Podcasts about change leadership

Profit or cash. Efficiency or flexibility. Speed, or doing it right.Leaders feel like they have to make trade-offs like these all the time. But the choice often isn't real.Some contradictions are unavoidable. Others only look that way until you understand the real problem. The most effective organizations realize they don't have to pick a side if they can resolve the underlying tension.Olivier Larue has spent three decades helping companies do this, which he's documented in his three-book series The Toyota Economic System: a philosophy about people and society, the technical design that turns it into results, and the management practices that keep it alive through continuous learning.The real breakthrough is never the tools, optimizing one part of the system, or making unnecessary tradeoffs. It's how every part connects, and understanding the real problem to solve, so people remain the focus and results last.You'll Learn:How to tell a contradiction that's real from one that only looks real, so you stop choosing between things you can't afford to loseWhy an economic lens, not an operational one, changes where you look for the answerWhy the number and order of Toyota's seven wastes aren't arbitrary, and why the first one drives how you understand the restWhy declaring people "empowered" means nothing without the conditions that let them act on itHow respect for people extends to avoiding layoffs even in downturns, and why that matters in a world of AI and supply chain disruptionsABOUT MY GUEST:Olivier Larue was trained by Toyota Motor Corporation and has spent thirty years helping Fortune 500 companies design and implement industrial manufacturing solutions, including more than a decade as a consultant with TSSC, the Toyota Production System Support Center, and hands-on work in the biopharmaceutical industry. He is the founder and president of Ydatum, and the author of the three-book series The Toyota Economic System.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/82 Connect with Olivier Larue: linkedin.com/in/olivierlarue Purchase a copy of The Toyota Economic System (three-book series): https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Economic-System-Environmental-StewardshipLearn more about Ydatum: ydatum.com Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Join us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:43 How a NUMMI experience shaped Olivier years later05:14 Why call it the Toyota Economic System?09:42 Profit vs. cash: the trade-off companies get wrong12:32 Why Just-in-Time doesn't mean zero inventory16:30 What happens when company values and work conflict20:20 Why leaders have to “earn” how they manage21:42 Why Toyota's seven wastes are in a specific order23:38 The hidden cost of human waiting27:20 Why leadership skills alone aren't enough30:05 Why organizations keep repeating the same problems31:26 What Andon actually means for empowerment35:17 The leadership response that makes problems safe to surface39:16 Why Toyota can avoid layoffs during downturns44:30 The unanswered question about AI and economic growth48:30 How enthusiasm turns pull into push50:44 Why isolated improvements don't transform systems54:35 Refusing the either/or trade-off Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

What if the job of a change leader was never to drive change? In this conversation from the  Change Leadership Conference, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta challenges traditional approaches to leading change and explores why building organizational buy-in isn't about better communication or managing resistance. It's about creating the conditions where people discover, own, and lead change themselves.In this episode, you'll learn:Why organizations often ask for buy-in too lateHow to move from telling people to engaging themWhy resistance is valuable insight, not something to eliminateHow building change capability helps organizations thrive in a world of constant change Guest BioYvonne Ruke Akpoveta is an Executive Change Advisor and the Founder of The Change Leadership, a global platform dedicated to equipping leaders and organizations with the mindset, skills, and practical tools to lead change in today's disruptive world. She works with leaders, teams, and organizations globally to help them lead and respond to change. She is also the creator of the Change Leadership Conference, and host of Change Leadership Conversations.Resources & Links• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn• Learn more about our work The Change Leadership• Explore Change Leadership Training and Workshops

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You! In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg is joined by Sharon McLaughlin, Leadership Coach, HR and Change Leadership Advisor, from Ottawa, Canada. With over 30 years of experience in HR and corporate services, Sharon shares her valuable perspectives on leading through change, developing self-awareness, overcoming the fear of the unknown, and the growing importance of human-centered leadership in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven workplace.Key topics include why people resist change, how leaders can find the right balance between empathy and accountability, what makes organizations adaptable, and actionable advice for emerging leaders. Sharon also explores emotional intelligence, coaching, combating change fatigue, and cultivating trust within teams.If you're a leader, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world examples to help you navigate personal and organizational transitions with confidence.

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. What happens to human learning when answers are suddenly abundant and change keeps accelerating?In this episode of The Inner Game of Change, I welcome back Tracy Defoe, Kata coach and adult learning expert, to explore the Coaching Kata and its growing relevance in the age of artificial intelligence.We explore a simple idea: when we cannot know exactly where change will take us, we need to learn our way forward.Tracy shares how the Coaching Kata helps people navigate uncertainty through small experiments, reflection and deliberate learning. We discuss productive struggle, psychological safety, the temptation to jump to solutions, and the importance of human judgement.We also ask whether artificial intelligence is helping us become better thinkers, or simply faster answer seekers, and where it can genuinely strengthen coaching and learning.A conversation about change without certainty, coaching without giving people the answers, and learning our way forward.About TracyAims to make you smarter about learning.Adult Education professional specializing in learning at work. Interested in culture change, supporting peer-leadership, informal learning, multiple literacies and communication in diverse settings. Experienced in designing and implementing innovative learning at work programs. Humble Lean Practitioner interested in combining my interests in Lean with Adult Learning and Culture Change. Student of the Kata, Coach and Learner.  Improvement and Coaching Kata learner and coach.  Volunteer Host of the Cascadia Kata Dojo Community Call - a 30 minute weekly zoom meeting for Kata Coaches From British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.Specialties: Customized solutions, embedding lean or essential skills in content training, facilitation of improvements or supporting leaders in improving their facilitation, communicating with the workforce, re-framing change as learning challenge, training design and delivery, implementation and evaluation. Facilitating meetings and retreats for clients, strategic planning, realizing a mission and vision to a Challenge, and a daily improvement plan. Plain Language and Clear Design.Contact TracyTracy's profilelinkedin.com/in/tracydefoeWebsitethelearningfactor.ca (Company)Emailtd@thelearningfactor.caSend us Fan MailSupport the showAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Your leadership style isn't the problem. Your default is.The gap between how you're leading and what the person in front of you actually needs is one of the most common and most invisible places leaders get stuck. Most of us default to one mode and don't notice the mismatch until something breaks down.Suzie Bishop has spent over a decade at the Center for Leadership Studies helping leaders close that gap and strengthen their leadership effectiveness. Her new book, Situational Leadership, puts nearly sixty years of research into a practical framework for reading the situation, building leadership flexibility, and adapting your approach.Suzie walks through the four leadership styles, how to read what someone needs in a given situation, and how to adapt your approach to coach, develop leaders, and lead through influence.The best leaders don't pick one style and commit. They pause, assess the situation, and flex to have the impact you intend.You'll Learn:Why "leadership is influence" reframes how you lead, and why influence has nothing to do with manipulation or controlHow to diagnose what someone needs, and why one person can require four different approaches in the same conversationHow leadership flexibility and adaptability differ—and why knowing the styles isn't the same as knowing when to use themWhy only asking coaching questions can leave people stuck, and how to know when to step in with more directive leadershipHow the "power of the pause" helps you move from reacting out of habit to adapting with intentionABOUT MY GUEST:Suzie Bishop is VP of Product Development at The Center for Leadership Studies. She's a Certified Professional in Training Management, a Stakeholder Centered Coach, and a Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coach. Suzie is co-author of Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change and Unlocking Performance and is currently writing her next book, Match: How to Meet Leaders Where They Are, with Marshall Goldsmith.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/81 Connect with Suzie Bishop: linkedin.com/in/suzie-bishop Purchase a copy: Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change and Unlocking Performance by Suzie Bishop and Sam ShriverMatch: How to Meet Leaders Where They Are by Suzie Bishop and Marshall Goldsmith (November 2026)Learn more about The Center for Leadership Studies: situational.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Join us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:52 Why leadership is influence, not control04:43 Creating the conditions without controlling06:51 What Situational Leadership looks like in practice07:35 Flexibility vs. adaptability: the critical difference07:48 The four Situational Leadership styles11:41 How to recognize your natural leadership tendency13:08 When asking questions isn't effective coaching16:46 How to be directive without taking away ownership17:37 The cost of not adapting how you lead21:37 Why organizations need a common leadership language24:05 Creating the conditions for people to ask for help25:24 The leadership challenge even top executives struggle with29:06 How to give direction without taking over30:33 Influence versus control when you have authority31:06 Three types of power that shape your influence32:51 Why trust is your most important source of power36:02 The difference between flexibility and adaptability37:08 Practice an intention pause before you respond Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask Matt Anything episode, Matt Abrahams answers real-world questions from members of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community, sharing practical advice for communicating with confidence when the stakes are high. From managing cognitive load and regulating anxiety to leading uncertain conversations and running more engaging meetings, Matt offers actionable strategies for staying focused, connecting with your audience, and communicating with clarity under pressureKey Takeaways:Manage your emotions to manage your message. Reducing cognitive load through preparation and emotional regulation helps you think and communicate more clearly under pressure.Lead with your audience in mind. Whether navigating uncertainty or running meetings, acknowledging emotions, setting clear expectations, and tailoring your message helps people stay engaged and take action.Activity:Stress-test your message. Before your next high-stakes conversation or presentation, rehearse it once under mild pressure—set a timer, record yourself, or practice with a colleague. Notice where you lose clarity, then refine those moments before the real conversation.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Speaking Under Pressure (04:01) - Calming an Anxious Audience (07:45) - More Engaging Meetings (12:33) - Communicating Change Without Fear (16:30) - Conclusion

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/How many problems are actually visible in your organization?Research shows senior leaders see just 4%. The other 96% stay hidden — invisible, yet still there. And some aren't even recognized by employees as problems anymore, because they have become the norm.We all say we want psychological safety. But you don't get it by saying you want it. People-centered leadership is about creating conditions for people to speak up and highlight issues by how you, and leaders across your system, respond.Recorded live with a group of global leaders participating in my Japan Leadership Experience in May 2026, this special episode celebrates the sixth anniversary of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. You'll hear Isao Yoshino, a 40-year Toyota leader and the subject of my book, reflect on three of the book's most talked-about stories.These examples bring two of Toyota's mottos to life, "bad news first" and "no problem is a problem," and show why a leader's response is what turns problems into a culture of improvement:How his manager's response to a huge paint-shop mistake in his first months at Toyota shaped how he saw a leader's roleHow andon — signaling a problem and stopping the line — changed the culture at NUMMIHow he found the courage to highlight his failing water ski boat business to President Fujio ChoWhether on the front line or in the boardroom, creating the conditions where bad news comes first, and support follows, is what builds a culture of excellence.You'll Learn:Why a leader's response to a mistake is fundamental to effective leadership and matters more than the mistake itselfThe two actions behind a bad-news-first culture: respond down to help, not blame, and signal up when something's off courseWhy andon is a leadership practice, not just a factory signal, that works from the shop floor to the executive suiteWhat the NUMMI turnaround shows about culture change: people adopt a better way when they discover it, not when they're toldWhy "thank you for this mistake" is the keystone move for building psychological safetyABOUT MY GUEST:Isao Yoshino spent forty years at Toyota, from the late 1960s to the early 2000s, where he helped shape the people-centered learning culture the company is known for today. He was a key leader in the Kan-Pro senior-management development program and led the training of the American managers at NUMMI, the Toyota-GM joint venture, where he hired John Shook. He is the subject of Katie Anderson's Shingo Publication Award-winning book, Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/80Order your copy of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:18 Andon: Why a leader's response matters03:16 The paint mistake that shaped Mr. Yoshino's leadership05:28 Why Mr. Yoshino was thanked for his mistake09:34 The leadership lesson that lasted 40 years11:22 Why Toyota starts every leader on the front line12:18 Inside the early days of NUMMI17:13 Why workers were afraid to stop the line23:34 What changed the culture at NUMMI24:40 Why leaders only see 4% of problems25:16 Responding down instead of blaming25:50 Asking for help at the leadership level28:43 Why President Cho flew to a failing business34:17 The power of bad news first35:54 Mr. Yoshino's biggest leadership regret38:19 When doing it yourself becomes the problem39:05 The response that creates culture40:28 The two behaviors every leader needs42:02 Two questions to reflect on this week Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Purchase a copy of "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" or gift a copy to your team: http://learningtoleadleadingtolearn.com/

How do school leaders respond when staff resist change? In this solo episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons explores how discourse can serve as a powerful form of change leadership. Drawing on adaptive leadership research, transformative learning theory, and the concept of constructive disorientation, Lindsay shares a practical framework for leading difficult conversations in ways that honor staff humanity, deepen learning, and create lasting organizational change. Whether you're leading curriculum implementation, equity initiatives, school turnaround efforts, or culture shifts, this episode offers actionable strategies for facilitating meaningful dialogue that moves teams from resistance to collective growth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why resistance is often a sign of an adaptive challenge—not a personnel problem What constructive disorientation is and how it supports transformational learning How discourse can help educators navigate emotionally complex change Why social capital is essential for difficult staff conversations Practical strategies for facilitating dialogue around controversial or challenging topics How to respond to resistance while maintaining trust and dignity Ways to build a school culture that embraces continuous learning and adaptation   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/267

Dr. William David Yates has taught for more than 51 years and continues to view teaching as a creative act. He serves as Adjunct Professor, Instructional Designer, and Technology Coach in SUNY Buffalo State's Department of Creativity Studies and Change Leadership, where he explores how AI and emerging technologies can deepen creative learning. Named an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2007, David holds an EdD in Education Leadership with a specialization in educational technology.In this episode, David traces his path to deliberate creativity and examines how AI is reshaping education. He shares the instructional design frameworks that guide his work, describes how he coaches educators to drive real change, and explains why human creativity remains essential as AI evolves. Five decades in the classroom ground every idea in practice.This conversation places creativity and human ingenuity at the heart of teaching in an AI-driven world. If you want to think more clearly about technology's role in education and leave with practical tools you can use right away, follow Creative Flow and listen now.

Efficiency and cost savings aren't what makes operational excellence last. People are.The leaders who create enduring, high-performing organizations are after something beyond business results. They want a company where people end the day more capable, more confident, more energized than when it began. That's the difference between a workplace that wears people down and one that builds powerful people.Gary Peterson spent more than 30 years building that kind of culture of continuous improvement at OC Tanner. But the hardest part wasn't creating the systems or processes to get better outcomes. It was his own transformation — coming to see how, without meaning to, he'd become the leader getting in his people's way.Put people first, and the results follow. And the deepest transformation you'll ever lead is your own.You'll Learn:Why operational excellence only lasts when leaders focus on building people, not just cutting costs and eliminating wasteWhy the best leaders make an identity shift from being the expert with every answer to creating the conditions for others to solve problemsWhat it takes to move managers from enforcers to coaches and make continuous improvement something your team never fears, even as roles and headcount shiftHow to influence real organizational change when you have no authority to make anyone followWhy so many leaders give up on culture change too soon, and how long it really takesABOUT MY GUEST:Gary Peterson spent more than 30 years at OC Tanner, where he held leadership roles across manufacturing, marketing, and operations, most recently as Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing. He led the people-first transformation that earned OC Tanner the Shingo Prize and made it one of the few companies Toyota holds up as a global showcase for its system outside automotive. Gary is an Association for Manufacturing Excellence Hall of Fame inductee.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/79 Connect with Gary Peterson: linkedin.com/in/garypeterson Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Join me on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:44 Why Toyota saw something different at OC Tanner05:02 The real purpose of operational excellence07:19 How Gary knew the culture was changing09:00 Creating people who change the world12:13 The outcome every leader should want13:07 Two pillars that shaped the journey14:26 Breaking a culture of fear and control15:35 The five-minute habit that changed everything17:15 Redefining what it means to be a manager19:12 Why transformation takes longer than you think20:05 What to do when leaders don't support the change22:26 The experiment that almost got shut down24:19 Helping managers make the coaching shift25:23 When people outgrow their leaders28:28 Why improvement should never threaten jobs30:23 The manager who couldn't stop yelling32:23 The leadership habit that destroys ownership35:35 Becoming the leader you never wanted to be37:00 The habit that was holding people back38:01 The executive behavior that shuts people down40:07 Proving your worth vs. creating conditions45:37 Showing results isn't the same as showing people49:53 Where transformation really begins51:16 The question every leader should ask about their people53:34 When helping starts limiting growth55:14 The shift that made everything else possible

In this Leadership Espresso Shot, I share how my time spent at this year's Montreal Jazz Festival event gave rise to three powerful insights around listening and change that will help better connect your employees with your shared purpose, and empower them to contribute their unique talents and skills towards making it a reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change That Changes Everything: How Leaders Help People Adapt Before AI Fears Drive Talent AwayArtificial intelligence is changing the workplace faster than ever, but the biggest challenge isn't the technology.It's helping people adapt.In this episode of the People/AI Strategy Forum, Sam Reeve speaks with Wani Iris Manly, Esq. about why employees don't resist change—they fear loss—and how leaders can reduce uncertainty before it turns into disengagement or turnover. Drawing from her background as an attorney, executive coach, and international change expert, Wani shares practical strategies for leading AI transformation while maintaining trust, confidence, and employee engagement.In This Episode:• Why fear—not technology—drives resistance to AI • Helping employees adapt through retooling and continuous learning • AI governance and responsible implementation • Building trust during periods of rapid change • Leadership strategies for reducing uncertainty • Creating psychologically safe workplaces • Why people remain an organization's greatest competitive advantage • A practical framework for leading organizational changeKey TakeawaySuccessful AI adoption isn't about replacing people.It's about helping people confidently adapt to a changing world while ensuring technology strengthens—not replaces—the human experience at work.Guest: Wani Iris Manly, Esq.Learn more: https://www.waniirismanly.comConnect with Wani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waniirismanlyLearn more about CompTeam: https://compteam.net/Watch the full video episode: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleStrategyForumPoweredByCompTeamIf you enjoyed this episode, follow the People/AI Strategy Forum on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation! About the People/AI Strategy Forum The People/AI Strategy Forum explores how leaders navigate the intersection of people strategy, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Sam Reeve, Founder & CEO of CompTeam, the Forum features conversations with executives, practitioners, and experts shaping the future of work.Learn more about CompTeam and the People/AI Strategy Forum at compteam.net.

