Change Leader Insights (Jessica Crow)

In the first episode of 2023, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Hannah Bade, a change manager with Larimer County. Hannah is an experienced professional, but is newer to the practice of change management. In this conversation, Hannah shares how she navigated the transition and best practices she discovered while developing her skills as a leader and facilitator of organizational change at Larimer County!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Michelle Yanahan, Principal and Owner of ChangeFit 360. Michelle is a passionate organizational change management facilitator, strategist, and thought leader with proven expertise in executing change programs that grow organizational change management as a strategic business competency. Michelle and Jessica discuss the topic of human-centric change, why it is more important than ever before, and what it means for leaders who are responsible for guiding people and teams through organizational changes. If you are ready to lead with more confidence, clarity, and compassion, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Anthony Casablanca, author, speaker, and accomplished senior executive. Anthony spent most of his leadership career in the funeral services industry, including for Batesville Casket Company. He later went on to become president of another subsidiary of the Hillenbrand family of companies, from which he later retired.

Over his career, Anthony successfully led cultural and transformational change initiatives. Through these experiences, Anthony learned about the emotional impact change has on people, and what leadership and cultural elements need to be in place to ensure change efforts are successful. In 2019, Anthony and his brother Guy, a dually licensed funeral director, co-authored “The Dying Art of Leadership” and launched their leadership training company, GriefLeaders™, to help organizations identify the “elephant in the room of change” and change how change is implemented. 

If you are curious about the impact of grief and loss on organizational change, be sure to check out this conversation between Jessica and Anthony!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with change management expert Douglas Flory. Douglas is an executive consultant, coach, and speaker with a passion for helping organizations improve the way change works. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Change Mangement Professionals (ACMP Global), which is an industry group committed to advancing the profession and discipline of change management.

In this interview, Jessica and Douglas discuss the value of developing change management skills no matter what your current role is, and how to think about the concept of change fatigue versus change resilience. If you've ever wondered what you can do to improve the resiliency of your organization through effective change leadership - be sure to tune in and hear what Douglas has to say. You'll be glad you did!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Lesley Mattson, Vice President, Peloton Consulting Group. Lesley specializes in facilitating successful digital transformation programs within organizations by aligning and preparing employees for process, technology, and organizational changes. As the head of Peloton's Enterprise Change Management practice, she serves as a vital link between functional and technical resources, ensuring smooth implementations that meet current requirements while allowing for future scalability.

Tune in and listen as Jessica and Lesley discuss change management trends and opportunities related to digital transformations, including when to include change management in the project, how to leverage change agent networks to accelerate change adoption, common client fears and concerns, the importance of empathy during technology change, and communication tips and best practices.

If you lead or support technology implementations, be sure to check out this conversation and learn from a top leader in the change management industry!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Professor Julie Hodges, Durham University Business School. Julie is a leading expert on change in organizations, particularly the role and impact of people during transformations.  Before entering the academic world, Julie worked as a business consultant for over 20 years in several profit and non-profit organizations, including PwC, Vertex, and the British Council. Julie is also the author of several books, including Consultancy, Organizational Development and Change, Managing and Leading People through Change; and Sustaining Change in Organizations.

During this highly informative conversation, Jessica and Julie discuss her upcoming book and some of the insights she’ll be sharing in it, including the impact of technology and AI on the workforce, why practitioners need to move way from linear change management models, the role of middle managers in organizational change, and the skills that can enhance change leader effectiveness in the modern, distributed workplace. If you lead, design, or study organizational change, be sure to tune in and learn from one of the top leaders and influencers in change management in the world today!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with April and Wil Jackson, both of whom participated in Apogy’s online Change Management Training and Certification Program, which included coaching with Jessica. 

April and Wil, who both retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years of service, have certifications in change management as well as project management. They are active members of the Project Management Institute’s Pikes Peak Regional Chapter, where April also serves on the board.

Currently, Wil is the director of contracts for Boecore, LLC, an aerospace and defense engineering company that specializes in software solutions, systems engineering, cybersecurity, enterprise networks, and mission operations. April is a program analyst for Dynetics, a Leidos Company, where she provides program management and logistical support to the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command’s 1st Space Brigade.

During this fun and impactful conversation, April and Wil discuss their motivation to get change management training and how the experience gave them not only a solid foundation in the practice, but also resulted in several powerful mindset shifts that led to positive changes at work and within their professional communities.

Other highlights from the conversation include:

• Learning how change management is not a linear process;
• How to connect with others so they are more open and willing to change;
• Why you should not let “good get in the way of great” if you want to make progress; and,
• How being a good leader of others starts with being a good leader of yourself.

If you are curious about change management training, want to be a better leader at work, or want to experience more on-the-job fulfillment - do not miss this episode!

In this special episode, Apogy founder and principal consultant Jessica Crow expands on her recent blog article, Finding Joy in the Process of Change.

