The Inner Game of Change – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, uncovering the layers of complexity of organisational change with some of the bright minds in the field.

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Paul Gibbons, a leading voice in the future of change management. In his latest work, The Future of Change Management, Paul explores the quiet revolution in how we understand transitions, blending behavioral science, mental health, generative AI, and neuroscience to offer more effective strategies for leading change.

With up-to-date insights into HR, design thinking, and neurodiversity, Paul is reshaping how businesses adapt in a rapidly evolving world.

Let’s dive into the future of change management with Paul Gibbons.

About Paul
My mission is to bring a science-based approach to culture, wellness, sustainability, the future of work, and leadership - to make practical the finest academic ideas so that business leaders can deploy those rather than dated ideas (or worse, myths.)

At IBM I wear three hats: 1) Head of our leadership and culture sub-offerings in the change practice, 2) head of the behavioral science practice development for IBM's consulting, 3) Thought leadership and eminence in IBM's Talent Transformation practice.

Today's keynotes focus on
1) Making hybrid work work. What the pandemic and "Great Resignation" have taught us about leadership and culture - and, crucially, how leaders must adapt their behavior in the new world of work.
2) Change mythology - the change world is populated by gurus where "popularity is a proxy for expertise." But many change ideas, learning styles, 70-20-10, MBTI, "sense of urgency" have been challenged by science. What should we discard? What do we replace those ideas with?
3) The behavioral revolution in culture and leadership. Behavioral science is slowly percolating its way into how leading organizations drive culture change - but few organizations fully capitalize on the opportunity. What can, for example, nudges do for critical topics such as sustainability, inclusion, and wellness? What are the ethical pitfalls?
4) Leadership. Most models of leadership and change were developed in the previous century and most leadership education is rooted in ideas on leadership that were birthed when organizations were different.  What are the pitfalls of using 20th century leadership notions in 21st century organizations.

From the books...
"... illustrates the inauthenticity of using analog methods to drive digital change and the irony of using 20th-century change management practices with millennial workforces. Impact debunks hallowed change models, points out their flaws, and suggests updates, based upon principles such as: human-centered, technology-enabled, systemic, creative, scalable, and based on a holistic understanding of what inspires today’s generation of workers."

Contacts
Paul’s Profile
linkedin.com/in/paulggibbons

Websites
paulgibbons.net (Company)
paulgibbons.net/

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals in the field.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Nicole Gahagan: an author, a high-performing strategist and organizational change expert committed to improving employee experiences and organisational effectiveness.

With her vast experience, Nicole has honed a distinctive method for fostering change. Renowned for forging relationships, achieving agreement, and inspiring various groups of stakeholders, she reliably delivers significant results.

In this episode, we will dive into the pivotal role of middle management, which Nicole aptly calls the linchpin in managing change. We will explore how middle managers enable their teams to adopt change . We'll discuss the critical influence they have in driving successful adoption or potentially hampering it, and the strategies they can use to enable their teams. Additionally, we'll examine how middle managers can act as effective change agents, leveraging their unique position to ensure alignment and cohesion throughout the organization.

I am grateful to have Nicole chatting with me today.

About Nicole (In her own words)
Professional Profile: High-performing strategist and organizational change expert committed to improving student and employee experiences in higher education settings. Skilled at developing relationships and building consensus and motivation amongst stakeholder groups to accelerate transformation and produce meaningful outcomes. Record of cultivating broad-scale engagement to enhance student success and reduce equity gaps through a human-centered, data-informed systems approach sensitive to organizational context and culture. Demonstrated responsiveness to diverse student and employee needs through cohesive institutional design and operations.

Contact Nicole
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/nicole-gahagan

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Ali Juma
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Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals.

Today my guest is Jason Little : Author, founder of Lean Change and CTO of a neurodiversity-focused startup.

Through our discussion, we explore the growing influence of AI in change management practices. We address the skepticism and explore how AI, when used strategically, can foster a more agile management approach through rapid iterations and micro-experimentation.

You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the subtle art of leveraging AI to improve not only organizational change and performance but also personal career development in an ever-changing work environment.

Jason's parting wisdom? You will find out when you listen!
I am grateful to have Jason chatting with me today.

About Jason (In his own words)
I started writing code when Cold Fusion roamed the earth, became a project manager, manager, executive and officially starting helping organizations move towards Agile in the mid-2000's. I've worked for startups, mid-size, and enterprise organizations as an agile coach, scrum master, product owner, and team member.
Since 2009 I've been the world's leading pioneer on innovating in the change management space with lean, agile, and lean startup thinking. Often imitated, but never duplicated, and many people are thankful for that. As a co-worker once said to me, all organizations need someone like me...but just one!
I founded the ideas that eventually morphed into Lean Change around 2008 and have spent the greater part of the last decade-and-a-half traveling the world in search of why organizations were getting stuck, and what was getting them unstuck.
I am also the CTO, or more specifically, Chief Swiss Army Knife, at Spero Careers Canada which is a startup dedicated to solving the autism employment crisis. Simply put, we help the helpers that assist people on the spectrum with finding and keeping employment.
In my 'spare time' I produce music through my solo band, Jason Ross (not the popular one, the other one!) and Clever Weapon.

Contact Jason

LinkedIn 
linkedin.com/in/jasonlittle

Websites

• agilecoach.ca (Blog)
• leanchange.org (Company)
• twitter.com/jasonlittle (Twitter)

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Ali Juma
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Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals.

Today, my guest is Laura Paton; a Business Analysis thought leader, LinkedIn educator, and an author. A leader in business analysis with over three decades of experience, Laura's unique blend of project management and analysis skills, combined with her role in shaping industry standards with the IIBA® and PMI®, marks her as a key influencer and educator in the field.

In this episode, Laura and I discuss the interesting world of Business Analysis, impacts and ways for organisations to truly leverage the value of this art and discipline.

I am grateful to have Laura chatting with me today.

About Laura (In her own words)
BA Thought Leader and Sr. Business Analysis Consultant: Coach | Speaker | Standards/Course Development | On-demand,Virtual, Classroom Trainer. Over 32 years of experience, across various industries, performing in both PM and BA roles. Verse on numerous elicitation and analysis techniques. Familiar with models to depict scope, processes, business rules, interfaces, data, and business objectives. Comfortable working with stakeholders from upper level management to application users. Experienced in facilitation, collaboration, and communication. Over 10 years of business analysis management experience with responsibility overseeing BA resources, strategy, processes, standards and tools. Extensive background working with different delivery methods including adaptive approaches (agile). Over 15 years of experience as a BA/PM instructor at both the corporate and collegiate levels. Extensive experience working with virtual teams. Writer and industry thought leader advancing the practice of business analysis across the community by building standards, practice guides, and developing training and webinars. Consultant to both the International Institute of Business Analysis(IIBA®) and the Project Management Institute(PMI®). Experienced with several requirements management tools.

Contact Laura
linkedin.com/in/laurapatonba

Website
linkedin.com/learning/business-benefits-realization-foundations/exploring-the-basics?autoAdvance=true&autoSkip=false&autoplay=true&resume=true (Personal)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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 Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals.

Joining me today is Katie Anderson, an award winning author and an internationally recognized leadership consultant, speaker, and above all, a passionate learning enthusiast. Katie's work has been pivotal in empowering organisations to foster a culture of learning and to accelerate their impact in the ever-evolving landscape of organizational change.

A firm believer in the power of continuous learning as a catalyst for extraordinary outcomes, Katie shares her insight on how our attitude towards learning based on her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. 

I am grateful to have Katie chatting with me today.  

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Ali Juma
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Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals.

Today, I am thrilled to introduce Professor Rose Luckin from University College London, a leading expert in educational technology and artificial intelligence. She's recognized globally for her contributions to the field, named one of the most influential people in education and among the top influential women in technology.

Professor Rose's work includes providing expert evidence to policymakers, and she's an accomplished author, with notable works like "Machine Learning and Human Intelligence" and "AI for School Teachers."

Rose founded EDUCATE Ventures Research Ltd., fostering AI in education, and has held significant academic leadership roles. 

I am grateful to have Rose chatting with me today about AI and its powerful potential specifically in Higher Education. 

Topics include:

1. Brief history of AI
2. Why the hype now? 
3. Higher Education as a Use Case
4. The Excitement and Concern ; and The diverse reaction from Higher Education
5. The emerging AI challenge for the Higher Education Leaders.
6. The inevitability of AI impact on our way of working. 
7. The need for universities to  adopt an AI strategy to achieve their vision.  
8. Not engaging with AI technology will inevitably disadvantage students. 
9. Where can a university start in building people capabilities in AI? 
10. With the powerful use of AI, leaning standards needs to be higher. 
11. AI to help us re-imagine the education experience and uplift our human intelligence. 
12. Rose's counsel for any Higher Education leadership when it come to AI. 

 

Contact Rose
Rose’s LinkedIn
 Websites

• knowledgeillusion.wordpress.com/ (Blog)
• educateventures.com (Company)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to the "Inner Game of Change Podcast," where I explore the intricate layers of organizational change alongside insightful professionals.

In this episode, I am diving into great conversation with Jeroen Kraaijenbrink, a strategy thought leader who recognizes that the journey through organizational change is an emotional roller coaster — a critical aspect often overlooked in the designing and implementation of change. 

His well received post on the "Emotional Roller Coaster of Change" sheds light on the turbulent human experience that accompanies any strategic shift. For leaders, acknowledging this emotional landscape is not peripheral; it is central to steering their teams effectively through change. 

I am grateful to have Jeroen chatting with me today. 

Topics include :

1. Why is change akin to a roller coaster?  
2. The human dynamics at play during transitional times.
3. Change is universal and not just at work. 
4. The whole person change empathy.
5. How to deal with change transition. 
6. The power of people ingenuity during change. 
7. The value of time to "let it simmer" for better adoption results. 
8. Are MVPs effective approaches to introduce change? 
9. Real resistance is a fallacy. 

About Jeroen (In his words)

As the leader of your organization, unit or department, you have your goals:

• Serve your customers in the best possible way
• Get and keep your people focused and inspired
• Balance performance and organizational health
• Center on the long-term purpose and continuity
…and a whole lot more

Despite having in mind how you will achieve these goals, unforeseen things always happen that keep you from getting where you want your organization to be. As research shows, no less than two-third of formulated strategy plans fail. To beat these odds, you need an actionable and engaging strategy that your employees and stakeholders believe in.

I help companies generate and execute exactly that type of strategy. Once we work together, I support you in your strategy and leadership skills and help you discover, formulate, and execute the right strategy for your organization. Whether your existing strategy needs to be adjusted, or you need to build it from scratch, there are proven tools and clear steps to follow. Together, we can have a look at where your pain points are and where your moment of opportunity lies.

Based on my combined academic and professional experience, my key strength is turning fragmented ideas and plans into a crisp and coherent strategy that your people will and want to execute.

Let's have a virtual coffee!

Contact Jeroen
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/jeroenkraaijenbrink
Websites

• jeroenkraaijenbrink.com (Personal)
• chatwithjeroen.com (Personal)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast where my guests and I explore the multi-layers of organisational change.

My guest today is Monique Zytnik:  An author, a communication thought leader, with decades of experience in marketing and communications. A seasoned and passionate professional about internal communications, Monique has worked with some of Australia's leading organizations, from major banks to both federal and state governments.

In this episode, Monique and I dive into the timely topics of internal communication and change, and diverging into the transformative role of GenAI in reshaping our craft with some insightful and curious questions to raise.

I am grateful to have Monique chatting with me today.

Topics include:

1. Challenges for internal communication teams
2. The true label for internal communication teams according to research. 
3. know thy audience. 
4. How the internal communication team plays a positive role in advancing change in an organisation. 
5. The new tools Internal communication teams use nowadays. 
6. The role of GenAI in communication. 
7. Will GenAI make my job redundant? 
8. Monique's question to the listeners. 
9. Monique's 3 key takeaways. 

About Monique 
With decades of experience in communications and specialised in internal communication, Monique Zytnik is a proven leader who inspires others, strengthens teams, and creates impact on a global scale. She has worked internationally, presented on best practice communication at world conferences including the International Association of Business Communication Professionals (IABC) World Conference 2021/2022 and the Institute of Internal Communication Festival 2021, guest lectured at universities including Leeds Business School, RMIT University and the American University in Cairo, and had my communications campaigns recognised at the Gartner Awards 2020 (finalist), Australia’s Mumbrella CommsCon 2019 and 2020 (finalist) and the Digital Communication Awards 2021 (winner). She regularly writes for communication industry publications, drawing on in-house and consultancy work with organisations including SBS Radio Australia, The Australian Taxation Office, ANZ Bank, Deutsche Post DHL, GEA, Adjust, The Department of Human Services and Lego Foundation.

Her experience in digital communication, internal communication, strategic B2B marketing communications, campaigns, social media, public relations, and issues management is backed by a Master’s in Communication (PR) with Honours from RMIT University. She is globally well networked and focused on giving back to the global communications profession in her own time by mentoring others through The Mentoring Club and role as International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) EMENA Region Vice Chair and podcast host.

Contact Monique
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/moniquezytnik

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.moniquezytnik.com

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to episode 54 of the Inner Game of Change Podcast where I focus on exploring the multi layers of managing and enabling organisational change.

My guest today is Dana Houston Jackson : A change-maker with over two decades in the intricate world of organizational transformation. A writer who translates ideas into action and a doer who's been at the forefront of radical shifts.

Inspired by Levitt's belief that 'People implement ideas,' Dana combines a wealth of expertise from AI and behavioral economics to positive psychology.

In this episode, Dana and i dive deep into the world of change consultants; internal vs external capabilities and the pros and cons for each.

I am grateful to have Dana chatting with me today.

Topics include:

1.  External change consultants, external change contractors, and internal change practitioners; the divide and the benefits. 
2. The power of the outside perspective and radical candor. 
3. The current shift in how organisations are managing change through people. 
4. Do internal resources have the bandwidth to manage the headwinds? 
5. The lifeguard view of external change consultants. 
6. How to measure change success for internal vs external change managers? 
7. Key considerations when making a decision to hire external change consultants. 
8. The three key takeaways from Dana. 

And much more.

About Dana (In her own words)
I have a thirst to learn, a compulsion to share and a bias for action.
Building more powerful, purposeful organizations that don't suck the soul out of people. As a writer, I put "wheels" on ideas so people can make use of them. As a doer, I put drivers to those wheels.

"Ideas do not implement themselves—neither in business nor in art, science, philosophy, politics, love, war. People implement ideas." (Levitt, 2002), a motto of mine. I’ve spent over two decades making and studying change – how it happens, why it’s a challenge, and what variables contribute most to successful change. I help organizations be better for people, and people better for organizations - and at a pace they can handle by preparing, equipping, and supporting people through the changes they experience at work so that they themselves, the projects, and the organization are more successful.

While my perspectives will change, I am an active, engaged listener, a keen observer of organizational behavior, change approaches, and I've been in the trenches while watching and participating in radical change responses.

Kind clients or teammates have left me recommendations on LinkedIn. Feel free to scan them for their truths - which may give you a better idea of who I am and how I operate.

I hold multiple degrees and certifications that blend business, AI, behavior economics, process improvement, positive psychology, sociology, culture anthropology and digital technology.

Contacts
Dana’s Profile
linkedin.com/in/danahoustonjackson
Website
changewithacoachapproach.com/

Send us a text

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to episode 53 of the Inner Game of Change Podcast where I focus on exploring the multi layers of managing and enabling organisational change.

My guest today is Daniel Lock ; a seasoned expert in the field of change management and communication, with over two decades of experience helping organizations tackle this challenging endeavor.

Drawing from his extensive background, Daniel shares his proven strategies and real-world insight on how to navigate and ultimately conquer the hurdles of change resistance. 
In this episode, we'll dive deep into the art of 'Decoding Change Resistance", explore the intricacies behind it and more importantly discuss few actionable solutions every leader and change practitioner should know. 

I am grateful to have Daniel chatting with me today.  

Topics include :

1.  The illusion of change resistance
2.  The fundamental cause for resistance.
3.  Strategies to alleviate resistance
4.  Change resistance is an ongoing process. 
5.  Managing the social contract across the cycle of change
6.  The visible and invisible types of resistance
7.  Risks of ignoring resistance
8.  Daniel's 3 key takeaways for listeners. 

And much more. 

About Daniel (In his own words)

WHAT I DO:
I help General Managers, Program and Project Directors accelerate and implement change.

Accelerating time frames, create alignment and ownership across multiple stakeholders and develop robust solutions to complex problems, for results everyone can get behind.

WHO I WORK WITH:
I partner with change leaders in large and complex organisations, including:
 · General Managers
 · Project Directors, Program Managers, and Portfolio Directors
 · Change Directors

WHY IT WORKS:
I've spent 20 years working in projects, change and transformation for large organisations. From the role-up-your-sleaves work of process improvement to IT project management and change management.

From this deep experience, I've developed a set of approaches that accelerate time frames and develop robust solutions that everyone can get behind.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:
"Daniel is an excellent change manager who being new to the department was able to pick up key business drivers and help us with implementing change in short period of time. Great knack to analyse projects, stakeholders and summarise ideas. Deadline oriented. It's a pleasure working with him as he is a motivated professional. Daniel is a innovative and experienced with in-depth knowledge in his field. I strongly endorse Daniel." – Karan Jain, Head of Technology, Europe & America's, Westpac Group

HOW IT WORKS:
The first step is a best practice briefing, where I'll walk you through my approaches and discuss your challenges and issues. The next steps is a solution design workshop where we'll work through a detailed design for your change initiative.

Contact Daniel

Daniel’s Profile
linkedin.com/in/daniellock
Websites
DanielLock.com (Other)

Send us a text

An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Follow me on LinkedIn