Harnessing Human Connection for the Future of Work

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Recorded25 Sep 2025

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Today's topic is positioned at the intersection of technology and humanity. How do we stay truly human in the age of digital intelligence? This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Lisa Waldren, storyteller, speaker and coach. She highlights what it really means to stay human, shares strategies for leaders to balance efficiency with empathy, and offers recommendations to help any team thrive in this rapidly changing workplace. Episode Insights Include: Staying human in the age of AI AI is an effective tool, but it's also a distraction from the human element of work. We can acknowledge the presence of AI while also maintaining connection and creativity. Building relationships is hard work that can't be ignored. Relationships are increasing in urgency as opportunities for connection continue to decrease. Studies show that Gen Z doesn't actually want to be online 100% of the time. Is AI going to replace or amplify my role? Efficiency and human connection have to be carefully balanced in today's digital world. AI is designed to free up your time so you can be more human. The hardest part of being at work is working with other humans, but that is also the most essential component of work. When used correctly, AI can help build strong human relationships at work. Risks of leaning too heavily on technology Leaders who rely too heavily on technology risk not nurturing the human side of work. AI is a tool, but when leaders use it as a crutch, things start falling apart. Overreliance on AI shuts down parts of the brain in just a short amount of time. Happy accidents of innovation can't happen with AI. AI offers a confirmation bias, which limits creativity. Utilizing AI to strengthen human connection The 70/20/10 model includes people, process and technology. AI should be used to free up time for connecting with people. Leaders need to remain intentional about building culture through rituals. AI should be employed as a smart assistant. Human creativity needs to remain top priority. Staying curious is an essential element of success now and in the future. Practical advice to leaders Self compassion is a critical component of success. Leaders need to remember that they will not change everything, but micro-moves are still considered progress. Read communications out loud and with the assumption that others are cheering you on. Having an open door to feedback is not enough – solicit specific feedback regularly. What's the rumor? What does your team want you to know? What am I missing? Consider how you are soliciting feedback in a safe environment. Different is not inherently wrong. Stay curious about change. This podcast is powered by FCCS. Resources Connect with Lisa Waldren — Lisa Waldren Get in touch [email protected] "We can acknowledge the presence of AI while also maintaining connection and creativity." — Lisa Waldren "AI is designed to free up your time so you can be more human." — Lisa Waldren "AI is a tool, but when leaders use it as a crutch, things start falling apart." — Lisa Waldren "Different is not inherently wrong. Stay curious about change." — Lisa Waldren

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