Building Brands Customers Remember with John Dwyer

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    This week I have the honor of welcoming Ashley Herd to the show. She is a former Chief People Officer and General Counsel who has trained over a quarter of a million managers through LinkedIn Learning and live corporate trainings. Ashley built Manager Method after leading HR in legal teams at McKinsey, Yum! Brands and Modern Luxury. She has a new book out called The Manager Method.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…new managers, experienced leaders, and anyone responsible for developing people who wants a more practical, human way to manage performance. If you've ever struggled with giving feedback, felt unsure how much autonomy to give your team, or questioned whether traditional performance reviews actually work, this episode will feel especially relevant.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…most managers aren't failing because they don't care,  they're failing because they were never taught how to manage. In this episode, Ashley breaks down why so many well-intentioned leaders fall into patterns like avoiding feedback, overcorrecting, or defaulting to vague autonomy. She introduces a more structured, honest approach to management. We talk about why people actually want feedback, how AI is changing (and exposing) broken performance processes, and what managers can do differently to help their teams thrive.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… Most managers are promoted for performance rather than trained for leadership, creating gaps in expectations and feedback. Autonomy without structure often leaves employees feeling uncertain rather than empowered. Avoiding feedback is usually driven by good intentions, but it ultimately limits growth and trust. Consistent, direct feedback helps people feel respected, supported, and clear about where they stand.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I loved Ashley's honest take on how good intentions often lead managers astray. Her insight that people don't need perfection but rather clarity reframes feedback as an act of respect, not criticism. It's a powerful reminder that strong management isn't about control or charisma, but about creating the conditions where people know where they stand and how to grow.   Running Time: 28:57   Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Ashley Online: LinkedIn Website   Ashley's Book: The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get Results

Making Better Strategic Choices with Roger Martin   I'm thrilled to announce a new show with my dear friend, Roger Martin, author of the amazing book, Playing to Win. In this 12-part series, we'll explore the true meaning of strategy and how it's often misunderstood or misapplied in business today.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders and strategists who are tired of strategy being confused with planning and want a clearer, more practical way to think about how real strategic choices drive results.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…strategy isn't a list of priorities or a collection of initiatives—it's an integrated set of choices that work together to drive customer behavior. In this conversation, Roger Martin explains why so many organizations misunderstand strategy, how that misunderstanding shows up in day-to-day decision-making, and what it really takes to close the gap between what leaders hope will happen and what actually does. Drawing on decades of experience, Roger challenges conventional strategy thinking and lays the groundwork for a more disciplined, choice-driven approach to winning.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… Strategy only works when choices reinforce one another, not when they exist as disconnected initiatives. The hardest—and most important—part of strategy is influencing customer behavior, not internal activity. Many companies mistake planning exercises for strategy, which leads to disappointing results.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I love how clearly Roger reframes strategy as a set of deliberate, reinforcing choices. It's a powerful reminder that winning isn't about doing more things, it's about making better, more integrated choices.   Running Time: 21:22   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Roger Online: LinkedIn Website   Show Summary on Substack

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    This week I have the pleasure of welcoming from Australia, John Dwyer, also known as JD. He is a direct response customer attraction expert who thinks way outside the box. His marketing consultancy business is called the Institute of Wow and JD's mantra is that one's marketing needs to wow prospects. I'm sure you all understand exactly why I invited him to our show but dive into what you should be doing to grow and build a successful business in 2026.   THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…leaders, founders, and marketers who want to stand out in crowded markets and create real customer loyalty without relying on gimmicks or short-term tactics.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…most companies say they care about customers—but very few design their business around them. In this episode, we explore what actually separates brands people remember from those they forget. John challenges leaders to rethink how they show up for customers, arguing that sustainable success comes from intentional experiences, not louder marketing.   KEY TAKEAWAYS… How small, thoughtful actions can create disproportionate brand impact. The difference between being visible and being memorable. How leaders can embed customer-first thinking into everyday decisions.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…I loved John's reminder that meaningful differentiation doesn't come from copying what others are doing—it comes from truly understanding your customer and being willing to act on that insight. His perspective reinforces that growth isn't about chasing trends, but about committing to experiences that people actually care about.   Running Time: 30:47   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find John Online: LinkedIn Website

