Looking Forward

In this episode of the Looking Forward podcast, Jen Robinson & Alejandro Jaegerman discuss the new version of their Ampersand Consulting website, developed using Lovable without any code. They highlight the positive feedback and engagement they received. They also introduce a QR code generator project for business cards, integrating it seamlessly into their website. The conversation covers the...

It’s 2025, and nearly half of us feel overwhelmed by the breakneck pace of change—AI hype fatigue, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and ecological crises are all testing our limits. In this episode, Jen and Alejandro unpack why 1 in 3 workers are actively disengaging from their company’s transformation initiatives—and how that “quiet sabotage” signals a deeper crisis of trust and purpo...

Bold AI mandates. Radical workforce shifts. In this episode, we challenge the biggest question in tech today: Should organizations use AI to augment their people—or replace them entirely? Hear how Satya Nadella’s Copilot rollout, Marc Benioff’s digital‑worker pledge, and Shopify’s “no hire without AI” memo are shaking up HR. We explore how top companies are redefining hiring rules with AI-first po...

In this episode, Jen and Alejandro sit down to explore how AI is driving positive change across industries and communities. We look at tangible examples of AI for Good—from boosting early disease detection with smarter healthcare tools to enhancing personalized learning and disaster response. We also unpack the ethics of AI, discussing bias, transparency, and how responsible innovation can truly i...

Season 2 continues! In this episode, Jen sits down with digital strategist Omar Butt to explore the rise of agentic AI and how it's transforming traditional process optimization into an intelligent, adaptive workforce. We dive into the meaning behind the provocative statement, "AI is a solution looking for a problem," and discuss how this new wave of AI is not just automating tasks but reimagining...

Season 2 is here! In this kickoff episode, Jen and Alejandro catch up on everything Ampersand has been working on and dive into the exciting world of agentic AI. From discussing our latest project, SunnySide.bot, to sharing thoughts on how AI agents from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI are reshaping business strategies, we cover a lot of ground. What exactly is agentic AI? How can businesses l...

As we wrap up Season 1 of Looking Forward , we’re reflecting on the most exciting moments in AI and tech from 2024 and looking ahead to what’s on the horizon in 2025. From groundbreaking advancements by Google DeepMind and Tesla to the rise of AI-powered education and sustainability solutions, this episode dives into the transformative impact of technology on people, businesses, and the world. Joi...

In this episode of  Looking Forward , we discuss the transformative world of agentic AI—where AI doesn’t just analyze or create but takes actionable steps to solve real business challenges. Join hosts AJ and Jen as they explore the profound implications of this next-level technology with two special guests: Doug , who unpacks the strategic potential of agentic AI and its ability to reshape workfor...

In this unique episode of Looking Forward , Alejandro and Jennifer dive into the role of agentic AI in content creation and beyond. From discussing the tools they use, like Descript, to exploring how AI-driven assistants support their workflow, they peel back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes process. The conversation highlights how agentic AI could evolve and potentially shift industries, with...

In this episode of Looking Forward , Alejandro and Jen dive into a powerful trend reshaping industries: the changing role of middle management. Once the backbone of corporate structure, middle management is now facing a crossroads due to tech advances, flatter hierarchies, and new approaches to team dynamics. Tune in as we explore: The history and evolution of middle management, from the Industria...

In this episode of Looking Forward , Alejandro Jagerman, CEO of Ampersand Consulting, and Jen, Director of Operations, discuss key strategies for planning 2025 amidst the noise of today's business landscape. They explore three essential questions: How to equip teams with the skills they need for the future How AI can enhance creativity across all levels of an organization How to synergize human ex...

In this episode of Looking Forward , Beth Hedger, Principal of Digital Innovation at Ampersand Consulting, dives into the concept of product maturity and why it’s essential for organizations navigating today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Together with Jen and Alejandro, Beth discusses how product teams can stay nimble, embrace AI disruption, and prepare for the next wave of innovation. They break d...

In this special episode of Looking Forward , Alejandro and Jen take a step back from the usual business tech topics to have an honest conversation about the realities of running a small consultancy in today’s economy. As Ampersand Consulting continues to face challenges in a post-pandemic world, they share candid insights into the highs and lows of their journey, including dealing with inflation,...

In this episode of Looking Forward , Doug, Principal D&A Consultant at Ampersand Consulting, breaks down the three types of AI adoption—Consumers, Integrators, and Creators—and shares how organizations can determine where they fit along the AI spectrum. Alongside Jen and Alejandro, they explore real-world examples of AI integration, the evolution of generative AI, and the shifting landscape of...

Join Jen, Director of Operations at Ampersand Consulting, and Alejandro, CEO, as they dive into the critical question facing today’s leaders: How can you truly measure the ROI of your AI investments? This episode of Looking Forward unpacks the tangible and strategic returns of AI across three focal areas—operational efficiency, revenue growth, and cost savings. With insights from recent studies an...

Can your business thrive during an economic downturn? Learn the secrets of success from industry giants as we uncover the strategies that helped Apple and Amazon not only survive but flourish through past crises. Join us on "Looking Forward" with hosts Jen and Alejandro as we dissect the critical importance of continuing to invest in innovation and employee training, even when times are tough. Bac...

Unlock the secrets to a more productive and satisfying work environment as Jen and Alejandro from Ampersand Consulting dissect the ins and outs of hybrid work frameworks on this episode of "Looking Forward." Get ready to explore the hub-and-spoke model, where centralizing resources at main hubs can streamline efficiency and management but also presents challenges like resource disparities and coor...

What if the key to skyrocketing your business's customer satisfaction lies in cutting-edge technology? Join us as we unpack transformative solutions to the pressing issue of declining customer satisfaction in today's digital era. I'm Jen, Director of Operations at Ampersand Consulting, alongside Alejandro, our CEO. Together, we'll reveal how AI chatbots, personalized recommendation engines, and se...