What's Next! with Tiffani Bova

Tiffani Bova

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast. I've met so many brilliant people as I traveled the globe and have had some fascinating conversations that I've wished had been recorded so I could share them with you - this podcast was a way for me to recreate those moments and let you in on some fantastic insights. My current conversations center around one objective: what's next for companies and individuals as they look to innovate and grow. I hope these conversations inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Whether I am preparing for a keynote speech or writing for publications such as Harvard Business Review and Huffington Post, these are my go-to people. My goal with the What's Next! podcast is to keep you thinking and to challenge you to think about What's Next!

  1. Why Most Strategies Fail with Roger Martin

    1D AGO

    Why Most Strategies Fail with Roger Martin

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    I'm thrilled to welcome you back to a series I did with my dear friend, Roger Martin. He's the author of the amazing book, Playing to Win, and together, we're exploring the true meaning of strategy and how it's often misunderstood or misapplied in business today.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…CEOs, strategy leaders, and executives who want a clearer, more disciplined way to think about strategy. If you've ever questioned whether your strategy is actually driving customer behavior, this episode is for you.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…in this conversation, Roger revisits the most common ways organizations misunderstand strategy and explains why those misunderstandings persist. He walks through what real strategy requires, why execution often fails even when teams are aligned, and how leaders can move beyond planning frameworks to make decisions that actually lead to winning.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… Strategy succeeds only when choices reinforce one another and point toward a clear outcome. Many organizations confuse strategy with planning, which leads to activity without impact. Customer behavior is the ultimate test of whether a strategy is working. Poor strategic outcomes are often the result of incomplete or misaligned choices. Strong strategy requires leaders to be explicit about what they will and will not do.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I love how Roger cuts through the noise and insists that strategy isn't mysterious, it's just demanding. His clarity around choice, discipline, and customer behavior challenges leaders to stop hiding behind complexity and start owning the real decisions required to win.   Running Time: 26:59   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Roger Online: LinkedIn Website   Show Summary on Substack

    27 min
  2. Become a Guiding Leader with Serin Silva

    FEB 5

    Become a Guiding Leader with Serin Silva

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    This week, I'm excited to welcome Serin Silva to the show. She is a strategic advisor to women founders, CEOs, and leadership teams. She led integration communications for eight acquisitions in a single year at a billion-dollar telecom, helping bring Oracle's first CRM and human capital management platforms to market. She launched the original MSNBC digital brand for Microsoft, and drove strategy for an early food delivery robot long before it was cool. She led five restructures and turnarounds for mid-sized companies, doubled revenue for mid-market tech firms, and delivered 150% business increase in eight months by forcing the right business and mindset pivots, which is why I wanted her to join today.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone feeling exhausted by trying to "push" alignment instead of creating it.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…drawing from her experience leading impressive acquisitions and product launches, Serin explains how leaders can shift from managing "by spreadsheet" to leading with human understanding. She discusses why high achievers often burn themselves out, how asking better questions changes outcomes, and what it really takes to guide people through change without losing momentum or yourself.   Key Takeaways: Leading change works best when leaders prioritize emotional alignment, not just operational efficiency. Asking better questions requires discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions respectfully. Most resistance at work is emotional, even when it shows up as rational debate. Removing emotion from decision-making frameworks can unlock stalled progress and clarity.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Serin's honesty about learning to temper her fire without losing it. Her insight that growth often comes from separating self-worth from outcomes is a powerful reminder for driven leaders who care deeply about their work.   Running Time: 29:20   Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Serin Online: LinkedIn Website

    29 min
  3. How To Become a Better Manager with Ashley Herd

    JAN 29

    How To Become a Better Manager with Ashley Herd

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    This week I have the honor of welcoming Ashley Herd to the show. She is a former Chief People Officer and General Counsel who has trained over a quarter of a million managers through LinkedIn Learning and live corporate trainings. Ashley built Manager Method after leading HR in legal teams at McKinsey, Yum! Brands and Modern Luxury. She has a new book out called The Manager Method.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…new managers, experienced leaders, and anyone responsible for developing people who wants a more practical, human way to manage performance. If you've ever struggled with giving feedback, felt unsure how much autonomy to give your team, or questioned whether traditional performance reviews actually work, this episode will feel especially relevant.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…most managers aren't failing because they don't care,  they're failing because they were never taught how to manage. In this episode, Ashley breaks down why so many well-intentioned leaders fall into patterns like avoiding feedback, overcorrecting, or defaulting to vague autonomy. She introduces a more structured, honest approach to management. We talk about why people actually want feedback, how AI is changing (and exposing) broken performance processes, and what managers can do differently to help their teams thrive.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… Most managers are promoted for performance rather than trained for leadership, creating gaps in expectations and feedback. Autonomy without structure often leaves employees feeling uncertain rather than empowered. Avoiding feedback is usually driven by good intentions, but it ultimately limits growth and trust. Consistent, direct feedback helps people feel respected, supported, and clear about where they stand.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I loved Ashley's honest take on how good intentions often lead managers astray. Her insight that people don't need perfection but rather clarity reframes feedback as an act of respect, not criticism. It's a powerful reminder that strong management isn't about control or charisma, but about creating the conditions where people know where they stand and how to grow.   Running Time: 28:57   Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Ashley Online: LinkedIn Website   Ashley's Book: The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get Results

