TomorrowZone Catalyst

Deborah Reuben

A podcast exploring curiosity, connection, and possibility. Forward-thinking insights and fresh perspectives to catalyze innovation and future readiness mindsets for business professionals in finance and beyond.

  1. 2D AGO

    Bridging the AI Gap: Leading Through Multigenerational Complexity with Marti Grimminck

    What 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 world, this episode will challenge your perspective and spark new ideas.   Marti Grimminck is a futurist designer, global business executive, and trusted advisor to organizations navigating the future of work. As Founder and CEO of International Connector, she partners with corporations and governments to shape next-generation workforce strategies, drawing from two decades of experience working with Gen Z leaders across 190 countries. Known for bringing bold insights to complex challenges, Marti helps organizations understand how younger generations think, learn, and adopt technology. This is essential knowledge for any leader focused on developing talent in a rapidly shifting world. Her initiatives span from workforce readiness programs to global innovation labs, with clients like IBM, Google, and the Canadian government. Marti's work is grounded in social impact and real-world experimentation, making her a sought-after voice for leaders who are serious about designing inclusive, future-ready workplaces.   Connect with Us: Marti Grimminck | LinkedIn International Connector Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

    31 min

  2. JAN 27

    Empower the People Who Power You: Rethinking AI Adoption with Jake Cutler

    In 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 for you. It's what it can do for the people who help you. Jake invites leaders to stop thinking of AI as a personal assistant and start seeing it as a team amplifier.  Whether you're rethinking your systems, experimenting with new tech, or just looking for fresh perspective, this episode will spark new ways of imagining the future of your business.    Jake Cutler is a fintech founder and futurist with more than 15 years of experience in equipment and small business finance across Europe and the U.S. He holds a master's degree in digital innovation for fintech and is the founder of Ampli-fi and Bizfi, platforms designed to simplify and modernize the lending experience for vendors, brokers, lenders, and business owners.  Through his work, Jake explores how emerging technologies like AI can streamline complex workflows and unlock new opportunities in underserved markets. He is known for applying human-centered design and automation to create faster, more seamless financing processes. Jake brings a fresh perspective to the future of finance and leads with a clear focus on designing tools that deliver real business value.    Connect with Us:   Jake Cutler | LinkedIn     Ampli-fi  Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn     TomorrowZone

    23 min

  3. JAN 20

    Lead with Purpose, Not Panic: Future-Ready Strategies with John Fenton

    In 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 human edge. They explore how to build clarity, resilience, and capacity in a world that keeps accelerating. For leaders navigating transformation, this conversation offers refreshing clarity and practical inspiration.   If you're ready to rethink what leadership looks like in the age of intelligent tools, this episode is for you.   John Fenton is a transformational leadership expert known as The CEO Sensei. With more than 30 years of executive experience, including his role as a managing partner at BDO USA, he now helps firm leaders build clarity, confidence, and resilience in the face of constant change. Through his executive coaching practice, John guides managing partners, CEOs, and leadership teams to unlock performance without compromising wellbeing.   His distinctive approach blends strategic insight with human-centered leadership, drawing from a powerful personal journey that includes playing Division I football, becoming a black belt in Tai Chi, and overcoming a major health crisis. A best-selling author and award-winning speaker, John is passionate about helping leaders shift from reactive habits to intentional, future-focused action. His work is especially resonant with firms ready to evolve outdated models and create cultures where innovation, purpose, and people thrive.   Connect with Us: John Fenton | LinkedIn John Fenton Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

    31 min

  4. JAN 13

    Scaling Personalization Without Losing Human Connection with Shannon Seaver

    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

    24 min

  5. JAN 6

    89: Reframing Risk as Strategy in the Age of AI with Harsha Boralessa

    **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

    30 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Reflection as a Strategy: Fueling the Future with Deborah Reuben and Jennica Burgh

    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

    24 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    The Power of "I Wonder" in Innovation with Skip Wehner

    **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

    34 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Stop Selling Your Ideas and Start Attracting Attention with David Newman

    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

    40 min
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About

A podcast exploring curiosity, connection, and possibility. Forward-thinking insights and fresh perspectives to catalyze innovation and future readiness mindsets for business professionals in finance and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Deborah Reuben
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TomorrowZone
  • Show Website
    TomorrowZone Catalyst