Chief Change Officer

Vince Chan
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May 28, 2025 • 26min

#397 Colin Savage: Why Skill Stacking Is the New Lifelong Learning — Part Three

In this final part, we go beyond buzzwords. Colin breaks down how to make AI work for you—not replace you. He explains how human intelligence and machine intelligence can combine to create authentic, enhanced value. From warning students not to cheat with ChatGPT to showing executives how to tailor their own AI strategy, Colin’s message is clear: You don’t need every tool. You need the right ones—and a deeply human way to use them.Key Highlights of Our Interview:You Don’t Need Every Tool—Just the Right Ones“People want a silver bullet—one AI tool that solves everything. But like any good toolbox, the magic lies in how tools are combined and applied, not how many you have.”Skill Stacking Isn’t Hoarding—It’s Connecting“Collecting skills is easy. What matters is how you use them together. Communication, judgment, and emotional intelligence are what give your technical know-how real power.”Human Intelligence = Authenticity“AI might write your speech, but it’s your lived experience that makes it land. Audiences can smell a fake. Human intelligence—time-tested, real, and grounded—is irreplaceable.”The Penalty of Skipping the Work“If a student uses AI to cheat, they fail. If a banker uses it to write a pitch, it could be fraud. As stakes rise, so do the consequences of skipping the human part.”Authentic + Artificial = Amplified“When human intelligence and AI align, you don’t just get automation—you get amplified value. That’s the combo to aim for: authentic, enhanced, and scalable.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Colin Savage  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 28, 2025 • 31min

#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.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Colin Savage  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 28, 2025 • 28min

#395 Colin Savage: Why Skill Stacking Is the New Lifelong Learning — Part One

If reinvention were a passport, Colin Savage’s pages would be full. From global projects across seven countries to helping old-school industries like Japanese insurers modernize with tact, Colin’s career isn’t just built on change—it thrives on it.In Part One, we go deep on the difference between chasing novelty and building purpose. Colin dismantles the dated idea of “lifelong learning” and replaces it with something sharper: skill stacking. You’ll also hear how he developed change muscles by moving countries, industries, and ideas—without ever losing sight of what matters.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The Purpose Behind the Pivot“Change is exciting—but if there’s no deeper reason behind it, it’s just noise.” Why purpose should lead, not lag, behind transformation.Skill Stacking vs. Lifelong Learning“Lifelong learning sounds noble—but it’s often aimless. Skill stacking is intentional.” Colin’s case for mastering combinations over collecting badges.Japan: Where Change Means Patience“In the Japanese life insurance industry, I learned that fast isn’t always smart.” Why transformation in traditional sectors demands humility and consensus.The Trap of Unfinished Adventures“You can jump into change for the thrill—but it’s the follow-through that matters.” Why Colin says completion is underrated in careers.Addicted to Change? Own It.“I love novelty—but I’ve learned to pair it with discipline.” Colin’s method for staying curious without burning out._________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Colin Savage  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 26, 2025 • 27min

#394 Rebecca Sutherns: Career on Her Terms—From Global Aid to Solopreneur Strategy — Part Two

Rebecca Sutherns didn’t follow a straight path—and she’s the first to say that’s the point. As a strategy coach and solo entrepreneur for 27 years, she’s helped leaders rethink what’s next while doing the same for herself. In this two-part series, we talk about work-life trade-offs, momentum, and why imagining your future might be the most strategic thing you’ll do. If you’ve ever hit pause or felt stuck in place, this one’s worth a listen.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Midlife Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a Cue“I wasn’t burning out, but I could tell I was flatlining.”How Rebecca used a sabbatical to catch up with herself—not because she broke, but because she was ready for something deeper.What Comes After ‘I’ve Got This’“I kept getting hired for things I could do in my sleep. That’s when I knew it was time to stretch again.”The danger of being competent—and the invitation to do more than just deliver.Stop Filling Gaps You Don’t Want to Own“I could solve the problem, but that didn’t mean I should.”Why she stepped back from team leadership roles—even when others saw it as a step up.Sabbatical as Prototype“It was a test. Could I shift the pace and still be useful?”Why her sabbatical wasn’t a break from work—it was a strategic experiment in working differently.A Career Built Like a Hammock“The structure holds me, but it flexes.”Her metaphor for a work life that stretches without snapping—anchored but adjustable._________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rebecca Sutherns, PhD, CPF  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 26, 2025 • 27min

#393 Rebecca Sutherns: Career on Her Terms—From Global Aid to Solopreneur Strategy — Part One

Rebecca Sutherns didn’t follow a straight path—and she’s the first to say that’s the point. As a strategy coach and solo entrepreneur for 27 years, she’s helped leaders rethink what’s next while doing the same for herself. In this two-part series, we talk about work-life trade-offs, momentum, and why imagining your future might be the most strategic thing you’ll do. If you’ve ever hit pause or felt stuck in place, this one’s worth a listen.Key Highlights of Our Interview:27 Years Solo—By Design“I’m in year 27 of my own solopreneurial journey.”Why she stayed intentionally solo—and never looked back.The Business Started in the Gaps“If it sounded interesting… and if I could find some childcare, then it was like, okay, I’ll say yes.”How her career grew between naptimes and network calls.The Flight That Changed Her Fees“This guy said, ‘You’re charging what?’ And I ended up in this business school program that totally transformed how I priced.”One plane ride, one wake-up call, five times the income.Why She Chose Not to Scale“I didn’t want the responsibility of paying someone else’s mortgage.”Her unapologetic answer to the growth-at-all-costs model.Reinvention, Repeated“I would just change how I looked at the work.”Why she never pivoted industries—but constantly evolved her lens._________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rebecca Sutherns, PhD, CPF  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 26, 2025 • 23min

#392 Robert MacPhee: From Parking Cars to Coaching Clarity—Lessons from a Chicken Soup Insider — Part Two

Robert MacPhee didn’t start out teaching values—he started out parking cars. But somewhere between the valet stand and becoming Jack Canfield’s right-hand man (yes, that Chicken Soup guy), Robert found his lane. Now the author of Living a Values-Based Life, he’s guiding people to stop driving in circles and finally align their actions with what truly matters.In this second half of the series, Robert breaks down how to live out your values in everyday life—not just name them. We dig into why values change with life stages, what to do after you’ve identified your top five, and how to keep them visible and active as your world evolves. If you’ve ever felt stuck, misaligned, or unsure what to prioritize, this episode gives you the clarity compass you didn’t know you needed.Key Highlights of Our Interviews:Why It’s So Hard to Define Our Own Values“Most people’s initial list of values often reflects what they think others want to hear.”We’re conditioned to impress, not reflect—until we learn how to tune out the noise and tune into what really matters.How a Values-Based Life Can Improve Work“Clarity about values doesn’t just make personal life better—it’s transformative for work too.”Whether it’s contribution, integrity, or service, values-aligned action makes work more purposeful and less draining.Do Values Change Over Time? The Short Answer: Yes.“What mattered in high school may be worlds apart from your sixties or seventies.”Life events—from caregiving to career pivots—reshape our internal compass. Values aren’t static; they evolve with us.Keeping Values Visible“Have them on your phone, your mirror, your nightstand—whatever it takes.”Don’t just declare your values. Revisit them, reflect on them, and let them guide your daily decisions.Borrowing Values When You Need Them“Discipline and strength may not be on your list—but sometimes, you’ll need to call them in.”Complementary values can be summoned in certain seasons—without betraying your core.The 4 A’s: A Framework for Application“Assess, pick an Area, choose Actions, and create Accountability.”Robert’s system helps you go from intention to implementation—because without action, it’s just a nice conversation.____________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 32min

#391 Robert MacPhee: From Parking Cars to Coaching Clarity—Lessons from a Chicken Soup Insider — Part One

Before he was coaching CEOs or co-creating workshops with Jack Canfield, Robert MacPhee was parking cars. That detour became a defining feature—not a footnote.In Part One, Robert shares his unlikely path from backstage support to clarity coach. We explore why most people struggle to name their values, how he built the “Excellent Decisions” framework, and why aligning your choices with your core values is less about woo-woo ideals and more about long-term clarity.Forget vibes—this episode is about learning to steer your life with your own internal compass.Key Highlights of Our Interviews:From Jack Canfield to Clarity Coach“I had the great pleasure of working with Jack Canfield for close to 10 years… and then I developed Excellent Decisions, about making choices from vision and values.”How working with the Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founder led Robert to create his own framework for alignment and success.The Definition of Values (Without the Fluff)“Our values are what’s most important to us… the areas we want to put time and attention on, and how we want to show up in the world.”Robert demystifies “values” into two key categories—priorities and ways of being—and why this distinction matters.Dust-Free and Proud: How Values Show Up at Work“One company literally listed ‘dust-free’ as a core value—because they cared deeply about being a good neighbor.”A surprising story about a construction company that proves values don’t need to be lofty—they just need to be lived.A Workshop, a Wake-Up Call, and 35 Pounds Lost“She just got clear that health mattered. Seven weeks later, she lost 35 pounds.”Why values clarity can be more powerful than any diet plan, productivity hack, or goal-setting framework.Why Most People Can’t Name Their Values“Schools don’t teach it. Parents rarely do. We’re basically flying blind through life.”Robert explains why we inherit others’ values by default—and how to break the cycle with conscious exploration.____________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 23min

#390 Erin Diehl: From Talk Show Dreams to a Business Built on Bombing — Part Two

Part Two.The queen of corporate improv is back—and this time, we’re going deeper into the messy, magnificent art of failing forward. In this episode, Erin Diehl shares her Worst Terrifying Failure (aka WTF moment): how the pandemic brought her business to a standstill, her body to a breakdown, and her mindset to a crossroads. But instead of spiraling, she built a comeback rooted in self-healing, radical joy, and a step-by-step method called MOVE ON.From chronic pain to corporate reinvention, this episode is a masterclass in resilience—with punchlines. Spoiler: the joke’s not on you. It’s for you.Key Highlights of Our Interview:WTF = Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure.” Erin unpacks the three Ps—pivoting, people-pleasing, and pain—and how they nearly broke her until she rebuilt with purpose, priorities, and peace.Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It“Failure isn’t a bruise—it’s a process.” Erin’s MOVE ON method starts with pausing and processing, not pushing through.Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms“80% of our thoughts are negative—and we repeat 95% of them.” Learn how Erin rewired her mental patterns with self-compassion and honesty.Verify the Lessons & Evaluate the Plan“Every faceplant teaches you something—if you’re paying attention.” Erin explains how reflection plus action equals transformation.Observe and Next Failure: Keep Going“The N stands for the Next Failure—because there will be one.” Erin’s method is built for real life, where the next curveball is always around the corner.Joy as a Strategy, Not a Side Effect“My goal every day is to feel good—because if I don’t, I can’t help anyone else.” Erin closes with a message on generosity, energy, and the contagious power of a smile.________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 22min

#389 Erin Diehl: From Talk Show Dreams to a Business Built on Bombing — Part One

Before Erin Diehl was training Fortune 500 teams to think on their feet, she was juggling job fairs by day and Second City by night.In Part One, we go back to the origin story—how a recruiting job collided with a comedy stage and sparked a business idea no one saw coming. From cold pitching United Airlines with zero credentials to redefining ROI as “Return on Objective,” Erin shares how improv became her leadership laboratory. Along the way, we talk about joy, failure, and what really happens when you turn your side hustle into your full-time mission.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Stage Lights to Slide Decks“I was working in recruiting by day and performing improv by night. Eventually, I realized improv wasn’t just funny—it was functional.”How Erin’s stagecraft became a corporate tool.United We Improv“My first client was United Airlines—and I didn’t even have a logo yet.”How one bold pitch turned into a paid pilot and a new career.In the Business of Joy“I just knew I wanted to help people and bring joy.”Why Erin sees her work as more than training—it’s emotional transformation.Forget ROI, Focus on ROO“We don’t measure ROI—we measure ROO: Return on Objective.”How Improve It tailors every session to real business outcomes.From Talk Show Dreams to Leadership Teams“I wanted to be Oprah. I ended up helping people lead better lives through improv.”The full-circle moment that turned childhood dreams into professional purpose.________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 25, 2025 • 29min

#388 Todd Davis: Inside 30 Years at FranklinCovey—What Most Leaders Still Get Wrong — Part Two

In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and the next big tech trend, Todd Davis believes human intelligence is more valuable than ever.Sure, AI can crunch numbers—but can it build trust, resolve conflicts, or make people feel heard?In Part 2, we go straight into the human side of leadership—why most people don’t actually listen, why trust is like a bank account, and how one employee nearly lost her career over a simple blind spot. Todd also shares a powerful story about a prison inmate who transformed his life using The 7 Habits—a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about impact.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The Art of Actually Listening“Most people aren’t listening. They’re just waiting for their turn to talk.”The leadership skill no one teaches—but everyone needs.The Trust Bank Account“Withdraw too much without making deposits, and you’ll be bankrupt.”How trust works just like money—and why leaders must invest in it.A Career Almost Ruined by One Blind Spot“She was the smartest person in the room. But no one wanted to work with her.”How self-awareness can make or break careers.The 7 Habits… In Prison“An inmate wrote to us saying the book changed his life.”How leadership principles apply anywhere—even behind bars.Why Human Intelligence is the Competitive Advantage“Companies are chasing AI skills. But what they actually need? People who can think, communicate, and lead.”Why interpersonal skills—not algorithms—will shape the future of work.______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Todd Davis  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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