Working Forward

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Matt Poepsel, SVP of Workforce and Talent at The Predictive Index and author of multiple books on talent optimization, to explore what happens when AI disruption, generational shifts, and organizational entropy collide. Matt introduces the concept of entropy in the workplace, the natural tendency of systems to descend toward disorder, and explains why fear-driven leadership only accelerates the breakdown. They dig into why 75 percent of Gen Z workers are interested in entrepreneurship, how AI is simultaneously creating opportunity and eroding foundational skills, and why the employer-employee relationship needs a return to mutuality. Matt makes the case that partnership, not power, is the only sustainable path forward, and that leaders who practice active listening, make concessions, and invest in adaptive skills will be the ones who hold their organizations together through the turbulence ahead. Additional Resources: Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ 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/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/ Key Takeaways: Entropy is the silent force pulling organizations apart; without intentional leadership, trust and commitment naturally erode over time. 75 percent of Gen Z workers are interested in entrepreneurship, largely because AI has made it easier than ever to start something on your own. The pendulum of power between employers and employees swings in cycles; leaders who squeeze talent during downturns will pay for it when the market opens back up. AI is not just displacing tasks but eroding the foundational adaptive skills that those tasks used to quietly build, and leaders need to protect that development. Mutuality, the practice of genuine partnership between employers and employees, is the antidote to the fear and self-interest that drive organizational breakdown. The pace of technological change is only accelerating; leaders who bet against AI's capabilities in their industry are making a short-sighted gamble.

In this episode of Working Forward, Jason Cochran sits down with Rob Eyler, CEO and co-founder of Capturely, a photography platform that deploys vetted photographers for professional headshots at scale. Rob shares how he co-founded Capturely in 2019, landed LinkedIn and Facebook as early clients, then watched revenue drop to zero when COVID hit. After two difficult years of pivoting into product photography and video, the team finally launched virtual headshots in 2024, allowing anyone with a phone and a window to get studio-quality headshots in minutes with a real photographer controlling their camera remotely. Rob discusses Capturely's vision to democratize photography by building the world's first agentic AI photographer, where human creatives move up the complexity chain rather than getting replaced. He also shares why vision and communication are the two most important tools for leading through change, how routine check-ins at every level prevent teams from filling silence with fear, and why genuine human connection remains the connective tissue of effective teams, even in fully remote environments. Additional Resources: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-eyler/ Learn more about Capturely: https://www.capturely.com 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/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/ Key Takeaways: Staying obsessed with your customer can reveal pivots hiding in plain sight, even when survival mode makes them easy to miss. AI will elevate creatives rather than replace them by automating routine tasks and moving human talent up the complexity chain. Vision and communication are the two most critical tools for leading teams through uncertainty and change. Consistency in habits, communication, and personal development will always outperform occasional great moments. Genuine human connection is the connective tissue that holds remote and distributed teams together.

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.

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-remley-b6430740/ 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: Unplugging from technology can lead to better balance and perspective. Building great teams requires intentionality and understanding of situational needs. Remote work has led to lower happiness levels among employees despite higher engagement. Embracing adversity is essential for personal and professional growth. AI is transforming the workplace, but it requires adaptation and learning.

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/ Key Takeaways: 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.

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.

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.

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/ Key Takeaways: 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.