Jessica started Apogy in 2019 with a vision to create a training and consulting firm that empowered people to grow in their careers and enabled organizations to improve strategy execution and the employee experience with change.

While the firm is thriving, Jessica discusses the need to make changes that will enable Apogy to stay competitive and offer value to clients. The challenge? Making these necessary changes won’t be easy, and that makes them easy to want to avoid. To overcome her resistance, Jessica explains how to find joy in the process, make progress, and experience positive change.

If you need to make a change at work or in your personal life but are avoiding taking the first step, be sure to listen in and hear what Jessica has to say!

Insights host Jessica Crow speaks with Kimberly Eubanks, a certified change management professional and organizational effectiveness leader at VF Corporation.

As a leadership coach, thought partner, and experienced executive, Kimberly brings the full breadth of her more than 20 years of professional experience into every interaction. Keen on effectiveness and engaging people where they are, she leverages process and connection synchronously to result in a leadership style that resonates with leaders and contributors at every level.

During this thought-provoking and highly informative conversation, Kimberly shares what it’s like to lead change and transformation for a global organization. She explains the importance of being an agile leader; how to meet employees “where they are at” to inspire action; and gives several examples on how change leaders can create adaptive, measurable, and change-ready environments that fulfill both the business and employee needs.

If you’ve ever wondered how leaders at the most innovative and forward-thinking companies maintain organizational agility and achieve sustainable results, do not miss this episode!

In this episode, Apogy founder and Change Leader Insights host Jessica Crow speaks with Tiffany Bray, Vice President of Health Systems at Path, a teletherapy company that was recently named one of 2023’s top startups on LinkedIn.

Tiffany is a results and mission-driven executive with over 20 years of experience in multiple healthcare sectors. Her work with payers, providers, and medical device manufacturers has led to innovative value-based care programs with win-win outcomes. Tiffany is known for her ability to translate complex business strategies to actionable deliverables, including strategy development, project leadership, process improvement, change management, and clinical care delivery innovation.

In this conversation, Jessica and Tiffany discuss the challenges and opportunities of enacting change in the healthcare space, and specifically mental health. Tiffany explains why mental health awareness and services are more important now than ever before, especially for children and teens, and how technology is making mental healthcare more accessible, affordable, and available to consumers.

As with any transformative change initiative, Tiffany shares the importance of understanding who your key stakeholders are, how they would react to the change, and why thoughtful planning is the key to avoiding pitfalls and overcoming barriers.

Be sure to tune into this month’s episode to learn what it’s like to be a change leader at an innovative healthcare company – you will be glad you did!

In this episode, Apogy founder Jessica Crow speaks with Robert Snyder, founder, and president of Innovation Elegance. Robert’s thirty-year career spans roles such as developer, project management, change management, sales enablement, and the performing arts. He also is the author of two soon-to-be-published books, “Innovation Elegance: Transcending Agile with Ruthlessness and Grace (2023) and “Innovation Portfolio: Five Verbs to Shape Your Team’s Legacy” (2024).  

Robert and Jessica spend time discussing his upcoming book and Elegance methodology for innovation success, what’s “wrong” with Agile and Hybrid methodologies, and the “five verbs” project leaders can follow to improve outcomes and create an environment where people and innovation thrive. Robert also shares how his experience in the performing arts helped inform the recommendations and insights included in the book, from learning how to deal with rejection, the importance of preparation, and the value of deep listening.

If you’re ready for a novel approach to project, change, and innovation excellence, do not miss this episode!   

In the first episode of 2024, Apogy founder and Change Leader Insights podcast host Jessica Crow speaks with – wait for it - Jessica Crow! No, we haven’t entered the multiverse. This Jessica is the founder and CEO of CNTRD Wellness, a meditation and mindfulness training company for seekers and teachers across the globe.

Jessica is a mind-body expert with 20 plus years of experience helping individuals and organizations around the world nurture their wellbeing using meditation, stress-reduction, and mindfulness practices. Her company, CNTRD Wellness, believes that virtual wellbeing is essential to creating better health, inside and out. Jessica is also the author of ‘The Power of Guided Meditation’ (Fair Winds Press 2021) and the creator of the CNTRD Online Meditation Teacher Training.

Being an effective change leader starts with a strong foundation of self-leadership. Tune in and listen as Jessica and Jessica discuss the benefits of meditation and mindfulness on a personal and professional level. Highlights from the conversation include:

• The power of meditation in facilitating lasting behavior change
• How continual learning can lead to self-discovery and career growth
• Tips on how to develop self-awareness, reduce reactivity, and lead with influence

If you are ready for change and want to take your life and career to the next level, then you do not want to miss this episode!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Douglas Scherer, keynote speaker, facilitator, and bestselling author of “F.O.R.G.E.D.: Six Practices of Great Leaders in Volatile Times”, about the impact of practicing mindfulness and compassion in change management, leadership, and for human thriving.

