Katie Donovan, founder of Camp Digital, joins Nikki to discuss creating a workplace culture fueled by genuine care and connection. Sharing her “GAS” philosophy—"Give a Sh*t"—Katie reveals how this core value drives her “three-legged stool” approach, balancing employee well-being, customer satisfaction, and company health. From family-style lunches to designing spaces for connection, Katie’s insights offer a practical roadmap for leaders looking to build a culture rooted in meaning and community.

Tune in to discover how “giving a sh*t” can transform your workplace.

Additional Resources:

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• GAS: Give a Sh*t Philosophy: This principle underpins Camp Digital’s hiring, training, and daily practices. Passion, care, and meaning are essential traits, and GAS is a non-negotiable component of their culture.
• The Three-Legged Stool: A balanced focus on employees, customers, and company health prevents a one-sided culture and ensures that each stakeholder's needs are addressed in daily operations.
• Creating Intentional Community: Family-style meals, welcoming spaces, and a central entry point help build connection and create “belonging moments” that are invaluable in a people-first culture.

Nikki speaks with Nisha Smales, a true leader in workforce strategy, to unpack one big idea: why upskilling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute must in today’s lightning-fast world.

Nisha’s career spans continents and industries (nonprofits, McKinsey, and beyond), but one thing has stayed consistent: her passion for learning. Together, Nikki and Nisha explore the rapid-fire adoption of new technologies (hello, ChatGPT!) and what it means for your people and your business.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
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Connect with Nisha on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

• Upskilling is critical in a world of rapid technological change – The pace of tech adoption, exemplified by ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in just two months, highlights the need for continuous learning.
• Leaders must provide structured learning opportunities – Strategic workforce education isn’t just about offering courses but aligning learning programs with future business needs and employee career paths.
• Employer responsibility is growing – Companies need to fill the gap as traditional education systems can’t keep pace with skill requirements in today’s workforce.

What if AI isn’t about replacing jobs, but about making work more human?

That’s the focus of this episode, where Nikki talks with Greg Verdino, Founder and COO of CognitivePath.

With over 30 years of experience working with brands like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and IBM, Greg explains how AI can eliminate mundane tasks and allow people to focus on the strategic, creative work that truly matters.

Learn to avoid common mistakes when adopting AI and how to use it to enhance—not replace—teams.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Connect with Greg Verdino on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

• AI’s Role in Human Transformation: AI enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, freeing humans for more strategic, creative, and meaningful work.
• Mindset Shift in Leadership: Leaders must move away from measuring success solely by productivity and focus on uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.
• AI as a Tool for Scalability: AI can help scale processes but should complement, not replace, the human touch—especially in areas like insights and client relationships.