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    I'm thrilled to welcome Patrick Ledin, PhD, bestselling author and renowned leadership expert at Franklin Covey's Leadership and Culture Practice. He's teamed up with the amazing and legendary author, James Patterson, for their bold new book, Disrupt Everything—and Win, which we dive into in this show.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant change. If you're a leader, manager, or professional navigating disruption (from technology shifts to career uncertainty), this conversation will help you rethink what disruption actually means and how to work with it rather than fight it.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…disruption isn't just something that happens to us — it's something we can choose how to respond to. Drawing on years of research and hundreds of interviews, Patrick explains why winning in disruption isn't about chasing constant change or having all the answers. It's about clarity, purpose, and knowing when to lean into change and when to intentionally choose stability.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Disruption doesn't always mean blowing things up, sometimes saying no to change is the most disruptive move you can make The difference between micro disruptions and major life-altering ones and why both can shape your path. How reframing fear around technology and AI can turn uncertainty into opportunity rather than threat.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Patrick's reminder that leaders don't have to carry disruption alone. You don't need every skill, every answer, or every instinct perfectly calibrated. You just need the self-awareness to know what you bring to the table and the confidence to invite others in.    Running Time: 28:27   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Patrick Online: LinkedIn   Patrick's Book: Disrupt Everything—and Win

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.   As we approach the end of the year, I'm pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we're giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2025!   This week, I'm excited to highlight an episode with Tasha Eurich.   Tasha 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      Subscribe on iTunes       Find Tiffani Online:  LinkedIn  Facebook  X      Find Tasha Online:  LinkedIn  Instagram  YouTube    Tasha's Book:  Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn't Enough)    Resilience Quiz:  https://resilience-quiz.com/  

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova. As we approach the end of the year, I'm pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we're giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2025!   This week, I'm excited to highlight an episode with Steve Lucas.   Steve is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise software leadership. As the CEO of Boomi, he spearheads efforts to connect the world through a transformative technology platform. Previously, he was the CEO of Marketo and iCIMS. At Marketo, he transformed the company's sales, marketing, and product strategies, culminating in its 2018 acquisition by Adobe. At iCIMS, he introduced the Talent Cloud, enabling 40% of the Fortune 100 to hire millions of employees annually. Earlier roles included senior executive positions at Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, and BusinessObjects.      THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…business leaders navigating digital transformation, especially those eager to understand how AI will reshape organizations.  TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…it's easy to get swept up in the hype around AI, but what does transformation actually look like in practice? Steve explores the dramatic shift AI is bringing to enterprise software, from the rise of AI agents to the decline of traditional user interfaces. He shares how businesses can prepare for an agentic future where success will depend on collaboration between humans and AI.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  - Human resistance to change is often about trust and not capability  - AI won't replace humans but augment them (if we allow it)  - Leaders should focus less on tools and more on the business outcomes they unlock    WHAT I LOVE MOST… Steve's reminder that in a world full of hype and disruption, trust is still the currency that matters most. No matter how powerful AI becomes, if people don't trust it—or the companies using it—it won't deliver value.    Running Time: 28:44      Subscribe on iTunes       Find Tiffani Online:  LinkedIn  Facebook  X      Find Steve Online:  LinkedIn    Steve's Book:  Digital Impact: The Human Element of AI-Driven Transformation 

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.   As we approach the end of the year, I'm pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we're giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2025!   This week, I'm excited to highlight an episode with Seth Godin.   Seth is a dear friend who I met in 2001 through his book Purple Cow, which is one of my all-time favorite books. Along the way, Seth has always been a great supporter of me and my career. Today, I'm eager to discuss Seth's latest book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone who wants a fresh perspective on leadership and strategy.      TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…strategy isn't a lofty document or annual exercise. It's a compass guiding every decision you make. Seth challenges the conventional idea of strategy as static and instead frames it as a dynamic, iterative process of becoming. He shares nuggets of wisdom from his new book, which he says is a love letter for the people he cares about.     KEY TAKEAWAYS…  - Fear is often the thing that holds people back from making bold decisions.  - False proxies, like easy-to-measure but irrelevant metrics, can misguide your focus.  - The best leaders inspire action by focusing on the "why" behind their strategies.    WHAT I LOVE MOST…Seth's thoughts on practical empathy. He says it's easy to become attached to something because you've worked hard on it. Practical empathy is understanding your audience and imagining what they need, even if that means reinventing your offerings. It's a call to lead with both courage and care.     Running Time: 29:45    Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online:  LinkedIn  Facebook       Find Seth Online:  Website   LinkedIn   Seth's Book:   The Corporate Startup 

