In this episode, Greg Verdino joins Jason Cochran to explore what it really means to lead through AI disruption — 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 you’re navigating uncertainty, rethinking your role, or trying to lead a team through transformation, this episode is both a caution and a call to rise.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregverdino/

Join the PFN Community: https://community.peopleforwardnetwork.com/sign_up?request_host=community.peopleforwardnetwork.com&user[invitation_token]=43bbc5f192b8ac515b0c44bdfac7951d8cc7fc72-4b4aa546-ba57-4904-b9fb-2ced53e9af12#email

Watch the Working Forward Podcast on YouTube!

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:

• AI won’t replace leaders — but leaders who ignore it might replace themselves.
• The real threat isn’t the tech itself, but how disconnected we become from the human experience.
• Adaptability is no longer optional — it’s the defining trait of future-ready organizations.
• The most successful leaders will blend curiosity, empathy, and clarity in times of disruption.
• Automation should elevate humanity, not erase it — that starts with culture, not code.