Podcasts about peopleforward network

The fastest way to elevate your leadership doesn't require a new strategy, a bigger budget, or a corner office. It starts with one word: hello. In this episode of The Better Boss, Gregg breaks down a deceptively simple yet transformational practice called "Be the First to Respect." Drawing from his early career at John Jay College and the unforgettable example of a president who made everyone feel seen, Gregg reveals why initiating a greeting, and using someone's name, carries far more influence than most leaders realize. Backed by social psychology and practical experience from the R-Factor Leadership Workshop, Gregg explains how being the first to acknowledge someone removes hesitation, builds instant rapport, and creates a powerful ripple effect of respect throughout your organization. This isn't about small talk. It's about intentional connection. It's about sending the message that every person matters. If you want your team to warm up to your ideas, receive your feedback openly, and genuinely respect your leadership, this episode gives you a technique you can use today.   Additional Resources: Connect with Gregg on LinkedIn Take the Am I a Respectful Leader? Self-Assessment Learn more about The Center for Respectful Leadership Invest in Manager Skills with the R-Factor Workshop Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Say hello first, it's a leadership move. Use people's names to affirm their worth. Respect reduces social friction instantly. Initiation creates a powerful ripple effect. Consistency earns trust and reciprocation.  

What drives you? Unlock the strength of Belief

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith and Cory Jenks discuss the importance of human connection in healthcare, the need for innovation, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Cory shares his unique background as a pharmacist and improv comedian, emphasizing the significance of creating meaningful experiences for patients and caregivers alike. They explore the barriers to change within the healthcare system and the potential for individual engagement to drive transformation. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic presence, breaking down self-imposed limits, and the lessons learned from both positive and negative experiences in healthcare.   Additional Resources: Follow Cory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-jenks-3ba17314/ Take a look Cory's book, Permission to Care: Building a Healthcare Culture that Thrives in Chaos: https://rb.gy/4a8yoo www.mo-mentsofexperience.com Subscribe to Mo-Ments of Experience on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@mo-mentsofexperience?si=IZAB036xX1mmrn2C Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com   Key Takeaways: Cory emphasizes the importance of getting patients off medication. Healthcare professionals can create joy in their work environments. Authentic presence is crucial in patient care. Building trust with patients is essential for effective healthcare. Self-imposed limits can hinder innovation in healthcare.  

Master of Multitasking? Discover the Power of the Arranger

What happens when life forces you to disconnect from the identity you've built, and discover something more authentic underneath? Amy is joined by award-winning author and life strategist Martine Cohen. Martine shares the powerful story of how a traumatic brain injury disrupted her high-achieving life as a corporate attorney and cracked open the layers of identity, fear, and perfectionism she had unknowingly worn for years. Through deep personal insight and practical frameworks from her book "No More Layers", Martine helps us navigate the noise of modern life by learning to lead ourselves from within. From the "inner boardroom" to the art of intentional awareness, this conversation is a masterclass in reclaiming your identity, trusting your inner voice, and navigating change with courage, not fear. If you've ever felt stuck, depleted, or like you're chasing something that doesn't quite fit… this one will change the way you see yourself.   Additional Resources: Connect with Martine on LinkedIn Get Martine's book - "No More Layers" Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: You are not your brain, you're so much more. Perfectionism is a protective layer, not your truth. Curiosity is your brain's greatest antidote to fear. Awareness creates space to choose, not react. Lead from alignment, not external expectation.  

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. From 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

Are you always searching for the "why" behind the "what"?

In this replay episode, Brandon Miller discusses the strength of Adaptability with guests Kevin Lo and Jamal Cornelious. They share their personal journeys with strengths, how Adaptability plays a crucial role in their lives, and how it pairs with other strengths like Communication and Maximizer. The conversation explores the challenges and contrasts of Adaptability in professional environments, the expectations they set for themselves, and how they navigate change and uncertainty. Tune in now and discover how Adaptability can become your greatest advantage!

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.  

