Ever feel like life's flame is flickering out? Whether it's a bad day, a tough quarter, or a rocky relationship, what's your go-to lighter fluid to reignite your fire? 🔥

Nikki and David crack open the metaphorical bottle of lighter fluid and ask the real question: how do you keep your fire lit when everything around you says quit? From explosive fire pit confessions to real talk about parenting struggles, relationship lows, and business setbacks, this conversation pulls no punches.

You'll hear how David resets after gut-punch days, why Nikki finds power in celebrating the small wins, and how anchoring to your "why" can turn a smolder into a roaring comeback. They share actionable ways to reset, refuel, and rise, because the fire always dims, but it doesn't have to go out.

Additional Resources:

Follow Addicted to Betterment wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways:

• Your fire will dim, expect it and prepare for it.
• Recenter on your "why" when motivation disappears.
• Intentional routines can shift your mindset quickly.
• Community is key, borrow belief from others.
• Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.

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. 💡

Andy unveils his "Three Ps" framework, Population, Prompt, Product, and shows how empathy, when paired with intentional design and thoughtful data use, can create workplaces that actually feel human again. From overcoming the "digital veil" that clouds real connection to using AI to amplify rather than replace human insight, this episode challenges the way we approach employee experience, belonging, and meaningful work. 🧠💛

Whether you're rethinking hybrid culture, onboarding, or how to really listen to your people, this one will make you pause, reflect, and take action.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Elemental Advising

Learn more about Share More Stories

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:

• Technology doesn't create connection, people do.
• Trust unlocks honest and useful feedback.
• Know your people to serve them better.
• Data without empathy risks missing the human story.
• Surveys ask, stories reveal the real truth.

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.