Working Forward

In this live stream episode of Working Forward, Michael Sneed and John Dugan join host Jason Cochran to explore what it means to lead wisely as artificial intelligence reshapes the business landscape. Michael, a 39-year Johnson & Johnson veteran who rose from summer intern to the executive committee, and John, a retired PwC partner with decades of healthcare consulting experience, share what's rea...

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Matt Poepsel, SVP of Workforce and Talent at The Predictive Index and author of multiple books on talent optimization, to explore what happens when AI disruption, generational shifts, and organizational entropy collide. Matt introduces the concept of entropy in the workplace, the natural tendency of systems to descend toward disorder...

What makes something feel premium the second it lands in your hands? Eric and Crissy unpack the hidden psychology of quality and why people make instant judgments about products based on weight, texture, stitching, materials, and fit-for-purpose design. From cashmere pashminas for executives to fleece-lined scarves for sports fans, Crissy shares story after story showing that quality is not just a...

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Rob Eyler, CEO and co-founder of Capturely, a photography platform that deploys vetted photographers for professional headshots at scale. Rob shares how he co-founded Capturely in 2019, landed LinkedIn and Facebook as early clients, then watched revenue drop to zero when COVID hit. After two difficult years of pivoting into product p...

What makes an unboxing moment feel unforgettable and why are so many companies still getting it wrong? 📦 Eric and Crissy unpack the psychology behind anticipation, belonging, curiosity, and emotional connection, and why the moments before someone opens a box can be just as powerful as what is inside. From new hire kits to influencer campaigns, Crissy shares why packaging is never separate from th...

What looks like a simple swag order can quietly spiral into a logistical nightmare that drains time, money, and employee energy. Eric and Crissy unpack why procurement thinking often kills the true potential of merchandise programs. Together, they explore the hidden complexity behind what many leaders treat as a commodity decision. From balloon vendors multiplying across an organization to global...

What if the biggest branding opportunity your company has is quietly ending up in the trash? 🗑️ Eric and Crissy unpack the hidden emotional, financial, and environmental costs behind the billions spent on promotional products each year. Together they challenge the idea that branded merchandise is just a giveaway, reframing it instead as a powerful people-first experience that can shape trust, loya...

That branded mug on your desk might be doing more than holding coffee. It could be shaping memory, emotion, and loyalty in ways most leaders never stop to consider. Eric and Crissy have a fascinating conversation on the psychology behind why some merchandise becomes meaningful while most gets tossed aside. Together, they explore how neuroscience, sensory engagement, and emotional attachment influe...

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Wes Bender, Head of Business Development at Admired Leadership, and Mikey Ames, Digital Marketing and Social Media Lead at Admired Leadership, to explore what it takes to build and deploy AI that creates genuine value for organizations. Wes and Mikey share how their firm developed Alex, an AI executive leadership coach grounded in 35...

A cheap pen or a lasting symbol of belonging. In this special kickoff to The Psychology of Swag series on Working Forward, Eric Bransteter sits down with branded merchandise strategist Crissy Manwaring to unpack why the physical artifacts companies send say more about their culture than they realize. Drawing from decades of experience, Crissy reveals how thoughtful merchandise can move relationshi...

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Beth White, Founder and CEO of MeBeBot, to discuss how organizations can build practical and responsible AI strategies. Beth shares insights on the urgency of AI adoption, emphasizing that companies must move beyond hesitation to experiment and learn in real time. They explore how AI is already solving tangible business problems, par...

In this episode, Jason Cochran speaks with Steve Sorensen and Jordan Lindstrom from Johnsonville about the company's approach to culture, values, and the integration of artificial intelligence. They discuss the importance of reimagining company values, the process of communicating and embedding these values into the organization, and the role of workshops in fostering cultural change. The conversa...

In this conversation, Jason Cochran speaks with Tanya and Tony Thorson about the evolving landscape of marketing psychology, particularly in the context of B2B and B2C interactions. They discuss their book, 'Get Off Your Mask', which emphasizes the importance of personalization, authenticity, and the human connection in marketing. The Thorsons introduce their POISE framework, which focuses on pers...

Episode Description: What if wellness wasn't just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to setting boundaries and asking for help, they share pe...

Episode Description: How do we move from "just a job" to truly purposeful work in the middle of massive AI-driven disruption? Nikki and Jason tackle this question and unpack sobering data on disengagement, talk candidly about seasons of life and changing priorities, and introduce two practical tools that help people assess where they are and what needs to change: the Life Wheel and the Purpose Gap...

In this conversation, AI leaders Beth White and Vince Freeman break down what is actually happening inside companies as they attempt to adopt AI. They explore why so many pilots fall short, how individual employees are often ahead of organizational strategies, and why success depends less on tools and more on mindset, literacy, and culture. They share practical insights on building AI strategy wit...

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential? 🎯 Nikki and Jason unpack one of PeopleForward Network's most powerful culture codes: Purpose Over Profit. They explore what happens when teams stop measuring success in dollars and start designing work around meaning, strengths, and alignment. From sharing candid team experiences, like skipping 4:30 AM workouts for midday movement...

this conversation, Micah Remley, CEO of Robin, shares insights on the importance of unplugging from technology, the art and science of building great teams, and the impact of AI on the workplace. He discusses the challenges of remote work, the necessity of embracing adversity, and the role of HR in shaping AI strategies. The conversation emphasizes the value of in-person interactions and the need...

Ever been stuck in a "meh" moment, unsure if it's a yes or a no? 😬 Nikki and Jason dive into a fun, fired-up convo about making bold, aligned decisions, personally and professionally. From saying no without guilt to spotting red flags in client partnerships and making hiring choices that truly light up your team, they cover it all. Nikki also shares powerful takeaways from Mel Robbins' "Let Them"...

In this episode, Jason Cochran interviews Bob Dalton, a tech founder and community expert, discussing the intersection of technology and community. Bob shares his journey from starting a blanket company to addressing homelessness and emphasizes the importance of localism and community in a tech-driven world. They explore the impact of technology on human connection, the need for community in workp...

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn't coming for your job, it's coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals, onboarding guides, and culture content, they're...

In this episode of Working Forward, Amy Bayer shares her personal journey through burnout, career reinvention, and the slow, intentional process of rediscovering purpose. From leading global employer brand initiatives to stepping away in search of alignment, Amy offers a vulnerable look at what it means to listen to your body, trust your instincts, and let go of what no longer serves you. She and...

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional "hours worked" mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it's time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. 🚀...

In this episode, Greg Verdino joins Jason Cochran to explore what it really means to lead through AI disruption — without losing the human heartbeat of your business. From fear to future-forward thinking, they dive into what leaders often get wrong about automation, and how to focus on what humans do best. Greg shares insights on empathy in the age of AI, the importance of adaptability, and how to...

What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn't a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum. 📈 They demystify what OKRs really are, how sprint goals drive alignment and energy, and why failing fast can actually fuel succ...