The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast

In this Future Shaping Leaders episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Shannon Seaver, CEO of The AI Whisperers and Executive Director of createMPLS. Shannon shares how she's using AI to help teachers reclaim time, simplify complexity, and re-center the human connection in learning. Her platform transforms a single lesson into multiple personalized experiences, without adding to teacher workload. You will hear how she built this system during a 48-hour build event, why relationships drive real learning, and how AI can actually protect against AI misuse in the classroom. The real innovation here is not the tech. It is the shift in how we design systems that serve people better. If you care about building future-ready solutions that put people first, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. Shannon Seaver is a systems thinker, builder, and visionary at the intersection of education and innovation. As CEO of The AI Whisperers and Executive Director of createMPLS, she is leading the charge to make tech-powered learning more equitable, personal, and future-ready. With over 20 years as an engineer, educator, and nonprofit leader, Shannon brings a rare blend of classroom insight and technical expertise to the design of AI-integrated tools that adapt to learner needs in real time. Her work spans AI-powered curriculum, professional development for educators, and scalable solutions that simplify complex workflows. This allows teachers to focus on what matters most: relationships and learning. Whether she is coding, training, or shaping policy, Shannon stays focused on a single goal: to build inclusive, flexible systems that prepare people not just for today's workforce but for the world they will shape next. Connect with Us: Shannon Seaver | LinkedIn The AI Whisperers createMPLS Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders Are Navigating AI Adoption In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben talks with Harsha Boralessa, creator of the Reframe & Reset Your Career Podcast. They explore how transformational leaders can think differently about career growth in a world shaped by AI and constant change. Harsha shares insights from over 100 expert conversations, revealing how high performers navigate uncertainty, build relevance, and take strategic control of their path. You'll hear why consistency matters more than intensity, how to reframe setbacks into progress, and why your career deserves to be run like a business. One powerful reminder stands out: the riskiest move might be playing it safe. If you're committed to leading change, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and next steps you can put into practice. Links to podcast episodes referenced in the show: Episode 5. Playing the Long Game – Dorie Clark Episode 6. Think Big – Dr. Grace Lordan Episode 56. How Marketing & Personal Branding Can Help Your Job Search & Build Your Career – Janice Mandel Episode 100. How to Use Long-Term Thinking to Future-Proof Your Career – Dorie Clark Harsha Boralessa is a strategic voice in career transformation and the founder of the "Reframe & Reset Your Career" podcast. With more than 15 years of experience across investment banking, investment management, and Big 4 advisory firms, he brings a practical lens to navigating change in a fast-evolving world. His podcast, recognized by Apple, Mac's List, and Feedspot, explores how neuroscience, psychology, and real-world experience come together to help people think differently and lead their careers with intention. A lifelong student of high performance, Harsha combines curiosity, discipline, and strategic thinking to help others break free from outdated career narratives. His work empowers professionals to reframe challenges, take ownership of their path, and invest in long-term growth with clarity and confidence. Connect with Us: Harsha Boralessa | LinkedIn Harsha Boralessa Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 from the year: speed doesn't come from pushing harder. It comes from alignment. If you are a leader thinking about what comes next, this conversation will help you pause with purpose, reflect with intention, and gain the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. Deborah Reuben, CLFP, is CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone®, a consulting firm helping leaders shape the future with clarity, courage, and human-centered innovation. With over 20 years in equipment finance and technology, she's known for making complexity approachable and helping teams turn ideas into action. She created TomorrowZone to challenge reactive, tech-first approaches and guide leaders toward meaningful, lasting change. Deborah authored five editions of the Certified Leasing and Finance Professionals' Handbook and currently serves on the CLFP Foundation Board. Her leadership has been nationally recognized for driving innovation and transformation. Through TomorrowZone, she helps forward-thinking organizations cut through noise, align around purpose, and build the momentum to lead what's next. Jennica Burgh is Director of Operations at TomorrowZone®, where she bridges strategy and execution to help bold ideas become lasting results. With a background that spans social work, financial services, and operations leadership, Jennica brings a unique blend of people-first thinking and practical execution. She keeps TomorrowZone running with rhythm, guiding projects from vision to action and ensuring every team stays connected to purpose. Whether she's facilitating conversations or refining systems, Jennica creates space for clarity and collaboration. She works closely with clients to translate complexity into movement and momentum, supporting leaders as they align their teams, activate strategy, and shape what's next. Connect with Us: Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn Jennica Burgh | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders Are Navigating AI Adoption

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Skip Wehner, a seasoned entrepreneur and Manager of Education at NEFA, to explore how curiosity can unlock innovation. With over 30 years in equipment finance and a strong background in manufacturing and business growth, Skip offers a grounded, fresh perspective on the evolving role of AI in leadership. What begins as a conversation about tech quickly evolves into a powerful story of human connection, learning, and leadership through change. Skip shares how his journey with AI didn't begin with a business goal, but with a deeply personal moment - using AI to connect with his mother as she struggled with memory loss. That moment sparked something bigger: a realization that innovation doesn't always start with strategy. It starts with a simple "I wonder." This conversation is a must-listen for leaders feeling overwhelmed by AI hype and want to get practical about what's possible now. If you're seeking momentum and clarity as you navigate transformation in your organization, Skip's approach will remind you how to lead with heart and think differently about the tools in front of you. Listen in and get inspired to lead change in ways that matter. With over three decades of experience in equipment finance and nearly ten years in product manufacturing and distribution, Skip Wehner brings a unique, cross-industry perspective to leadership and innovation. A successful entrepreneur, he's founded, scaled, and sold multiple businesses, proving his deep understanding of both strategy and execution. Today, as NEFA's Manager of Education, Skip focuses on empowering professionals with the tools, mindset, and knowledge to lead effectively in a rapidly changing industry. Known for his collaborative spirit and people-first approach, he fosters environments where curiosity and learning fuel progress. Skip's leadership style is grounded in real-world experience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow. Whether building educational programs or mentoring future leaders, he brings clarity, connection, and a forward-thinking mindset to every challenge. Connect with Us: Skip Wehner | LinkedIn NEFA Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 offers a powerful reframe: your job is not to sell ideas, but to shape beliefs. You will learn how to elevate your voice without ego, articulate your ideas with strategic clarity, and earn the kind of trust that pulls people in instead of pushing them forward. If you're looking to build lasting influence and become the go-to person when the stakes are high, this episode is your roadmap. David Newman is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker who helps bold leaders amplify their voice and elevate their impact. As the author of Market Eminence and host of the top-ranked Selling Show podcast, he equips CEOs, founders, and experts with practical strategies to build visibility, earn respect, and become the trusted voice in their space. David's frameworks have empowered leaders across Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing firms to rise above the noise, stand out for what matters, and become the go-to authority in their field. With decades of experience guiding professionals through transformation, his approach challenges conventional thinking and delivers tools that help you become essential, both inside and outside your organization. FREE training, worksheets, and tools at MarketEminence.com Connect with Us: David Newman | LinkedIn Do It! Marketing Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders are Navigating AI Adoption. In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah Reuben chats with Nick Fong, Chief Marketing and Technology Officer at AP Equipment Financing. Nick brings a unique dual lens as a creative marketer and tech strategist, sharing how his team is navigating AI adoption with experimentation, intention, and business value in mind. Nick reflects on what sparked his interest in AI, how his team went from curiosity to traction, and the pivotal mindset shifts that helped unlock real progress. From marketing content to process optimization, he shares examples of how they tested tools in low-risk areas to build trust, save time, and amplify human judgment — not replace it. Throughout the conversation, Nick reminds us to be cautious about falling in love with a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. He explains how asking the right questions, involving the right people, and focusing on real operational value helped his team cut through the noise and focus on what matters. If you're ready to move beyond buzzwords and make smart, strategic choices about emerging tech, this episode is packed with practical inspiration for leaders shaping what's next. Nick Fong is the Chief Marketing and Technology Officer at AP Equipment Financing, where he blends strategic creativity with a practical, data-informed approach to innovation. With a deep understanding of both customer experience and operational efficiency, Nick drives initiatives that amplify business value while empowering teams through experimentation and smart tech adoption. A Certified Lease & Finance Professional, industry educator, and recognized as a NextGen ICON, he's known for translating complex technology into meaningful impact. Nick has a track record of leading cross-functional teams to explore and implement tools that enhance, not replace, human decision-making. His leadership reflects a mindset of continuous learning, purposeful experimentation, and a grounded focus on outcomes over hype. Whether he's building scalable marketing systems or guiding his team through new AI capabilities, Nick is a catalyst for thoughtful, future-ready transformation. Connect with Us: Nick Fong | LinkedIn AP Equipment Financing Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

