ELEVATE Series 2025 with Bryan Kramer

In a powerful closing conversation for the ELEVATE Series, Bryan Kramer joined Amber Vilhauer.

Bryan Kramer—renowned speaker, strategist, and pioneer of the #H2H (Human to Human) movement—is known as the “Zen Master of Digital Marketing.” Bryan brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to be human in a world driven by automation, urgency, and complexity.

In this conversation, Bryan addresses a growing crisis of connection. As AI becomes more integrated into business, many are losing touch with empathy, clarity, and presence. But instead of reacting with fear, Bryan encourages a return to simplicity, intention, and small, meaningful shifts.

Drawing from his decades of leadership experience—and a recent 10-day silent meditation retreat—Bryan shares how slowing down and reconnecting to what matters most is not just healing, but highly strategic. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating change in your personal life, this episode will remind you that your humanity is not a weakness—it’s your greatest strength.

Here’s just some of the fantastic strategy and advice shared from this conversation:

👉 Small shifts create big change. You don’t need to overhaul everything. A 1-degree shift in direction—repeated consistently—can completely change your outcomes.

👉 Presence comes before performance. Slow down, ground yourself, and reconnect to what matters. That inner clarity becomes your best business strategy.

👉 Simplicity is your edge. The world rewards complexity, but what really cuts through is ease. Clear, human, simple messages win.

👉 Don’t automate away empathy. AI can assist, but it can’t replace real human connection. Use technology to enhance, not erase, your voice.

👉 Express yourself now. AI is getting louder, but your story still matters. Vulnerability and authenticity are your superpowers—use them.

👉 Energy is your currency. Protect it. Whether it’s through stillness, silence, or space, the way you manage your energy determines how you show up.

👉 Let go to move forward. Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. The leaders who thrive are the ones willing to release control and trust the process.

👉 Reconnect with nature. Being in stillness—whether it’s a walk, a pause, or a retreat—resets your nervous system and sharpens your creativity.

👉 Build your human support system. You don’t have to do it alone. Coaches, friends, and emotional allies are more important than ever.

👉 Being human is the new strategy. In a world rushing toward automation, showing up with care, emotion, and honesty is your ultimate differentiator.

Meet our guest speaker, Bryan Kramer:

Bryan Kramer is a renowned global keynote speaker, business strategist, executive coach, and bestselling author who has been credited with instigating the #H2H (Human to Human) business movement. Dubbed the “Zen Master of Digital Marketing” by Forbes, he consults Fortune 500 clients such as IBM, Dell, and Intuit on humanizing business.

As CEO of H2H Companies and co-owner of PureMatter, a Silicon Valley marketing agency founded in 2001, Bryan has established himself as one of the world’s foremost leaders in the art and science of sharing.

Bryan Kramer’s books explore why sharing is what gives individuals and brands a unique competitive advantage. Bryan delivered a TED Talk sponsored by IBM titled “Why Sharing is Reimagining Our Future,” which demonstrated the power of sharing when inspiration combines with technology, earning 21 million impressions on Twitter in just four hours.

Website: https://bryankramer.com/
Connect with Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjkramer/