TomorrowZone Catalyst Deborah Reuben

In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst podcast, Deb interviews Michele Toland, an innovative solutions consultant and integral member of the TomorrowZone team. Michele’s journey from banking to software, navigating various facets of equipment finance, provides a rich backdrop for exploring the edges of innovation. They discuss the importance of finding opportunities in chaos, simplifying complex solutions, and balancing traditional practices with modern technology. Michele emphasizes the role of empathy in leadership and the need to understand and address team and customer concerns to foster a supportive environment that drives innovation and growth. This conversation offers valuable insights into leading successful digital transformations in the financial industry.
With a rich background spanning lending & equipment leasing operations, software design, development, and sales, Michele Toland brings a rare mix of skills to the table. Having thrived in various settings, from community local businesses to bustling international institutions including banks, independents, captives, and startups, she truly knows the ins and outs of lending and leasing. Building on this foundation, Michele ventured into financial software and has a knack for dreaming up creative solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams and partners. She's adept at turning both known and unexpected needs into human-centric digital solutions. Fueled by a passion for innovation and possibilities, Michele is all about breaking barriers and guiding teams through the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology.
 
Contact:
Michele@tomorrowzone.io or https://tomorrowzone.io
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michele-toland 

In this episode, Deb Reuben, CEO of TomorrowZone, sits down with Jen Swanson, CEO of Tuckpoint Advisory Group, to debunk common myths surrounding digital transformation. They discuss the realities of implementing digital initiatives and the critical role of addressing the human side of innovation. Deb and Jen challenge listeners to rethink their approach to digital transformation, focusing not only on technology but also on the human aspects of change. By embracing a forward-thinking mindset and leveraging strategic partnerships, organizations can navigate the complexities of digital disruption and emerge stronger and more resilient in the digital age.
 
Jen Swanson’s career spans over 25 years of roles in customer advocacy, marketing technology, and service channel operations in higher education and healthcare organizations, including the University of Minnesota, Capella University, Children’s Minnesota, and UnitedHealth Group. Her consulting career began in 2019 and in 2023 she expanded that work by creating Tuckpoint Advisory Group.
 
Tuckpoint Website: www.tuckpoint.com
Connect with Jen: www.linkedin.com/in/jgswanson

In this episode, Deb continues her captivating conversation with Curtis McConnell, diving into the fascinating intersection of art and technology. Curtis shares insights from his journey in the art industry, discussing his approach to innovation, overcoming resistance, and fostering adoption of technology solutions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the core problems faced by stakeholders and building trust through addressing those challenges. Curtis also explores emerging trends and possibilities in the art and technology landscape, envisioning immersive experiences and the democratization of art through technology. The conversation highlights the transformative power of technology in making art more accessible, engaging, and meaningful to a broader audience. 
This is part 2 of Deb’s conversation with Curtis. If you missed the first half, make sure to check out Modernizing the Art Industry with Curtis McConnell, Part 1. 
Curtis McConnell, Founder and CEO of Authentify Art, is a tech visionary and innovator specializing in supply chain systems, process engineering, and business intelligence. With a background as VP of Engineering at 1-800-Flowers and Director of Supply Chain Systems at ProFlowers, Curtis has driven transformation in diverse industries. His expertise extends to art authentication, where he holds a recent patent. Outside of tech, Curtis enjoys triathlons, historical fiction, and crafting artisanal bacon through his e-commerce venture, The Bacon Swinery. A Princeton University graduate with a BA in History, Curtis brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the intersection of art and technology. 
Resources:  
Authentify Art [https://www.authentifyart.com/] 
Authentify’s Evolution of Art (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrbpMGZb38g]
Samsung Next Presentation 2022 (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7U9WsPu8m0]  

In this dynamic episode, Deb and Curtis engage in a thought-provoking discussion on leveraging diverse experiences and removing barriers to drive innovation. Curtis shares insights from his eclectic journey, spanning from physics to art history, and how each experience has shaped his innovative approach. Together, they explore the transformative power of reframing problems through a fresh lens and drawing parallels between seemingly unrelated industries. 
 
Curtis emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature in developing effective solutions, particularly in combating fraud. He shares his experiences in developing standards to address trust and accessibility issues in the art industry through his venture, Authentify Art. The conversation dives into the significance of democratizing participation and fostering trust to drive industry-wide change. 
 
This is the first part of the conversation. Make sure to catch the conclusion next week.  
 
Curtis McConnell, Founder and CEO of Authentify Art, is a tech visionary and innovator specializing in supply chain systems, process engineering, and business intelligence. With a background as VP of Engineering at 1-800-Flowers and Director of Supply Chain Systems at ProFlowers, Curtis has driven transformation in diverse industries. His expertise extends to art authentication, where he holds a recent patent. Outside of tech, Curtis enjoys triathlons, historical fiction, and crafting artisanal bacon through his e-commerce venture, The Bacon Swinery. A Princeton University graduate with a BA in History, Curtis brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the intersection of art and technology.
Resources:  
Authentify Art [https://www.authentifyart.com/] 
Authentify’s Evolution of Art (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrbpMGZb38g]
Samsung Next Presentation 2022 (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7U9WsPu8m0] 

In this captivating episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst podcast, Deborah Reuben sits down with Jen Croneberger, the visionary founder of J Lynn Consulting Group, to explore the profound impact of compassionate leadership and the indispensable role of human elements in driving innovation. Jen shares her unique journey from the sports field to the corporate world, shedding light on how empathy, authenticity, and human connection are pivotal in navigating the challenges of change and fostering a culture of innovation.
Jen Croneberger, a 4-time TEDx speaker and compassionate leadership/change consultant, is the Founder and Chief Inspiration Office of JLynne Consulting Group, LLC, and the HUMAN Leaderhip Institue. Most of her last 20 years have been spent instilling confidence and building deeper connections and awareness. With a master’s in Sports Psychology, she's worked with top athletes and major organizations like Nike and the US Department of Defense. Jen holds certifications from Harvard Business School and Cornell University and is an invite-only member of Forbes’ Coaches Council. She hosts "The Possibility Project" podcast and contributes to Forbes. Author of "These Five Words Are Mine," her upcoming book "Meet Them Where They Are: The B.R.A.V.E. Human Leadership® Model for Connected Cultures,” is due out this fall. Jen was recognized as Female Business Leader of the Year (2009), a top Motivational Speaker in the Philadelphia, PA & Washington, DC Regions (2015-2019), and a “2020 Power Woman” highlighting her long-time focus on compassion and empathy. 

Learn more about Jen Croneberger at: Jen Croneberger, Speaker, Coach – Culture and Leadership Consultant (teamjlcg.com) 
  
Links and Resources: 
- [J Lynn Consulting Group](https://teamjlcg.com) 
- [TomorrowZone](https://tomorrowzone.io) 

Join Deb Reuben, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone®, and Jennica Burgh, TomorrowZone's Director of Operations, for an engaging conversation that peels back the layers of digital transformation.
 
In this dynamic episode, Deb shares her journey from the trenches of digital innovation in the early 2000s to leading transformative initiatives today. She recounts the highs and lows, revealing the often-overlooked human side of digital change.
 
Discover the common challenges faced by companies embarking on digital transformation journeys and how these initiatives can magnify existing dysfunction within organizations. Explore the pivotal role of leadership in guiding successful digital transformations and gain actionable insights into how to navigate these complex endeavors.
 
Deborah "Deb" Reuben, CLFP, DES, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, leads a visionary technology strategy consultancy driving fresh ideas and collaborative ventures to shape the future of business. With over two decades of finance and software innovation experience, Deb champions a radical perspective on digital transformation, emphasizing a focus on people over technology. She empowers industry leaders like PNC and Wells Fargo, blending corporate strategy with entrepreneurial flair to achieve marketplace success. Deb's accolades include the CLFP Foundation Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence, the ELFA Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award, and recognition as one of Monitor Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women Leaders in Equipment Finance, as well as an Industry Disruptor Icon.
 
For more information visit tomorrowozone.io