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Digital Sparks, Human Sticks: Trust & Connection in the Phygital Future
What happens when you stop asking “What will the future of work look like?” and start asking how to build a team that can thrive no matter what the future throws your way?
In Season 10, Episode 2 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider continues the season inspired by her new book, Work for What’s Next, with Eric Termuende—bestselling author and keynote speaker who’s delivered 500+ talks worldwide on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Together, they dig into one of the most foundational shifts in the book: trust and connection—why we’re more connected than ever, yet somehow feel more disconnected at the same time. Expect practical, human-first strategies for building trust without shortcuts, a nuanced take on authenticity, and a surprisingly perfect metaphor involving gas station sushi.
In this episode:
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Eric’s two-word lens for trust and connection: slow, then fast—why high-performing teams can’t rush the foundation
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“Digital sparks, human sticks”: how a digital on-ramp can make in-person time more meaningful (and more efficient)
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A simple team exercise that builds trust fast: the Four Hs (heroes, heartbreaks, hopes, history)
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The “gas station sushi” test for trust, and why knowing more reduces hesitation and increases commitment
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A sharp, practical filter for authenticity: Does it remove friction—or add weight?
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The dark side of trust and care on close teams, and why you can’t be everything to everyone without losing culture
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The future-of-work question worth keeping: you don’t need to predict the future—you need a team that trusts each other enough to navigate it
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Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.
Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, THE MART + NeoCon, Mannington Commercial, and The Mav Group – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.
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Design Nerds Anonymous is the only podcast of its kind – holding an engaged audience of architects, designers, CRE leaders, and end users – and delivering the most insights per minute on the forces shaping the built environment. With over 100K+ downloads, the show features industry powerhouses from brands like Chick-fil-A, Hilton, and StoryBrand, having bold conversations on what’s next in business and design—market shifts, process innovation, and the hidden dynamics driving change.
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