What's Next Now!

Welcome back, friends! I am back with a new episode of What's Next Now! and am happy to be joined by Susan Mondi Bowen , my yoga teacher, mentor, and friend! She was among the first 500 employees at Salesforce.com, working in the early days of Silicon Valley when internet startups were still considered risky bets. Throughout our conversation, Susan draws some striking parallels between yoga an...

I am honestly so excited to share this week’s episode because it’s one that stuck with me long after we finished recording. If you have ever faced a layoff or felt the pressure of a ticking clock, you will definitely want to tune in to this conversation! My guest for this episode, Namrata Kulkarni , is a highly skilled data architect and business intelligence engineer who came to the U.S. in 2015...

This week, I welcome Evan Watkins , an expert in emotional intelligence, who helps us unravel a subject that truly resonates with me - emotional intelligence in everyday life! Imagine that your career is sailing smoothly, or perhaps it is facing turbulence with unforeseen changes like a layoff or a surprising new opportunity. How do we navigate such unpredictable turns? Evan helps us break down ho...

Is it possible…to go from conflicting ideas, opinions and dug in positions to ultimately finding solutions on our most polarizing issues?  These are places where we have deep conflict. It seems like we are battling so many headwinds these days to imagine such a possibility. Many of the sources we watch or listen to are fed from the outrage industrial complex perpetuating our current culture of fea...

Joining me for this episode is Ethan Waldman, a leading figure in the tiny house movement. Ethan’s journey from a web designer to a tiny house expert is nothing short of inspiring, and his conversation here with me is definitely one for those of you who are seeking a shift in how you live and impact the planet. Not only does Ethan live in a tiny house, he’s built an entire community around it! The...

I am thrilled to welcome Tony McGaharan to the show. Tony is the dynamic founder of People Playbook and has a rich background that spans from Google to coaching basketball in Sweden. Right from the very beginning, Tony's warmth and humility shine through as he shares his background. Proudly from Belfast, he learned the values that drive him: hard work, treating people well, and having the cour...

Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation as Rebecca Reeder navigates the intersections of faith, technology, and ethics, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of AI and its profound impact on our society. And hear about ‘What’s Next Now’ for Rebecca as she reflects  on authenticity, alignment, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career.  Links & Resources: Schedule Listening Tim...

What is it like to fund a startup as a private investor or as part of a private equity firm?  What is it like to be a founder–the roller coaster journey from idea conception to gaining customers and making it to minimal viable product (MVP) and beyond?  Sophie Wang , an experienced professional with a rich background in finance, private equity, and venture capital is a person who can answer these...

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Ayhan Cetiner, the owner of Elite Orthopedic and Sports Therapy. Ayhan’s core beliefs:  you’ve only got one body, so empower it to last you a long time; you have to put in the reps and work so make time for it; it isn’t all about how much weight you lift or how many marathons you conquer. Before diving into our personal journey, Ayhan provides insights into...

My conversation today is with the incredible Tracey Madigan, media training expert and director of the 15 Minutes Group in Washington, D.C. Our connection was instant, that rare feeling when you know you've found someone whose energy and approach are similar to your own and their story resonates deeply. Listen as Tracey shares her remarkable journey, from a career in Canadian journalism to nav...

Today’s conversation is with Carlos Santana, a remarkable individual.  I've had the privilege of knowing Carlos for a couple of years through our involvement in Google VetNet panels during Veteran's Day week, and every time we talk, I'm inspired by his story. Carlos’ career is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a captain in the Army after graduating from West Point, his path t...

I am joined today by my good friend and former colleague Jody Ramsammy , who shares insights into his journey from growing up in South Africa during challenging times to pursuing the American dream. He also talks about his transition from a successful corporate career to launching his own business, Vivid Presents , focused on creating immersive and inclusive experiential events. Jody emphasizes th...

Make it stick:  your message and your presence. How do you do that these days?  I’m not even talking about LinkedIn or other social media. How about when you are actually face to face with another person? With all the competing requirements for their attention-some known and many unknown to you-how do you build a relationship with someone that sticks? I found some answers to these questions in the...

Following up on this three-part mini-series with Nick Sinai and Marina Nitze, I bring you part 2 from their book Hack Your Bureaucracy.  I have to say, this book has truly struck a chord with me. The stories are compelling and based on wisdom gained from hacking bureaucracies in both the private and public sectors. What really sets it apart is its practical approach; at the end of each chapter, th...

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly being hit with obstacles getting in the way of your goals? No matter what you do to achieve your goal, sometimes you run into a wall - that wall being a bureaucracy. Sound familiar? If so, you're going to want to listen to this episode. So many of us are often contending with bureaucracies, and today’s guests  discuss how to reach your goals regardless o...

It's incredible how just three simple words, "I see you," can profoundly impact our business and personal relationships. As leaders-whether starting a company, leading a division or playing a key member role-it's crucial to understand the value of these words. Using them effectively can create deeper connections with those around us:  customers, colleagues and strategic partners...

Layoffs happen. Most likely, you either have already or will experience a layoff during your career. When they occur, you have no control over when or how they happen. Being blindsided by a layoff can be devastating, depending on how prepared you may be to handle it. I've worked at 7 seven companies where layoffs occurred and have been laid off at 4 of those companies. I've also had to be the pers...

Have you taken a leap lately? Many of us want to take a leap-in our business or personal lives-or may even be forced to these days? These leaps can come as unexpected shocks or amazing opportunities to invent something brand new for ourselves! I took a leap recently by having Gay Hendricks on What’s Next Now and want to share our energetic conversation with you. I call Gay Hendricks ‘a life practi...

It is the word ‘Dare’ in the new book by Dalia Feldheim, ‘Dare To Lead Like a Girl’ that is the most provocative. What does that mean? How do Girls Lead? They show up, they play hard and they win! But they do it somewhat differently than most men and therein lies the lessons for all of us. In our 35 minute conversation, Dalia talks about some of the science and research behind why women have a dif...

Nobody  accidentally becomes a 2-star General in the Army. Sometimes life just pulls you in. Your calling is your calling. That’s what happened to MAJ General (Ret) Garrett Yee early in his career. He went from being a civilian in the insurance industry with a data platforms company to holding a non-partisan elected position in his California based community among other early experiences. Und...

Talk about an unusual career path:  how about going from elementary school teacher to advertising salesperson to becoming President and then CEO of a venture backed data platform company!  Peter Goldstone details this and six other crucial forks in the road that produced amazing opportunities for learning, growth and re-invention spawning out several businesses, most of which were birthe...

“Climbing ‘Down’ the Ladder”  This has an almost unnatural ring to it. Right? We are taught our whole careers to climb ‘up’ the ladder. That’s where people want to go; should want to go and do go. But not anymore. That’s not the only choice. Whether you are part of the Great Resignation, Great Reconfiguration or know someone who is, you see or are part of the change taking place at work. Usin...

In this episode on “What’s Next Now!” I share the story of how six key elements were put together into a framework for leading and preparing yourself:  through and after COVID. Elements for leading yourself like keeping humor active in your day, engaging in charitable activities, and creating ways to unplug from your digital world for just a little while. Elements for leading others which inc...

David has written 11 books (and counting), published multiple articles in Rolling Stone , New York Times and Wired, and has had at least two story adaptations into movies.  David is well known as a journalist in and about the gaming industry; which is a blood relative of the technology industry. So I was interested in a lot of his stories.   Dave talks about everything ranging from...

All roads lead to somewhere, right? But can you imagine a road in Afghanistan or a high security post assignment at an overseas embassy leading to jobs at Google? Well, they did and two veterans are here to tell you the story of how they made it happen and why! I mean imagine, Yaser Chow a veteran of the marine corp serving at a high security post for an overseas embassy and Rahul Harpalani a form...