomorrowZone - Leading Human-Centered Change with Deborah ReubenThis episode features Deborah Reuben, CEO of TomorrowZone, as she shares her experiences leading transformative change in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry, an area often resistant to innovation.
Deborah emphasizes the importance of a human-centered approach to innovation. She explains that while technology plays a crucial role, the success of any transformation depends on bringing people along in the process. Deborah believes that considering the human side of change is essential to achieving lasting and impactful results.
She also discusses the challenges of loneliness as a Catalyst, particularly in industries where the voice of the status quo...
2024-10-1640 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast25: Mastering Innovation Through Surfing: Lessons for Business Transformation with David AndersonIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with David Anderson, Director of Operations at First Financial Equipment Leasing. But their conversation isn't just about business; it's about how the lessons David learned as a surfer apply to business transformation, leadership, and innovation. David explains how surfing has shaped his mindset, teaching him the value of experimentation, patience, and collaboration. He dives into the importance of acting swiftly in the face of change and how decision-making in business can often mirror the split-second choices surfers make when catching a wave. "You can spend your whole life...
2024-10-1548 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastAI, Automation, and Leadership: Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Empathy with Eric WilliamsonIn this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben is joined by Eric Williamson, author of "How to Work with Jerks," and an expert in emotional intelligence. Eric shares his personal journey from being a self-described "jerk" to becoming a coach who helps organizations reduce friction and improve relationships—leading to stronger, more innovative teams. Deb and Eric discuss how to lead remote teams with empathy and trust in today's rapidly evolving work environment, reduce friction between IT and business teams to unlock smoother digital transformation, and explore the impact of AI and automation on leadership and workplace dy...
2024-09-2430 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastEmpowering Futures: Foresight & Leadership in a Changing World with llana LipsettIn this episode of TomorrowZone Catalyst, host Deborah Reuben is joined by Ilana Lipsett for a thought-provoking conversation on leading change with foresight, mindfulness, and community-centered leadership. If you're a leader committed to creating an innovative, resilient organization, this episode is packed with insights tailored just for you. Deborah and Ilana discuss how to harness foresight and future thinking to navigate uncertainty. They share practical strategies for calming the fear of change and fostering innovation within your team. The conversation highlights the power of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in leading through complexity. You'll also hear how storytelling can become a t...
2024-09-1734 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastDriving Team Success through Psychological Safety with Kat NadelIn this engaging episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst podcast, Deb Reuben sits down with Kat Nadel to explore the intersection of human psychology and innovation. Together, they discuss how feelings and psychological safety play crucial roles in driving successful innovation and collaboration within teams. This conversation sheds light on practical strategies to create environments where creativity and innovation can thrive, even amidst the rapid advancements and stress of modern technology, including AI. It is in Kat Nadel's nature to bring people together to learn, create and deliver results. A trainer for almost 20 years, she delights in the spark that collaboration c...
2024-08-1332 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastInnovator Success Series - Jen Martin (The One with Bacon)The Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the first episode of the new series in the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben sits down with Jen Martin, a transformative leader with vast experience in the equipment finance industry, for the second installment in our Innovator Success Series. They dive into the nuances of leadership, the importance of vulnerability, and the journey from tactical doer to strategic thinker. Jen shares her insights on how to create a culture of experimentation, the power of empathy in...
2024-07-3030 minThe TomorrowZone® Catalyst PodcastHumanizing the Digital Transformation Journey with Deborah ReubenJoin Deb Reuben, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone®, and Jennica Burgh, TomorrowZone's Director of Operations, for an engaging conversation that peels back the layers of digital transformation. In this dynamic episode, Deb shares her journey from the trenches of digital innovation in the early 2000s to leading transformative initiatives today. She recounts the highs and lows, revealing the often-overlooked human side of digital change. Discover the common challenges faced by companies embarking on digital transformation journeys and how these initiatives can magnify existing dysfunction within organizations. Explore the pivotal role of leadership in guiding successful digital transformations and gain actionable ins...
2024-04-3022 min
Heart to Heart with Deborah SmithOvercoming Loneliness With Reuben Vanderduys // Episode 4This week I'm chatting to my friend Reuben Vanderduys. He is a 4th year uni student who grew up in Papua New Guinea as a missionary kid. Reuben found life very challenging culturally and emotionally as a child and often battled loneliness. He knew he was loved but struggled to feel loved. He takes us on a journey of how God revealed to him a new understanding about how to walk out of loneliness and into peace and acceptance of himself and others.
2022-02-0347 min
Money Talks with Hugh MeyerWhat Is The Future of Technology? | Deborah ReubenIn this episode of Money Talks, Hugh interviewed founder of Tomorrow Zone, Deborah Reuben. Tomorrow Zone is a future-focused technology strategy consulting firm. A strategic advisor, author, and speaker, Deborah works to inspire new thinking and explore the art of the possible through her extensive technical knowledge, equipment finance experience, and passion for challenging the status quo.
We discussed:
1) Deborah’s background in Technology and Start-ups
2) The foundation and message of Tomorrow Zone
3) How Deborah views the changes in the world of Technology brought on by COVID-19.
Hugh Meyer - ...
2021-03-1829 min