May 21, 2026
Human at the Core: Building Connection, Culture, and CX in the Age of AI
As AI continues to grow across organizations, teams are becoming faster and more efficient.
At the same time, leaders are also thinking about something equally important —
how to keep people connected, engaged, and supported.
In this episode of the Etech Leadership & CX Podcast, Manu Dwievedi sits down with Jesse Pudles, CEO of SpotCorp, to explore how leaders can build strong, connected teams while adapting to change.
From storytelling and shared experiences to simple everyday habits, this conversation highlights how human connection continues to play a key role in team performance and customer experience.
About the Episode
As teams evolve and new technologies become part of daily work, one question continues to come up:
How do we keep people at the center of it all?
According to Jesse, the answer is not about choosing between technology and people — it’s about understanding how they work together.
In this conversation, Jesse shares how storytelling, experiential learning, and authentic communication help teams build trust and stay engaged.
He explains how leaders can create environments where people feel comfortable contributing, sharing ideas, and working together more effectively.
Through practical examples, this episode highlights how small actions can make a meaningful difference in how teams connect and perform.
This Episode Answers the Following Questions and More
- How can leaders keep teams engaged as AI becomes more common?
- What helps build stronger trust within teams?
- How can leaders encourage more open communication?
- What are simple ways to strengthen team connection?
- How can storytelling and shared experiences support learning?
Top Takeaways
AI and People Work Together: Technology supports efficiency, while people bring empathy, connection, and understanding.
Trust Strengthens Teams: When teams feel comfortable and supported, they contribute more openly and confidently.
Engagement Shows Up in Everyday Moments: Participation, ideas, and conversations are all signs of a connected team.
Acknowledgement Makes a Difference: Recognizing people’s efforts helps them feel valued and motivated.
Shared Experiences Build Connection: Teams grow stronger when they learn and experience things together.
Quotes from the Episode
- “If your team isn’t speaking up, something deeper is happening.”
- “Acknowledgement can be the difference between someone staying engaged or checking out.”
- “When people feel seen and valued, everything changes.”
Meet the Leaders
Jesse Pudles – CEO, SpotCorp Events
Manu Dwievedi – AVP, ETS Labs & Etech Global Services
Watch Now: Build Teams That Stay Connected and Engaged
Discover how leaders can strengthen communication, build trust, and support their teams as they adapt to change.
Gain practical ideas you can apply to create a more connected and engaged work environment.
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