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    I'm excited to welcome Lynn Smith to the show this week. She is a media and communications expert who helps high-level leaders turn pressure into presence. A former anchor for NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News, she now coaches Fortune 500 executives, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to become magnetic communicators.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone who wants to communicate with more confidence. If you've ever felt held back by self-doubt, overthinking, or fear of saying the wrong thing, this episode will give you the tools to move forward.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…most people think communication is about what you say, but it's really about how you show up. In this conversation, Lynn breaks down the biggest barrier standing between leaders and effective communication: fear. Fear of being judged, misunderstood, or getting it wrong. Lynn shares how to manage that internal narrative, build a magnetic presence, and communicate with clarity in high-pressure environments.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Your presence speaks before you do.  Communication isn't about words, it's the package the words come in.  Clarity is a leader's superpower. Before any big communication moment, ask: What do I want my audience to think and feel after hearing me? You are a walking billboard for your brand. Every meeting, Zoom call, or hallway interaction signals who you are and how you lead.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Lynn's reminder that fear is universal, even for people at the very top. She works with wildly successful CEOs and executives, and yet the biggest hurdle she sees isn't capability or content, it's the internal voice telling them they're not ready, not good enough, or one mistake away from failing. It's an empowering reframing: fear isn't a flaw, it's something you can work with and ultimately turn into an advantage.   Running Time: 35:24   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Lynn Online: LinkedIn   Lynn's Book: Just Keep Going

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.      This week I am excited to share a replay of a conversation I had with Mitch Lowe. Mitch was one of the early pioneers in the movie rental industry opening video rental stores in the early 1980's. In the late 90's Mitch joined Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings at Netflix as the video industry expert and led many of the partnerships that drove new subscribers to join Netflix. Mitch left Netflix in 2003 after a very successful IPO and joined the business development team at McDonalds Ventures to build a DVD evening machine business called Redbox. Mitch served as its COO and President for 8 years, growing the company from $36k in first-year revenue to over $1.5B in revenue 8 years later. Today Mitch invests in startups and gives inspirational speeches around the world to corporations, conferences, and students.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… executives, managers, founders of small and large organizations – anyone looking to hear from someone who has been part of one of the biggest disruption stories in the new digital age.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE… Mitch shares his proven experience and tips on how to become more innovative and disruptive in your own organization. What should you do and when? Mitch shares how you can identify a need on the frontlines of your customer base and use that data to create a company that truly addresses that need.   WHAT I LOVE MOST… I get to chat with an innovator whose work I covered in my own book, and I love the concept of the order and sequence in which you do things! Mitch gives you actionable items you can implement Monday Morning to start making that progress.   Running time: 32:48    Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X   Find Mitch Online: LinkedIn Website

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.    I'm excited to welcome Richard Fain to the show this week. He served as Royal Caribbean Group CEO for over three decades, leading its transformation from a small Norwegian company with three ships that held just over 700 passengers each into one of the world's largest and most profitable cruise lines with over 60 ships, including Icon of the Seas, the world's largest that carries 7,600 passengers and costs $2 billion to build. He is here to talk about his amazing book, Delivering the Wow: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…anyone leading teams or organizations who wants to understand how culture drives lasting success.    TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…culture isn't about slogans on the wall, it's about the daily choices that shape how people feel about their work. In this episode, Richard Fain shares how he built a company culture that transformed cruising into an unforgettable experience for both guests and employees. From connecting employee bonuses to engagement metrics to turning feedback into a continuous improvement engine, Richard's insights show how culture can truly become your greatest competitive advantage.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: You don't inherit a great culture; you create it by reinforcing the right behaviors every day. When people care about their work, they perform better—and that passion becomes contagious. Real-time insights from customers and employees turn good companies into great ones.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Richard's reminder that culture is self-sustaining when people genuinely care. You can't mandate engagement. It grows naturally when individuals see their impact, feel heard, and take pride in creating "wow" moments for others.   Running Time: 31:30   Subscribe on iTunes     Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X    Find Richard Online: LinkedIn   Richard's Book: Delivering the Wow: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success