Pragmatism in Practice The change agent’s playbook: How to lead bold transformations
Mar 26, 2025
Shawn Mandel, Chief Digital & Data Officer at Parkland, brings 25 years of experience in media and energy to the discussion. He explores what defines a great change agent and how to secure buy-in for transformation initiatives. Shawn emphasizes the necessity of curiosity and respect in leadership, sharing strategies for relationship-building during digital changes. He also discusses the importance of measuring value and fostering a culture that embraces continuous improvement, making it essential listening for business leaders.
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Qualities of a Change Agent
- Cultivate strong storytelling, inspiration, and lateral thinking skills.
- Practice empathy, understand different organizational paces, and adapt your approach.
The Translator Role
- Combining business acumen with technical understanding is invaluable for change agents.
- This "translator" role bridges the gap between business needs and technological solutions.
Assessing Readiness for Change
- Assess organizational change readiness by asking questions and spending time with teams where the work gets done.
- Understand the business and customer needs before attempting to re-engineer processes.