Best PeopleForward Network Podcasts (2025)

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Lead the People: Sales as Business Therapy with Jim Speredelozzi 35:53

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1d ago35:53

35:53

Think all great salespeople are born talkers with years of experience? Think again. Matt Poepsel chats with Jim Speredelozzi, who flips the traditional sales script on its head. Jim shares how he went from 90-day quitters to building a thriving 150-person sales team, all by focusing on mindset, process, and hiring based on who people are, not just …

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Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose 29:35

22h ago29:35

29:35

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 share…

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Leading for Wellness: One Size Doesn’t Fit All 28:12

8d ago28:12

28:12

Think one wellness strategy works for everyone? Think again. Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer unpack why “one size doesn’t fit all” when it comes to supporting your people. From co-creating personalized plans to avoiding quick-fix blanket solutions, they share how leaders can better meet employees where they are, without judgment or assu…

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Building Community Around Your Podcast with Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Eric Bransteter 12:14

15d ago12:14

12:14

🎙️ What if your podcast did more than talk… what if it built a movement? Nikki and Eric spill the tea on how podcasting can be way more than a mic and a message. It can be the heartbeat of a thriving community. 💓 They dive into how turning listeners into collaborators flips the script from one-way content to two-way connection. From building online…

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Real vs Artificial: The Future of Human Connection With Bob Dalton 52:41

17d ago52:41

52:41

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Our Secret Sauce for Strategic Podcasting with Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Eric Bransteter 23:15

23d ago23:15

23:15

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 un…

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Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI 29:48

29d ago29:48

29:48

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…

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Lead the People: High-Tech Tools for High-Powered Leadership with Adam Berke 27:46

30d ago27:46

27:46

What happens when a startup founder discovers that leading people is a completely different job than building products? 🚀 Matt sits down with Adam Burke, former Chief Strategy Officer at The Predictive Index and former co-founder of Charma, to unpack the messy, exciting journey of scaling from a handful of teammates to hundreds. From the awkward le…

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Haverchat Podcast: Episode 4 - Tanya Betts 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

What happens when a farm girl from small-town Iowa becomes the CFO of a fast-growing real estate company? That’s the journey of Tanya Betts, and in this episode of the Haverchat Podcast, she opens up about the twists, turns, and lessons learned along the way. From nearly 25 years at American Athletic to making the leap to Haverkamp, Tanya shares wh…

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Leading for Wellness: Work Should Support Life 27:38

1M ago27:38

27:38

What if your job respected your life as much as you respect your job? Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into a radical (but necessary) idea: work should support your life… not consume it. 💡 They unpack what it means to be a "boundary bouncer”:leaders who fiercely protect their team’s time, values, and wellbeing like VIPs behind a vel…

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Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd: Are You Unknowingly Hurting Your Team? 49:45

1M ago49:45

49:45

What if the very things you believe make you a good leader are actually holding you back? In this episode of “Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd,” things get real… and personal. With no guest in the studio, Adam Binkerd and Erica Crabtree take the mic to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership: the subconscious norms we’ve inherited fr…

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Perk Up - A Pet Benefit Podcast: We See You - The Emotional ROI of Pet Perks 5:54

2M ago5:54

5:54

What if the best workplace recognition strategy has been wagging its tail or purring at your feet this whole time? 🐾 David Martin uncovers the surprising power of pet perks and what our furry friends can teach us about recognition. While most workplace programs focus on achievements, pets remind us of something deeper: unconditional acknowledgment …

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The Power Of Us: Belonging and Connection at Work with Amy Bayer 1:01:58

2M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

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,…

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Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results 29:59

2M ago29:59

29:59

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 + KPI…

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Lead the People: Helping Managers Unlock Optimal Performance with AmberLyn Bryant 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode of “Lead the People,” host Matt Poepsel welcomes AmberLyn Bryant, People & Culture Director at Keyrenter Denver, to explore how behavioral insights and intentional culture-building elevate employee experiences. Drawing from her own evolution through toxic to thriving workplaces, AmberLyn shares how data-driven tools like the Predict…

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Leading for Wellness: It's the Tone, Not the Time 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

