Explore every episode of the podcast Technically Human

What happens when a leader becomes the limit of the team?

In this episode of Technically Human, Dr. Tracy Shroyer talks with organizational development consultant Mark Vincent about succession planning, the three turns of leadership, and what it means to lead toward future value.

Mark explains why “I’ll just do it myself” may be one of the most expensive sentences a leader says, and why developing someone who can step into your work creates capacity for the organization and room for your own growth.

Tracy and Mark also explore what comes after the knowledge economy. As AI makes information easier to access, the distinctly human capabilities of judgment, creativity, deep listening, emotional intelligence, relationships, and non-anxious leadership may become more valuable than ever.

A thoughtful conversation for leaders, business owners, HR and talent professionals, and anyone considering what their next chapter of leadership requires.

Connect with Mark Vincent: https://marklvincent.com

What if AI could help you pressure-test your decisions through multiple perspectives, without replacing your judgment?

In this episode of Technically Human, Dr. Tracy Shroyer explains how she built a personal AI advisory board in ChatGPT. She shares how she chose each seat, the questions she used to open the first meeting, what happened when the board challenged her assumptions, and the boundaries that keep AI in an advisory role.

You’ll learn:

• How to choose advisors based on perspective rather than celebrity

• How to prompt the board to debate instead of simply agree

• Why Future You may deserve a seat

• How career agency differs from career confidence

• Which decisions should remain outside the board’s scope

• Why simulated advisors do not replace real experts or coaches

The goal is not to automate your thinking. It is to elevate it, and keep the human responsible for the decision.

Referenced in this episode:

People and advisory-board members

• Codie Sanchez (https://codiesanchez.com/)

• Geoff Woods (https://geoffwoods.com/)

• Amy Porterfield (https://www.amyporterfield.com/)

• Holly Marie Haynes (https://hollymariehaynes.com/)

• Lewis Howes (https://lewishowes.com/)

• Adam Grant (https://adamgrant.net/)

• Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/)

• Rory Vaden (https://roryvaden.com/)

• Simon Sinek (https://simonsinek.com/)

• Alex Hormozi (https://www.acquisition.com/)

• Tiago Forte (https://fortelabs.com/)

• Dorie Clark (https://dorieclark.com/)

• Don Norman (https://jnd.org/)

• Crissy Conner (https://crissyconner.com/)

• The Visible CEO (https://thevisibleceo.com/)

Podcasts and resources

• BigDeal with Codie Sanchez: “How to Use AI to Make Money, Grow Your Business, and Be More Productive” with Geoff Woods (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vodeYl5DkJE)

• The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curiosity-shop-with-bren%C3%A9-brown-and-adam-grant/id1730985049)

• The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes (https://lewishowes.com/podcast/)

• The Visibility Impact Show with Crissy Conner (https://thevisibleceo.com/podcast/)

• Building a Second Brain Podcast with Tiago Forte (https://fortelabs.com/podcast/)

• The AI-Driven Leader and Geoff Woods’ resources (https://geoffwoods.com/)

In this episode of Technically Human, I sit down with Kristin Zhivago to explore the gap between what businesses think customers want and what buyers are actually looking for. We unpack assumptions vs. buyer truth, why so many organizations unintentionally create friction in the buying process, and how companies can better understand customer desires, concerns, and questions before a purchase ever happens.

Kristin shares insights from interviewing thousands of customers across industries, explains the hidden “sales stoppers” that quietly hurt revenue, and discusses why trust, listening, and genuine human understanding still matter deeply — even in an AI-driven world.

We also explore:

• Why most companies misunderstand their customers

• The difference between assumptions and real buyer insight

• Desires, concerns, and questions in the buying process

• Common sales stoppers hurting businesses behind the scenes

• Why Amazon succeeds at reducing buyer friction

• AI, automation, and the future of customer communication

• The importance of trust and human connection in business

• What it means to stay “technically human” in today’s world

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
01:00 – Kristin’s background and early sales experience
03:45 – Assumptions vs. buyer truth
07:30 – Why businesses waste money on marketing
08:00 – Loyalty cards, customer data, and personalization
10:00 – Relationship marketing vs. truly serving customers
11:45 – AI and the limits of customer insight automation
14:00 – How many customer interviews companies actually need
16:00 – Why messaging often fails to connect
20:30 – The biggest disconnect businesses face
22:30 – Desires, concerns, and questions in the buying process
27:30 – Reviews, Amazon, and reducing buyer friction
29:20 – Internal systems, processes, and hidden sales stoppers
35:00 – AI adoption in business: opportunities and risks
39:00 – AI in education and critical thinking
40:45 – What “Technically Human” means to Kristin

Want to learn more about Kristin Zhivago and her work? Visit www.ZhivagoPartners.com.

Connect with Dr. Tracy Shroyer and Career Compass for career strategy, professional growth, and resources designed to help you navigate change in an evolving world of work at www.careercompassusa.com .

There’s a difference between being responsible… and actually advocating for yourself.

In this episode of Technically Human, I explore why so many capable people struggle to speak up, ask for what they need, acknowledge their accomplishments, or put themselves forward for opportunities, even when they’ve earned them.

We talk about:

• the connection between confidence and self-advocacy
• imposter syndrome and self-doubt
• why many people minimize themselves without realizing it
• how language shapes confidence
• the idea of self-efficacy and trusting yourself to handle difficult situations
• why confidence usually comes after action, not before it

This conversation is for anyone who has ever questioned whether they were “too much,” waited for permission, or struggled to recognize their own value.

You can be humble and still speak clearly.

You can be kind and still advocate for yourself.

And you can feel nervous and still take action.

What if the problem isn’t you… but the system you’re working in?

In this episode of Technically Human, I sit down with Simon Copsey to explore how the way organizations are structured, and the beliefs leaders hold, shape everything from productivity and burnout to team performance and decision-making.

We unpack the difference between “firefighting” and actually solving problems at their root, and why so many teams stay stuck reacting instead of preventing issues in the first place. Simon shares how systems thinking and cause-and-effect thinking can help leaders and teams move beyond surface-level fixes and start addressing what’s really driving challenges inside organizations.

We also talk about:

• Why common leadership beliefs (like keeping everyone busy or adding more people to speed things up) can actually make things worse
• The gap between leadership decisions and team realities, and how misalignment happens
• Why most organizational problems aren’t about “bad employees,” but about the conditions people are working in
• How shifting beliefs, not just behaviors, is key to meaningful, lasting change

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in constant reaction mode, or frustrated by decisions that don’t seem to make sense, this conversation will help you step back, see the bigger picture, and think differently about the systems around you.

AI is inevitable in the workplace, but how do we use it without losing our authentic voice? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own journey with AI, career coaching, and hosting this podcast. We talk about why speaking your prompts into tools like ChatGPT or Manus can yield much richer results than typing, and why it is absolutely critical that you remain the final editor of your work. I share a few personal stories, including a funny moment when a simple "fat fingers" spelling error made a career coaching client think I used AI to write her resume, and why I pivoted from AI-generated images to creating my own visuals in Canva to ensure they actually looked like my brand.

We also get real about the behind-the-scenes of podcasting. I open up about the intense anxiety I feel right before hitting record with a guest, how I use AI to bridge the gap between my expertise and theirs, and the sheer excitement I feel once the conversation gets flowing. Finally, we tackle the myth of the "perfect" episode length and why a rich, 9-minute episode is infinitely better than a drawn-out 25-minute one. In this episode, we cover:

• Why you should experiment and "play" with AI tools like ChatGPT, Manus, and Gamma app.
• The power of voice prompting vs. text prompting.
• The importance of auditing AI output and keeping your authentic "stamp" on your work.
• Real-world stories: The resume typo and the LinkedIn visual pivot.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and pre-recording anxiety as a podcast host.
• Why curiosity and "free flow" conversations beat rigid interviews every time.
• A reminder that content quality and richness matter far more than episode length.

If you have topics related to AI, tech, or career development that you'd love to hear covered in future solo episodes, please send me a direct message on LinkedIn or drop me an email. I would love to hear from you!

AI isn’t new, but what’s coming next might change everything.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Craig Kaplan, an AI expert with decades of experience building intelligent systems, to unpack what most people get wrong about artificial intelligence, and what actually matters moving forward.

We talk about:

• The real history of AI (and why it’s not as “new” as it seems)
• What AI means for jobs, careers, and business strategy
• Why companies can’t afford to ignore it
• The risks no one is talking about and how we can navigate them
• And what it truly means to stay human as technology becomes more intelligent

If you’ve been feeling uncertain, curious, or even overwhelmed by AI, this conversation will ground you and give you a clearer way to think about what’s ahead.

Ready to take the next step in your career with strategy and support? Explore Career Compass Pro or the Career Compass Membership. Learn more at www.careercompassusa.com.

What does it really mean to build a career in a world that’s changing faster than ever?

In this first solo episode of The Technically Human Podcast, Dr. Tracy Shroyer shares the foundation behind the show and why now is the time to rethink how we approach our careers.

Blending insights from corporate experience, career coaching, and higher education, this episode explores the intersection of technology, career strategy, and the human experience at work.

You’ll hear what’s driving this podcast, what you can expect from future episodes, and how to begin thinking about your career through a more intentional lens, including a high level introduction to the 4C Framework: Clarify, Communicate, Connect, and Cultivate.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, considering your next move, or simply trying to make sense of where you are, this episode is your starting point.

Ready to take the next step with structure, strategy, and support? Explore tools, trainings, and resources inside Career Compass Pro or Career Compass Membership. Learn more at www.careercompassusa.com

What does it really mean to stay human in a world that’s constantly evolving?

In this trailer for The Technically Human Podcast, Dr. Tracy Shroyer introduces a show focused on navigating career growth, change, and identity in today’s digital world of work.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, misaligned, or unsure of what’s next, this podcast is here to help you move forward with clarity, intention, and a more human approach to your career.

Most conversations about AI focus on the tools.

This conversation focuses on the human.

Russell van Brocklen shares how overcoming severe dyslexia shaped the way he thinks, solves problems, and now uses AI to produce better work. We explore ChatGPT, Claude, productivity, learning differently, and why the people who thrive in the future won't simply know how to use AI, they'll know what great work actually looks like.

What if finding the right career isn't just about your skills, but about understanding yourself?

In this episode of Technically Human, Dr. Tracy Shroyer continues her Career Psychology series by exploring three of the foundational thinkers who shaped modern career development: Frank Parsons, John Holland, and Donald Super.

You'll learn how career thinking has evolved from simply matching people to jobs to understanding identity, personality, life stages, and the importance of finding work that aligns with who you are.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Frank Parsons is considered the father of career counseling
• John Holland's RIASEC theory and the importance of person-environment fit
• Donald Super's Life-Span, Life-Space Theory and Career Rainbow
• Why careers are no longer linear, and what that means for your future
• The difference between job search advice, career coaching, and career psychology
• How self-awareness can lead to more meaningful career decisions

Whether you're considering a career change, feeling stuck, navigating a layoff, or simply curious about the psychology behind work, this episode provides practical insights grounded in decades of career development research.

The world of work has changed. Understanding yourself may be the most valuable career skill you can develop.

Subscribe to Technically Human so you don't miss the next episode, where we'll dive into modern career psychology theories and explore how they apply to today's rapidly changing world of work.

Connect with Dr. Tracy Shroyer at www.careercompassusa.com or via email at learn@tracyshroyerphd.com.
#CareerPsychology #CareerDevelopment #CareerCoaching #FutureOfWork #Leadership #CareerChange #SelfAwareness #CareerGrowth #TechnicallyHuman #ProfessionalDevelopment

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, create, andmarket ourselves, but does that mean human expertise matters less?
Quite the opposite.

In this episode of Technically Human, Dr. Tracy Shroyer sits down with Wes Towers, founder of Upward 360, to discuss how AI is changing marketing while making trust, authenticity, and human connection even more valuable.

Topics include:
• Why conversations outperform prompts
• Authenticity as a competitive advantage
• Search Everywhere Optimization
• Human-centered branding
• Emotional intelligence
• Building trust in an AI era

Learn more about Wes at https://uplift360.com.au/

I've been down a lot of learning rabbit holes over the years, but this one feels different.

