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 leaders can use to make every branded moment intentional and impactful.

If you have ever wondered how to turn everyday touchpoints into powerful relationship builders, this episode will change how you think about swag, storytelling, and the small details that shape culture.

Additional Resources:

Learn how to build your strategy to swag!

Connect with Crissy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Robertson Marketing

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Subscribe to PFN's YouTube for more insights like this!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional connection determines whether branded merchandise is remembered
• Utility increases frequency of use and brand visibility
• Sensory engagement strengthens memory and loyalty
• Choice increases perceived ownership and product value
• Intentional gifting drives measurable engagement and influence

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, and make the case that the most important question isn't whether to use AI, but how to use it to make your people better.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Wes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybender/

Connect with Mikey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeyames/

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:

• Understanding how AI works, specifically next token prediction, is foundational before any leader can effectively deploy or trust it.
• Use AI to make people better, not replace them; organizations that take this approach drive higher adoption and more sustainable outcomes.
• Don't outsource your AI strategy; the values and cultural DNA of your organization need to shape how AI tools are built and trained.
• Starting a conversation with AI by asking "what's the best way to use you?" and providing rich context dramatically improves the quality of responses.
• Watch for skills erosion; AI can take over tasks, but leaders must protect the foundational sub-skills those tasks were quietly building.
• Human moments can't be outsourced; AI is great for preparation and analysis, but the relationships and conversations that build trust must still come from you.

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 use intentional gifting to strengthen connection across the employee and customer journey.

If you care about building people-first cultures, this conversation reframes swag from a marketing afterthought into a powerful strategy for belonging, loyalty, and long-term impact.

Additional Resources:

Learn how to build your strategy to swag!

Connect with Crissy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Robertson Marketing

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Subscribe to PFN's YouTube for more insights like this!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Branded merchandise signals culture, value, and organizational intention.
• Strategic swag builds belonging across the entire employee journey.
• Cheap giveaways often create waste instead of lasting brand equity.
• Physical artifacts strengthen emotional connection more than digital messages.
• Quality, context, and timing determine perceived value instantly.

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 governance to ensure ethical and sustainable AI deployment.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitebeth/

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 adoption is no longer optional; it's a business imperative.
• Leaders must actively support and model AI integration to drive momentum.
• AI is best implemented when aligned with a clear business case and ROI.
• Small, test-and-learn pilots help build internal confidence and buy-in.
• Responsible AI requires proactive governance, including policy and oversight.

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 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sorenson-994a5915/

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-lindstrom-60786b84/

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:

• Johnsonville emphasizes the importance of company culture and values.
• Feedback is viewed as a gift and is integral to their culture.
• The company has redefined its values to be more memorable and actionable.
• Workshops are used to engage employees in living the company values.
• AI is being cautiously integrated to enhance productivity and efficiency.

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:

Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyathorson/ Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-thorson-96878b10/

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/

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing is evolving with the integration of AI.
• The human connection is paramount in B2B and B2C.
• Personalization goes beyond just addressing the consumer by name.
• Authenticity in marketing builds trust and loyalty.
• Curiosity drives effective marketing strategies.

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 level: micro (individual), mezzo (team), and macro (world-changing mission).

Whether you're burned out or building a better culture, this convo offers a fresh, energizing perspective on leading well by living well.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Define wellness clearly for yourself and your organization.
• Micro habits shape sustained leadership and personal energy.
• Team rituals protect energy and promote shared accountability.
• Modeling self-care encourages psychological safety and trust.
• Wellness supports impact beyond profit.

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, and stop waiting for employers to define their future. If you're dreading Mondays, feeling underutilized, or unsure how AI will affect your role, this conversation is a clear, compassionate call to get back in the driver's seat.

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

Key takeaways

• Most employees lack purpose; leaders and individuals must change that.
• Life Wheel clarifies priorities across changing life seasons and roles.
• Purpose Gap Matrix reveals misalignment between strengths, rewards, and work.
• AI disruption demands proactive learning, experimentation, and career ownership.
• Organizations should design flexible cultures that support purposeful work.

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 empowering people, creating trust, and moving beyond traditional cost metrics to understand where AI creates the most value.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitebeth/

Connect with Vince on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-freeman-55ba152/

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/

• Most AI pilots fail because companies jump in without clear goals or realistic timelines.
• Smaller, focused use cases with the right tools lead to faster wins.
• Real impact is in operational efficiency, not just sales or revenue.
• Adoption improves when employees trust the process and see how AI helps their role.
• Success should measure productivity, agility, and growth, not just cost savings.

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 others, or reevaluating your own path, this conversation is packed with stories and strategies to help you shift focus from hustle to heart ❤️.

It's not just about how much you earn, it's about how deeply your work matters.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose fuels performance more than profit ever will.
• Work-life integration drives meaningful work culture.
• Great leaders connect roles to individual purpose.
• Team alignment requires clear, shared outcomes.
• Purpose evolves through life's changing seasons.