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The Impact of Automation on Our Lives and Work With Kris Kluver

Working Forward

Release Date: 05/06/2025

The Psychology of Swag: Quality Signals Value show art The Psychology of Swag: Quality Signals Value

Working Forward

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 about price. It is about context, emotion, usability, and how a product makes someone feel in a specific moment. Together, they explore why the wrong “premium” item can fall flat, why cheap bags...

info_outline Pivoting Through Crisis and Democratizing Photography with Rob Eyler show art Pivoting Through Crisis and Democratizing Photography with Rob Eyler

Working Forward

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 photography and video, the team finally launched virtual headshots in 2024, allowing anyone with a phone and a window to get studio-quality headshots in minutes with a real photographer controlling...

info_outline The Psychology of Swag: The Unboxing Experience show art The Psychology of Swag: The Unboxing Experience

Working Forward

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 the gift. It is the experience, the signal, and the story all at once. Together, they explore how thoughtful unboxing can build brand love, strengthen employee connection, and create meaningful...

info_outline The Psychology of Swag: From Transaction to Transformation show art The Psychology of Swag: From Transaction to Transformation

Working Forward

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 gifting programs that unravel without strategic alignment, Crissy reveals how merch can either strengthen culture and brand impact or create internal friction that leaders never see coming. If you are...

info_outline The Psychology of Swag: The $6 Billion Waste Problem show art The Psychology of Swag: The $6 Billion Waste Problem

Working Forward

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, loyalty, and identity. From cultural missteps that lead to wasted budgets to the surprising science behind creating a product someone actually loves, Crissy shares actionable frameworks leaders can...

info_outline The Psychology of Swag: Why We Keep What We Keep show art The Psychology of Swag: Why We Keep What We Keep

Working Forward

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 influence whether a simple object turns into a lasting brand connection. From favorite pens and nostalgic mugs to innovative gifting strategies that drive real engagement, Crissy shares practical insights...

info_outline Building Real AI Value with Wes Bender and Mikey Ames show art Building Real AI Value with Wes Bender and Mikey Ames

Working Forward

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 years of behavioral leadership research and why most leaders are getting AI wrong. They break down the difference between AI slop and real value, explain how AI actually works at a fundamental level,...

info_outline Introducing The Psychology of Swag: A New Series on Working Forward show art Introducing The Psychology of Swag: A New Series on Working Forward

Working Forward

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 relationships from transactional to meaningful. Together, they explore the hidden psychology behind why some branded items become trusted favorites while others end up forgotten or discarded, and how leaders can...

info_outline Creating Practical AI Strategies with Beth White show art Creating Practical AI Strategies with Beth White

Working Forward

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, particularly in HR, and the importance of leadership engagement in driving adoption. The conversation highlights the value of identifying clear use cases, measuring ROI, and establishing strong...

info_outline Reimagining Company Values for Modern Times With Steve Sorenson and Jordan Lindstrom show art Reimagining Company Values for Modern Times With Steve Sorenson and Jordan Lindstrom

Working Forward

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 conversation also explores how Johnsonville is cautiously implementing AI to enhance productivity while ensuring it aligns with their core values and culture.   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve...

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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 evolving role of AI in our lives, particularly its impact on critical thinking skills, productivity, and collaboration.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Kris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriskluver/

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-d-cochran/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • There's a lot of people out there who are freaking out about the economy.
  • The extinction events we're going to see in businesses is going to be massive.
  • With great disruption comes great opportunity.
  • Hope is now the number one trait people look for in leadership.
  • We need to have a plan for those who may be displaced by AI.