Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs
Release Date: 07/23/2025
Reimagining Marketing in the Age of AI with Tanya and Tony Thorson
Working Forward
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 personalization, omnichannel strategies, and emotional intelligence. They also share real-world examples of effective marketing strategies and predict future trends in the industry. Additional Resources:...
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Community Conversation: Leading Well Starts with Living Well
Working Forward
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 personal rituals and team-wide practices that fuel sustained capacity and impact. Get a behind-the-scenes of how People Forward Network lives out people-first values, with wellness baked into every...
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Community Conversation: Not Just A Job: Helping People Find Purpose In Their Work
Working Forward
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 Matrix. Through real stories from their own team and a generational lens on AI’s impact, they challenge both leaders and individuals to own their 50%, design work that fits who they are today,...
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Panel Event: AI Strategy with a Purpose with Beth White & Vince Freeman
Working Forward
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 with purpose, including who should be involved, how to identify the right problems to automate, and why HR plays a critical role in workforce transformation. The discussion highlights the importance of...
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Community Conversation: Purpose Over Profit - Reimagining Success
Working Forward
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 guilt-free, to building a results-first, flexibility-driven culture, this episode challenges leaders to rethink how we define and pursue success 🧭. Whether you're climbing the ladder, leading...
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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 “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” philosophy and the Why.OS framework that keeps the PFN team living and leading with radical intentionality. Tune in if you’re 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
Working Forward
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 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 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 💡 ...
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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 — on her terms. Additional Resources:...
info_outlineWhat 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 keep the main thing the main thing, this episode is your playbook for unlocking strategic progress—one sprint at a time. 🏃♀️
Additional Resources:
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- OKRs bring focus and clarity to what really matters.
- Monthly sprints keep goals agile and actionable.
- Team alignment grows with regular goal check-ins.
- A safe, feedback-rich culture powers real progress.
- Agility isn't optional—it's a must for modern teams.