Reinvention 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 constant change, this episode offers practical wisdom for evolving your operations without losing sight of your long-term vision. Eileen's approach will inspire you to slow down, realign, and make bold progress, one intentional decision at a time. Eileen Schoonmaker is a seasoned financial services leader with over 35 years of experience transforming operations and leading high-performing teams across the equipment finance industry. As President of the Americas for PEAC Solutions, she oversees risk, sales support, customer care, asset management, and more, with a sharp focus on performance, innovation, and long-term value creation. Before joining PEAC, she held key leadership roles at DLL and AT&T Leasing, where she led large-scale operations and helped shape customer experience strategy at national levels. Named one of Monitor Daily's "Top 50 Women in Finance," Eileen brings a future-focused mindset to every challenge, blending strategic thinking with hands-on leadership. She holds a degree in Business and Finance from Stockton University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Connect with Us: Eileen Schoonmaker | LinkedIn PEAC Solutions Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

Emotional 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. Together, they explore how balancing tech with humanity leads to better outcomes, why psychological safety is the foundation of innovation, and how listening to frontline voices can unlock game-changing ideas. This episode offers practical insight for leaders ready to transform how they think about operational excellence without losing sight of the humans behind every experience. Lilian Starr is Director of Operations at First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance and a transformation-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in customer experience and operational strategy. She created the N.I.C.E. Framework -Notice, Interact, Care, Execute - to bring emotional intelligence into service and team leadership. Known for driving innovation through people-focused process improvement, Lilian leads award-winning teams and has championed automation efforts that improve service, efficiency, and engagement. As a member of the ELFA Innovation Lab Committee, she's a passionate voice for human-centered transformation and believes the future of work starts with empowering people. Connect with Us: Lilian Starr | LinkedIn First Citizens Bank Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

Many 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 experience inside some of the world's most complex organizations. He explains how leaders can move beyond outdated approaches, embrace roles that truly support team growth, and design cultures that elevate both energy and impact. If you're a leader looking to unlock your team's full potential and design for what's next, this conversation offers powerful perspectives and actionable ideas to get you started. Dr. André Martin is an organizational psychologist, leadership coach, and author of Wrong Fit, Right Fit. With a career leading talent and culture at Google, Nike, Mars, and Target, André has uncovered a powerful insight: it's not perks or performance metrics that set legendary teams apart—it's collective confidence. Today, as founder of Team&Co, he helps CEOs and leadership teams build "confident collectives" that defy limits and outperform expectations. His work blends sports psychology, organizational science, and real-world business transformation to guide leaders in designing workplaces where both people and performance thrive. Whether helping executives navigate uncertainty or unlocking team potential, André's insights challenge leaders to think differently and lead with purpose. Connect with Us: Dr. André Martin | LinkedIn Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

**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 AI. Innovation starts with clarity of purpose, not shiny tech. Whether you're navigating resistance, regulation, or the pressure to innovate faster, this episode offers practical insights and a reassuring reminder that you're not alone. If you're ready to lead innovation without losing your humanity, this episode is for you. Chelsey Barron is a transformative leader in equipment finance with over 14 years of experience spanning operations and sales. As Senior Vice President at LEAF Commercial Capital, she leads the technology division's sales, business development, and program management driving future-focused growth through innovation. Beyond her role at LEAF, Chelsey serves as the Committee Chair of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's (ELFA) Innovation Committee, where she's helping shape the industry's evolution. A passionate advocate for collaboration, experimentation, and alignment, Chelsey brings a unique lens to how companies can turn curiosity into traction. Whether rethinking credit processes with AI or helping foster human-centered innovation cultures, she's committed to empowering teams and moving the industry forward. Connect with Us: LEAF Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone