Chief Change Officer #396 Colin Savage: Why Skill Stacking Is the New Lifelong Learning — Part Two
In this episode, Colin deconstructs the romanticism of “lifelong learning” and makes a sharp case for skill stacking—not as a buzzword, but as a career imperative. From the strategy rooms of Japan to the boardrooms of Canada, he unpacks the realities of navigating change in cultures, families, and workplaces. Plus, why some organizations say they want transformation but are actually addicted to the comfort of legacy systems.
If you’re tired of collecting degrees that lead nowhere, this one’s for you.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
The Illusion of Change-Readiness
“Some companies claim they want transformation, but really, they’re just addicted to the status quo. I’ve seen firms hire me as their ‘change guy,’ only to resist every proposal I made. You can’t retrofit a new future if people are still clinging to an old playbook.”
Measured, Not Maniac: Change the Japanese Way
“In Japan, change isn’t chaotic—it’s deliberate, strategic, and often unspoken. Success meant listening, researching, and quietly building allies one by one. Change doesn’t have to be noisy to be real.”
No More MBA Decisions in a Vacuum
“Career decisions ripple through families. Too often, we forget that behind every ‘yes’ to an opportunity is a spouse, a child, or a life partner who wasn’t asked. Real transformation involves everyone at the table.”
Lifelong Learning Is a Vibe—But It’s Not Enough
“Learning for learning’s sake isn’t a strategy. Without direction, it becomes a distraction. The future belongs to those who don’t just keep learning, but stack those learnings to build something sharper, deeper, and more useful.”
Skill Stacking vs. Degree Collecting
“My bookshelf has diplomas and dust-covered guitars. Not all knowledge needs to be monetized—but if you want to be valuable in a complex world, stack your skills like a staircase. That’s how you move up and across.”
Tools, But No Toolbox?
“We live in a tool economy. Got a problem? There’s an app for that. But most people aren’t solving root issues—they’re patching over symptoms. Without connecting your skills with insight, it’s just noise.”
Personal vs. Professional Learning
“Skill stacking is for the professional you. Lifelong learning is for the human you. You don’t need to turn your love of modern African history into a job. Sometimes learning is just for joy—and that’s okay.”
From Change Addict to Change Architect
“I used to go full throttle. Now I slow down, talk more, and push less. Change is a collective journey. It doesn’t matter how fast you’re driving if no one’s willing to ride with you.”
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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Colin Savage
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