What if the first step to better leadership isn't strategy, but respect? Rosie officially welcomes Gregg Ward to the Show Up As a Leader family with a bold new series: The Better Boss. In this intro episode, they explore the urgent need for human-centric leadership in today's VUCA world. Gregg shares how his unconventional path, from theater to training NYPD officers in de-escalation, shaped his life's mission: helping leaders communicate with compassion and lead with respect. Together, they dive into why managers at every level feel overwhelmed, how stress fuels disrespect, and why "just give me the tool" isn't just a cry for help, but a call for practicality. You'll get a sneak peek at what to expect from this powerful monthly series, including short-burst learning and real-world demos of proven techniques like Respectful Listening. Whether you're a new manager, seasoned exec, or someone who's tired of the command-and-control playbook, this is your invite to show up differently. Don't be a butthead… be a better boss!   Additional Resources: Connect with Gregg on LinkedIn Learn more about The Center for Respectful Leadership Invest in Manager Skills with the R-Factor Workshop Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Respect starts with you, don't wait for others first Stress is the root of most disrespectful behavior One practical skill at a time makes change stick People don't need fluff, they need useful tools Listening to understand calms conflict and builds trust  

What if the real reason workplace engagement hasn't budged in 30 years is because we've made leadership too complicated? In this kickoff to a powerful new content partnership, Nikki introduces Dr. Ryan Darby, organizational psychologist, leadership simplifier, and founder of WorkStrong. Ryan's not here for hype. He's here for habits. Drawing from his deep experience with 34Strong and years of leading large-scale engagement work, Ryan shares why most leadership development fails, and how a simpler, more actionable approach can finally move the needle. You'll hear the backstory of Work Strong's creation, rooted in real gaps spotted inside thriving companies. You'll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming "Work Doesn't Work (Anymore)" series and why Ryan believes the future of leadership lies in emotional regulation, discipline, and better listening, not more content. This one's a rally cry for people-first leaders ready to stop admiring the problem and start doing what actually works.   Additional Resources: Connect with Dr. Ryan Darby on LinkedIn Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Nikki's Key Takeaways: Leadership is a skill, not a knowledge dump. Engagement won't shift without habit-driven systems. Listening is thinking. Learn how your brain hears. Simplify leadership: action over theory. Good leadership demands emotional regulation and resilience.  

What happens when some of the biggest voices in home services come together for a no-filter, high-impact roundtable? Chris gathers industry giants Tommy Mello, Ismael Valdez, Chad Peterman, and more for a raw, unscripted take on where the home services industry stands, and where it's headed. From AI disruption to market shifts, personal growth to door-knocking tactics, this episode is as real as it gets. No fluff, just straight talk from people who've built it, lived it, and are shaping what's next. If you've ever wondered what it sounds like when the best in the biz drop the mic on deals, discipline, and development, this is it. Tune in for hard truths, unexpected laughs, and a whole lot of value.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode! Learn more about To the Point Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Subscribe to CSTG on YouTube! Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Personal development drives business success Door-knocking requires deep investment to work AI will dramatically improve trade profitability Therapy and coaching help leaders show up better  

What if being in a funk was exactly where you're meant to be? Amy steps into a conversation not from her usual centered space, but from a place of emotional heaviness, and invites you to join her there. Lauri Stern, founder of Custom Designed Wellness, is a yoga instructor, reiki healer, and chakra expert who offers both grounding presence and practical guidance for navigating stuck energy. Together, they explore the unseen forces that weigh us down and how to transmute that heaviness into healing and power. From the realness of emotional overwhelm to the science and soul of the chakra system, this episode gives permission to pause, feel, and reset. Whether you're an empath absorbing the world's chaos or just trying to get through a hard day, this conversation is a breath of truth. Come for the healing, stay for the energetic shift.

Winning connection and energy with the strength of Woo  ✨ In this episode of Coach to Coach, Sarah Collins and Angela Steel dive into the strength of Woo (Winning Others Over) and how it shapes connection, collaboration, and energy in both work and life. They explore Woo's dynamic interplay with other strengths like Positivity, Empathy, Harmony, and Activator, unpacking common misconceptions and the polarizing nature of this people-centric superpower. With personal stories and coaching insight, they highlight how Woo brings life to a room, creates trust quickly, and builds bridges. This episode offers practical guidance for those with Woo and those working alongside them to better understand, embrace, and activate this strength with intention.  

