TomorrowZone Catalyst

Deborah Reuben
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    96: Enter the TomorrowZone: Why Faster Isn't Always Forward

    Moving faster doesn't always mean moving forward. Many teams push harder, add pressure, and increase speed, yet still feel stuck or off course. When clarity is missing, speed can quietly pull effort in the wrong direction.   This is part two of a three-part mini series based on Deborah Reuben's book, Enter the TomorrowZone. In this episode, Deb explores the tension between speed and strategy and why progress often feels heavy when urgency is mistaken for momentum.   Sustainable momentum grows from intention, shared understanding, and alignment. When leaders slow the rush to create clarity, teams gain direction and energy rather than friction.   In this conversation, Deb looks at how to recognize when strategy has drifted, why busy teams can still struggle to move forward, and how human-centered design supports better decisions in uncertain conditions. She also explores what it takes to build alignment that lasts as complexity increases.   If you have been pushing hard without seeing the progress you expected, this episode offers a chance to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with greater clarity.   Want to go deeper? Explore Enter the TomorrowZone at EnterTheTomorrowZone.com.   Deborah Reuben, CLFP, is the founder and CEO of TomorrowZone®, a strategic consultancy that helps leaders navigate complexity and lead meaningful change with clarity and intention. With more than 20 years of experience across equipment finance and technology, Deb is known for making complex challenges practical and helping teams align, focus, and move forward with confidence.   She is the author of Enter the TomorrowZone, a book that invites leaders to rethink transformation by starting with people, purpose, and shared understanding before rushing to solutions. The book introduces the TomorrowZone System™, a human-centered approach that helps teams align around what matters, imagine what is possible, and create progress that lasts.   Named one of Monitor Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in Equipment Finance, Deb is a sought-after speaker, advisor, and facilitator who helps future-focused leaders cut through noise and lead with clarity, curiosity, and purpose.     Connect with Us: Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone EnterTheTomorrowZone.com

    15 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Enter the TomorrowZone: Before the Tech, Before the Plan, Start Here

    Most leaders are working hard yet still feel stuck. Decisions get made quickly, pressure stays high, and progress feels harder than it should. Often, the challenge is not effort, but the thinking shaping those decisions.   This is part one of a three-episode series based on Deborah Reuben's book, Enter the TomorrowZone. In this opening episode, Deb invites leaders to pause long enough to see what is really influencing their choices, their strategy, and their results.   When leaders stay in reaction mode, familiar patterns keep running the show. The future struggles to take shape there. Momentum begins when teams step back together, surface assumptions, and reconnect around a shared understanding of what they are trying to create.   In this conversation, Deb explores how urgency quietly limits possibility, how misalignment shows up before projects even begin, and how clarity creates the conditions for innovation to take hold.   If you are leading change or carrying the weight of constant disruption, this episode offers a grounded place to pause, reset, and move forward with intention.   Deborah Reuben, CLFP, is the founder and CEO of TomorrowZone®, a strategic consultancy that helps leaders navigate complexity and lead meaningful change with clarity and intention. With more than 20 years of experience across equipment finance and technology, Deb is known for making complex challenges practical and helping teams align, focus, and move forward with confidence.   She is the author of Enter the TomorrowZone, a book that invites leaders to rethink transformation by starting with people, purpose, and shared understanding before rushing to solutions. The book introduces the TomorrowZone System™, a human-centered approach that helps teams align around what matters, imagine what is possible, and create progress that lasts.   Named one of Monitor Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in Equipment Finance, Deb is a sought-after speaker, advisor, and facilitator who helps future-focused leaders cut through noise and lead with clarity, curiosity, and purpose.     Want to go deeper? Explore Enter the TomorrowZone at EnterTheTomorrowZone.com.   Connect with Us: Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone EnterTheTomorrowZone.com

    19 min

  3. FEB 10

    Leadership & Future Readiness - A Conversation from Fireside Chats with Jesse Johnson

    This special episode features a curated conversation originally recorded for Fireside Chats with Jesse Johnson. In this dialogue, we explore what steady leadership looks like when organizations are navigating innovation, complexity, and constant change. We discuss how execution pressure can narrow thinking, how alignment can break down over time, and why creating space for curiosity and sensemaking matters for long-term direction. This conversation reflects the core of the TomorrowZone perspective. Helping leaders build the clarity, confidence, and human capability required for future readiness while complex work continues. As you listen, consider where readiness, curiosity, and shared understanding could help your organization shape what comes next.   Jesse Johnson is the Founder and President of Consult Disrupt, a strategic execution firm helping equipment finance leaders turn ideas into meaningful action. He partners with organizations and industry providers to bring clarity, momentum, and follow-through to strategic initiatives. Jesse is also the host of Fireside Chats with Jesse, a podcast featuring candid conversations with industry leaders about innovation, leadership, and future readiness. He is the founder of Equipment Finance Cares, a nonprofit supporting professionals in times of personal hardship, reflecting his belief that leadership means putting people first. Known for his integrity and service mindset, Jesse works to strengthen the entire equipment finance industry while helping organizations grow with purpose.   Connect with Us: Jesse Johnson | LinkedIn Fireside Chats with Jesse Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone

    52 min

  4. FEB 3

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TomorrowZone
  • Show Website
    TomorrowZone Catalyst