What if the secret to high-performing, happy teams had nothing to do with working harder, and everything to do with how it feels to work with you? In this episode of “Leading for Wellness,” Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into the underrated superpower of leadership: setting the right tone. From stories of care packages on the fron…

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Beyond Automation: The Human Side of AI Disruption With Greg Verdino 1:06:44

3M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

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…

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Lead the People: Learning and Development as a Strategic Driver with Akkshada Maniyan 32:47

3M ago32:47

32:47

What happens when one person with a big vision is tasked with building a global learning function from scratch? In this episode, Matt sits down with Akkshada Maniyan, who’s turned learning into a strategic superpower at Innova Solutions. From building a global team to creating 88+ in-house courses and 100+ personalized learning paths, she’s all abo…

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Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs 31:39

3M ago31:39

31:39

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 en…

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The Road Ahead: Owning Your Career Journey With KL Shaw 59:41

3M ago59:41

59:41

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…

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Leading for Wellness: No One Wants a Superhero 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

Ready to bust the myth of the superhero leader? 🦸‍♂️❌ In this episode of “Leading for Wellness”, Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into why trying to be the flawless, all-knowing boss is actually hurting your leadership game. From awkward eggshell-walking teams to trust-eroding perfectionism, they unpack the messy (and all-too-relata…

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Navigating Uncertainty In Executive Search With Michael Morgan and Scott Himes 1:31:05

4M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

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 conve…

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Lead the People: Inclusive Leadership Today and Every Day with Maureen "Mo" Berkner Boyt 31:52

4M ago31:52

31:52

What if thriving at work wasn’t a nice-to-have, but a human right? 💡 Mauren “Mo” Berkner Boyt, founder of The Moxie Exchange, joins Matt Poepsel to unpack the power of inclusion—backed by neuroscience, real data, and lots of heart. From “amygdala hijacks” to why your phone habits can actually help build belonging 📱, this episode is packed with insi…

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Leading for Wellness: Workplace Wellness Matters 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

We’re introducing a NEW series here on Fringe: Leading for Wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer! 🎙️ Patricia and Katina kick things off by digging into why workplace wellness really matters—and why most companies are doing it wrong. From “Generators” who light up teams to “Extinguishers” who drain the energy, they share researc…

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Leading for Wellness in a Burned-Out World with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer 56:03

4M ago56:03

56:03

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 st…

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Live from CultureCon: From Overhead to Impact: Changing the Narrative with Michelle Naples 17:29

5M ago17:29

17:29

Live from CultureCon 2024 🎙️ Nikki chats with Michelle Naples, Chief Integration Officer at Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. They dive into what servant leadership really looks like in practice—from trauma-informed care for everyone to creating cultures of co-creation and courageous conversations. Michelle also challenges h…

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Rethinking Employment in the Age of AI With Josh Drean 1:22:35

5M ago1:22:35

1:22:35

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Josh Drean explore the rapidly changing landscape of work, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and its implications for employment. They discuss the uncertainty surrounding AI's capabilities, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and the need for a new employment model that prio…

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Lead the People: Climbing the Career Ladder with Amber Cerone 33:37

5M ago33:37

33:37

Goats, graduate degrees, and Glassdoor—yep, they’re all part of Amber Cerone’s leadership journey! From project manager to Senior Director of Talent and Doctor of Psychology, Amber’s path is proof that “searching” is part of the process. In this episode, Amber joins Matt Poepsel to talk about the power of career exploration, why leadership is more …

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Live from CultureCon: Start Culture Before Day One with Melissa Sanchez 19:20

5M ago19:20

19:20

🎧 In another episode live from CultureCon, Nikki chats with Melissa Sanchez from Duck Creek Technologies—and trust us, this one’s packed with 💡 aha moments! Melissa breaks down how they’re flipping the script on employee engagement by starting before day one, treating team members like VIP clients, and building a culture that people don’t just join…

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Balancing High Touch Automation in a Digital World with Nikki Lewallen Gregory 23:03

5M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode, Nikki and Jason dive into a hot topic: how do you keep that human touch while embracing the rise of automation and AI 🤖? They get real about what should be automated (hello, scheduling) and what should never lose the personal touch (like conflict resolution or celebrating your people). With practical insights, core values, and a wh…

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Live from CultureCon: Pausing for Empathy and Equity with Bryetta Calloway 30:23

6M ago30:23

30:23

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with the powerhouse Bryetta Calloway about meritocracy, marginalization, and why inclusion isn’t just a checkbox. Bryetta shares her personal journey, spicy truths about workplace culture, and why the “just work hard” narrative doesn’t cut it anymore. From unspoken rules to emotional labor and allyship th…

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The Impact of Automation on Our Lives and Work With Kris Kluver 2:00:04

6M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Chris Kluver discuss the current state of the economy, the challenges faced by business leaders, and the impact of political decisions on economic stability. They explore the role of hope in leadership, the transformative effects of AI and automation on the workforce, and the importance of life-work integrati…

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Lead the People: The Well-Traveled Leader with Chris Failla 40:32

6M ago40:32

40:32

Get ready to travel the world—without leaving your headphones! 🌍✈️ In this episode of “Lead the People,” Matt Pepssel chats with Chris Failla, a leadership coach who's been to 50+ countries and is on a mission to create healing, human-centered workplaces. They unpack why being seen, known, and loved at work isn't just nice—it's necessary. Add in so…

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Live from CultureCon: Uncovering the Secret Sauce of Purpose-Driven Culture with Ann Newman 26:50

6M ago26:50

26:50

Live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Ann Newman, Director of Learning at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago, to talk about all things purpose, people, and the magic that happens when those two align 💫. Ann shares her take on the “secret sauce” that makes work feel meaningful, how to interview with purpose in mind, and her go-to tools like…

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Live from CultureCon: Remote Work Doesn’t Have to Be Boring with Greta Jackson 18:38

7M ago18:38

18:38

🚀 Remote work doesn’t mean disconnected work! Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy is joined by Greta Jackson, who shares how simple, structured fun—like Fun Fact Fridays and Photography Bingo—can transform remote engagement. Her golden rule? Hope is NOT a plan. Connection takes strategy, consistency, and creativity. And the proof? A 150% increase…

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AI and the Future of Employment With Gianna Driver 1:14:09

7M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Gianna Driver explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the challenges faced by HR leaders, the importance of work-life integration, and the rising significance of hope in leadership. They discuss the impact of AI on employment and the necessity for collaboration between humans and technology, empha…

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Lead the People: Leadership as a Lifeline with Dr. Susan Landers 29:12

7M ago29:12

29:12

What can leaders learn from the high-pressure world of neonatal intensive care? Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist, joins Matt Poepsel to share insights on handling stress, building resilient teams, and navigating work-life balance. From life-or-death decisions in the NICU to balancing a demanding career and family, Susan’s lessons apply t…

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Live from CultureCon: Leaders Have to Believe in It with Laura Gottfredsen Suminski 17:52

7M ago17:52

17:52

Leaders, listen up! 🎙️ If you don’t believe in what you’re leading, your team won’t either. In another episode live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Laura Gottfredsen Suminski, VP of Talent at UW Credit Union, to unpack why alignment between personal values and workplace culture is a game-changer. They tackle what happens when leaders don’t wa…

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Create for No Reason: Love your work w/ Brian Carter 45:23

8M ago45:23

45:23

We’re featuring another great episode from Kate Volman, this time from her show Create for No Reason 🎨🎤📖! Entrepreneur, comedian, keynote speaker, and all-around creative powerhouse Brian Carter joins Kate Volman for a conversation packed with humor, wisdom, and no-nonsense advice on getting out of your own way. They dive into the messy, exciting, …

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Live from CultureCon: Strengths Over Stress with Vibhas Ratanjee 20:48

8M ago20:48

20:48

What if we stopped obsessing over weaknesses and amplified strengths instead? 💡 In another episode live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy is joined by Vibhas Ratanjee from Gallup to break down the power of strengths-based leadership—why most workplaces get it wrong, how CliftonStrengths changes the game, and the four must-know strategies for buildin…