What if your biggest redesign obstacle isn't strategy, but silence? Katherine sits down with Rebecca Ellis, Principal at AlignOrg Solutions, to explore why so many organizational changes fall flat, and what great leaders do differently. With decades of experience guiding Fortune 500s through complex transformations, Rebecca shares actionable insights on what makes change stick: clarity, communication, and courage. They dive deep into why 70% of redesigns fail, how to become a "clarity crusader," and why passive leadership erodes trust. From tackling AI's role in restructuring to the neuroscience behind timing your message, this episode is a masterclass in navigating organizational change while honoring people and culture. Whether you're leading a full-blown redesign or shifting your team's strategy, this conversation will help you move from resistance to results with empathy at the core.   Additional Resources: Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Clarity is kindness, especially during organizational change. Adoption matters more than just great solutions. Leaders must actively shape, not just approve, change. Communication must be consistent, intentional, and human. Celebrate progress to build momentum and trust.  

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.

Strategic thinkers see patterns others miss

What if the key to explosive growth isn't more effort, but better focus?

What if your company's values didn't just live in a handbook but showed up in your daily habits? Nikki sits down with creative strategist and purpose-driven leader Justin Ahrens to unpack how organizations can bring their vision, mission, and values to life beyond buzzwords and branding. With deep experience as a B Corp founder and now as the mind behind On Purpose, Justin offers tangible insight on transforming culture from the inside out. They dig into common missteps leaders make when vision is disconnected from action and explore what it truly looks like when culture is alive and thriving. From onboarding that inspires, to meetings that actually matter, this conversation is for every people-first leader ready to turn alignment into action.   Additional Resources: Connect with Justin on LinkedIn Get Justin's Book - "Being HumanKind" Learn more about ON Purpose Work Listen to The Design Of Podcast Listen to Running Ahrens! Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Nikki's Key Takeaways: Vision thrives when integrated into daily business rhythms. Leadership must model behaviors aligned with stated values. Systems are essential for values to stick. Culture isn't created in a vacuum, engage everyone. Clarity, consistency, and vulnerability build trust.  

What if your biggest money block was invisible… and inherited? Welcome to a groundbreaking kickoff of a new Addicted to Betterment series with Nikki and David, and the incomparable financial coach, Roya Mattis. Together, they dive deep into the subconscious programming most of us never question: the invisible money stories we inherited long before we even earned our first dollar.

Striving to make a lasting impact with the strength of Significance

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.  

We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️

We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️

We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️

What if the real key to connection in the digital workplace isn't more tools, but more trust? In a world obsessed with metrics, platforms, and productivity hacks, Andy Sitison flips the script. A strategist, designer, and people-first tech mind, Andy joins Nikki to explore how we move from clicks to true connection.

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.  

Ever wonder what your action figure accessories would be? Or whether you'd rather be launched to Mars or dive into the depths of the ocean?

What if the secret to a thriving workplace isn't perks or policies, but the energy people feel the moment they walk in?

What really happens when you're wired to win, check all the boxes, and still feel like it's not enough?

What if the most powerful leadership skill isn't what you say, but what you don't? Katherine shares a surprising truth: she struggles with listening, and she knows she's not alone. As leaders, we often think communication is about what we say, but the real power lies in what we hear.

What if the key to stronger leadership isn't pushing through, but slowing down? Rosie gets personal about what it really takes to lead well when life gets messy. From unexpected stressors to brain fog and simple mistakes, Rosie shares how she's learning to extend more grace, to herself and others, and how that shift is actually making her more effective. She explores how to move from judgment to curiosity, chaos to clarity, and exhaustion to empowerment. By applying leadership tools like "above the line" thinking to her own challenges, Rosie models what it looks like to recalibrate without shame. It's not about perfection. It's about presence, intention, and progress. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to get through a tough season, this one's a must-listen reminder that giving yourself more grace isn't letting go, it's leveling up.

What if your greatest leadership move isn't climbing the ladder, but choosing to show up differently, every single day? Nikki sits down with Wesley Bender, a leadership coach who believes the most powerful leaders aren't defined by titles or personality types, but by their actions. Together, they unpack the bold idea that leadership is a choice, grounded in behavior and built through self-efficacy: the belief that your actions can shape outcomes. Wesley brings a refreshing challenge to traditional frameworks and dives into why admired leaders stand out: not just because they drive performance, but because people actually want to follow them. From personal stories to practical takeaways, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to model the way, at home, in the workplace, and everywhere in between. Tune in to rethink what leadership really looks like.

Employees crave feedback, and 96% say they want it! But let's be honest… giving and receiving feedback can be awkward.

Leading with confidence and calm under pressure with the strength of Self-Assurance

What if the key to better leadership isn't fixing people, but finally seeing them?

Solving problems with care and clarity through the strength of Restorative

Peterman Brothers' Andrew Hasty breaks down why most home service teams do not fail for lack of talent or opportunity, but because of dysfunction. Drawing from Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Andrew focuses on the base of the pyramid, the absence of trust, and why it quietly kills performance in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. Through stories from his own life and leadership journey, Andrew shows how perfectionism, fear of failure, and "old school toughness" create blame cultures, silos, and defensiveness on a team. He contrasts that with vulnerability-based trust, where leaders go first by admitting mistakes, asking for feedback, and letting others step into real responsibility. Andrew also challenges every leader to identify one strength and one honest weakness that may be holding their company back from its next level of growth. If you are leading techs, installers, or managers and you sense hidden tension, blame, or burnout on your team, this episode will help you build the kind of trust that makes growth inevitable. Take these conversations further inside The Arena, the free CSTG community for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical leaders who want to grow faster together: https://cantstopthegrowth.com/ Additional Resources: Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Chad Peterman | CEO | Author Learn more about the Peterman Brothers Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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/ Key Takeaways: 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?

Showing up with consistency and care through the strength of Responsibility

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential?

Building trust and deepening connection with the strength of Relator

Leading with optimism and setting boundaries with the strength of Positivity ☀️ In this episode of Coach to Coach, Brandon Miller, Jaclynn Robinson and Jane McCarthy explore the energizing strength of Positivity and how it uplifts people, teams, and culture. They dive into how Positivity fuels hope, helps reframe challenges, and creates momentum through celebration and encouragement. The conversation also explores the importance of setting healthy boundaries, cultivating resilience, and using optimism to lead with emotional intelligence and connection. Through stories and insights, this episode shows how Positivity can be a powerful tool for motivation, trust-building, and long-term impact in both personal and professional relationships.

Creating clarity and impact with the strength of Maximizer ✨ In this episode of Coach to Coach, Brandon Miller speaks with Jayne Jenkins and Anthony Kavouras about how their shared Maximizer strengths shape the way they work, lead, and collaborate. They unpack how Maximizers thrive on refining what's already working, and how that mindset can drive high performance when paired with clear priorities and aligned teams. From learning how to manage pace and perfectionism to raising others up and knowing when to move on, this conversation offers honest reflections and practical tools for turning potential into excellence.

Embracing growth and curiosity with the strength of Learner

Employee engagement metrics have barely moved in over a decade, but what if we're measuring the wrong things? Nikki sits down with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds and author of the soon-to-drop “Emotion Rules”. Together, they go deep on why engagement isn't about snacks in the breakroom or slick surveys. It's emotional, and it's human. They unpack why “leave emotions at the door” might be the worst business advice ever, what true caring leadership looks like, and how love, trust, and boundaries create high-performing cultures where people actually want to show up. If you're ready to trade performative leadership for authentic connection, this episode is your roadmap.

What if your podcast could be more than just content, and actually become your best sales and marketing engine? In this live episode from CultureCon® 2025, Nikki and Eric share their secret playbook for turning podcasts into powerful business growth tools. From claiming your niche and attracting the right guests, to creating inbound momentum and unlocking sponsorship opportunities, they reveal how podcasting, done with intention, can drive brand awareness, new relationships, and even revenue. Whether you're podcast-curious or looking to maximize your current show, this conversation proves that podcasting isn't just about downloads… it's about results.

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