Balancing High Touch Automation in a Digital World with Nikki Lewallen Gregory
Release Date: 05/20/2025
Real Change, Real Results: Scaling Businesses and People with AI featuring Micah Remley
Working Forward
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 for balance in hybrid work environments, highlighting the importance of community and connection in achieving personal and professional growth. Additional Resources: Connect with Micah on LinkedIn: ...
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Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose
Working Forward
Ever been stuck in a âmehâ moment, unsure if itâs a yes or a no? đŹ 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 Robbinsâ âLet Themâ philosophy and the Why.OS framework that keeps the PFN team living and leading with radical intentionality. Tune in if youâre ready to lead, live, and love like every decision is a...
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Real vs Artificial: The Future of Human Connection With Bob Dalton
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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 workplaces, and the future of community-building in the face of AI advancements. Bob advocates for authentic connections and the necessity of community for survival in today's society. Additional...
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Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI
Working Forward
What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isnât coming for your job, itâs 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, theyâre showing how AI can augment your team, not replace it. Expect lightbulb moments and a roadmap for using AI to go further faster while keeping your values and people at the center đĄ ...
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The Power Of Us: Belonging and Connection at Work with Amy Bayer
Working Forward
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 Brent discuss how strengths like Empathy and Connectedness guided her path, the power of sabbaticals, and the questions that helped her begin again â on her terms. Additional Resources:...
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Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results
Working Forward
What if your team could get more done in less time? âł In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional âhours workedâ mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why itâs time to ditch the outdated 9â5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. đ From experimenting with a four-day work week to harnessing AI for smarter workflows, this episode is packed with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and a few personal stories...
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Beyond Automation: The Human Side of AI Disruption With Greg Verdino
Working Forward
In this episode, Greg Verdino joins Jason Cochran to explore what it really means to lead through AI disruption â 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 create cultures that thrive with change, not in spite of it. Whether youâre navigating uncertainty, rethinking your role, or trying to lead a team through transformation, this episode is both a...
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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 wasnât 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. đ 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. đĄ Whether you're leading a team or just trying to...
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The Road Ahead: Owning Your Career Journey With KL Shaw
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In this episode, KL Shaw joins Jason Cochran to break down what it really means to own your career journey â especially in todayâs 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 â not just resumes. Whether youâre navigating change, burnout, or dreaming about something new, this conversation is your roadmap. Additional Resources: Connect with KL: Watch the ...
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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_outlineIn 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 đ¤?
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 đĄđŹ.
Additional Resources:
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Define what automation and high touch mean for your organization.
- Use your core values as guardrailsâdonât automate whatâs uniquely human.
- Automate for scale, but personalize for trust to preserve authenticity.
- Design systems that create space for connection, not remove it.
- AI transformation is human transformationâprioritize alignment and communication.
- Your culture code should drive how your team shows up with new tools.