Lately, I've found myself becoming increasingly curious about the field of career psychology, the study of why we think, feel, and behave the way we do in relation to our work.

In this first episode of a new series, I share a framework I've been developing that explores three layers of career development:

• Job Search Advice• Career Coaching• Career Psychology

While most career conversations focus on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interviewing, and networking, I've started to wonder whether the real challenges many professionals face run much deeper. Questions about identity, confidence, purpose, self-trust, meaning, and career decisions may be at the heart of what keeps people feeling stuck.

Join me as I begin exploring the foundational theories, ideas, and questions behind career psychology, not as an expert with all the answers, but as a lifelong learner inviting you along for the journey.

What happens when a life-changing event forces you to question everything?

In this episode of Technically Human, I sit down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-founder of Next Level University, to discuss the experiences that transformed his life and career.

Alan shares his journey from corporate success and financial achievement to a devastating car accident that became a turning point. We explore finding purpose after adversity, investing in personal growth, navigating uncertainty, building resilience, and why human connection matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.

If you're facing career uncertainty, questioning your next step, or searching for greater meaning in your work and life, this conversation offers practical wisdom and honest perspective.

We talk about:

• Turning adversity into opportunity
• Discovering your purpose
• Personal development versus empty motivation
• Investing in yourself wisely
• Career transitions and reinvention
• AI, technology, and human connection
• Leadership, growth, and accountability

Whether you're navigating a career transition, recovering from a setback, or trying to determine what's next, this conversation is packed with practical insights and powerful stories.

Learn more about Alan Lazaros and Next Level University at https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/

Subscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of technology, careers, leadership, and what it means to remain Technically Human.

Feeling stuck in your career?

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Shroyer explores why career clarity, not more information, is often the missing piece. Drawing from her own experience navigating a layoff after 27 years in corporate America, Tracy shares the framework she now uses to help professionals gain direction, make better career decisions, and build meaningful momentum.

You'll learn:• Why so many professionals feel stuck• How clarity differs from information• The power of desires and deal breakers• The 4C Career Compass Framework• Four reflection questions to help identify your next step

Remember: waiting is not a career strategy.

Join us in the COMPASS community at www.careercompassusa.com

In this episode of Technically Human, I sit down with Leo Hoar, founder of the UXR Institute, to talk about what AI can and cannot do for students, professionals, business owners, and startup founders. Leo brings a unique perspective as a former academic, UX researcher, entrepreneur, and self-described “recovering academic” who has spent his career thinking deeply about how people learn, make decisions, and build better experiences.

Together, we explore why AI can accelerate your work, but cannot replace good thinking. Leo shares why critical thinking, communication, emotional intelligence, and learning how to learn may be more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world.

We also discuss the impact of AI on entry-level roles, education, career transitions, startups, solopreneurship, and the growing importance of human judgment.If you have ever wondered whether AI is replacing people, how to use AI without outsourcing your own thinking, or whether now is the right time to start building your own business, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a thoughtful reminder that technology is most powerful when it supports, not replaces, human intelligence.

Want to learn more about Leo or the UXR Institute?

• Connect with Leo Hoar on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-hoar-phd/
• Learn more about what Leo and his team does at https://www.uxrinstitute.com/

Want to learn more about Dr. Tracy Shroyer or Career Compass?

• Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyshroyerphd
• Leanr more about what Career Compass offers at https://www.careercompassusa.com

In this solo episode of the Technically Human Podcast, Dr. Tracy Shroyer breaks down five pieces of career advice that simply do not work the same way anymore in 2026. From blindly applying to hundreds of jobs to treating LinkedIn like an online resume, the rules of career growth and job searching have shifted dramatically.

Dr. Tracy explores:

• Why applying everywhere leads to burnout
• What recruiters actually look for on resumes
• Why LinkedIn visibility matters more than ever
• How AI is reshaping the workforce (without replacing human value)
• Why loyalty alone no longer protects your career

This episode is designed to help professionals navigate career change more strategically while staying grounded in who they are.

Whether you’re job searching, rethinking your direction, recovering from a layoff, or simply trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world of work, this conversation will help you rethink what actually matters now.

Listen in and remember: you do not have to lose yourself to adapt.