TomorrowZone

"AI isn’t a single tool or app -- it’s a diverse set of capabilities. When you focus on specific business goals, you unlock its true value." In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP tackles one of the most important topics for transformational leaders today: AI adoption. Forget the Hollywood sci-fi imagery or technobabble that clouds your understanding of AI. Instead, discover how AI can become your team’s biggest ally. From aligning AI strategies with business objectives to experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, Deb shares practical steps leaders can take to start creating impact right now. Let’s shape a more awesome future, together. #AIAdoption #InnovationLeadership #TomorrowZoneCatalyst 

The boldest ideas often come from the quietest voices -- are you listening to them?    In fast-paced environments, it’s easy to focus on the most visible or vocal contributions.   True breakthroughs often come from perspectives that aren’t yet in the spotlight.   Our latest blog, "How to Drive Innovation Without Derailing Your Team," dives into how leaders can create environments where every voice matters. It’s about fostering genuine collaboration, reducing barriers to dialogue, and finding the balance between big ideas and thoughtful execution.    Innovation isn’t just about adopting new tools or strategies -- it’s about connecting with the people behind them. Leaders who truly listen can unlock untapped potential, inspiring change that resonates across their teams and organizations. What’s your approach to ensuring your team feels heard? Let’s discuss below. #LeadershipInAction #InnovativeThinking #TeamEmpowerment

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Clients and Community As we wrap up our reflection on 2024, I want to pause and share my gratitude. To you—our amazing clients and community—thank you for making this year unforgettable. This year has been one of growth, transformation, and collaboration. It is an honor to work alongside you, and none of this would have been possible without your trust, curiosity, and partnership. To our clients: You’re at the heart of everything we do. Your bold visions, your courage to push boundaries, and your relentless drive to innovate inspire us every single day. Thank you for trusting us to walk with you as you reimagine the future of your organizations. We are so proud to be part of your transformation journey. To our community: Whether we connected through events, the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, causes, or other collaborations this year, thank you for showing up and sharing your insights. Your engagement and ideas fuel the conversations that push us all forward, helping us dream even bigger about what’s possible. Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s next. The world is changing faster than ever, but one thing stays constant: the incredible power of human-centered collaboration. Together, we’re shaping a future filled with opportunity, innovation, and impact. Let’s keep exploring, innovating, and transforming together. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025! Thank you for being part of the TomorrowZone journey—we’re just getting started. Let’s keep making awesome happen. #Gratitude #Innovation #FutureReady #Partnership #MakeAwesomeHappen

"Industry collaboration doesn’t dilute competitive advantage -- it amplifies it." In the latest episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP sits down with @Erika Hecht, founder and CEO of Market Ascent, to unpack the transformative power of co-innovation. Erika shares how collaboration across industries not only raises the bar for everyone but also positions individual leaders to drive meaningful change. From space solar power to precision GPS, Erika takes us on a fascinating journey, showing how innovations designed for the stars are solving real-world challenges here on Earth. She also calls out “innovation theater," challenging leaders to rethink what it means to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Ready to inspire change, embrace collaboration, and lead transformation? Tune in to discover practical strategies and big-picture insights to shape the future. The art of the possible starts here.

Gratitude for Our Charitable Partners and the Incredible Impact They Make As 2024 draws to a close, we’re pausing to reflect with thankfulness. This week, we look to the powerful work being done by the charitable organizations we are honored to support. Each creates positive change in Minnesota and beyond. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication, compassion, and innovation they bring to their missions. createMPLS: Your work in providing underrepresented students with access to STEM education is truly inspiring. Your forward-thinking focus on coding, robotics, and app development (and more) is giving hope and preparing the next generation for the future of work as you close opportunity gaps for students in underserved communities. We are honored to support your mission of creating opportunities for all. Make-A-Wish Minnesota: The life-changing wishes you grant to children with critical illnesses are a beacon of hope and joy. Your dedication to making dreams come true for these kids and their families is nothing short of magical. We are grateful to witness the incredible impact you’re making in our communities. Equipment Finance Cares: Your commitment to addressing important issues and convening people to highlight and support the causes dear to our hearts is really special. Bringing together professionals from across the industry to drive meaningful change is so cool and we’re glad to support the incredible work you’re doing to make a difference. Give Kids The World Village: Long ago, I experienced first-hand the life changing power of this amazing charity when my little sister was granted her wish. It was life changing for our entire family. Staying at this magical village sparked new hope. Stepping away from the day-to-day struggles to experience a whole week of awesome was unforgettable. One short week. Lasting impact. I feel blessed that we can support this important work and bring light and hope to children and families who need it so much. At TomorrowZone, we believe in the power of partnership and community, and we are deeply appreciative of the work these organizations are doing. We encourage you to consider supporting one of these incredible organizations for your year-end giving. Together, we can help drive even more positive change and shape a more awesome future. Who or what are you grateful for? #Gratitude #GiveBack #PartnerWithPurpose #YearEndGiving #MakingAnImpact

"Listening, not multitasking, uncovers the real insights you need to lead effectively." This is just one of the powerful takeaways from the latest Innovator Success Series episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, featuring Katie Thompson, an innovator at Siemens Financial Services. Katie reveals how her leadership approach - centered on active listening, curiosity, and pushing beyond comfort zones - has driven impactful change. If you're looking to lead transformative initiatives and inspire your team to embrace innovation, this episode is for you. Join host Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP and Katie as they explore strategies to create a future-ready mindset, elevate your leadership game and drive impactful change. 

Catalyzing innovative change can be a lonely experience.     Until you find your people.     Unique collaborators and thought partners who inspire forward thinking insights and fresh ideas.    As we continue our reflection in gratitude, I'm thankful for the innovative people who inspire us. Together we step away from the day to day and into the TomorrowZone where we explore what’s new and dream up what’s next.     Thank you for challenging my thinking and inspiring me to take limits off personal and professional growth.     There is great value in finding diverse perspectives, getting out of your comfort zone to find inspiration, and exploring the art of the possible.    David Newman, CSP's mentorship, insights, and no-nonsense guidance help me expand my thinking, enabling me to raise the standard and change the game continually. I am so grateful for our chance meeting in 2019. You have played such a key role in my personal growth and the growth of TomorrowZone as a company. Thank you for generously sharing your wisdom and inspiring business owners like me.    Over the past six years I have had the absolute pleasure of launching and chairing the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's Innovation Advisory Council. So grateful for all we have achieved together over the past six years. More than anything, it’s a blast getting to know senior and c-level leaders who are passionate movers and shakers who don’t just talk about innovation, they embody innovative mindset and actively lead highly impactful pursuits.     This year’s members include:   John Cooper, Tawnya Stone, Michael Baez, CLFP, Andrew Cotter, Tina Cartwright, CLFP, Jillian Munson, Denis Stypulkoski, Moto Tohda, EMBA, CLFP, Tyson Norman, Eldon Richards, Robert Preville, Beckham T., Barry Beer, Roman Gajda, Martin Klotzman, Jennifer Martin, CLFP, Kaheres Hahn, Katie Thompson, Harmony Oswald, Mark Blais, Darpan Saini, Scott Keenan, and Special thanks to ELFA Liaison Bill Choi, CAE     Samudra Group and Catalyst Constellations Catalyst Trust – and Shannon Lucas and Abigail Kramer and Tracey Lovejoy for your committed leadership. It is an honor to be part of your forward-thinking community of innovators and world changers. Every encounter with these awesome people leaves me in “brain on fire” mode, totally inspired to take on what’s next. #gratitude #innovation #future

AI in Equipment Finance: The Human-Centric Leadership Balancing Act 🌟 AI is transforming industries, including equipment finance, but the real question is: How can leaders harness its potential while keeping humanity at the core of decision-making? In the latest Monitor podcast episode, Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP teams up with Jennifer Croneberger to explore this balance. From navigating the buzz around AI to actionable strategies for fostering human-centric leadership, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders ready to embrace transformation while staying true to their people-first principles. 🎧 Tune in to the podcast to discover how innovation and empathy can go hand in hand! #Leadership #AI #Innovation #EquipmentFinance #HumanCentric

"Innovation thrives on trust. Without it, creativity and collaboration are stifled." Jillian M., VP of Process and Automation at QuickFi , joins the latest Innovator Success Series episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast to share how she’s reshaping equipment finance with automated solutions that simplify workflows and enhance transparency for customers and partners alike. In this conversation with host Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP, Jillian reveals: ➡️ How to build a psychologically safe environment where creativity flourishes. ➡️ Practical strategies to keep teams motivated and aligned, even in uncertain times. ➡️ A leadership framework rooted in autonomy, competence, and connection to unlock team potential. If you’re ready to think beyond traditional approaches and lead impactful change in your organization, this episode offers actionable insights to help you take the next step toward meaningful innovation.  🎧 Listen now and start shaping the future you want to create! #InnovationLeadership #EquipmentFinance #Automation #TeamTrust 

As 2024 wraps up, the final Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Innovation Roundtable left us inspired and energized! AI isn’t just technology -- it’s a transformational tool for reimagining workflows, empowering teams, and unlocking growth in equipment finance. This interactive event showcased practical applications from some of the industry’s brightest minds: 🔹 Deborah (Deb) Reuben, CLFP – TomorrowZone 🔹 Jennica Burgh – TomorrowZone 🔹 Moto Tohda, EMBA, CLFP – Tokyo Century (USA) Inc. 🔹 Martin Klotzman – Ivory Consulting Corporation 🔹 Darpan Saini – App0 🔹 Ankit Jain – Siemens And a huge thank you to Kelli Nienaber, Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, for kicking us off with an inspiring vision of how AI is reshaping our industry’s future. Want to know how AI is solving real-world challenges, from streamlining workflows to enhancing customer experiences? Dive into our blog for key takeaways and actionable insights from each speaker. Let’s keep the conversation going -- how are you leveraging AI to innovate in your business? #AIInnovation #EquipmentFinance #Leadership #ELFA #TomorrowZone