Episodes

In this episode of the Looking Forward podcast, Jen Robinson & Alejandro Jaegerman discuss the new version of their Ampersand Consulting website, developed using Lovable without any code. They highlight the positive feedback and engagement they received. They also introduce a QR code generator project for business cards, integrating it seamlessly into their website. The conversation covers the dynamic back-end and front-end interactions with Lovable, including creating team member profiles, QR...

It’s 2025, and nearly half of us feel overwhelmed by the breakneck pace of change—AI hype fatigue, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and ecological crises are all testing our limits. In this episode, Jen and Alejandro unpack why 1 in 3 workers are actively disengaging from their company’s transformation initiatives—and how that “quiet sabotage” signals a deeper crisis of trust and purpose. Join us as we explore: System Overload: Why constant digital and organizational change is ...

Bold AI mandates. Radical workforce shifts. In this episode, we challenge the biggest question in tech today: Should organizations use AI to augment their people—or replace them entirely? Hear how Satya Nadella’s Copilot rollout, Marc Benioff’s digital‑worker pledge, and Shopify’s “no hire without AI” memo are shaking up HR. We explore how top companies are redefining hiring rules with AI-first policies, and how massive automation projects have eliminated hundreds of thousands of work hours—only to create a new demand for highly specialized AI talent. Then, we flip the script with real-world success stories showing how AI can boost retention, accelerate decision-making, and free employees to focus on creative, high-impact work. If you’re a business leader or tech innovator wrestling with AI-driven growth, this episode delivers the real‑world insights and strategies you need to balance efficiency, talent transformation, and human ingenuity. - 🔑 Key topics: AI mandates…

In this episode, Jen and Alejandro sit down to explore how AI is driving positive change across industries and communities. We look at tangible examples of AI for Good—from boosting early disease detection with smarter healthcare tools to enhancing personalized learning and disaster response. We also unpack the ethics of AI, discussing bias, transparency, and how responsible innovation can truly improve lives. What does “AI for Good” mean in practice? How is AI transforming healthcare, ...

Season 2 continues! In this episode, Jen sits down with digital strategist Omar Butt to explore the rise of agentic AI and how it's transforming traditional process optimization into an intelligent, adaptive workforce. We dive into the meaning behind the provocative statement, "AI is a solution looking for a problem," and discuss how this new wave of AI is not just automating tasks but reimagining business processes. What exactly is agentic AI? How is it evolving from basic robotic process auto...

Season 2 is here! In this kickoff episode,Jen andAlejandro catch up on everything Ampersand has been working on and dive into the exciting world of agentic AI. From discussing our latest project, SunnySide.bot, to sharing thoughts on how AI agents from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI are reshaping business strategies, we cover a lot of ground. What exactly is agentic AI? How can businesses leverage it for productivity and innovation? And where do consulting firms like ours fit into this ra...

As we wrap up Season 1 of Looking Forward, we’re reflecting on the most exciting moments in AI and tech from 2024 and looking ahead to what’s on the horizon in 2025. From groundbreaking advancements by Google DeepMind and Tesla to the rise of AI-powered education and sustainability solutions, this episode dives into the transformative impact of technology on people, businesses, and the world. Join Jen and Alejandro as they share their tech resolutions for the new year, make bold predictions abo...

In this episode of Looking Forward, we discuss the transformative world of agentic AI—where AI doesn’t just analyze or create but takes actionable steps to solve real business challenges. Join hosts AJ and Jen as they explore the profound implications of this next-level technology with two special guests: Doug, who unpacks the strategic potential of agentic AI and its ability to reshape workforces and business operations. Brian, who shares the inside story of building Sandy, their proprietary...

In this unique episode of Looking Forward, Alejandro and Jennifer dive into the role of agentic AI in content creation and beyond. From discussing the tools they use, like Descript, to exploring how AI-driven assistants support their workflow, they peel back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes process. The conversation highlights how agentic AI could evolve and potentially shift industries, with real-world examples from JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, and Google’s DeepMind. They debate the limitations ...

