AI's Role In Shaping Future Communication With Steve Dowling & Craig Carroll
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs
Working Forward
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 success. Packed with real-life examples and people-first leadership insights, this episode delivers practical tips and a dose of workplace magic. 💡 Whether you're leading a team or just trying to...
info_outline
The Road Ahead: Owning Your Career Journey With KL Shaw
Working Forward
In this episode, KL Shaw joins Jason Cochran to break down what it really means to own your career journey — especially in today’s uncertain job market. From layoffs to layoffs to leaps of faith, they explore how to shift from fear into action. KL shares powerful coaching insights on getting clear about your purpose, making your impact visible, and building authentic relationships that open real doors — not just resumes. Whether you’re navigating change, burnout, or dreaming about something new, this conversation is your roadmap. Additional Resources: Connect with KL: Watch the ...
info_outline
Navigating Uncertainty In Executive Search With Michael Morgan and Scott Himes
Working Forward
In this conversation, Jason Cochran engages with Michael Morgan and Scott Himes from Medallion Partners to explore the evolving landscape of executive search and talent acquisition. They discuss the significant uncertainties and changes in the industry, the critical importance of succession planning, and the impact of AI on the workforce. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to new realities, make wise decisions in talent acquisition, and the importance of change management in navigating these challenges. Additional Resources: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: ...
info_outline
Leading for Wellness in a Burned-Out World with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer
Working Forward
Live from the PeopleForward Network Community, Jason sits down with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer—aka the workplace wellbeing docs 👩⚕️👩⚕️—to talk about their new book “Leading for Wellness.” Why are employees feeling worse despite all the wellness perks? What does real support look like? And how can leaders stop burnout before it starts? This convo is packed with research, laughs, and “aha” moments on leading people-first. Let’s get well, together. 🌱 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch the Learn more about ...
info_outline
Rethinking Employment in the Age of AI With Josh Drean
Working Forward
In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Josh Drean explore the rapidly changing landscape of work, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and its implications for employment. They discuss the uncertainty surrounding AI's capabilities, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and the need for a new employment model that prioritizes meaningful work. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations of AI integration, the challenges faced by HR, and the necessity for strategic implementation of AI tools to enhance productivity without sacrificing employee experience....
info_outline
Balancing High Touch Automation in a Digital World with Nikki Lewallen Gregory
Working Forward
In this episode, Nikki and Jason dive into a hot topic: how do you keep that human touch while embracing the rise of automation and AI 🤖? They get real about what should be automated (hello, scheduling) and what should never lose the personal touch (like conflict resolution or celebrating your people). With practical insights, core values, and a whole lot of heart, this convo will leave you rethinking how to scale without losing soul 💡💬. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Define what automation and high touch mean for your organization....
info_outline
The Impact of Automation on Our Lives and Work With Kris Kluver
Working Forward
In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Chris Kluver discuss the current state of the economy, the challenges faced by business leaders, and the impact of political decisions on economic stability. They explore the role of hope in leadership, the transformative effects of AI and automation on the workforce, and the importance of life-work integration in the evolving work landscape. The discussion emphasizes the need for strategic planning in addressing job displacement and the potential for AI to create a more equitable future. In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Kris Kluver explore the...
info_outline
AI and the Future of Employment With Gianna Driver
Working Forward
In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Gianna Driver explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the challenges faced by HR leaders, the importance of work-life integration, and the rising significance of hope in leadership. They discuss the impact of AI on employment and the necessity for collaboration between humans and technology, emphasizing the need for workplaces to adapt to these changes while maintaining a human-centered approach. They also explore the implications of AI on critical thinking, productivity, and workplace culture. Additional Resources: Connect with Gianna on...
info_outline
Redefining Roles In An AI-Powered Economy With Vince Freeman
Working Forward
In this conversation, Jason Cochran interviews Vince Freeman, the Chief AI Implementation Officer at HardingPorman. They discuss the evolving role of AI in organizations, the challenges of implementation, and the future of work as AI becomes more integrated into various industries. Vince shares insights on the importance of education and collaboration between HR and IT, the potential economic implications of AI, and the need for individuals to find meaning beyond their jobs in an AI-driven world. Additional Resources: Connect with Vince on LinkedIn: Join Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: ...
info_outline
How To Do Asynchronous Meetings With Nikki Lewallen Gregory
Working Forward
In this episode, we dive into the power of asynchronous meetings—what they are, why they matter, and how they can revolutionize the way teams communicate. Join Jason Cochran and Nikki Lewallen Gregory as they break down the key strategies behind effective async collaboration. From reducing meeting fatigue to ensuring every team member has a voice, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-d-cochran/ Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/ Follow...
info_outlineIn this conversation, Jason Cochran engages with futurists Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll to explore the evolving landscape of workplace communication. They discuss the profound impact of social media on communication dynamics, the rise of podcasting as a tool for corporate communication, and the implications of artificial intelligence in enhancing or complicating communication processes. The discussion highlights the challenges organizations face in adapting to new communication technologies and the potential of AI to improve feedback mechanisms and productivity, while also raising concerns about content quality in an era of easy content generation. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of podcasting, the role of AI in content creation, and its implications for accessibility and data analysis. They explore the impact of AI on jobs and the evolving landscape of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the workplace, highlighting the political pressures surrounding it. The discussion also touches on the shifting language around DEI and the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than labels. The conversation concludes with insights into their podcasting journey and the significance of effective communication in today's world.
Additional Resources:
Connect with Steve On LinkedIn
Connect with Craig On LinkedIn
Listen to their podcast: Communication Breakdown
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Watch the Working Forward Podcast on YouTube!
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Social media has fundamentally changed communication dynamics.
- The rise of influencers complicates trust in information.
- Workplace communication has shifted from top-down to more collaborative.
- Podcasting offers a flexible and engaging communication tool.
- AI can enhance productivity but also presents challenges.