In this solo episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons explores several influential change leadership theories and examines how they can strengthen staff discourse, shared decision-making, and transformational school improvement. Drawing from her doctoral research in leadership and change, as well as her experience supporting turnaround schools, Lindsay shares practical frameworks that educational leaders can use to foster equity, inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. This episode connects leadership theory to the everyday reality of school improvement efforts, showing how discourse serves as the bridge between vision and action. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How leadership theories can inform school change initiatives Why staff discourse is essential for successful implementation The relationship between leadership, power, and organizational culture How to build collaborative structures that support equitable decision-making Strategies for fostering trust, inclusion, and collective leadership Practical ways to improve dialogue, discussion, and decision-making processes   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/265 

Strategic plans are only as effective as an organization's ability to put them into action. In this episode, ASTHO's Sara Bell, a senior analyst for public health systems and planning, and Alice Schenall, a senior advisor for cross-sector leadership and change management, discuss two critical challenges facing public health agencies: turning plans into measurable progress and leading teams through uncertainty.  Sara Bell explains why implementation often stalls after the planning process ends and shares practical strategies for operationalizing priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and creating sustainable structures that help teams move from vision to action. And Alice Schenall explores how public health leaders can navigate organizational change, build trust during uncertain times, and address resistance while keeping teams focused on their mission. From Plan to Action: Tools to Support Public Health Implementation | ASTHOLeading Change Workshops | ASTHOExercise Excellence: Michigan Reflects on a National Level Exercise | ASTHOImelda Garcia Bio

I often talk about the ability to adjust the environment as a key skill for leaders… and by this I mean small L leaders, not just those who have a formal position.  When you can adjust the environment, you can make work and collaboration more effective.. without waiting for someone who has power to act or give permission. In this episode, I'm going to break down what I mean about environment and give you some examples of how small changes made a big difference. Visit my website www.estherderby.com. Sign up for my newsletter to receive information about workshops, online classes, and more.7 Rules for Positive Productive Change is available on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or from the publisher.

Have you poured months into a strategy your team couldn't bring to life? Or watched capable people work harder than ever, and still struggle to pull together as a team?High performance isn't about a better strategy, more talent, or longer hours. It's about how your team works together, every single day.Karina Mangu-Ward, author of Teams That Meet the Moment, has spent more than a decade helping complex organizations redesign the messy day-to-day of how people actually get things done together. Her belief: good everyday teaming habits are both good for people and good for results. You don't have to choose between them.Making this real doesn't require a reinvention. You just need the right structure and the intention to show up differently. In this episode, Karina shares simple, tangible practices you can use in your very next meeting or strategic project.You'll Learn:The three lies leaders tell themselves about teamwork, and why believing them holds your team backHow the framework of the "Even Over" ends the swirl when your team is stuck choosing between two competing optionsWhy creating a "Safe to Try" process gets a team unstuck when you're chasing consensus and certaintyWhat a steady team cadence unlocks when everything around you feels like an emergencyThe instinct nearly every high performer has to unlearn before they can build a team that thrivesABOUT MY GUEST:Karina Mangu-Ward is a partner at August Public, an organizational change consultancy that helps large, complex organizations build more human-centered ways of working, whose clients include PepsiCo, Planned Parenthood, and Sundance. She's the author of Teams That Meet the Moment: 9 Practices for Unlocking Performance and Growth in Uncertain Times. Karina's passion is helping groups navigate complexity, gain insight, and unlock highly complex challenges.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/78 Connect with Karina: linkedin.com/in/karina-mangu-ward Purchase a copy of Karina's book: Teams That Meet the MomentLearn more about Karina's company: aug.co Take the Team assessment: assessment.aug.co Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com Join us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:01 Why great strategy still fails04:13 The hustle culture myth that's burning teams out05:20 Everyday habits drive extraordinary teams07:11 Meeting the moment in uncertain times09:13 The "Safe to Try" mindset that breaks gridlock11:18 Setting guardrails without limiting innovation12:06 Why small bets outperform big risks13:29 Unlearning the need to have the answer15:17 Why sticky practices beat complicated frameworks17:16 Simple retrospectives that strengthen learning20:19 The surprising cost of treating everything like an emergency22:09 Using "Even Over" to make better trade-offs25:28 Intention over reaction in decision-making30:32 When perfection becomes procrastination31:53 Why working in public accelerates learning34:22 The power of stories over instruction37:08 Intention + practice = better leadership39:14 What trade-off do you need to make?

Send us Fan MailYou roll out a new system. You cast the vision. You wait for buy-in, and instead you get silence, slow adoption, or quiet workarounds. It is not because your people do not care. My guest this week, Travis Hahler, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and founder of The Neurological Nomad, has spent his career studying why 70% of organizational transformations fail, and how the other 30% succeed. We unpack why resistance to change is never a character flaw, why every change creates loss (even a promotion), and why the brain weighs that loss roughly ten times heavier than any gain. Travis gives you a way to read resistance to change as information instead of an obstacle, so you can lead your team (and yourself) through it with clarity instead of force.Books MentionedRethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change by Travis Hahler (available everywhere books are sold beginning June 23rd)Connect with Travis on LinkedIn or through his website https://linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomad, where you'll find links to his new book, Rethink Resistance, releasing June 23rd.Check out Dr. William Attaway's new show, The Appreciation at Work Podcast!  Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence.Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success.Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference.Connect with Dr. William Attaway:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTube

Our guest on episode 59, Joe Todaro, founded and leads research at Silk Verse AI Labs in Buffalo, where he studies how artificial intelligence can expand rather than diminish human work. He earned his master's in Creativity and Change Leadership from the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State and is a signatory of the Network First manifesto. Today, he designs new roles, industries, and institutional structures for an AI-driven economy.In this episode, Joe explains how he brought deliberate creativity into the IT world and how fellow professionals embraced it. He unpacks his Mighty C model, which maps creative problem-solving onto the software development life cycle and adds meaningfulness and review to the process. He argues that creativity is an intrinsically human faculty, shows how it can partner with AI, and explains why it matters more than ever in the future of work.This episode celebrates human ingenuity at the heart of technological change. If you value creative problem solving, collaborative freedom, and practical guidance for working alongside AI, this conversation will intrigue you. Follow Creative Flow and listen now.