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Lead with Culture: The Six Immutable Principles for a Dynamic Culture 33:13

8M ago33:13

33:13

What is culture, really? (Hint: It’s not free snacks or a dog-friendly office. 🐶) Today, we’re featuring an episode hosted by Kate Volman — Lead with Culture! Kate is joined by executive coach Tony Ferraro to break down the six must-have principles of a thriving workplace. From hiring the right people to making mission the boss, they’ll help you cu…

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Redefining Roles In An AI-Powered Economy With Vince Freeman 2:02:21

8M ago2:02:21

2:02:21

In this conversation, Jason Cochran interviews Vince Freeman, the Chief AI Implementation Officer at HardingPorman. They discuss the evolving role of AI in organizations, the challenges of implementation, and the future of work as AI becomes more integrated into various industries. Vince shares insights on the importance of education and collaborat…

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PFN Impact Awards: Quantum Presence for Impactful Leadership with Aaron Tabacco 47:14

8M ago47:14

47:14

🏆 What if the secret to great leadership isn’t in doing more, but in being more?✨🚀 In this final installment of the PFN Impact Awards, Amy Lynn Durham sits down with her nomination, Aaron Tabacco, to talk about Quantum Presence—the next-level leadership skill that helps you show up fully, authentically, and impactfully. Aaron shares why presence be…

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How To Do Asynchronous Meetings With Nikki Lewallen Gregory 24:02

8M ago24:02

24:02

In this episode, we dive into the power of asynchronous meetings—what they are, why they matter, and how they can revolutionize the way teams communicate. Join Jason Cochran and Nikki Lewallen Gregory as they break down the key strategies behind effective async collaboration. From reducing meeting fatigue to ensuring every team member has a voice, …

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PFN Impact Awards: Building a Business That Gives Back with Brandon and Tammy Day 39:44

8M ago39:44

39:44

What happens when a business goes beyond profit and puts people at the center of everything they do? You get Daycos —a company where employees don’t just work; they lead the charge in giving back. 💙 Lead the People’s Matt Poepsel sits down with his PFN Impact Award nominations: Brandon and Tammy Day, the dynamic duo behind Daycos. They discuss how …

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PFN Impact Awards: Transforming Leadership Through Love with Dr. Apurv Gupta 33:12

8M ago33:12

33:12

Get ready for another great episode highlighting this nominee for the PeopleForward Network Impact Awards series! Host of Mo-ments of Experience Geoffrey Smith sits down with Dr. Apurv Gupta—a true champion of leading with love.❤️ From his early days in medicine to becoming a transformational force in healthcare, Dr. Gupta shares the aha! moments t…

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AI's Role In Shaping Future Communication With Steve Dowling & Craig Carroll 1:03:42

8M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this conversation, Jason Cochran engages with futurists Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll to explore the evolving landscape of workplace communication. They discuss the profound impact of social media on communication dynamics, the rise of podcasting as a tool for corporate communication, and the implications of artificial intelligence in enhancin…

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PFN Impact Awards: From Remote Work Skeptic to Culture Champion with Amy Bayer 41:50

8M ago41:50

41:50

🏆 The PFN Impact Awards are back in this kickoff episode for 2024’s winners! Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with her nomination: Amy Bayer — Global Director of DEI, Culture, and Engagement at Duck Creek Technologies — as she shares how she helped build a flexible-first, employee-led culture where 93% of employees engage in shaping their workplace…

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Lead the People: Legendary Leadership with Tommy Breedlove 25:00

8M ago25:00

25:00

From corporate hotshot to living legendary! 🌟 Tommy Breedlove joins Matt Poepsel to share how hitting rock bottom sparked a journey to authentic leadership, true success, and joy. Discover how self-awareness, owning your brilliance, and living with purpose can transform your life. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning tale…

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The EQ Advantage: Feel, Understand, Lead, Prosper With Andrea Brummett 56:50

8M ago56:50

56:50

Workplace Revolution is back and better than ever! Andrea Brummett is joined by Jason Cochran, new host of Working Forward, to talk about the evolving role of EQ in the workplace. Andrea breaks down the five key components of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—giving real-world insights into why these skills …