Technically Human

Dr. Tracy Shroyer

Technically Human is a career and life podcast for people navigating change in a digital world, without losing themselves in the process. Hosted by Dr. Tracy Shroyer, this show explores what it really means to build a meaningful career in an era of AI, constant optimization, and shifting expectations. Each episode blends strategy with real, human insight covering career transitions, identity, growth, and the decisions that shape what’s next. Whether you’re rethinking your path, rebuilding after change, or simply trying to move forward with more clarity, this podcast can help you stay grounded.

  1. 17 Jun

    10. "The Gold Is Buried Where You Least Want to Dig"

    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 opportunityDiscovering your purposePersonal development versus empty motivationInvesting in yourself wiselyCareer transitions and reinventionAI, technology, and human connectionLeadership, growth, and accountabilityWhether 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.

    38 min
  2. 3 Jun

    8. AI Can't Replace Good Thinking

    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/tracyshroyerphdLeanr more about what Career Compass offers at https://www.careercompassusa.com

    37 min
  3. 20 May

    6. Assumptions vs. Buyer Truth with Kristin Zhivago

    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 episode01:00 – Kristin’s background and early sales experience03:45 – Assumptions vs. buyer truth07:30 – Why businesses waste money on marketing08:00 – Loyalty cards, customer data, and personalization10:00 – Relationship marketing vs. truly serving customers11:45 – AI and the limits of customer insight automation14:00 – How many customer interviews companies actually need16:00 – Why messaging often fails to connect20:30 – The biggest disconnect businesses face22:30 – Desires, concerns, and questions in the buying process27:30 – Reviews, Amazon, and reducing buyer friction29:20 – Internal systems, processes, and hidden sales stoppers35:00 – AI adoption in business: opportunities and risks39:00 – AI in education and critical thinking40:45 – 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 .

    46 min

About

Technically Human is a career and life podcast for people navigating change in a digital world, without losing themselves in the process. Hosted by Dr. Tracy Shroyer, this show explores what it really means to build a meaningful career in an era of AI, constant optimization, and shifting expectations. Each episode blends strategy with real, human insight covering career transitions, identity, growth, and the decisions that shape what’s next. Whether you’re rethinking your path, rebuilding after change, or simply trying to move forward with more clarity, this podcast can help you stay grounded.