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Joy isn't a perk. It's a business strategy.Have you ever wondered whether work has to feel this hard? Whether the team you've built can actually function without you? Whether there's a way to lead that doesn't burn you — or your people — out?Rich Sheridan built Menlo Innovations around one bold idea: ending human suffering in the workplace. The result is a company where joy isn't a slogan. It's how things actually get done. It's a place built on collaboration, human energy, and pride in what people create together.Joy isn't constant happiness. It's the long arc of meaning and contribution alongside people who care. And it becomes possible the moment you stop being the center of every problem and start creating the conditions for ownership, continuous learning, and yes, joy.You don't have to change the world. You just have to change your world.You'll Learn:The mistake most leaders make about mistakes, and why more mistakes can get you ahead fasterWhy what looks like a questionable decision from below makes sense from aboveThe difference between joy and happiness, and why most leaders are chasing the wrong thingWhy running a small experiment will move you further than creating the perfect planWhat it really takes to build a company designed to last a hundred yearsABOUT MY GUEST:Rich Sheridan is the co-founder, CEO, and Chief Storyteller of Menlo Innovations, a software development and consulting firm known for its people-centered culture and focus on joy in the workplace. He is the author of Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer and was inducted into the Shingo Academy in 2022 for his contributions to organizational excellence.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/77Connect with Rich Sheridan: linkedin.com/in/menloprezFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantripPurchase a copy of Rich's books: Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy OfficerLearn more about Menlo Innovations: menloinnovations.comTugboat Institute: tugboatinstitute.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:37 When work no longer feels sustainable05:26 The moment Rich realized the problem wasn't technology07:27 What an 8-year-old noticed about leadership08:23 Why hero-based organizations scale through exhaustion09:39 When caring becomes carrying12:21 The codependency leaders develop with crises14:09 What joy at work actually means17:13 Working with pride and delighting customers19:17 Why human energy is a leadership responsibility21:00 What's the cost of not having joy?23:28 From constant firefighting to two emergencies in 25 years25:24 Joy vs. happiness: What's the difference?27:02 Why joy isn't happiness every day32:17 The phrase that keeps Menlo moving forward 34:15 The leadership lesson Rich learned from flying40:39 Why Menlo isn't chasing exponential growth43:02 The book that changed Rich's career45:18 Why crisis practices work when there isn't a crisis47:28 Why your system keeps producing the same results49:38 The shift from carrying to creating conditions for change leadership51:46 Why stepping in can hold people back Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/What does it really take to sustain a culture of continuous improvement –  through pressure for results, across generations, and into an era of AI?In this final episode of my three-part series with John Shook, one of the most influential leaders and thinkers in the global lean community, we turned to the questions on your mind. Before we sat down to record, I asked listeners to submit your questions. We cover four of them specifically here, though many others were addressed in Parts 1 and 2, and together they highlight the tensions change leaders and executives face every day.At the end, as we promised in Part 2, John shares his parting reflections and advice for all of us leading transformation to create people-centered learning cultures. It's not just what we should stop doing, it's what we need to continue. Starting with ourselves.If you haven't listened to episodes 74 and 75 yet, start there first as you won't want to miss hearing this conversation in full.You'll Learn:Why leaders should be patient for results but impatient for actionWhy getting to the assumptions that underlie your principles and values is where the real work of culture change beginsHow aligning around the real problem to solve helps close the gap across generations and perspectivesWhat the original intention of jidoka — separating machine work from human work — can teach us about navigating AI and keeping technology in service of peopleThe real purpose of kaizen and continuous improvementABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/76Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Purchase a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: https://kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead/ TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:28 [Listener Question] How do you balance patience with action?04:06 Avoiding solution jumping and analysis paralysis05:20 [Listener Question] What will matter most for the next generation of organizations?07:21 Why underlying assumptions matter more than artifacts08:28 The deeper level of hansei and reflection08:53 [Listener Question] How do you bridge generations without slowing improvement?10:43 Quick PDCA vs. long-cycle learning11:23 Aligning people around shared purpose13:56 [Listener Question] In our age of AI, how do we stay true to jidoka's original intent, separating machine work from human work?14:12 AI, jidoka, and protecting human work15:23 Four questions to navigate uncertainty16:17 Why respect for people still matters in AI17:15 Jidoka beyond “automation with a human touch”18:54 Curiosity, experiments, and learning with AI19:30 The promise and risk of AI thinking for us22:08 PDCA beyond engineering and problem solving25:39 The purpose of kaizen is to do more kaizen26:18 Creating conditions for people to think and grow27:00 Shifting from leading change to creating conditions Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Lean has always been about people. We just kept reaching for the tools, without understanding the human purpose behind them.In part two of my three-part conversation with John Shook, we go behind the scenes of Toyota's culture and leadership — sharing stories of the system-building leaders who actually made it what it is, and exploring what it really means to lead people-centered change.John shares behind-the-scenes reflections from his time inside Toyota that you might not have heard before. Drawing on his direct experience in the company and our shared experiences living and working in Japan and globally, we explore a critical feature that is often missed: lean has always been a socio-technical system. The tools only work when we understand the deeper human purpose behind them.In this episode, we talk about the people who actually built Toyota's culture, what John learned from his two very different bosses — including Isao Yoshino, the subject of my book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” — and what happens when we lose sight of the human purpose inside the tools we practice every day.In the previous episode, John offered a powerful reframe on lean's impact — and what question we should really be asking as change leaders. If you haven't listened to episode 74 yet, hit pause and start there first — then come back to this one to pick up where we left off.You'll Learn:Inside stories of how Toyota's culture was built and the system builders behind itWhat John learned from his very different bosses inside Toyota and how their styles shaped his own leadershipWhether you are a lean “mechanic” or “social worker” and what your answer reveals about your leadershipWhy every lean tool is already socio-technical — kanban, standardized work, A3, andon — and what we lost when we introduced them as primarily technicalThe concept of motainai — waste as a moral failure, not just a technical one — and why this matters for how you leadABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/75Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Purchase a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:04 Why changing culture is harder than copying systems04:05 John's question that still drives him: Why Toyota?05:10 How John found his way into Toyota and NUMMI06:15 Why Toyota endured while other Japanese companies faded07:10 Short-term leaders vs. long-term system builders08:15 The crisis that shaped Toyota's future direction10:05 John's experience learning from very different Toyota leaders11:15 Why conflicting feedback accelerated John's learning12:10 Bringing your own thinking into the A3 process13:15 Different cultures inside Toyota and how they shaped leadership14:10 Mr. Cho's powerful way of teaching through stories16:10 Katie's lion story and breaking the telling habit17:15 Adapting your leadership approach to the situation19:15 Reading both the technical and social sides of change20:20 TPS as a way to expose weaknesses and accelerate growth21:45 Are you a lean mechanic or a lean social worker?22:50 Identifying your leadership bias and growth edge24:05 Why process improvement and OD teams should work together27:10 Scientific thinking, humanism, and ethics in Toyota leadership28:55 Eliminating waste as more than a technical exercise30:05 Mottainai and the deeper meaning of waste32:25 Why lean tools were always socio-technical33:40 Kanban, standardized work, and the human side of lean35:10 The A3 as more than a problem-solving tool37:35 The most common failure mode in lean transformations38:30 When lean becomes the goal instead of the means39:30 Why lean isn't just for executives40:35 Improving work at every level of the organization41:40 Why empowerment without support falls apart42:20 The Andon system as a model for real support43:45 Where do you need to grow: technical or human? Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

I'm five days out from graduating with my Master's in Organizational Leadership. I'll be honest, I am tired. Like, bone tired. I think the last four months have been a never-ending adrenaline rush to get to the finish line of grad school while also managing a full-time (and fully intense) work schedule and parenting during a busy baseball season. It's been a lot. Don't get me wrong, it's been a lot of great things. I'm so grateful and truly elated for all I have experienced over the last two years. But I'm feeling the comedown, and it's leaving me wiped out! While I think I'll be processing the last two years for quite some time, I wanted to share a few nuggets with you right away. I'm walking away from this grad school experience with some important lessons learned that are immediately applicable for me — and might be for you, too! In this episode, I'm sharing three big takeaways from my grad school experience. First, I'm sharing a philosophy I learned in one of my first classes in the program on how to “see and see again.” This philosophy challenges us to look past assumptions, judgments, and biases and peel back the layers that might not be obvious at first glance. Second, I'm talking about how to be a leader who is for others. I've always known that leadership is not only about power, and leaders who get this confused are destined to become toxic, highly dysfunctional leaders (i.e., rulers or dictators). There are specific ways to embrace and embody leadership as a leader who is for others, and this is the kind of leadership we need to develop in one another. Third, I opted to get a concentration in Change Leadership as part of my Master's program. My first few classes in change leadership felt a little dry and didn't totally resonate with me. While the content felt helpful from an informational standpoint, it didn't light a fire in me. Then I ended up in a change leadership class that completely flipped my notion of change leadership on its head, and I had this glaring realization that I am a change leader and have been for years (decades??). I was just looking at myself and my work through the wrong lens. When you hear my story about this, I think you might be able to see yourself and your change leadership capabilities through a new lens, too! The last two years have been an incredible ride. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement, as well as your many congratulations on social media and via email over the last week. I appreciate you!! If you have any questions about going back to school as a middle-aged, full-time working mom, please reach out. I'm an open book! Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the reason you feel confused or uncertain about your decisions isn't because you're off track, but because you're trying to force clarity before it's time? In this episode, Nicole unpacks one of the most important lessons for emotional authorities in Human Design: emotions are always moving, and your perspective moves with them. She explores why emotional highs and lows can completely change the way you experience your business, relationships, creativity, and decisions, and why reacting too quickly during emotional shifts often creates more confusion instead of clarity. Through examples from a recent Human Design mini mastermind, Nicole breaks down the difference between intellectually understanding Human Design and actually integrating it into your life. She shares how many people mistake temporary emotional states for permanent truth and explains why waiting is not about delaying your life, but about giving yourself space to see clearly. This episode also introduces a simple but powerful mantra that can completely change the way Emotional Authorities move through uncertainty: "Nothing needs to be decided right now." If you've ever felt pressure to figure everything out immediately, questioned yourself because your emotions changed overnight, or struggled to trust your process when momentum fades, this conversation will help you approach your emotional wave in a completely different way. Listen now!   Learn more about your Human Design and get your full chart for free at https://www.nicolelaino.com/chart   To download the FREE 2027 Shift Guide DM "2027" to Nicole on Instagram instagram.com/nicolelainoofficial or go to nicolelaino.com/2027    Do register for the FREE 2027 Change: Leadership in the Paradigm of the Sleeping Phoenix Workshop DM Nicole "LEADERSHIP" on Instagram instagram.com/nicolelainoofficial or go to nicolelaino.com/leadership   Be sure to visit nicolelaino.com/podcastlinks for all of the current links to events, freebies, and more!    If you enjoyed this week's episode, I'd so appreciate you doing a few things for me:  Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.  Tag me @nicolelainoofficial on your IG stories with a story of you listening to the podcast and I'll make sure to share your post!  Interested in learning more about working with me? Click here to learn more about how we can work together.   

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Has lean really failed?That question sparked one of the most listened-to conversations in the history of this podcast — my two-part series with Jim Womack in episodes 37 and 38.When I sat down with John Shook — one of the most influential thought leaders and practitioners in the global lean and continuous improvement community — we explored a different angle.John's perspective isn't a rebuttal. It's a reframe. A counterpoint to the question itself.John asks: what problem are we really trying to solve?His answer unfolds across three episodes — the first ever three-part series on Chain of Learning. And I think it will change how you think about your own impact as a change leader.You'll Learn:Why the question "how many lean enterprises have we created?" may be leading us in the wrong direction — and what we should ask insteadThe difference between "command and control" and what John calls "command and abandon" — and which one you're more likely doingWhy the key question in problem-solving is not "is this accurate?" but "is this useful?"How to recognize your span of influence and build systems at the right level that help people think, learn, and take ownershipWhy purpose → work → capability is the right sequence — and why most leaders start in the wrong placeABOUT MY GUEST:John Shook spent eleven years with Toyota in Japan and the U.S., where he helped transfer the Toyota Production System globally. He later served as President of the Lean Enterprise Institute and Chairman of the Lean Global Network.John is the co-author of the award-winning books Learning to See and Managing to Learn, and wrote the foreword to my book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. As an industrial anthropologist, he brings a perspective that connects culture, systems, and practice to bridge deep thinking with real-world application.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode.-> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/74Connect with John Shook: lean.org/about-lei/senior-advisors-staff/john-shook/ Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comJoin us on the Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip Grab a copy of, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,”: kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:00 Why John Shook believes we may be asking the wrong question about lean05:25 Why change leadership always starts with changing yourself06:40 The tension between influencing others and trying to control them08:15 What a people-centered learning culture actually looks like in practice09:05 Why John avoids lean jargon and starts with the problem instead10:00 The Toyota question that shaped John's thinking: “What problem are you trying to solve?”11:15 Why learning only matters when it's grounded in the work12:30 Toyota's “attitude toward learning” and why it changes everything15:05 Why leaders must create the environment for learning and problem-solving16:00 How organizations drift into “big company disease”17:05 Why purpose → work → capability is the sequence most leaders miss18:15 The risk of starting culture change with leadership behaviors alone19:20 Why focusing on the work reveals what's really blocking change21:00 Why John sees more “command and abandon” than command and control23:20 Focusing on your span of influence instead of waiting for senior leaders27:15 How every person at work already has “problem consciousness”29:00 The surprising truth about who is most frustrated in organizations32:15 Building systems at your level that create ownership and capability33:20 Why modeling the behavior matters more than pushing harder36:15 Why sustainable change starts with how you show up each day Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Have you ever noticed that the harder you try to force momentum, the more stuck and drained you feel? In this episode, Nicole breaks down what it really means for Generators and Manifesting Generators to create momentum through the sacral response — and why so many people misunderstand what "following your energy" actually looks like in practice. She shares the subtle ways we disconnect from our bodies, overthink our next move, and accidentally drain the very energy we're trying to create. Nicole also explores the difference between fear and misalignment, and why many people assume they're "off path" when they're actually just caught in conditioning or mental pressure. Through relatable examples from content creation, business, and everyday life, she shows how presence becomes the key to unlocking clarity, creativity, and sustainable momentum. You'll also hear Nicole unpack why Human Design is meant to be integrated, not just intellectually understood. From sacral engagement to intuitive expression, this conversation highlights how understanding your design can help you stop forcing outcomes and start working with your natural energy in a way that feels lighter, more effective, and far more satisfying. Plus, Nicole shares insights about the energetic shifts leading into 2027 and why learning how to guide yourself and others differently is becoming more important than ever. If you've been feeling disconnected from the way you used to work, create, or lead, this episode may help you understand why.   Learn more about your Human Design and get your full chart for free at https://www.nicolelaino.com/chart   To download the FREE 2027 Shift Guide DM "2027" to Nicole on Instagram instagram.com/nicolelainoofficial or go to nicolelaino.com/2027    Do register for the FREE 2027 Change: Leadership in the Paradigm of the Sleeping Phoenix Workshop DM Nicole "LEADERSHIP" on Instagram instagram.com/nicolelainoofficial or go to nicolelaino.com/leadership   Be sure to visit nicolelaino.com/podcastlinks for all of the current links to events, freebies, and more!    If you enjoyed this week's episode, I'd so appreciate you doing a few things for me:  Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.  Tag me @nicolelainoofficial on your IG stories with a story of you listening to the podcast and I'll make sure to share your post!  Interested in learning more about working with me? Click here to learn more about how we can work together.   

The way you're leading transformation might be getting in the way of the culture you're trying to build.As change leaders and practitioners, we care about results. But in that focus, it's easy to stay on the outer work—processes, metrics, systems—and underestimate the inner work – our mindset, behaviors, and relationships – that actually moves people.Our passion can unintentionally pull us away from creating the conditions for learning, alignment, and growth, and taking ownership back by stepping in to do, to solve, and to own the work.To explore this, I'm joined by Richard Koch, who has spent 25+ years leading change inside large, complex global organizations—from frontline improvement to system-level transformation. We're connected by a shared belief: sustainable transformation doesn't come from pushing harder. It comes from creating the conditions for people to be successful.In this conversation, Richard shares what he's learned from being inside that tension including why the way many organizations deploy improvement teams can unintentionally prevent the problem-solving ownership they're trying to build.You'll Learn:Why daily work and small steps are where long-term change is actually builtHow separating leadership development and continuous improvement creates confusion—and weakens ownershipWhere improvement teams unintentionally take over the work and limit capability growthWhat it looks like to support leaders in owning change without stepping in to solve itWhy the leader must be at the center of transformation—and what changes when that responsibility is heldABOUT MY GUEST:Richard H. Koch is Managing Director of Serofia and works with leaders who want to create meaningful progress for people, performance, and the future they are helping to shape. Drawing on more than 25 years of international experience across strategy, leadership, operational excellence, innovation, and transformation, he brings together coaching, training, and consulting in a way that is both human and practical. His approach is grounded in systems thinking, deep listening, and helping leaders turn strategic ambition into real progress through small steps and real work.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode.-> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/73Connect with Richard Koch: linkedin.com/in/richardkoch88Learn more about Serofia: serofia.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Subscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletterCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:44 Importance of seeing potential in every person06:10 How seemingly insignificant actions ripple through teams08:37 Why separating leadership and improvement work breaks progress09:14 The Inner System vs. Outer System framework and how it drives change12:19 The negative effect with silos that keeps you away from  focusing on the work and the leader15:14 Why forcing change undermines ownership17:32 The mindset shift for change leaders and internal consultants19:07 Why daily work is the path to long-term transformation 21:22 When improvement work splits into process and leadership, change stops sticking23:19 Why direct observation and connection matter25:23 Challenge of relying on experts to help solve problems28:27 How to build sustainability instead of dependency29:05 Navigating trust, timing, and influence with senior leaders32:25 Leading with empathy and understanding the pressure leaders are under33:52 Value of having the right outside partner to achieve goals35:50 Seeing a leader move from sponsor to truly owning and enabling change39:36 Importance of staying curious and creating space for ideas and growth41:00 Taking small steps to make big changes43:00 The essence of small steps, belief in people, and leading with heart to create the conditions for change

The messy middle is part of the learning process.It's the point where what worked before no longer fully fits—but what comes next is not yet clear.Where your thinking is still forming, your ideas are evolving, and the answer has not fully emerged.And while it can feel uncertain, this is often where the deepest continuous learning happens.In this behind-the-scenes bonus episode on Chain of Learning, I share a live conversation with, Betsy Jordyn, my business coach and strategic thinking partner, recorded on the final day of a working retreat earlier this month. We pull back the curtains and invite you into our unscripted reflections from working through the messy middle of shaping my next book—and the leadership (and life) lessons that continue to emerge through the process.Tune in to hear the real-time learning, reflection, and refinement happening as I shape the ideas behind my next book.You'll learn:Why the messy middle is often a necessary part of continuous learning, growth, and effective change leadershipHow to recognize when forcing clarity too early limits stronger thinking from emergingWhat it looks like to let ideas evolve instead of defending what came beforeHow collaboration and outside perspective sharpen your judgment and deepen your thinkingWhy modeling your own learning process creates stronger conditions for learning in othersHow to stay engaged in uncertainty without rushing to jumping to answers too quicklyABOUT MY GUEST:Betsy Jordyn is the founder and CEO of Betsy Jordyn International, a strategic branding firm that helps transformational consultants and coaches refine their messaging, positioning, and offers to accelerate their success and amplify their impact. She is also the host of the Consulting Matters podcast and a sought-after speaker and trainer on brand strategy, executive influence, and the business of transformation.Will you help me?I have a quick favor to ask. I'm conducting research for my next book and would love to get your insights on people-centered, learning organizations and the leadership that creates them. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and your responses will directly shape the book and a future Chain of Learning podcast episode. -> Take the Survey here, open through May 22.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/72Connect with Betsy Jordyn: linkedin.com/in/betsy-jordynListen to Betsy's Podcast, Consulting Matters: betsyjordyn.com/podcasts/consulting-matters Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalystSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter Take the People-Centered Leadership SurveyTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:16 The hidden reality of creativity and why books are written multiple times02:39 What the messy middle feels like and why this stage matters more than we think05:04 Re-centering leadership on what's within your control in a world of constant change06:00 Why influence isn't about forcing change, but creating conditions for growth08:12 Reframing resistance and what people actually need to move forward10:06 How to keep evolving instead of staying stuck in old ways of thinking12:26 The process of writing a book and getting clarity on the what the book is about16:04 Why growth often requires releasing what once worked17:09 Benefits of collaborating in person vs. using AI as a thinking partner18:07 Why learning can't be forced, but we need to allow space for insight22:07 The concept of omotenashi and looking at a lens of caring from a human angle24:14 The meaning of Intention = Heart + Direction to create the conditions for learning29:15 What changes when you respect others' agency instead of driving direction32:19 How to have empathy and not push your agenda when leaders are not “bought in”33:01 Why your expertise can become a barrier to connection and clarity35:46 How different perspectives reveal whether your message actually lands38:08 Moving beyond the lingo to prevent barriers43:27 Why growth requires releasing identities, ideas, and ways of working

The conversation explores the theme of change management and its impact on individuals and organizations. It delves into the challenges of change, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for effective leadership during change. Naomi Hardy shares her insights on the dynamics of change and the role of leaders in championing change.TakeawaysChange is an experience that people go through, and understanding the cycles of change can help reduce feelings of isolation and resistance.Psychological safety is crucial in creating an environment where individuals feel safe to think and speak differently, fostering engagement and productivity during change.Effective change management requires a marriage of process and behaviors, with a focus on understanding the impact of change on individuals and the organization.Chapters00:00 The Dynamics of Change07:40 Change Leadership and People Management19:40 Unique Challenges in Offshore Work Environments30:53 Psychological Safety and Engagement38:15 Measuring the Impact of ChangeConnect with Naomi on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomijhardy/Learn more about Dunamis:https://dunamischange.com/

Stress is going to show up if you are doing anything that matters. The real question is whether it turns you into a sharper, healthier version of yourself or whether it drags you into dread, overthinking, and burnout.You will leave today's podcast episode with a 5-step emotional regulation and stress management toolkit to become more resilient, improve your performance under stress, and recover better while you climb.Subscribe to Change Wired Podcast, share this with someone who needs steadier nerves, and leave a review if it helps.What is one stress trigger you want to turn into a challenge you handle well this week?Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Monday motivation is one of the most expensive lies we buy.It feels like a reset, a clean slate, a brand new you, but nothing about your skills, schedule, or stress load upgrades overnight. So when reality hits, the plan collapses and we wonder what is wrong with us.I walk through the behavioral science behind the fresh start effect and explain the missing piece: psychology can spark action, but it does not create capacity.We get practical about what actually works for sustainable behavior change and habit formation.Then we zoom in on sleep.As an executive coach and certified sleep coach, I see the same three mistakes again and again with leaders and high performers: they never make a real decision to prioritize sleep, they do not create systems that protect bedtime, and they unknowingly work against their biology. We talk about sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm basics that change everything, including bright light at night and melatonin suppression, late meals, alcohol close to bedtime, caffeine timing, bedroom temperature, late workouts, and stressful tasks that keep your brain switched on.If you want better sleep quality, stronger recovery, and high performance that does not burn you out, hit play.Subscribe, share this with someone who keeps “starting over,” and leave a quick review if it helps.What is the one habit you keep restarting every Monday?Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Caring becomes carrying.It happens so naturally we rarely notice it. Someone brings us a problem. We care. We want to help. And somewhere in that desire to help, without meaning to, we take on the weight of solving it ourselves.That shift is subtle. And costly.Because the moment you take ownership of the thinking, you take away the very capability you're trying to build.In this episode, I explore a critical shift in change leadership: how to hold the thinking process so others can solve their own problems — without taking on their work as your own.Your value as a leader isn't in having the answer. It's in creating the conditions where others can think, test, and learn. When you want to create empowered problem-solving in your organization, stepping back is stepping up.You'll Learn:How to notice when you've shifted from supporting someone's thinking to carrying their problemWhy redirecting your focus from the problem to the person working through it changes everything about how you coachHow to use a simple problem solving structure (Target, Actual, Gap) to anchor your questions and keep ownership where it belongsHow to stay present to how someone is thinking instead of jumping ahead to solutionsHow to choose intentionally when to step in with direction — and when to step back to build capabilityIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/71 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:00:40 The subtle shift from caring to carrying problem solving03:35 Realization of owning the process of solving the problem04:39 What gets in the way of intentions to be helpful05:27 Why problem solving and problem solving coaching are two different skills05:50 How to stay focused on the thinking process and keep from sliding back into the problem itself06:42 How to anchor questions around a structured problem solving flow08:11 The mantra, “Target, Actual gap, Please explain,” to identify the real problem before jumping to solutions09:13 Benefit of assigning a problem for a team member to solve10:56 The identity shift from having all the answers to holding the process12:28 One way to notice if you have a telling habit14:41 Why you should avoid defaulting to giving the answer and ask questions to understand the problem first16:59 The meaning of intention = heart + direction to coach with the right motives17:21 Three steps to coach with intention:17:25 [ONE] Take an intention pause17:45 [TWO] Choose the behaviors that align with that impact18:08 [THREE] Reflect and learn your way forward19:15 Positive result from leading by asking questions that helped team gain confidence21:41 Three reflection questions before you go into your next coaching conversation

Change is no longer an event. It's the environment and the leaders who will win in the next decade are the ones who stop waiting for it to slow down and start building the capacity to perform inside it. In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas sits down with executive coach and leadership strategist Loretta Stagnitto to explore what it actually takes to maintain high performance, build resilient culture, and sustain team effectiveness when everything around you is shifting at speed.Her signature philosophy, slow down to go fast is the counterintuitive but data-backed approach that separates leaders who execute their way to exhaustion from leaders who build organizations capable of performing through any change.What You'll LearnWhy even experienced CEOs are experiencing imposter syndrome and why it has nothing to do with their capabilityHow to assess your team's readiness for change before you ask them to executeThe four leadership pillars that create culture, performance, and bench strength through any disruptionWhy internal self-awareness and external self-awareness often don't match and how to close the gapHow to use structured, framework-based feedback to get actionable data you can actually measure over timeThe difference between top-down and bottom-up goal execution, and why only one of them drives real resultsLoretta's step-by-step process for assessing yourself, querying your team, and building an action plan for changeKey Timestamps0:00 — Introduction: Leading through uncertainty and constant change2:00 — Why the pace of change is different now  and what it's doing to leaders5:00 — AI, tariffs, and the anxiety driving leadership burnout7:00 — Ambiguity as a leadership skill: how to build structure around chaos11:00 — What's in your control and how to take pressure off by letting go of what isn't13:00 — Assessing your team's emotional readiness before you lead them through change15:00 — Loretta's four-pillar leadership framework introduced17:00 — Why leaders become "hamsters on the treadmill" and how to get off19:00 — Slow down to go fast: top-down vs. bottom-up execution22:00 — How cascading goals connect every team member to the strategic plan24:00 — Sustaining high performance through uncertainty, the sustainable leadership model27:00 — What feedback leaders should actually be gathering and how to structure it30:00 — Loretta's Self-Aware Leader Quiz31:00 — The one thing leaders should do first when navigating changeLoretta Stagnitto is the founder of Loretta Stato Leadership Associates and an executive coach with extensive experience in corporate leadership development, organizational change, and team performance. 

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores why emotional resilience is becoming a core leadership skill in the age of AI. Jennifer Selby Long explains how a leader's emotional state shapes team performance, why calm and consistency now matter more than constant disruption, and how grounded leadership enables effective change. Drawing on real client examples, she shares practical frameworks leaders can use to build self awareness, manage stress, and lead transformation without burning themselves or their teams out.

That quiet, persistent thought, “My life is pretty good, but something is missing,” can be one of the most useful signals you get.I'm unpacking why that feeling so often comes from a values gap: what you truly care about versus what your days repeatedly look like. When our priorities shift over the years, we can keep living by an old internal scorecard without realizing it, then wonder why motivation drops and dissatisfaction creeps in. I share a personal story about growing up in Russia celebrating Space Day, and why mission and impact resonate more deeply for me than belonging or tradition. From there, I walk through a values bridge assessment I used after reading Becoming You and how it clarifies both conflicts and harmonies in your values. To make this real in daily life, I also give you a structured weekly reflection you can do in about 20 minutes. You'll review wins and gratitude, extract lessons from setbacks, identify the 20% that drives results, name distractions, check health and autonomy, and plan a week that better matches your long-term goals.If you want more meaning, fulfillment, and alignment without copying someone else's happiness formula, listen now, share it with a friend who feels stuck, and subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the show.The Values-Bridge AssessmentThe Weekly Reflection TemplateText Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Fulfillment is not a prize you earn by checking the right boxes. It is a feeling that shows up when your life matches who you actually are.We use a simple idea to guide the whole conversation: imagine a Venn diagram where one circle is your values and the other circle is how you live day to day. The overlap is peace, meaning, and that grounded sense of “my life fits me.”We walk through practical values discovery exercises you can do with a notebook in under an hour. When you know your highest values, your decisions get simpler, your goals get cleaner, and the way you spend your time starts supporting the life you want to live.Listen, do the exercises, and share this with someone you care about.The Values Bridge TestText Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

What if the blueprint for thriving in the AI era has been buried for centuries, inside the civilization that built the pyramids? Organizational psychologist Christine Mikhail joins Lori Adams-Brown live from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas to unpack one of the most urgent (and under-discussed) challenges in the modern workplace: we're racing to implement AI, but we're forgetting the humans doing the work. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Christine coined "compounded change" and why your workforce is carrying more layers of transformation than anyone is acknowledging The ancient Egyptian precedent: when women held positions of finance, governance, and pharaonic leadership and what modern society lost when that changed The critical AI adoption gap: organizations are deploying new technology without addressing the psychological and emotional responses of their people How change resilience workshops create unexpected catharsis and build communities people didn't know they needed How to frame AI as a tool that elevates human capability, and why that framing is the difference between adoption success and workforce anxiety Christine Mikhail is a master's-level industrial-organizational psychologist and founder of Mikhail Consulting Group, a consultancy specializing in work design and change management. With roots tracing to ancient Egypt, she brings a uniquely global lens to how humans navigate transformation at work. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome from the Transform Conference, Las Vegas 02:17 – Egypt, cultural identity, and a heartbreaking lesson in gender inequality 05:00 – Ancient Egypt's golden era: when women were pharaohs, financiers, and leaders 08:59 – What excites Christine about the future of work and the human-AI relationship 10:59 – The overlooked gap in AI adoption: where is the human change strategy? 13:24 – Upskilling in the AI era: we promise humans will be needed — but for what? 15:49 – "Compounded change" — why this moment feels like a tsunami, earthquake, and ripple at once 18:09 – How change resilience workshops are building community and catharsis 20:27 – AI adoption success: framing technology as "for" people, not a replacement 22:40 – Where to find Christine and Mikhail Consulting Group Find Christine Mikhail at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mikhail-odconsultant | Mikhail Consulting Group on LinkedIn Subscribe, leave a review at https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com/reviews/new/, and share this episode with five people who need to hear it. Visit https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com for more resources on intercultural leadership and global impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your aspirations to wake up or go to bed on time aren't failing because you're “undisciplined” or broken.Most of the time, your attention is simply getting pulled by whatever is loudest in the moment - the real engine behind the intention-action gap and the knowing-doing gap.You'll learn about practical, behavior change tools used in coaching and backed by behavioral science, including motivational salience: you don't do what's most important to you, you do what you pay attention to.We talk about designing cues and triggers that make good habits memorable and important enough for you to actually do them.If you're trying to improve sleep quality, build a morning routine, stay consistent with mindfulness, or finally become the person who writes and journals, this is a simple framework that will help.Subscribe for more tools like this, share this with one person who needs it, and leave a review so more people can close the gap and follow through.Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

This week on Overtime on Inferno, the roster shuffle talk gets spicy as we dive into why frozen NEEDS to go to NAVI, because let's face it, someone has to. The boys also touch on how disappointing Falcons have been lately, and why it might finally be NiKo's time to pick up the IGL mantle.Over in Asia, The MongolZ continue to confuse everyone by never taking timeouts (not even when cobrazera drops a stinker vs Aurora). Meanwhile, PARIVISION's nota might have big games now and then, but he's clearly the bottleneck. Just sign donk, seriously.Join the Discord:https://discord.gg/X3jU4djxUKCheck out Logan's newsletter:https://thestratbook.gg

AI keeps promising to save us time, but a funny thing happens when our tools get faster: our lives often get busier, not freer.We start with a simple idea: without intention, extra capacity doesn't become rest, health, better relationships, or meaningful hobbies. It turns into more output and more complexity.The heart of sustainable success, fulfillment, and burnout prevention: designing your life on purpose instead of defaulting into what technology, culture, and convenience push you toward.Then we get practical with 2 tools I use in coaching: Time Budgeting and Focus Filter.If you're ready for clearer priorities, stronger boundaries, and better time management in an AI productivity era, press play and do the exercise with us.Subscribe for more, share this with someone who's been running on “more,” and leave a review so more listeners can find Change Wired Podcast.Time Budgeting Worksheet to copyText Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Most people fail to achieve long-term goals because their goals stay foggy, vague, not deconstructed, sequenced, selected and kept accountable.Achievement that lasts has very little to do with talent and everything to do with the process.When “get healthy,” “become a better leader,” or “grow my business” is still a blurry vision, it's almost impossible to know what to do on any day, let alone what to track, what to practice, and what to improve. And how to put the whole thing together.I walk you through one of the most fundamental coaching skills I use with clients: deconstruction (goal decomposition). We take any complex goal and break it into smaller, defined milestones and trainable subskills you can act on today. I ground it with a practical health example using the big four pillars of well-being: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, plus the real subskills inside nutrition like meal planning, protein, hydration, and emotion regulation.Then I bring in Tim Ferriss's DISSS learning framework: Deconstruction, Selection, Sequencing, and Stakes. We talk about the 80/20 rule (Pareto principle) so you focus on the few actions that create the biggest return, how to sequence skills so you're not “building a tabletop with no legs,” and why stakes and accountability are the difference between ideas and results. I also share how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude to identify components, prioritize the high-leverage pieces, and draft a plan you can schedule and measure.If you want better goal setting, skill building, and a simple system for personal growth that actually works in real life, hit play and share it with someone who needs it.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

What happens when leaders make decisions further and further away from the work itself?In a world of AI, automated dashboards, and remote work, it's easy to manage representations of work instead of understanding what's actually happening for the people who do it.Yet, when leaders rely on data rather than facts, they often end up solving the wrong problems, even with the best intentions.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Nigel Thurlow, consultant, systems thinker, and Toyota's first-ever Chief of Agile, to explore how better decisions come from understanding how the system actually operates. And that understanding is built by engaging with the people doing the work.When you stay connected, you don't just get better information. You see how work actually flows, where problems emerge, and what's getting in the way. You build trust, surface issues earlier, and make it easier for people to think and solve problems together.In this episode, you'll learn:Why there's a critical difference between delegation and empowerment — and why one leaves people unable to actHow to distinguish between data and facts, and why going to see conditions firsthand changes the decisions you makeWhat "going to gemba" looks like in a digital or remote environment when there's no factory floor to walkWhy making work visible creates the conditions for people to surface problems,  before they compoundWhy AI amplifies what's already there — and why fixing the underlying system comes firstABOUT MY GUEST: Nigel Thurlow is CEO of The Flow Consortium and the creator of Scrum the Toyota Way. He spent over 20 years at Toyota, including serving as the first Chief of Agile at Toyota Connected. He is co-author of The Flow System and The Flow System Playbook, and his work focuses on improving decision-making in complex environments.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/70 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nigel Thurlow: linkedin.com/in/nigelthurlowFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst  TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:19 Effects of being detached from the work when working remotely04:17 Difference between delegation and empowerment when assigning work to others05:35 Fear of those who are delegated to of failing or making the wrong decision07:15 What it means to empower someone and transfer the ownership of that decision to someone else09:21 How to go to gemba and go where the work is done10:07 The benefits of "presenteeism" and being present where the work is performed11:46 Benefits of collaborating in person vs. a digital environment to make better decision13:02 Nigel's experience in working in a frozen food manufacturer and going out to the line to understand the pain workers experienced15:42 Why you need to understand how work gets done to improve throughput and quality of work16:39 Benefits of hiring an external or internal consultant to understand the problems that need solving19:31 The effects of companies investing in tools and AI and realizing it doesn't help with problem solving21:30 How to avoid the leadership decision problem and get all the facts to avoid consequences24:39 Technique known as “sense making” to understand the temperament and behaviors in the environment to reveal dark constraints26:09 The difference between US and Toyota's corporate culture in incentivizing leaders to be part of a system29:10 How to help workers make changes that need to be made visible to senior leaders35:04 Enabling others to communicate with leaders to improve decision making37:14 Why badly designed systems and not the workforce are the cause of problems38:25 Why you can't implement AI with a broken system40:31 The possible future of AI and how it can affect our decision making43:37 Importance of embracing the human connection to better communicate and make better decisions47:24 Reflect on where your decisions may be happening too far from the work

If you've ever said “I eat pretty healthy, so why isn't this working?” this one is for you. But it also goes a lot beyond weight loss attacking unhelpful beliefs that keep you stuck in other areas of your life. I'm pulling back the curtain on the hidden reason so many nutrition plans fall apart: not a lack of willpower, but a handful of beliefs that quietly sabotage consistency, calorie balance, and long-term results.I walk through my own winding health journey, years of experimenting with vegan, low carb, keto, carnivore, juice cleanses, fasting, and other popular protocols. Some of it worked briefly, then something would break: energy, mood, sleep, or sustainability. The turning point came when I stopped chasing gurus and started leaning into science-based nutrition, the boring but powerful fundamentals that stay consistent across time. We talk energy balance, how calories actually drive weight trends, and why food quality still matters through essential nutrients like protein, fiber, fats, vitamins, and minerals.Then we get tactical with 3 common calorie beliefs I see in coaching again and again that keep my clients stuck on their health and fitness journey.The goal is sustainable health, better body composition, and a calmer relationship with food built on scientific research, not hope, gurus and "magical approaches".If this helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who's stuck, and leave a review so more people can find a practical path to lasting change.Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Balance isn't the goal. Integration is.Not Either/Or but Both/And.If you've ever gone all in on hustle and deep work only to feel isolated, or filled your calendar with people and meetings only to feel scattered and behind - you're not broken, you are human.You're living inside a polarity and treating it like a problem to solve instead of a tension to manage.We walk through Polarity Mapping (also known as polarity management, based on Barry Johnson's method) and show how “both and” thinking creates a more sustainable way to work, lead, and live.Using deep work and solitude versus social connection as the main example, we map the upsides of each side, the unintended negative consequences of overdoing either one, and the warning signs that tell you you're drifting.Then we get concrete: time blocks, batching meetings, proactive relationship touch points, low effort ways to connect, and simple weekly reflection check ins that prevent burnout and resentment before they build.I also invite you to a free live online session called Beyond Balance on Thursday, April 2.It's interactive, not recorded, and you'll get assessments and worksheets so you can build your own polarity map and reuse it for work life integration, leadership, self development, and relationships.Subscribe, share this with a friend who's feeling stuck, trying to navigate competing priorities that are impossible to balance.Join the Workshop - go Beyond Balance - https://untitled-7pu3yin.gamma.site/Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

A whole pineapple can ruin a perfectly good habit. Today we start with a real coaching case study on nutrition habits and why “I'll just do it” collapses under real life.  Then we translate the same systems thinking into workplace transformation and leadership: why telling a team to “use AI” or “give better feedback” rarely works, and what does work instead. Think: clear playbooks, tiny recipes, calendar time to practice, and scripts that remove hesitation so people can act without second guessing.  We also unpack the psychology behind stalled action, including choice overload and why too many options can lead to no choice at all, plus the neuroscience of habits and automatic behavior. You'll leave with practical habit building and productivity tools you can apply to health routines, time management, feedback culture, and change management, especially when you have a busy schedule and zero extra bandwidth.  If this helps, subscribe to Change Wired Podcast, share it with a leader or teammate who's trying to drive change, and leave a review so more people can learn how to cut the pineapple and make the right thing the easy thing.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

Quitting isn't always a character flaw. A lot of the time it's a belief problem. When I see people stall on a healthier diet, regular exercise, better sleep, a bold career move, or the messy work of improving relationships, the pattern is the same: they stop when they no longer believe their effort will pay off.Today I share a practical framework inspired by Nir Eyal's work, the book Beyond Belief: a 3-part motivation triangle. Remove any side and consistency collapses.If you want more discipline  -this episode will help you get it.Subscribe for more conversations on motivation and human potential, and if this helps, share it with one person and leave a rating or review.Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina  Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant  

What does it truly take to change what we do — for yourself and at scale, sustainably in the real world?In this episode, Angela sits down with Hengchen Dai, Associate Professor at UCLA Anderson and co-director of the UCLA Nudge Unit, to explore the science behind why people do what they do, and what it takes to shift it.Hengchen brings rigorous academic research published in Nature and other notable publications, and field experiments run inside hospitals, university health systems, and national pharmacy chains with millions of participants. What emerges is a practical toolkit for anyone trying to create lasting change — whether you're a leader, a clinician, a policymaker, or just someone trying to get better at your own habits.Key Takeaways  -  Behaviour change is not one-size-fits-all — someone who skipped their flu shot this year (but got it last year) has a completely different barrier (forgetting, procrastination) than someone who has never been vaccinated (belief, scepticism). Targeting interventions based on past behaviour dramatically improves results. 

Proof changes everything.  When the world serves you endless "hot takes" about health, habits, and mindset, we need to slow down and build on what actually holds up—methods that work across people and across time.  Today we unpack why evidence-backed tools make personal growth more predictable, less stressful, and far more sustainable, and we put 3 practical techniques in your hands so you can start reshaping your limiting thinking and story-telling right away.  You'll learn how to build a confidence stock—an ongoing log of small wins and improvements that counters your brain's negativity bias and grows self-efficacy. We then pressure-test the stories you tell yourself with a clean filter: does this belief serve you? If holding it for a year shrinks your action and your world, it's time to rewrite it toward utility, practice, and progress.  Finally, we explore self-distancing—third-person self-talk that lowers emotional heat and boosts clarity. This simple shift moves decision-making into a calmer part of your brain, so you can see options, choose a next step, and act with less friction.  Along the way, we highlight how modern, science-backed approaches deliver the predictability you need to navigate fast change without drowning in noise. The result: fewer yo-yo fixes, more consistent outcomes, and a sturdier path to the future self you're building.  If this resonates, share the episode with one friend who's stuck in a limiting story, then subscribe and leave a quick review to help others find us.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant

Change is constant. But too often, leaders treat change as a project instead of a core leadership skill.That's when teams disengage, resistance grows, and initiatives stall. The problem isn't the change itself. It's how it's led.Fortunately, this week's guest shares a powerful new approach to help leaders guide their teams through uncertainty, build trust, and turn resistance into meaningful progress.Yvonne is a Change Management Strategist & Advisor, Founder of The Change Leadership, Author, and a Change Leadership Advocate with over 20 years of experience helping professionals and organizations lead and navigate change in today's disruptive environment.In this conversation, we explore the difference between change leadership and change management, how empathy and adaptability drive adoption, and why resistance is one of the most valuable signals leaders can receive.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:34) Change leadership vs. change management(04:24) Core change leadership skills every manager needs(06:50) Adaptive leadership and the head, heart, and hand model(09:42) Empathy and understanding how others hear change(11:36) Leading AI adoption and understanding impact first(14:50) The change curve and why people react differently(18:55) Involving stakeholders early to avoid failure(21:48) Transparency, trust, and early communication(24:26) Why resistance to change is valuable feedback(27:29) Designing better communication through real questions(29:26) The role of trust in strong leadership relationships(31:22) [Extended Episode] Avoiding performative change(36:45) [Extended episode] Driving change adoption(39:19) [Extended Episode] When feedback creates insight

Big transformations don't come from heroic sprints; they come from steady steps that respect how our brains and bodies adapt to change.We unpack the ABC coaching tool, a simple, repeatable way to make progress effortless and consistent, making it feel less like a war with yourself and more like a rewarding collaboration.If you're ready to evolve on purpose - this guide is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with someone who's hungry for change, and leave a review to help more people find a gentler path to lasting growth.  Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant