The TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast

Most 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 in to learn why slowing down just long enough to get aligned speeds up your transformation. If you're tired of friction, firefighting, and failed initiatives, this one's for you. Deborah Reuben is a transformative force in innovation strategy and the future of work. As CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone®, she empowers visionary leaders to solve complex business challenges through human-centered innovation and emerging tech insights. With over 20 years in equipment finance and technology, Deborah brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of enabling organizations to think differently and act courageously. An award-winning author, speaker, and creator of the Catalyst Sprint, Deborah guides companies through a breakthrough process that builds clarity, alignment, and unstoppable momentum. She's not just imagining the future, she's building it. Connect with Us: Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn Alissa Bartlett | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 make every meeting count, this episode is your playbook for future-ready leadership. Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP, is the CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone®, a visionary leader blending emerging technology with human-centered innovation. With over 20 years in finance and software, she guides leaders through transformation with clarity, curiosity, and bold strategy. Passionate about AI's potential, Deb helps organizations imagine the art of the possible and future-proof their business. Alissa Bartlett, Business Analyst and Podcast Producer at TomorrowZone®, is a master problem-solver and project driver. With expertise spanning software implementation, marketing research, and leadership development, she transforms challenges into opportunities. Currently exploring AI's power, she brings focus, creativity, and a human touch to every initiative. Jennica Burgh, Director of Operations at TomorrowZone®, is the strategic heartbeat of the organization, turning vision into action. Combining operational expertise, empathy, and strategic insight, she designs purposeful, engaging collaboration, especially in virtual environments. Fascinated by Generative AI, she helps teams work smarter while keeping human connection at the center. Connect with Us: Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn Jennica Burgh | LinkedIn Alissa Bartlett | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 is a must-listen for forward-thinking leaders who want to move beyond quick fixes, invest in scalable human growth, and intentionally design future-ready organizations. Paula Skaper is a bold voice in the world of digital transformation, known for her contrarian, human-first approach to AI integration. As founder of 33Dolphins Growth Strategy, she helps organizations unlock year-over-year growth, ranging from 20% to 300%, by blending strategic foresight with emerging technology and deep empathy. Her proprietary Growth Architecture Framework™ empowers leaders to design sustainable systems that develop people and scale results. Paula's career spans ecommerce, finance, tourism, and media, with a legacy of pioneering innovation at companies like London Drugs, HSBC, and Future Shop. An Advanced Certified AI strategist and Canadian government advisor, Paula guides businesses in building future-ready, resilient teams. Her upcoming book, Navigating Chaos, offers a field guide for growth-minded leaders embracing change with courage and clarity. Connect with Us: Paula Skaper | LinkedIn 33Dolphins Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with John Gamades and Beau Nordby, partners at OrangeBall Creative, to explore what happens when AI meets authentic human creativity. The world is changing fast, and while many leaders are asking, "Will AI replace me?" John and Beau are asking more powerful questions, like, "What should still be human?" Together, they unpack how today's most forward-thinking innovators are learning to think with AI rather than surrender to it. You'll hear real stories about using AI to spark insight, enhance design, and surface messaging gold hidden in the noise. You'll also discover why the most transformative creative work still needs a human touch. Intuition, taste, trust, and connection can't be replicated. If you've ever wondered where AI ends and authentic brand clarity begins, this is your invitation to explore the creative edge of innovation, without losing what makes us human. John Gamades and Beau Nordby are partners at OrangeBall Creative, a brand strategy firm blending decades of design expertise with the emerging power of AI. John brings sharp messaging, UX, and creative storytelling skills to help brands find clarity and connection in a noisy world. Known for asking the right questions and cutting through fluff, he's exploring the creative edge where human intuition meets machine intelligence. Beau is a strategist who transforms attention into action with a practical, future-focused approach. With deep roots in digital marketing, ecommerce, and creative leadership, he's now focused on how AI can help brands build trust and spark meaningful engagement. Together, they help organizations tap into the potential of human + machine collaboration, not by replacing people, but by elevating what only people can do. Connect with Us: John Gamades | LinkedIn Beau Nordby | LinkedIn OrangeBall Creative Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 shares vivid examples of what happens when businesses skip discovery, why technical debt quietly kills innovation, and how asking the right questions can lead to breakthrough ROI, even before AI comes into play. If you're leading transformation and want to unlock the true power of your data, this episode offers a grounded, future-ready roadmap. Discover why slowing down to aim carefully can launch you farther and faster than rushing in without direction. Sarah Kalicin is a data strategist and the founder of Achieve More with Data, where she helps organizations gain a competitive edge through purpose-driven data science and AI. With over 30 years of experience across industries, from tech giants like Intel to Fortune 500 food, manufacturing, and healthcare companies, Sarah knows what it takes to operationalize data strategy. Her rare blend of expertise in applied statistics, mathematics, and psychology enables her to bridge the gap between people, process, and technology. Sarah's discovery-first methodology empowers leaders to align their teams, ask the right questions, and unlock measurable value from data, without getting lost in the hype. Whether guiding transformation or helping teams see what their data is trying to say, Sarah is passionate about turning complexity into clarity and enabling organizations to innovate with confidence. Connect with Us: Sarah Kalicin | LinkedIn Achieve More with Data Sarah Kalicin Email Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with speaker and connector Chris Cummins about his bold experiment in human connection at the world's largest crypto conference. What happens when you ask introverted tech minds to turn to a stranger and tell their story? Chris shares how he transformed awkward silence into meaningful conversation and why this matters more than ever in a tech-saturated world. You don't need more connections; you need more people who know you deeply and speak highly of you. That simple truth turns conventional networking on its head and unlocks powerful ripple effects for transformational leaders. Chris takes us behind the scenes of the Consensus stage, where his interactive session on human connection led participants to remember names and conversations long after the event. This episode explores how to engineer serendipity, build memorable relationships, and design connection with intention. Chris Cummins is a transformational speaker, leadership advisor, and founder of Cummins Media Inc., a boutique consulting firm serving global giants like Microsoft, CIBC, and the Olympic Committee. For nearly two decades, he's helped leaders elevate communication and build cultures of authentic connection. Known for his storytelling, intelligent humor, and unexpected tactics (including beatboxing), Chris helps people break through communication barriers fast. Whether guiding teams through change or sparking serendipity at global conferences, Chris creates real human connection in a tech-heavy world. When he's not tying hockey skates for his three kids or building a backyard ice rink, he's working toward a helicopter pilot license, always chasing the next challenge. Connect with Us: Chris Cummins | LinkedIn ChrisCummins.com Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 leadership mindset, adapt to exponential shifts, and build a future where technology amplifies human potential, this conversation will spark new ways of thinking. Jonathan Brill is the world's #1 ranked futurist (Forbes) and a trusted advisor to global innovators. As HP's former Global Futurist and an inventor behind 325+ products generating $27 billion, he equips leaders to spot, prioritize, and invent what happens next. His acclaimed book Rogue Waves offers a practical framework to thrive amid disruption. Jonathan draws on decades of cross-industry experience, helping organizations move beyond short-term reactions to design meaningful, future-ready action. With an eye on technological, social, and geopolitical change, he empowers transformational leaders to win the next five years and beyond. Connect with Us: Jonathan Brill | LinkedIn Center for Radical Change Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

In 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 change and uncertainty. Whether you're leading a transformation initiative, implementing new technology, or preparing your team for future challenges, this conversation will inspire you lead with courage, curiosity, and connection. Jen Croneberger is a trusted voice in human-centered leadership, helping organizations move from outdated control models to connection-driven performance. A four-time TEDx speaker and founder of The HUMAN Leadership Institute, Jen combines science, strategy, and heart to drive meaningful cultural transformation. Her insights stem from two decades of work with professional athletes, Fortune 500 companies, and federal agencies, including Nike and the U.S. Department of Defense. With advanced studies in Sports Psychology, leadership certifications from Harvard and Cornell, and a role on the Forbes Coaches Council, Jen's influence is both deep and wide. Her forthcoming book, Meet Them Where They Are, introduces the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® model – a practical roadmap to build cultures of Belonging, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Empathy. Connect with Us: Jen Croneberger | LinkedIn The HUMAN Leadership Institute Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

You 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 overwhelm, this conversation is a must-listen. Ross Smith is a future-focused technology leader and the CEO of Initium SoftWorks LLC (ISW), where he guides organizations through complex digital transformation with a practical, human-centered approach. With decades of experience in enterprise content management, intelligent automation, and system integration, Ross has a proven track record of simplifying complexity and accelerating business outcomes. What sets Ross apart is his relentless focus on trust, governance, and aligning technology to real business needs. His work spans industries – from financial services to public sector – delivering smart, responsible AI solutions that reduce friction, enhance decision-making, and empower teams. Under his leadership, ISW is bringing proven automation strategies into the equipment finance space, helping organizations modernize without losing their soul. Ross is known for building high-performing teams, earning client trust, and delivering real value, even in high-stakes, high-complexity environments. Connect with Us: Ross Smith | LinkedIn Initium SoftWorks (ISW) Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

Innovation 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, this episode is a timely reminder that courage and connection are essential tools. From AI disruption to shifting workplace culture, today's leaders need more than answers; they need trust. And it starts with showing up, human and real. Jen Croneberger is a trusted voice in human-centered leadership, helping organizations move from outdated control models to connection-driven performance. A four-time TEDx speaker and founder of The HUMAN Leadership Institute, Jen combines science, strategy, and heart to drive meaningful cultural transformation. Her insights stem from two decades of work with professional athletes, Fortune 500 companies, and federal agencies, including Nike and the U.S. Department of Defense. With advanced studies in Sports Psychology, leadership certifications from Harvard and Cornell, and a role on the Forbes Coaches Council, Jen's influence is both deep and wide. Her forthcoming book, Meet Them Where They Are, introduces the B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® model – a practical roadmap to build cultures of Belonging, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Empathy. Connect with Us: Jen Croneberger | LinkedIn The HUMAN Leadership Institute Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone