The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast

The Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the fourth episode of this series ofin the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deb Reuben chats with Mark Blais, Chief Information Officer at Channel Partners LLC about the intricacies of fostering sustainable innovation in the finance industry. They explore the balance between experimenting with new technologies like AI and ensuring these innovations align with strategic business goals. Mark shares insights on embedding innovation into organizational DNA, the importance of asking the right questions to drive real progress, and the need for protective measures to ensure innovation efforts don't compromise security. The conversation highlights practical strategies for leaders aiming to create a culture of meaningful and impactful innovation. Mark Blais joined Channel in 2019 as Chief Information Officer and is responsible for ensuring all technologies and resources deliver best-in-class industry solutions. Prior to joining Channel as CIO, Blais has held senior technology leadership roles within companies including Digi-Key, Target, Veritas/Symantec, Questar, and Lasersonics, several of which operate in technology epicenters like Silicon Valley. His background leading enterprise development teams offers experience in varied industry verticals including 3D MRI, electronic component distribution, scientific lasers, multi-channel point of sale, and credit. Mark is also a member of the ELFA Innovation Council. Resources Mentioned: There's an AI for That: https://theresanaiforthat.com/ Connect with Us: Mark Blais on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blais-cio/ Channel Partners Website: http://www.channelpartnerscapital.com Deb Reuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ TomorrowZone Website: https://tomorrowzone.io

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben sits down with Danielle Dolloff, EVP of Sales and Marketing at Liventus, to explore the evolving landscape of AI in business and innovation. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into business processes, the importance of creating safe spaces for innovation, and the critical need to invest in the next generation of professionals. Danielle Dolloff, EVP of Sales and Marketing, leads new partnerships and business growth at Liventus. With over 25 years of experience, she excels in team leadership, driving growth, and optimizing processes. Before Liventus, Danielle was EVP of Sales and Marketing at L.A. Gem and Jewelry Design, and held leadership roles at Speedo, Sport Chalet, and Sears. She holds an MBA from Northern Illinois University and a BA in English from St. Cloud State University. Connect with Us: Danielle Dolloff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielledolloff/ Liventus Website: https://www.liventus.com Deb Reuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ TomorrowZone Website: https://tomorrowzone.io

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben dives deep into the intricate world of branding, perception, and influence with Michael Roderick, founder of Small Pond Enterprises. Michael, a renowned expert in relationship-building and referability, shares his unique framework of categorizing individuals into three archetypes: Scientist, Celebrity, and Magician. He explains how understanding these categories can help leaders and entrepreneurs leverage their strengths and increase their influence. Throughout the discussion, Michael offers actionable insights on finding your flow, the importance of external feedback, and why focusing on depth rather than reach can unlock hidden opportunities in today's fast-paced world. Michael Roderick is the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises which helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable, their messaging memorable, and their ideas unforgettable. He is also the host of the podcast Access to Anyone which shows how you can get to know anyone you want in business and in life using time-tested relationship-building principles. Michael's unique methodology comes from his own experience of going from being a Highschool English teacher to a Broadway Producer in under two years. Michael uses Broadway-informed branding techniques to help his clients find their I.F. (Innovative Framework) and create offers where they get paid for their brains. Resources Mentioned: - Referability Rater: Michael's tool for assessing how well you share your message and your level of referability: www.myreferabilityrater.com Connect with Us: - Michael Roderick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-roderick-1161571/ - Small Pond Enterprises Website: http://www.smallpondenterprises.com/ - Deb Reuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ - TomorrowZone Website: https://tomorrowzone.io

The Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the third episode of the new series in the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deb Reuben welcomes John Cooper, Director of NA Financial Services Business Solutions for CNH Industrial Capital. They discuss the importance of relationships, trust, and empathy in driving successful digital transformations. John shares his experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges, managing large-scale projects, and balancing day-to-day operations with innovative pursuits. This episode is packed with practical insights and actionable advice for leaders looking to shape a more awesome future.

John Cooper is currently Director of NA Financial Services Business Solutions for CNH Industrial Capital the captive finance company of CNH Industrial America. His responsibilities includes NA Business Operations, the Project Management and Business Analytics teams and is also the NA Digital leader. John has been with CNHi for 25 years spending many years in operations but also leading systems modernization and digitization projects creating a cohesive relationship between the business and IT organizations and leading initiatives which have spanned across all capital regions. John has a quality background achieving Six Sigma Blackbelt and Lien Six Sigma certification. Prior to joining CNHi John was a secondary educator.

Connect with Us: - John Cooper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cooper-007144158/ - CNH Capital Website: http://www.cnhcapital.com - Deb Reuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ - TomorrowZone Website: https://tomorrowzone.io

In 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 creates. What makes Kat a master facilitator is the alchemy created when she combines her extensive experience in roles such as Culture & Leadership Development Coach, Lead Group Facilitator, Project Manager and Operations Manager. She has also studied various training and communication techniques including Nonviolent Communication. When Kat's not training professionally, she is facilitating group climate actions for the Extinction Rebellion SFBay Street Theater working group, writing songs, holding dance parties in her living room with my family, or tending to plants. Resources Mentioned: - Dr. Timothy Clark's work on psychological safety: https://www.leaderfactor.com/4-stages-of-psychological-safety - Nonviolent Communication (NVC): https://kathleennadel.medium.com/the-meta-skill-that-tops-all-meta-skills-8ef0ba5a02a - Question prompts to facilitate meeting connections: https://tscheck.in/ Connect with Us: - Kat Nadel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-nadel/ - Luman: http://luman.io/ - Deborah Reuben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ - TomorrowZone: https://tomorrowzone.io

The Innovator Success Series is a collection of interviews diving into how smart innovation leaders at top companies are shaping the future. In the second episode of the new series in the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, Deb Reuben welcomes Tawnya Stone, an innovator in the equipment finance industry with Great America. They discuss Tanya's unique role that bridges customer interaction and technology development, highlighting her journey and key insights into leading innovation. Tanya emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why,' overcoming challenges, and continuously learning to shape a more successful future in equipment finance.

Tawnya Stone is Vice President, Enterprise Strategic Technology, at GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp. She is responsible for the overall strategic direction, oversight and implementation of customer-facing tools and products across various GreatAmerica business units, working in close collaboration with business unit and functional leadership and external technology.

Connect with Us:

• Tawnya Stone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyastone/
• - Deb Reuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/
• - TomorrowZone Website: https://tomorrowzone.io
• Episode Links and Resources:
• - Great America: https://www.greatamerica.com
• - Simon Sinek's Work: https://simonsinek.com/

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 leadership, and the "secret sauce" for fostering innovation within teams. Since January of 2024, Jen Martin is the Chief Product Officer at LTi Technology Solutions, overseeing LTi's product roadmap and supporting customer training and sales demonstrations. She previously spent 28 years at Key Equipment Finance (KEF), holding various roles in Operations and technology. Jen led the implementation of LTi's ASPIRE and played a pivotal role in KEF's technology stack transformation. Her latest role at KEF was with the KEF senior leadership team, leading the business support teams and sales enablement, driving growth through data-driven strategic modeling. Jen is a founding member of the ELFA Women's Council, the immediate past chair for the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee/Conference, a member of the Monitor's Editorial Board, and part of the ELFA's Innovation Advisory Council. Connect with Us: - LinkedIn: Jen Martin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmartinlti/) - Website: TomorrowZone (https://tomorrowzone.io/) - LinkedIn: Deborah Reuben (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/)

In this engaging episode of The TomorrowZone Podcast, Deb enjoys a conversation with Chris Cummins, a motivational public speaker and expert in navigating the Growth Zone. Together, they explore the exhilarating journey of personal and corporate innovation, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, continuous learning, and embracing challenges head-on. Chris Cummins, 7-time TEDx Speaker, Author, Inspiring Keynote Speaker, TV Host of upcoming "Charged-Up Show." When not delivering transformational keynotes, Chris works with CEO's & Leaders to improve their on-stage effectiveness. In a world craving inspiration, Chris Cummins stands out. Leading Cummins Media Inc for 19 years, he's been the guiding force behind enhanced communication for business elite, including BMW, FED-EX, Microsoft, Manulife Bank, Olympic Committee leadership team, Alamos Gold Mines, BNY Mellon and more. Chris impacts his audiences deeply. Often his keynote clients ask him to teach their senior leadership teams how to impact their audiences in the same way. Connect with us: - Website: www.ChrisCummins.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscummins/ - Instagram: @ChrisCumminsSpeaker - Website: https://tomorrowzone.io - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ Additional Resources: - Jim Rohn: Mentioned by Chris as an influence on his understanding of success principles. - Kaizen Philosophy: The Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement discussed in the episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with us on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on this episode. Stay curious and keep innovating!

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Alissa Bartlett, a business analyst and consultant at TomorrowZone. Alissa shares her journey of over 20 years in leadership development, software implementation, and marketing research. Known for her enthusiasm and creativity, Alissa's superpowers of curiosity and connection shine through as she discusses the importance of networking, facilitation, and operating in one's strengths. Throughout a 20-year career that spans leadership development, software implementation, and marketing research, Alissa brings enthusiasm and creativity to everything she does. Her super-power is connecting people with similar goals and priorities, and asking insightful questions to help others grow and develop. Alissa enjoys giving back to the community and has held leadership positions within American Marketing Association and other local and national organizations. Resources Mentioned: StrengthsFinder Assessment: A tool for identifying and leveraging personal strengths. AI Design SprintTM, developed by 33A. Quote Source: "You can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path." — STEVE JOBS Jobs, S. (2005). Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address. Stanford University YouTube Channel. Retrieved on August 26, 2022 Book Mention: Sullivan, Dan; Hardy, Benjamin. 10x Is Easier Than 2x (p. 137). Hay House. Kindle Edition. Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-n-bartlett/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/ Additional Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. For inquiries and consulting services, visit TomorrowZone.

Join Deb Reuben and special guest, Hilary Bilbrey, as they explore how fear impacts innovation and business growth. They discuss practical strategies to overcome fear, decision paralysis, and FOMO, transforming these barriers into opportunities for creativity and success. Hilary Bilbrey has been a master educator, storyteller, and leadership coach from the time that she could talk, but professionally for over 20 years. She is cofounder of PEQ Performance Consulting LLC, a leadership consulting company that combines compassion, excellence, simplicity, and sophisticated brain science to bring teams to the summit of their truest potential. Clients include several Fortune 200 companies from biotech to food manufacturing and everywhere in between. She is most known for being a walking Wikipedia of leadership literature, close kin to the Energizer Bunny and an unapologetic truth teller. She currently lives in California where she hikes and drinks red wine with her husband. Her three children are the absolute joy of her existence. Connect with Us: Hilary Bilbrey: https://www.hilarybilbrey.com/; https://www.peq-performance.com/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-bilbrey/ Deb Reuben: https://tomorrowzone.io/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreuben/