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

I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Eric Cole to the show today. He has a really unique perspective, helping people understand how the principles of cybersecurity and problem-solving can be applied to personal and professional growth. His career has advanced him from a professional hacker for the CIA to commissioner on cybersecurity for the 44th president of the United States to currently advising companies and teaching professionals on how to implement security measures that serve as a business enabler. His eighth book, Cyber Crisis, debuted as number one on the Wall Street Journal's bestseller list. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone looking to strengthen their digital security measures. 

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…we all know cybersecurity is important, but we often underestimate how these principles can enhance our decision-making, relationships, and leadership. Dr. Eric Cole shows us how adopting a hacker’s mindset can help us spot blind spots before they become problems. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Friendly hackers can expose your weaknesses before adversaries do.
Good user hygiene is more effective than relying only on technology.
Pausing before reacting can prevent regret. 
Privacy will be the biggest concern (and opportunity) in the AI era.


WHAT I LOVE MOST…Dr. Cole’s reminder that slowing down, asking questions, and being intentional can protect not just your data, but your relationships and reputation too.

Running Time: 25:30

What Every Leader Should Know About Cybersecurity with Dr. Eric Cole

Welcome to the What's Next! podcast with Tiffani Bova. 
  
This week, I’m looking back on a conversation I had with Emily Chang. Emily is a San Francisco-based anchor and an executive producer of “Bloomberg Technology.” Before joining Bloomberg in 2010, Chang served as an international correspondent for CNN in Beijing and London, as well as a reporter at KNSD, NBC’s affiliate in San Diego. While at KNSD, she won five regional Emmy Awards. She is also the author of Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley, which investigates and examines sexism and gender inequality in the tech industry.  
  
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders, peers, and business owners who create professional environments and who want to foster more diverse and inclusive environments that thrive.
 
TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…Emily talks about her book Brotopia and shares small but brilliant ways to make sure you’re actively creating a diverse working environment that is inclusive and diverse in thought. It’s our responsibility as leaders, peers, and business owners to make sure that those around us feel that they are listened to, they are heard, and that they have the opportunity to share their stories.
 
WHAT I LOVE  MOST…it doesn’t take a lot to create a more diverse and inclusive environment, and Emily teaches us how small things can make a massive impact.
 
Running time: 33:39

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RELOAD: Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Working Environment with Emily Chang

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

I’m excited to welcome Kevin Evers to the show. He is a Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review. He's written popular articles on brain science, Hollywood blockbusters, the art of persuasion, and the unpredictability of success. But what he is here to talk about today is his new book called There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift. 

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone (fan or not) who is curious about how bold creative decisions can shape brand success. 

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…Taylor Swift has undeniably built one of the most successful music careers of all time. But beyond the musical talent, she’s also a business mastermind. In this episode, Kevin unpacks how she’s built a brand so distinctive that it operates in a category of one. From rethinking product launches to redefining customer loyalty, her approach is a case study in aligning brand, audience, and experience. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Longevity comes from bold, well-timed reinvention.
- Fan obsession is a growth strategy, not just a marketing strategy.
- You can’t fake authenticity; your audience will notice.
- Strategic shifts should follow your creative instincts, not the market’s expectations.
- Treat every product launch like an unforgettable experience.

WHAT I LOVE MOST…Kevin’s insight that Taylor Swift’s best strategies are rooted in her art, not the boardroom. Staying creatively true has become her business advantage.

Running Time: 28:46

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Brand Lessons from Taylor Swift with Kevin Evers

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

This week I welcomed Bob Goodson to the show. Bob is President and Founder of Quid, a Silicon Valley–based company whose AI models are used by a third of the Fortune 50. Before starting Quid, he was the first employee at Yelp, where he played a role in the genesis of the like button and observed firsthand the rise of the social media industry. He also served a two-year term on WEF’s Global Future Council for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…business leaders, product designers, and marketers curious about how digital behaviors shape innovation and strategy.

TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE…have you ever thought about how the like button was created and how it ended up shaping the internet? Bob takes us behind the scenes of that pivotal innovation and reflects on what it means for how we build products, connect with customers, and navigate a world being reshaped by AI. This conversation is part tech history, part strategic lens into where we’re headed next.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Innovation often starts with messy, unpredictable experimentation
- AI is already influencing strategy if you let it be your thought partner
- Agency is a crucial component to consider in the age of AI

WHAT I LOVE MOST… Bob’s insight that true agency, the human ability to take initiative and shape change, is something AI can’t replicate. It’s a powerful reminder of our value in an increasingly automated world.

Running Time: 30:08
  
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How the Like Button Changed Everything with Bob Goodson

 
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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Matt’s Book:
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. 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: The F.A.T.E of Curiosity and Being Curious All the Time with Dr. Diane Hamilton

What's Next! with Tiffani Bova

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