What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast
What's Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast is a monthly podcast from Ruder Finn, one of the world’s largest global independent integrated marketing and communications agencies. Each episode features candid conversation with innovators, ranging from business visionaries and leading marketers to Ruder Finn’s regional leaders and industry partners, unpacking the trends, technologies, and philosophies that are redefining the future of marketing communications.
Ruder Finn has spent nearly 80 years shaping and predicting where communications is headed, and helping brands, companies, and leaders move from "what’s now” to “what’s next". The podcast draws on this bold heritage and CEO Kathy Bloomgarden's dynamic leadership style, known for championing adaptability, innovation, disruption, and more.
For any inquiries about the podcast, or to connect with Kathy, please email whatsnextpodcast@ruderfinn.com.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
What happens when one of the world’s leading technologists redefines the future of AI through a human lens? In this episode, Kathy Bloomgarden sits down with Yvette Kanouff, Emmy Award–winning engineer and Partner at JC2 Ventures, to explore how AI is becoming the next essential utility for business and life.
Together they discuss how curiosity, collaboration, and generosity drive innovation and how technology, when grounded in human connection and purpose, can transform the way we live, learn, and lead.
For any inquiries about the podcast, or to connect with Kathy, please email whatsnextpodcast@ruderfinn.com.
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
When science and storytelling collide, real change happens. In this powerful conversation, Kathy Bloomgarden and Ed Harnaga, healthcare marketer and former Pfizer CCO, explore how transparency, authenticity, and empathy are redefining the future of healthcare.
Together they reflect on lessons from one of history’s most high-stakes moments and discuss how AI, micro-influencers, and human connection are transforming the way we build trust and bring science to life.
For any inquiries about the podcast, or to connect with Kathy, please email whatsnextpodcast@ruderfinn.com.
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
We’re standing at the edge of the great leap, a moment where technology and humanity move forward together. In this episode, Kathy Bloomgarden sits down with Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor and Former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI, for a conversation that blends innovation with purpose.
Together, they explore how intelligence can become an abundant resource for good and what it means for the future of work, creativity, and human connection. Their discussion goes beyond technology to consider the moral imagination, empathy, and optimism needed to guide the next industry shift, one where progress is not just measured in data, but in how deeply it serves people.
For any inquiries about the podcast, or to connect with Kathy, please email whatsnextpodcast@ruderfinn.com.
Friday Feb 13, 2026
Friday Feb 13, 2026
What’s Next is a new podcast hosted by Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. Listen along for candid conversations with the innovators, leaders, and visionaries as they explore the trends, technologies, and ideas that are redefining what comes next for integrated marketing communications.
For any inquiries about the podcast, or to connect with Kathy, please email whatsnextpodcast@ruderfinn.com.