Douglas is dedicated to liberating individuals and organizations into thriving life and work. As a keynote speaker, facilitator, and author he believes in fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration. He integrates his background of mindfulness, reflective learning, and leadership into a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the whole person and organization. Dr. Scherer is also a professor at Columbia University, where he teaches masters degree courses on strategic thinking, leadership, and fostering innovation.

Tune in as Jessica and Douglas discuss several of the key principles outlined in his book, which illuminates Douglas’ passion for empowering individuals through conscious leadership.

Highlights from the conversation include:

How compassion creates unity, builds community, and fosters positive change
Embracing mindfulness practices to improve stakeholder engagement and readiness
What intuition is, and how to leverage it during high pressure situations
If you are ready to go on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation to unlock your team's full potential, do not miss this episode!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Jodi Brandstetter, the bestselling author of “Hire by Design” and “HR by Design”, HR and design thinking speaker, and brand positioning coach about the value of design thinking when preparing and planning for change.

About Jodi: Jodi Brandstetter is a seasoned brand positioning expert specializing in human design and design thinking, dedicated to empowering business consultants who want to define their business based on their uniqueness. With two decades of business experience and certifications in design thinking and human design, Jodi stands out by offering tailored strategies that help consultants authentically connect with their ideal customers.

Tune in as Jessica and Jodi discuss what design thinking is, why it’s helpful, and how change leaders can leverage the principles to develop human-centric change strategies and plans that empower people to power organizational change.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• Why failure can be positive, and how failing forward is the key to sustainable growth
• How design thinking can help change leaders create positive experiences for impacted stakeholders and teams
• Why empathy matters and how change leaders can leverage this human skill to deepen their understanding of stakeholder needs, opportunities, and concerns

If you are curious about design thinking and want practical, actionable tips you can immediately implement with your team and organization, tune in and listen to what Jodi has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with John Saunders, the bestselling author of “The Optimizer: Building and Leading a Team of Serial Innovators”.

Previously, John spent over 20 years as a Wall Street SVP, sales team leader, and award-winning sales executive. Today, he is an executive coach, author, and podcast host, and is a regular guest on podcasts. He has spoken at international conferences and Universities including Georgetown (GU) & Columbia. He is a regular contributor to the GU Executive MBA mentorship program, is an active angel investor, and was a member of the GU MBA Alumni Advisory Council.

Tune in as Jessica and John discuss the power of storytelling and how stories build trust, develop buy-in, and accelerate organizational change.  

Capturing the hearts and minds of busy stakeholders is paramount during change and transformation. To cut through the noise, John explains that leaders need to follow a formula to create a cohesive story, but first they need to be clear on why they do what they do – their mission and vision.

To help clients find clarity, John will often ask, “Who would win from participating in this story, or using your product or service?” Once you get clarity on those things, says John, leaders can start to identify the stories that help people buy-in.  

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The importance of getting out of your comfort zone and learning new skills;
• How storytelling can help impacted stakeholders overcome fear, loss, shame, and uncertainty that is common during organizational change; and,
• The value of following a formula to create a structured story that resonates.

If you would like to leverage storytelling to build trust, deepen relationships, and increase your level of influence in the workplace – do not miss this powerful episode!    

☑️ To find John online, go to: https://www.johncsaunders.com/
☑️ To follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcs-optimizer/
☑️To download the STICK formula worksheet: https://www.johncsaunders.com/storytelling 

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Kristoffer Carter, CEO and founder of Epic Leadership, a training organization for conscious leadership, which has created a daily meditation practice for thousands.

In addition to serving as CEO, Kristoffer is the author of "Permission to Glow— A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership", which guides his team’s coaching of Fortune 100 executive leaders at Amazon, AT&T, eXp Realty, Edward Jones, and many more. He is also a professional songwriter, TEDx speaker, and international retreat leader. Kristoffer lives in Akron, OH with his wife of 24 years and their three children.

Tune in as Jessica and Kristoffer deep dive insights from his book, which explores how people relate to change, what we can do to improve our response to it, and how we can help others do the same by granting ourselves one of the 4 Permissions™, which include Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel all the Feels, Permission to Glow in the Dark, and Permission to Glow in the Light.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The impact of stress on leaders and teams, and solutions to lower stress levels
• The pitfalls of micromanagement and how to make more conscious leadership choices, and
• The seven most powerful words in leadership and business

If you would like to better understand your response to change in the workplace and how to improve your leadership style and approach, listen in, and be prepared to take notes – this episode is full of insights and ah-ha moments!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Doug Miller, MCC, Senior Director and Master Coach in the School of Leadership at DaVita, a leading Fortune 500® provider of kidney care that delivers dialysis services to patients in 2700 outpatient dialysis centers in the U.S. and abroad.

