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 full-body “Hell Yes!” 💥

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Know your why to guide clear decisions.
• Energy alignment outweighs obligation every time.
• Misaligned clients drain culture and results.
• Right person, right seat is essential.
• Intentionality drives meaningful culture and impact.

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 Resources:

Follow Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobxdalton/

Join the PFN Community!

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/

• Bob Dalton's journey began with a personal experience that led him to address homelessness.
• Localism is crucial for societal change and should be prioritized over nationalism and individualism.
• Technology has created a divide, leading to isolation and addiction to digital platforms.
• Community is essential for mental health and combating addiction in a tech-driven society.
• Building authentic connections is vital for personal and professional growth.

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 💡

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• AI is a co-pilot. Use it to enhance, not replace, human work.
• Start small. Experiment with everyday tasks before scaling.
• Input matters. Better prompts lead to better, more authentic outputs.
• Culture comes first. Align AI use with your company’s values.
• Free up time. Let AI handle the mundane so people can focus on meaningful work.

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:

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bayer-812ba8104/

Join the PFN Community: https://community.peopleforwardnetwork.com/sign_up?request_host=community.peopleforwardnetwork.com&user%5Binvitation_token%5D=43bbc5f192b8ac515b0c44bdfac7951d8cc7fc72-4b4aa546-ba57-4904-b9fb-2ced53e9af12#email

Watch the Working Forward Podcast on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Jason.Cochran

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:

- Burnout often begins when we ignore our body’s quiet signals in pursuit of productivity. - Sabbaticals aren’t escapes — they’re opportunities to reflect, heal, and realign. - Letting go of identity tied to work is one of the hardest and most liberating parts of growth. - Strengths like Empathy and Connectedness can serve as both compass and anchor in transition. - Working forward means redefining success on your own terms — slowly, intentionally, and honestly.

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional “hours worked” mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching.

They share why it’s time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. 🚀

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 that’ll make you rethink your relationship with time.

Whether you’re a leader or a team member, you’ll walk away ready to work sharper, not harder, and maybe even earn yourself that extra day off.

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Measure success by results, not hours worked.
• Use role clarity, goals, and KPIs to guide focus.
• Unlearn outdated time-based work habits.
• Leverage AI to boost efficiency and flexibility.
• Cut low-value tasks to create space for impact.

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/

• 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.

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 keep the main thing the main thing, this episode is your playbook for unlocking strategic progress—one sprint at a time. 🏃‍♀️

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• 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.

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-lynne-shaw/

https://thesalarybump.com/

Join the PFN Community!

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/

• Take control of your career by stepping into the driver’s seat and leading your own path.
• Gain clarity by identifying what you love, what you’re great at, and how you want to make an impact.
• Keep an ongoing impact list to track your accomplishments and showcase your value.
• Focus on networking, as most job opportunities come through relationships — not online applications.
• Craft and practice a concise, compelling 90-second story about who you are and what you bring.

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:

https://medallionpartnersinc.com/contact-medallion/

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morgan-career/

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotthimes/

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/

• Uncertainty is a prevailing theme in executive hiring today.
• The pace of change in the industry is faster than ever.
• Organizations face a talent crisis due to retiring leaders.
• Succession planning is often neglected, leading to risks.
• Cultural fit is essential for new hires to drive change.

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:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn

Connect with Katina on LinkedIn

Learn more about Workr Beeing

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Watch the Working Forward Podcast on YouTube!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Wellness programs alone don’t improve employee wellbeing—leadership behaviors do.
• Authenticity and vulnerability from leaders foster trust and openness on teams.
• Leaders must proactively prioritize and manage team workload to prevent burnout.
• Understanding employee individuality is crucial—wellness is not one-size-fits-all.
• AI has the potential to help or harm wellbeing, depending on how it’s integrated.