In this episode, Alejandro and Jen examine the transformation of middle management in today’s tech-driven world. They discuss its origins, the impact of automation and flatter hierarchies on traditional roles, and what these shifts mean for the future of work. From major players like Amazon and Google to agile frameworks and leaner teams, explore how organizations are balancing efficiency with the need for human oversight and mentorship. Tune in to learn how to stay impactful in an evolving workplace.

In this episode of Looking Forward, Alejandro Jagerman, CEO of Ampersand Consulting, and Jen, Director of Operations, tackle planning for 2025 by helping businesses cut through the noise and focus on key signals for success. They explore three vital questions: how to equip teams with the necessary skills, how to leverage AI to foster creativity and innovation across an organization, and how to combine human expertise with AI to solve complex challenges and unlock new market opportunities. Alejandro and Jen provide actionable insights on fostering AI literacy, creating a culture of continuous learning, and setting bold goals for the future. Whether you’re navigating AI adoption or preparing your strategic plan for the coming year, this episode offers practical guidance to ensure your organization is ready to thrive in 2025.

In this episode of Looking Forward, Beth Hedger, Principal of Digital Innovation at Ampersand Consulting, dives into the concept of product maturity and why it’s essential for organizations navigating today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Together with Jen and Alejandro, Beth discusses how product teams can stay nimble, embrace AI disruption, and prepare for the next wave of innovation. They break down key strategies to future-proof your organization, from enhancing team capabilities to optimizing processes for growth. Whether you’re leading a product team or strategizing for the next big tech shift, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stay ahead.

In this special episode of Looking Forward, Alejandro and Jen take a step back from the usual business tech topics to have an honest conversation about the realities of running a small consultancy in today’s economy. As Ampersand Consulting continues to face challenges in a post-pandemic world, they share candid insights into the highs and lows of their journey, including dealing with inflation, rising interest rates, and navigating the professional services industry. They also explore how...

In this episode of Looking Forward, Doug, Principal D&A Consultant at Ampersand Consulting, breaks down the three types of AI adoption—Consumers, Integrators, and Creators—and shares how organizations can determine where they fit along the AI spectrum. Alongside Jen and Alejandro, they explore real-world examples of AI integration, the evolution of generative AI, and the shifting landscape of tools like Salesforce. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or are refining your existing strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Join Jen, Director of Operations at Ampersand Consulting, and Alejandro, CEO, as they dive into the critical question facing today’s leaders: How can you truly measure the ROI of your AI investments? This episode of Looking Forward unpacks the tangible and strategic returns of AI across three focal areas—operational efficiency, revenue growth, and cost savings. With insights from recent studies and real-world applications, discover how businesses can harness AI for not only immediate benefits but also long-term strategic gains. Whether you’re looking to refine your AI strategy or just starting, this episode offers essential guidance on balancing immediate impacts with future potential.

Can your business thrive during an economic downturn? Learn the secrets of success from industry giants as we uncover the strategies that helped Apple and Amazon not only survive but flourish through past crises. Join us on "Looking Forward" with hosts Jen and Alejandro as we dissect the critical importance of continuing to invest in innovation and employee training, even when times are tough. Backed by compelling data, we'll show you how companies that prioritize these areas consistently out...

Unlock the secrets to a more productive and satisfying work environment as Jen and Alejandro from Ampersand Consulting dissect the ins and outs of hybrid work frameworks on this episode of "Looking Forward." Get ready to explore the hub-and-spoke model, where centralizing resources at main hubs can streamline efficiency and management but also presents challenges like resource disparities and coordination complexities across locations. We’ll also talk about the financial implications of maint...

What if the key to skyrocketing your business's customer satisfaction lies in cutting-edge technology? Join us as we unpack transformative solutions to the pressing issue of declining customer satisfaction in today's digital era. I'm Jen, Director of Operations at Ampersand Consulting, alongside Alejandro, our CEO. Together, we'll reveal how AI chatbots, personalized recommendation engines, and sentiment analysis tools are reshaping customer engagement. Hear firsthand experiences, real-world ...