Blog

Insights, updates, and thought leadership from our team

Getting the Best of Both Worlds: In-Person Depth and Digital Scale in Hybrid Work

This article explores how hybrid work challenges leaders to balance two seemingly opposite strengths: the depth of in-person conversations and the scale of digital communication. It examines why face-to-face dialogue produces richer insights, how digital platforms expand reach and inclusivity, and where AI can step in to bridge the gap—nudging, probing, and contextualizing to make online exchanges more like the best kitchen-counter chats. The piece highlights the risks of shallow documentation in the AI era and offers practical steps leaders can take to preserve depth, accuracy, and adaptability as conversations become both data and direction for the organization.

By Jenna Ward • 9/29/2025

Your Data, Your Future: Why Portability Is the Real Competitive Advantage in AI

This article unpacks the real source of competitive advantage in the AI era: data. While AI models are multiplying across every tool and workflow, their impact depends on the information they can access and share. The piece explores why portability matters, how connected datasets compound value, and what leaders can do to design open ecosystems that fuel smarter, faster, more resilient AI.

By Jenna Ward • 9/23/2025

The Art of the Conversation: Why Good Questions Matter More Than Ever at Work

This article discusses the key leadership skill that will matter a lot as AI takes on more of our day-to-day work: conversation. Too often, workplace dialogue stays at the surface, focused only on tasks and status. The piece explores why that’s a problem, the types of questions that unlock deeper insight, and how leaders can strengthen this skill, especially in remote and hybrid teams.

By Jenna Ward • 9/18/2025

Rise of the ‘Great Flattening’: Why Fewer Managers Could Mean Weaker Signals to Leadership

This post explores the hidden costs of the “Great Flattening”—the trend of companies reducing layers of management and expanding manager-to-employee ratios. While AI and productivity tools are filling gaps, the shift risks weaker signals, disengagement, and cultural drift. The article argues that AI should not replace human connection but instead help surface weak signals, strengthen communication, and preserve the feedback loops that keep organizations healthy.

By Jenna Ward • 9/18/2025

The Hidden Risk of Employee–AI Collaboration: Disengagement

This post examines the hidden risk of employee–AI collaboration: disengagement. As AI reduces everyday human interactions, teams face greater risks of loneliness, burnout, and missed signals—especially in remote and hybrid settings. The article shares real-world examples and offers practical strategies for leaders to re-humanize AI-enabled work, ensuring teams stay connected, engaged, and resilient.

By Jenna Ward • 9/17/2025