RELOAD: How Design Thinking Helped an Olympic Athlete Create Breakthrough Performance with John Coyle

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

This week, I’m looking back to a great conversion I had with Olympic silver medalist John Coyle. Known as “The Time Guy,” John is a thought leader in the field of chronoception—the study of how humans process time— and one of the world's leading experts in Design Thinking. A graduate of Stanford University’s Product Design Program and a Kellogg MBA, John is an NBC sports analyst, two-time TEDx presenter and sought-after keynote speaker. His presentations combine the data and analytics of a professor with the inspired storytelling of an Olympic athlete. He is also a best-selling author of two books, Design For Strengths: Applying Design Thinking to Individual and Team Strengths and The Art of Really Living Manifesto. As a speaker and an author, his talent is in weaving facts, examples, and intellectual principles into engaging stories that leave you with actionable ideas.

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… anyone interested in design thinking, optimizing for their strength and maximizing their time to make major breakthroughs. 

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE… John shares his experiences as an Olympian, an innovator, and a world-class “design-thinker.” His personal experiences, metaphors, and practical guidelines serve as a roadmap for innovation and leaning into your strengths as opposed to trying to solve “weaknesses.” He also shares how design thinking can seep into and affect other parts of your life and career to achieve breakthrough performances and create more meaning.  

WHAT I LOVE  MOST… John’s great and illustrative anecdotes that help anyone focus on design thinking, solving the right problems, and learning how to lean into your strengths as opposed to solving for your non-strengths.  

Running Time: 35:55
 
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RELOAD: How Design Thinking Helped an Olympic Athlete Create Breakthrough with John Coyle

 
Welcome to the What's Next! podcast with Tiffani Bova. 
  
This week, I’m reflecting on a conversation I had with Diane Hamilton. Diane is a nationally syndicated radio host, award-winning speaker, author, and educator. She is the MBA Program Chair at the Forbes School of Business and has a Ph.D. in Business Management. She is the creator of the Curiosity Code Index and the author of 4 books.
  
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…if you have the desire to increase your desire to learn and become more curious in both your personal and professional lives, this episode is for you. 
 
TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…how do we measure the “soft stuff?” How do we encourage, reward, and quantify the benefits of curiosity? Why is it that innovators throughout history–Einstein, Edison, Jobs–point to their curiosity as their most important contribution? Are you getting curious yet? In today’s episode, Dr. Diane Hamilton helps us answer these questions and explains why it is so vital that we stoke the flames of our own curiosity. She also shares with us her groundbreaking research and what exactly the F.A.T.E. of curiosity can tell us. 
 
WHAT I LOVE MOST…I was fascinated by this whole concept of curiosity and how we can become more curious as leaders, as contributors, and as innovators. The soft stuff is so important to our success, not only as a company but for the people we lead and manage as well. 
 
Running time: 33:30 
  
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RELOAD: The F.A.T.E of Curiosity and Being Curious All the Time with Dr. Diane Hamilton

The Activator Advantage with Matt Dixon

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

I'm super excited to welcome Matt Dixon to the show. He is a Founding Partner at DCM Insights, a global training and advisory firm, and a leading expert in business development and client experience. He's a frequent contributor to HBR and an author of bestselling books, including The Effortless Experience, The Jolt Effect, and his most famous, The Challenger Sale which was a #1 Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestseller. We crossed paths in the CEB Gartner days and I’m just thrilled to have him back here today to talk about a new book he co-authored, The Activator Advantage. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders, consultants, and business developers looking to stand out in a more competitive market.
TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…strong client relationships and quality work used to be enough to maintain loyalty, but not anymore. As buying behaviors shift and competition increases, leaders need a new approach. Matt shares what sets today’s top rainmakers apart: they’re not just experts, they’re activators—people who proactively offer insights, open doors, and create value long before the deal is signed. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS…
- Great work alone no longer guarantees client loyalty.
- Activators are winning by being proactive connectors, not passive experts.
- Trusted advisors often box out colleagues and limit firm-wide growth.
- Internal collaboration makes client relationships more resilient.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…Matt’s insight that rainmakers of the past relied on reputation but today’s leaders build trust by sharing value before the sale even starts.