Gratefully immersed in what he calls his dream job, Doug facilitates leadership development programs and coaches executives, creating places for self-reflection and growth. He is a lifelong learner, with degrees and certifications in business, psychology, and executive coaching; he continues his own personal and professional growth journey through various workshops and gathering weekly in a men’s circle. Doug also holds the distinguished designation of Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. 

During this conversation, Jessica and Doug discuss how to unlock potential and become more trustworthy, conscious leaders of people and change. Says Doug, “If you want people to follow you, they need to believe and trust you.”

To build trust and buy-in, Doug explains the importance of doing self-reflective work to better understand who you are, what you believe in, and how your emotional reactions and blind spots may be getting in the way of your ability to lead and influence change.    

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ How effective communication can help build more trusting relationships

☑️ Tools you can use to identify your blind spots and make more conscious choices

☑️ How to leverage contrast and storytelling to engage and mobilize others

Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or looking to enhance your level of leadership, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to guide you.

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Aileda Lindal, Business Alchemist and Conscious Leadership Consultant, about conscious leadership and how we can leverage mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence to embrace change, encourage creativity, and foster a culture of transparency, innovation, and resilience.

As a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, Aileda is a transformative Business Alchemist and Conscious Leadership Adviser, blending cutting-edge business strategies with deep intuitive insights to guide leaders and organizations through transformative growth. Specializing in the convergence of technology and humanity, she empowers clients to navigate the complexities of the digital era with a human-centric approach.

During the conversation, Jessica and Aileda discuss how change leaders can unlock their full potential by developing a new internal operating model rooted in conscious awareness. Says Aileda, “Conscious awareness is when we are in that place and state of being to make new choices and new decisions. We have to be in that place in order to evolve (change) anything.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The impact of words, and how to use neuroplasticity to improve your inner narrative
• How to protect your energy and ability to stay calm during chaos
• The gift of intuition and how to use your gut instinct to be a better leader

If you’d like to develop greater self-awareness and become a more conscious, inspiring leader, be sure to tune in and listen to the tips and strategies Aileda shares!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Ket Patel, the Founder of Change Agitators and Change Management Institute Accredited Master Change Practitioner, about why change management is a career path worth pursuing and how to develop confidence as a change practitioner.  

Ket, who has over 20 years’ experience working with small to medium size organizations as they look to scale, grow, and modernize their businesses, is also a passionate volunteer within the field of change management. In addition to leading the UK Change Management Institute for several years, Ket has set up a not-for-profit, Change Reactions, to support new entrants into the field of organizational change.

During the conversation, Jessica and Ket discuss how many change practitioners “end up in change management” versus pursuing it as a career path, what he’s doing to help change this storyline, and why this will benefit organizations in the long run. Says Ket, “everyone I speak to says it took 10 years to find this role; why is that, and what have we lost out on as a result of all the people that never found this role that would be really good at it?”

Highlights from the conversation include:

• Why low rates of adoption persist, despite decades of change management research
• The link between mindfulness, resilience, self-reflection and change management
• How purpose and goals can positively transform people’s perception of change

If you’ve ever considered a career in change management and/or want fresh ideas on how to approach leading change, be sure to tune in and hear what Ket has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Wendy Hirsch, a change management coach and advisor, about evidence-based change management, fairness (or lack thereof) in change, and effectively coaching or consulting clients struggling to get their organization on board with change.

Wendy has over two decades of experience in change leadership across the non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors in the U.S. and abroad. Her work is informed by over twenty years in strategy and operations roles reporting directly to C-suite executives and supported by certifications in change management, project management, coaching, and meditation instruction. In addition to helping organizations and individuals master the art and science of change, Wendy published a book, The Implementer's Starter Kit, which introduces a simple framework for each stage of the implementation process, drawing on 20 years of hands-on experience.

During the conversation, Jessica and Wendy discussed the term “evidence-based” regarding change management. Says Wendy, “When I say evidence-based approach, we often think about just journal articles, but it is about thinking more broadly of, other than my gut feeling or my opinion, what are the other things I can bring to bear on maybe what's the best way of making this work.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ How Wendy supports change leadership without ever having held the title of “Change Manager”

☑️ Ways to think about applying frameworks in change management

☑️ Strategies for coaching or consulting a client struggling to rally their organization behind a change

If you’ve ever considered a career in consulting with organizations leveraging your own framework or want fresh ideas on how to approach leading change through evidence, be sure to tune in and hear what Wendy has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Mark Green, CEO and Founder of Change Rebellion, about his career path, having fun at work (and why we should), and the role of perspective in life and change.

Mark, who has over 22 years of experience, launched Change Rebellion last year, where honesty meets empathy and Change Management returns to its practical roots to support workplace transformations. Through his work at Change Rebellion, Mark is on a mission to challenge the complexity of consulting and change management and prioritizes well-being and empathy to sell human-centric change.

During the conversation, Jessica and Mark discussed strategies for individuals within organizations leading or supporting change to bring more fun (and themselves!) into their work. Encourages Mark, “If you're in a change management role, [and] you don’t think you’d be listened to, you don’t think it’s going well, or you’ve got some frustrations, just try incrementally bringing a little bit of you into the workplace, whatever that looks like.”  

Highlights from the conversation include: 
 
☑️ How to help organizations and teams navigate a change while making it fun 
☑️ Strategies for engaging with and getting to know people on a deeper level to help drive change 
☑️ Ways individuals within organizations leading change can bring more fun, creativity, and a willingness to try new things into their work  
 
If you’ve ever wondered how you might be able to lead change and have fun while doing it, be sure to tune in and hear what Mark has to say!

If you’ve ever wondered how you might be able to lead change and have fun while doing it, be sure to tune in and hear what Mark has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Dr. Jen Frahm, the co-founder of The Agile Change Leadership Institute, speaker, and three-time author, about her career journey and passion for change, the value (and importance) of change leadership, and how to lean into courage to move beyond feeling stuck.

Jen has over 30 years of experience in change management and builds change capability in organizations through The Agile Change Leadership Institute. She is a global expert on organizational change, communication, and transformation, a tamer of ambiguity, a speaker of truths, and a solver of problems. She’s the author of Change. Leader: The changes you need to make first (2021) and Conversations of Change: A guide to workplace change (2017), and co-author of The Agile Change Playbook (2020).

During the conversation, Jessica and Jen discussed the critical significance of change leadership in leading successful change. Change managers alone can’t implement and sustain effective change, and Jen emphasized the role leaders play and the changes they need to make to become fit to lead change. Says Jen, “You can have the best change manager in the world. You can have the best change plan, and communications [can be] absolutely brilliant. And [the change] will only succeed or fail based on the quality and caliber of the leader who is in front of you.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Understanding change leadership and the pivotal role it plays in leading successful change

☑️ How courage (to try new things and be uncomfortable) and self-compassion can propel leaders forward

☑️ Ways to feed your curiosity as a change leader to grow your knowledge and abilities

In this episode of Apogy’s Change Leader Insights podcast, host Jessica Crow speaks with Richard Pharro, founder and CEO of APMG International, about how he started his career as a civil engineer and served on the board of the Association of Project Management before starting APMG International, how he’s used transparent communication to lead through change and Richard’s passion for professional certifications and development.

Richard is the founder and CEO of APMG, one of the few privately owned international accreditation and certification bodies.  Started in 1993, APMG has expanded its portfolio to nearly 100 schemes across the management spectrum on behalf of many National and International organizations and has representation in 14 countries.

During the conversation, Jessica asked Richard to share advice for change or project professionals who aren’t new to the field but want to develop in their profession. Richard explains that, ultimately, it’s all about the people. Says Richard, “Someone [once] said, ‘You manage the process but lead people.’ If you can’t take the people with you, whether it’s a change program or a project, it’s not going to happen.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Hearing how Richard and APMG International navigated the changes that resulted from the pandemic

☑️ Strategies for motivating people when they’re experiencing disruptions and fear, including sharing the pain and providing transparent communication throughout the process

☑️ The value of continuous learning and accredited training services in understanding and developing new skills

If you want to learn more about being a vulnerable and transparent leader at the C-Suite level (or any high-level leadership role) and the power of training and professional development, be sure to tune in and hear what Richard has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Kerry Siggins, the CEO of StoneAge and its subsidiary, Breadware, about the ownership mindset and taking responsibility for your life and career.  

Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, an employee-owned company and manufacturer of tools and equipment for the industrial cleaning industry, as well as its subsidiary, Breadware, an Internet of Things product development company. She’s a sought-after speaker, the author of the “Ownership Mindset, a Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership,” a blogger and contributor to several publications, and the host of Reflect Forward, a popular leadership podcast.   

During the conversation, Jessica and Kerry discussed what it takes to cultivate the ownership mindset and how this way of thinking can help people enhance how they lead, collaborate, and innovate, and execute strategic change.   

Says Kerry, “As a leader, it all starts with trust. That is where the ownership mindset starts. You are not going to create that type of thinking within your organization if you do not trust your team to make decisions and implement their ideas.”  

Highlights from the conversation include:  

☑️ How to use the ownership mindset at work (with examples from Kerry and what she has seen at StoneAge) 

☑️ The importance of collaboratively defining a vision and strategy for the company (or change) versus it being a siloed, individual team-driven effort  

☑️ Why self-care is a critical component of the ownership mindset and imperative for effective change leadership  

If you want to learn more about the ownership mindset as it relates to building an adaptable, thriving, change-ready business, be sure to tune in and hear what Kerry has to say!   

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Shoshanna French, the founder of Simple Spirit, about leadership, change, and listening to your intuition.

Shoshanna French is the founder of Simple Spirit™, a keynote speaker and executive coach to million—and billion-dollar business founders, CEOs, and business professionals. She generates unpredictable and profound results for leaders ready to align purpose and action. Shoshanna combines two decades in the professional development field with executive coaching to support visionary leaders.

During the conversation, Jessica and Shoshanna discussed the significance of active listening in change leadership and how important it is for people to feel heard. Balancing intuition with active listening takes time to develop, and I asked Shoshanna how active listening plays into following intuition. Says Shoshanna, “My general philosophy about listening to yourself is that within ourselves is wisdom. Wisdom is a combination of experience, what you’ve learned, and your intuition. We have access to all of it at any moment.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Remembering how to use your intuition as a change leader by using curiosity and asking yourself questions to make better decisions

☑️ Managing resistance in yourself and others when teaching intuitive decision-making by building new neural pathways

☑️ How to lean into your intuition in moments of conflict (and why conflict – especially amidst change - isn’t a bad thing)

If you want to learn more about listening to and leveraging your intuition as a change leader, be sure to tune in and hear what Shoshanna has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Paula Anastasiade, an Organizational Change Manager, Consultant, and Trainer based in Bucharest, about her research on change management in higher education and where there are gaps in the system.

Paula has 8+ years of organizational change management experience. Her mission is to help organizations adopt new ways of working and interacting with one another. She has led change management efforts for multinational companies running change and transformation initiatives, such as AI and ERP deployments, tool and process improvements, organizational business model redesigns, and organizational restructuring across IT, environmental technology, FMCG, finance, marketing, and sales teams.

During the conversation, Jessica and Paula discussed the three essential skills Paula believes are most important for MBA students looking to become organizational leaders. Says Paula, “Change management is one of them. In my opinion, [change management should be] a mandatory topic worth exploring as a standalone course. [The others] are critical thinking and decision-making.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Staggering statistics around how few colleges offer change management as a core program and the lack of change management focus within MBA programs

☑️ Why digital transformation should be part of a holistic business leadership curriculum alongside change management education

☑️ The distinction between change leaders (the sponsors or people managers) and change managers (the practitioners)

If you want to learn more about change management and higher education, be sure to tune in and hear what Paula has to say!

Special episode alert! In this episode of Change Leader Insights, host Jessica Crow, who is also the founder of Apogy, a change management training, coaching, and consulting firm, discusses conscious change leadership and how professionals who prioritize development across three key pillars (self-leadership, leadership of others, area leadership) can increase their impact and influence at work.

Jessica started Apogy in 2019 under the premise that employee well-being was a key driver of organizational change success. To help leaders get better at strategy execution and improve the employee experience with change, she created Apogy's Change Leader Certification program, which combined change management training with coaching and mindfulness practices to result in a more holistic approach to professional development.

According to Jessica, "the magic happens during the coaching calls", when clients would discover new ways to approach recurring challenges and find fresh motivation to try again.

As Apogy’s consulting practice grew, however, Jessica stopped individual coaching. To commemorate the firm’s fifth year in business, though, Jessica is pleased to bring back her coaching practice, starting with an offer for five free calls for one lucky client! 

Conscious change leadership coaching is a transformative experience that enables clients to unlock their leadership potential and thrive. With Jessica as your coach, you will:

☑️ Quickly identify where you are out of alignment, and how to develop new behaviors that support your overall health and well-being

☑️ Learn the four essential power skills for effective change leadership, and how to embrace experimentation as a tool for personal growth and development

☑️ Use mindfulness practices to develop greater self-awareness, so you can consciously overcome what may be subconsciously holding you back from reaching new heights, personally and professionally

If you would like to learn more about conscious change leadership, be sure to tune into this episode! If you would like to apply for the five free coaching sessions, please go to Apogy's website to learn more at www.apogy.biz.

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Julie Lee, a keynote speaker, coach, podcast host, and two-time author, about connected leadership and how to show up as a leader who sees, appreciates, and trusts their people.

Julie Lee’s personal experiences with human connection saved her life and changed her career trajectory. As a keynote speaker, Julie shows leaders exactly how to saturate their work culture with human connection to improve the mental health of their people so they can perform at peak potential.  She's also the host of the I See You podcast, Head Speaking Coach for The Relevant Speaker, and the author of I See You: How Compassion and Connection Save Lives (as well as a children’s book).

During the conversation, Jessica and Julie discussed why it's essential for leaders to build trust with their team members to support smoother transitions during change. Julie explained that when people feel seen and appreciated by their leaders, their relationships can withstand the bumpy parts of transitions. Says Julie, “We can’t force anyone to be happy. Happiness isn’t your business. It’s not your job to make your people happy; connection is. Showing gratitude is one of the best ways to do this.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ The value of being a connected, influential leader who shows up compassionately and how that can influence and advance organizations

☑️ How to become a more connected leader through three pillars: I see you. I appreciate you. I trust you.

☑️ Why leaders can and should ask for help (and how it encourages team members to do the same)

If you want to learn more about connected leadership and gratitude, be sure to tune in and hear what Julie has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Brynn Shader, an organizational change management advisor and speaker, about Change HR (human resources)—Brynn’s definition of a new era of HR in which teams will leverage and maximize human insights to help progress organizations forward.

Brynn has a background in strategic HR, technology, and leadership, with a 16+ year track record of helping enable organizations to thrive by catalyzing disruption into opportunity, transforming challenges into innovation, and partnering with leaders to craft change that blossoms.

During the conversation, Jessica and Brynn discussed change agility and why it’s a critical skill to build into organizations. Says Brynn, “Change agility should be one of the behavioral anchors, a way that we are helping employees grow. [We need] metrics to show how agile they could be or [how agile] they are being and where we want them to grow. The future is change, and it will only get faster.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ A deep dive into where HR teams can upskill from a change management perspective to meet the needs of this new era and bring more value to their organization

☑️ How HR teams can leverage employee stories and case studies to highlight how they mitigated risks during change in the absence of numerical data

☑️ The two skills Brynn believes sit adjacent to change management that can help HR professionals succeed in this era (and how they will also benefit them in their personal lives)

If you want to learn more about Change HR and the future of change management for HR professionals, be sure to tune in and hear what Brynn has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Melanie Franklin, a Chartered Management Consultant, founder of the Change Capability Community, author of 10 books, and Chief Examiner for the Neuroscience for Change and Agile Change qualifications at APMG International, about neuroscience and the impact of change on the brain.

Melanie is passionate about helping people cope with change at work. She is a globally recognized thought leader in change and transformation, driving the change profession forward, encouraging practitioners to develop their skills. At the same time, she is at the forefront of building a broader capability for change for everyone affected by change at work. Melanie passionately believes that an ability to cope with high volumes of continuous change reduces stress and improves working lives.

During the conversation, Jessica and Melanie discussed how to equip people with the information they need to navigate change when their brains are working to protect them. Says Melanie, “A very simple question to ask whenever you’re trying to get people to change is: How much can you empower them? Because as soon as they are in the driving seat of their lives, you’ve gotten rid of the threat.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Understanding why change feels threatening when the brain’s job is to protect us

☑️ An emphasis on the value of human intelligence, particularly in the world of artificial intelligence

☑️ Tips for building and connection to create psychologically safe spaces in virtual and in-person environments

If you want to learn more about neuroscience and change, be sure to tune in and hear what Melanie has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Maria Ross, a speaker, facilitator, author, and empathy advocate, about the power of empathy in the workplace (and life).

Maria Ross believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive. She is the founder of Red Slice and advises organizations on how to leverage empathy to engage and connect. Maria has authored multiple books and hosts The Empathy Edge  podcast. Maria’s most recent book is The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries. A dynamic speaker, Maria has delighted audiences at leading conferences and organizations such as TEDx, The 3% Conference, The New York Times Small Business Summit, and Salesforce, and her insights have appeared in many media outlets, including MSNBC, NPR, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Newsweek, Huffington Post, and Thrive Global.

During the conversation, Jessica and Maria discussed how to work with leaders who lack self-awareness, especially when partnering with them to create change. Says Maria, “You can’t change anyone else, but what you can do is show up in the interaction. You can show up in the conversation with your empathy. It’s not your job to make others empathetic, but you can show up by asking questions, staying emotionally regulated, and sharing common ground.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ How leading through empathy can help manage resistance to change

☑️ Practical tips for showing up more empathetically in conversations with team members and colleagues

☑️ A deep dive into Maria’s five pillars of effective but empathetic leadership: self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy

If you want to learn more about empathy, leadership, and change, be sure to tune in and hear what Maria has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Kristen Olson, an entrepreneur, athlete, podcaster, and speaker, about the concept of “Grateful Disruption” and the power of genuine influence in the workplace, especially during times of change.

Kristen Olson is a founder, host, human, lifelong athlete, and business creative with over 25 years of experience in marketing and branding within the fitness and lifestyle industry. She is a highly-skilled, passionate, driven, and proven leader with deep success in tactical, high-end strategic partnerships, large-scale team/brand building, and creative strategy. You can find her and her guests at https://turmericandtequila.com/.

During the conversation, Jessica and Kristen discussed the future of leadership in the workplace and what will matter most for our next generation of change leaders. Says Kristen, "What's the one thing you can't replicate? Your humanness, your authenticity, and your being you. Make yourself irreplaceable, and if the only way to do that is to be authentic, that's what it is."

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ A dive into why authenticity will drive the success of future workplace leaders

☑️ How changes like artificial intelligence (AI) are causing shifts in the types of skills people will need in leadership roles

☑️ The idea that we need both leaders and followers at work and understanding when a leadership role might not be the best fit for you

If you want to learn more about "Grateful Disruption” and influence, be sure to tune in and hear what Kristen has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Puja Mehta, an independent consultant and leadership coach, about engaging people in the workplace and how engagement complements effective change management.

Puja Mehta provides talent management and HR solutions to firms of all sizes. Her background is rooted in process and operations improvement, people advisory services, and management consulting. She has experience across various industries, including financial services, insurance, and healthcare, and has supported the design, execution, and scaling of programs at various Fortune 500 firms.

During the conversation, Jessica and Puja discussed prioritizing people during process changes and why it’s critical for long-term success. Says Puja, “When I think about how prioritizing people and process comes together, it’s the same in that if you want people to be engaged, you have to give them a loose leash to allow them to explore different alternatives and feel like they are contributing and not just being told what to do.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ The value in reflecting on the language we use to refer to employees and why thinking about them as “people” over “resources” is critical for success

☑️ Why inclusion in process design creates engagement, buy-in, and behavioral change

☑️ Ensuring the right people are in the right roles to support organizational success

If you want to learn more about prioritizing and engaging people in the workplace to equip them for change better, be sure to tune in and hear what Puja has to say!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Apogy founder Jessica Crow kicks off 2025 with a brief introduction and the 2025 Change Leader Insights topics lineup!

Jessica started the Change Leader Insights podcast in 2022 to emphasize the importance of building change capability, help leaders consider their impact on the people they work with, and offer advice for creating work environments where people and change thrive.

Change Leader Insights is Apogy’s way of sharing the collective wisdom and experience of change leaders everywhere to help individuals and teams find strategies and tools that work for them.

In 2025, expect two monthly episodes with guests from varying experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We’ll continue to cover change management, change leadership, self-leadership, ways to prevent change fatigue and burnout, and new this year: artificial intelligence and the ethics of change.

If you know someone who would be a good fit for the show or want to hear more about a topic, reach out to Jessica at info@apogy.biz.

Happy New Year from Apogy! We look forward to another incredible year with you!

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Edwina Pike, co-founder of Irrational Change and disruptor of organizational behavior change, about the behavioral science behind change and its impact on workplace cultures (including toxic ones).

Edwina and her team are on a mission to change the way you think about change, to work smarter, not harder. With a unique blend of behavioral sciences, practical application, and irreverence, Edwina simplifies complex dynamics into practical, simple-to-use 'brain hacks.' Her energetic style promises an insightful conversation where you'll discover easy-to-adopt tactics to become the change agent or leader you want to be.

During the conversation, Jessica and Edwina discuss the significance of ensuring people feel included to improve team psychological safety and how many organizations (for-profit in particular) struggle to provide psychologically safe environments where change and innovation – which requires risk – thrive.

Says Edwina, “We hate to be excluded…It’s important that we feel included and that we are a part of the group…One of the most powerful punishments you give to anyone is a micro exclusion, and people do it all the time without even realizing.”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ The importance of psychological safety in organizations today and why leaders should prioritize it

☑️ Small actions leaders can take to address the root causes of workplace environments lacking psychologically safe spaces

☑️ Why leadership development training is a necessity for improving leadership skills and leading effectively

If you want to learn more about behavioral science and change, be sure to tune in and hear what Edwina has to say! Connect with Edwina Pike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwina-pike/ Visit Irrational Change: https://www.irrationalchange.com/

In this episode of Change Leader Insights, Jessica Crow speaks with Minette Norman, an award-winning author, speaker, leadership consultant, and former Silicon Valley software executive, about how psychological safety and strong listening skills create inclusive change leaders.

Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Before starting her consultancy, she was responsible for influencing over 3,500 engineers around the globe at Autodesk, focusing on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture. As the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook, Minette helps leaders unleash the full potential of the people in their organizations.

During the conversation, Jessica and Minette discussed what change leaders can do to create more psychologically safe environments. Says Minette, “If you are leading change, one of the first things you are going to have to do if you want to create an environment where people will speak up and share what’s on their mind is you have to ask them to explicitly share their ideas. Ask the question, ‘What am I missing?’”

Highlights from the conversation include:

☑️ Practical tips for leaders to become better active listeners and support their team members effectively

☑️ Signs and symptoms of psychologically unsafe environments and tips for improving psychological safety in your environment

☑️ Examples of how low psychological safety during change leads to a cascade of negative consequences

If you want to learn more about psychological safety and listening, be sure to tune in and hear what Minette has to say!