    29 min
  4. Making Better Strategic Choices with Roger Martin

    JAN 22

    Making Better Strategic Choices with Roger Martin

    Making Better Strategic Choices with Roger Martin   I'm thrilled to announce a new show with my dear friend, Roger Martin, author of the amazing book, Playing to Win. In this 12-part series, we'll explore the true meaning of strategy and how it's often misunderstood or misapplied in business today.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders and strategists who are tired of strategy being confused with planning and want a clearer, more practical way to think about how real strategic choices drive results.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…strategy isn't a list of priorities or a collection of initiatives—it's an integrated set of choices that work together to drive customer behavior. In this conversation, Roger Martin explains why so many organizations misunderstand strategy, how that misunderstanding shows up in day-to-day decision-making, and what it really takes to close the gap between what leaders hope will happen and what actually does. Drawing on decades of experience, Roger challenges conventional strategy thinking and lays the groundwork for a more disciplined, choice-driven approach to winning.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… Strategy only works when choices reinforce one another, not when they exist as disconnected initiatives. The hardest—and most important—part of strategy is influencing customer behavior, not internal activity. Many companies mistake planning exercises for strategy, which leads to disappointing results.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I love how clearly Roger reframes strategy as a set of deliberate, reinforcing choices. It's a powerful reminder that winning isn't about doing more things, it's about making better, more integrated choices.   Running Time: 21:22   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Roger Online: LinkedIn Website   Show Summary on Substack

    21 min
  5. Building Brands Customers Remember with John Dwyer

    JAN 15

    Building Brands Customers Remember with John Dwyer

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    This week I have the pleasure of welcoming from Australia, John Dwyer, also known as JD. He is a direct response customer attraction expert who thinks way outside the box. His marketing consultancy business is called the Institute of Wow and JD's mantra is that one's marketing needs to wow prospects. I'm sure you all understand exactly why I invited him to our show but dive into what you should be doing to grow and build a successful business in 2026.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders, founders, and marketers who want to stand out in crowded markets and create real customer loyalty without relying on gimmicks or short-term tactics.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…most companies say they care about customers—but very few design their business around them. In this episode, we explore what actually separates brands people remember from those they forget. John challenges leaders to rethink how they show up for customers, arguing that sustainable success comes from intentional experiences, not louder marketing.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… How small, thoughtful actions can create disproportionate brand impact. The difference between being visible and being memorable. How leaders can embed customer-first thinking into everyday decisions.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I loved John's reminder that meaningful differentiation doesn't come from copying what others are doing—it comes from truly understanding your customer and being willing to act on that insight. His perspective reinforces that growth isn't about chasing trends, but about committing to experiences that people actually care about.   Running Time: 30:47   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find John Online: LinkedIn Website

    31 min
  6. How to Win in a World of Constant Disruption with Patrick Leddin

    JAN 8

    How to Win in a World of Constant Disruption with Patrick Leddin

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    I'm thrilled to welcome Patrick Ledin, PhD, bestselling author and renowned leadership expert at Franklin Covey's Leadership and Culture Practice. He's teamed up with the amazing and legendary author, James Patterson, for their bold new book, Disrupt Everything—and Win, which we dive into in this show.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant change. If you're a leader, manager, or professional navigating disruption (from technology shifts to career uncertainty), this conversation will help you rethink what disruption actually means and how to work with it rather than fight it.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…disruption isn't just something that happens to us — it's something we can choose how to respond to. Drawing on years of research and hundreds of interviews, Patrick explains why winning in disruption isn't about chasing constant change or having all the answers. It's about clarity, purpose, and knowing when to lean into change and when to intentionally choose stability.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Disruption doesn't always mean blowing things up, sometimes saying no to change is the most disruptive move you can make The difference between micro disruptions and major life-altering ones and why both can shape your path. How reframing fear around technology and AI can turn uncertainty into opportunity rather than threat.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Patrick's reminder that leaders don't have to carry disruption alone. You don't need every skill, every answer, or every instinct perfectly calibrated. You just need the self-awareness to know what you bring to the table and the confidence to invite others in.    Running Time: 28:27   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Patrick Online: LinkedIn   Patrick's Book: Disrupt Everything—and Win

    28 min
  7. 2025 Listener Favorite: Becoming Shatterproof with Tasha Eurich

    JAN 1

    2025 Listener Favorite: Becoming Shatterproof with Tasha Eurich

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.   As we approach the end of the year, I'm pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we're giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2025!   This week, I'm excited to highlight an episode with Tasha Eurich.   Tasha is an organizational psychologist, leadership researcher and bestselling author known for her ability to blend science and real-world insight. Her TED Talks have garnered over 10 million views. She has been named one of the world's top three most influential coaches, the Changemaker of the Decade, and one of the top 30 Emerging Management Thinkers by Thinkers50. Her latest book, Shatterproof, combines cutting-edge research with a powerful personal narrative to offer a transformative roadmap for navigating uncertainty and building true mental toughness.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders, professionals, and high achievers who are pushing themselves to keep going in a chaotic world and wondering why it's not working anymore.    TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…we've been taught to push harder when things get tough, but what if that's not the solution? In this conversation, Tasha returns to the podcast to discuss why traditional resilience practices may no longer be sufficient. Drawing on new research from her book Shatterproof, she introduces a powerful roadmap for navigating constant chaos without burning out. If you've ever hit your "resilience ceiling" or felt stuck in hustle culture with nothing to show for it, this conversation will help you reframe how to thrive without self-gaslighting or grinding yourself into the ground.    KEY TAKEAWAYS…  Why "grit gaslighting" is holding many high performers back  What the "resilience ceiling" is and how to know when you've hit it  The difference between pushing through and truly becoming shatterproof  Three core human needs that must be met in order to thrive    WHAT I LOVE MOST…Tasha's insight that "resilient people push through while ignoring their needs, but shatterproof people harness their challenges to meet them." That reframing is a game-changer.    Running Time: 29:16      Subscribe on iTunes       Find Tiffani Online:  LinkedIn  Facebook  X      Find Tasha Online:  LinkedIn  Instagram  YouTube    Tasha's Book:  Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn't Enough)    Resilience Quiz:  https://resilience-quiz.com/

    29 min
  8. 2025 Listener Favorite: The Future of AI with Steve Lucas

    2025-12-25

    2025 Listener Favorite: The Future of AI with Steve Lucas

    Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. As we approach the end of the year, I'm pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we're giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2025!   This week, I'm excited to highlight an episode with Steve Lucas.   Steve is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise software leadership. As the CEO of Boomi, he spearheads efforts to connect the world through a transformative technology platform. Previously, he was the CEO of Marketo and iCIMS. At Marketo, he transformed the company's sales, marketing, and product strategies, culminating in its 2018 acquisition by Adobe. At iCIMS, he introduced the Talent Cloud, enabling 40% of the Fortune 100 to hire millions of employees annually. Earlier roles included senior executive positions at Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, and BusinessObjects.      THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…business leaders navigating digital transformation, especially those eager to understand how AI will reshape organizations.  TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…it's easy to get swept up in the hype around AI, but what does transformation actually look like in practice? Steve explores the dramatic shift AI is bringing to enterprise software, from the rise of AI agents to the decline of traditional user interfaces. He shares how businesses can prepare for an agentic future where success will depend on collaboration between humans and AI.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  - Human resistance to change is often about trust and not capability  - AI won't replace humans but augment them (if we allow it)  - Leaders should focus less on tools and more on the business outcomes they unlock    WHAT I LOVE MOST… Steve's reminder that in a world full of hype and disruption, trust is still the currency that matters most. No matter how powerful AI becomes, if people don't trust it—or the companies using it—it won't deliver value.    Running Time: 28:44      Subscribe on iTunes       Find Tiffani Online:  LinkedIn  Facebook  X      Find Steve Online:  LinkedIn    Steve's Book:  Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation

    29 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast. I've met so many brilliant people as I traveled the globe and have had some fascinating conversations that I've wished had been recorded so I could share them with you - this podcast was a way for me to recreate those moments and let you in on some fantastic insights. My current conversations center around one objective: what's next for companies and individuals as they look to innovate and grow. I hope these conversations inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Whether I am preparing for a keynote speech or writing for publications such as Harvard Business Review and Huffington Post, these are my go-to people. My goal with the What's Next! podcast is to keep you thinking and to challenge you to think about What's Next!

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