Running Time: 28:00
  
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The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently

The Activator Advantage with Matt Dixon

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

I'm thrilled to have two guests with me this week. The first is Adam Brotman. He is the co-founder and co-CEO of the strategic consultancy Forum3. He was the inaugural Chief Digital Officer at Starbucks, where he played a pivotal role in launching the company's renowned mobile payment and loyalty platform. His leadership extended to strategic roles at J. Crew, MOD Pizza and Ruby Tuesday, showcasing his expertise in digital transformation and consumer engagement. We're also joined by Andy Sack, who is the co-founder and co-CEO of Forum3. He brings more than 20 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience in high tech and finance to this role. As the founder and managing partner of Keen Capital, he focused on blockchain ventures. In addition, he is a former advisor to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Andy’s successful track record includes leading tech stars in Seattle and selling multiple technology companies to giants such as Microsoft and the New York Times Digital. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… anyone trying to figure out how AI will impact their work and business.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…the pace of AI advancement is exponential, as most of us have seen firsthand. AI isn’t just about driving efficiency or cutting costs but about reimagining how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and how leadership itself evolves. In this conversation, Adam and Andy share how the rise of agentic AI will impact every layer of a business and why ignoring it isn’t an option.

KEY TAKEAWAYS…
- Being “AI-first” means rethinking decision-making, not just speeding it up.
- The best AI playbooks involve experimentation, not perfection.
- The most effective leaders of this day and age will learn to manage both people and AI.

WHAT I LOVE MOST… I love the reminder that this shift isn’t just about technology, it’s about leadership. Being future-ready means embracing experimentation, staying curious, and helping your teams navigate change with clarity and responsibility.

Running Time: 32:11
 
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How AI Changes Everything with Adam Brotman and Andy Sack

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 
  
This week I’m eager to revisit a conversation with Kara Swisher. Kara is the co-founder and editor-at-large of Recode, producer and host of the Recode Decode and Pivot podcasts, and co-executive producer of the Code Conference series. She also has a special series on MSNBC called Revolution on the impact of technology on work, society, and more. Kara is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times and the author of “aol.com: How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates, Nailed the Netheads and Made Millions in the War for the Web.” 
  
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone who wants to hear a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of Silicon Valley, what the next generation of Unicorns might look like and what VCs want, what they need, and what they should be paying attention to. 
 
TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…Kara discusses the role of AI and automation moving forward and the onus that will be placed on employees to reskill. In this new job market, creativity and problem-solving will be more important than ever before. Kara rounds out this episode with what trust looks like in the new tech economy, the role of regulators moving forward, and the importance of ethical thinking in new technologies in an industry that is facing a crisis of privacy.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…Kara is out having the tough conversations, fighting the good fight every day and staying engaged and aware as technology evolves in our society.

Running Time: 27:38

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RELOAD: Navigating Tech Ethically and Responsibly with Kara Swisher

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

This week, I have one of my dear friends joining us. Tasha Eurich 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
  
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Becoming Shatterproof with Tasha Eurich

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

This week, I’m joined by John Maxwell, someone who truly needs no introduction in the world of leadership. For over five decades, John has been teaching, writing, and inspiring leaders around the world. From his 5 Levels of Leadership to his 100+ books translated into 50 languages, he has shaped how millions think about what it means to lead well. But what I most admire about John, outside of the fact that he's a great guy, is that he doesn't just talk about leadership, he lives it. Whether working with Fortune 500 CEOs, young entrepreneurs or communities in need, he believes leadership is about one thing: adding value to others.

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone who wants to be more intentional in their growth as a leader. Whether you’re a CEO, founder, people manager, or just stepping into leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…being put into a leadership position doesn’t always mean you’ve been prepared to lead. In this candid conversation, John explains why too many leaders are handed bigger roles without the support or mentoring they need to succeed and how to change that. We discuss what makes leadership truly effective, the importance of intentional growth, and how to build a stronger leadership bench within your organization. If you’re thinking about how to make sure your leadership legacy includes more than just your own success, John’s wisdom will stick with you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS…
- Great leaders invest in their people, not just themselves.
- Consistency is the secret to long-term success and it compounds over time.
- Don’t waste energy trying to fix your weaknesses. Instead, double down on your strengths.
- If you don’t have a mentor, create one through books, podcasts, or intentional practice.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…John’s reminder that leadership isn’t about “me first” but about adding value to others. It’s not your journey alone. 

Running Time: 30:13
  
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Leveling Up Your Leadership with John Maxwell

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld, who is the only leader to have successfully served as CEO of two Fortune 500 giants on different continents: Alcoa in the US and Siemens in Germany. With a nearly forty-year career spanning multiple industries, from established businesses to tech startups, he has advised US presidents and global leaders across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As the founder of K2 Elevation, he invests in North American and European tech and biotech firms. And he also has a book out called Leading to Thrive. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone who wants to become a more effective leader, whether you’re running a global enterprise, leading a small team, or gearing up to start your own business.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…it’s easy to think leadership is about having all the answers but Klaus Kleinfeld would say say it’s really about curiosity, connection, and energy management. Drawing on decades of experience, Klaus shares actionable insights for leading with clarity and intent in any business environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS…
- Klaus encourages leaders to see fear as “false expectations appearing real” and dissect it before it holds you back.
- Getting frontline insights directly from customers can help to avoid losing critical information in translation.
- The goal should be to build high-performance teams where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…Klaus’s reminder that great leadership isn’t about titles or politics, it’s about investing your energy where it matters most, staying connected to the people you serve, and never losing sight of your purpose.

Running Time: 27:25

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The CEO’s Guide to Leading with Purpose with Klaus Kleinfeld


Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 
  
This week, I’m reflecting on a conversation I shared with Ron Tite a while back. Ron is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, speaker and investor. He has been an award-winning advertising writer and Creative Director for some of the world’s most respected brands. He is Founder and CEO of Church+State, an agency that unifies content and advertising for global brands and media companies. He has written for television, a children’s book, a hit play and an award-winning comedy book. He was the Executive Producer & Host of the award-winning comedy show, Monkey Toast and now hosts the podcast The Coup. 
  
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…brands looking for unique ways to build trust and talk about your purpose in an authentic and focused way. 

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…Ron gives us his insightful and humorous take on building brands. He talks about using humor and creativity to deliver insight, investing your time and creative energy in the “original.” Every brand and organization should have a belief that goes beyond product; a belief that provides purpose. Once you have that, you must do something actionable that reinforces that purpose, and if that purpose is truly sincere and essential to your brand, it will be worth talking about....So, talk about it! 

WHAT I LOVE MOST…Ron talks about seizing the attention of customers and employees by staying curious, staying passionate, and building that authentic trust with a twist of humor.

Running Time: 30:57

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RELOAD: Leading with Creativity to Deliver Insight with Ron Tite

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 

This week, I’m excited to welcome Meredith Schmidt, who recently joined me on my LinkedIn Live show and is my first-ever Salesforce guest. She is the EVP and GM of Revenue Cloud. She's responsible for creating products to manage the product-to-cash lifecycle and end-to-end revenue management. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…business leaders and anyone trying to align customer experience with financial results.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…running a business today means balancing growth with customer trust. Meredith Schmidt shares how her career leading revenue operations at Salesforce shaped her belief that finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about enabling great customer experiences. From simplifying processes to removing friction, she explains why financial leaders have to think like customer champions if they want to drive sustainable success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Simplifying processes creates trust and unlocks growth.
- Strong revenue operations require alignment across sales, finance, and customer success.
- The best leaders make complexity feel simple for employees and for customers.

WHAT I LOVE MOST… Meredith’s perspective that finance can be a driver of customer loyalty, not just a back-office function. By putting the customer at the center of revenue decisions, she shows how leaders can fuel both trust and growth.

Running Time: 26:03

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Simplifying Growth with Meredith Schmidt

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. 
  
This week, I’m reflecting on a conversation I shared with Adam Zeitsiff a while back. Adam is the President  & CEO of Gold’s Gym - one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands. Gold’s Gym serves over 3 million people daily with more than 700 locations across 23 different countries on 6 continents. Having previously served as the company’s CIO and SVP of Brand Innovation from 2016-2018, Adam was enticed back to lead the evolution and global resurgence of Gold’s Gym in early 2019. Adam spearheads brand innovation offerings, including AMP by Gold’s Gym, the company’s digital fitness app, as well as a variety of new and innovative fitness concepts.

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone looking to build engagement, innovate with purpose, or simply loves Gold’s Gym.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…it’s all about innovating and looking forward while still staying true to your mission and your identity. Gold’s Gym seeks to extend its brand and keep users and clients engaged. But, how do you keep clients and users engaged? Adam breaks it down and discusses choice, personalization, and community.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…it’s so exciting to talk to someone who is the keeper of such an iconic brand. This chat is all about helping you get strong both personally and professionally!

Running Time: 30:57

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RELOAD: Being Strong for Life and Getting Results with Gold's Gym CEO Adam Zeitsiff

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!

RELOAD: How Design Thinking Helped an Olympic Athlete Create Breakthrough with John Coyle

What's Next! with Tiffani Bova