Change Signal
Michael Bungay Stanier
If you’re leading change in organizations, this will be your favourite podcast.Change is harder than ever. Transformation is more complex, unpredictable and overwhelming than it’s ever been. Change Signal cuts through the noise to find the good stuff that works.Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Coaching Habit and organizational transformation student for thirty years, talks to the best thinkers, senior leaders, and experienced practitioners in the world of change, to find what works, what doesn’t, and what to try instead. With Change Signal as your guide, you’ll be more efficient and less overwhelmed, and your change projects will more likely succeed.Change Signal: Where we cut through the blather, the BS, and the noise to find the good stuff that works. Sign up for weekly updates at TheChangeSignal.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 30min
Friction. Good or Bad in Change? Robert Sutton
In this insightful discussion, Robert Sutton, an organizational psychologist and Stanford professor, explores the complexities of leadership and change management. He highlights how true leadership involves being a custodian of others' time, emphasizing the importance of empathy over mere efficiency. Sutton debunks the myth that all friction is detrimental, arguing that some friction fosters creativity. He also sheds light on how power can blind leaders to the challenges their teams face, urging them to engage more deeply with their organization's processes.
18 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 34min
How to Lead With the Plan: Charles Conn
Charles Conn, an investor and conservationist, shares insights on modern leadership strategies in uncertain times. He champions the idea of imperfectionism, urging leaders to take small, reversible steps instead of relying on extensive master plans. Conn emphasizes the importance of decentralized decision-making, advocating for trust within small cross-functional teams. He also discusses the necessity of tolerating failure and using diverse perspectives to uncover innovative solutions. This engaging conversation invites leaders to embrace adaptability and curiosity in their change efforts.
23 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 29min
What “Trust State” Are You In? Rachel Botsman
Rachel Botsman, an Oxford lecturer and author recognized for her expertise in trust within collaborative systems, shares fascinating insights about the nature of trust in times of change. She challenges leaders to consider the various trust states of their teams and how perceived risks influence their readiness to embrace transformation. Botsman advocates for a thoughtful approach to trust, emphasizing the importance of navigating uncertainty and listening to low-trust groups. Her take on trust as a confident relationship with the unknown reshapes how leaders might facilitate meaningful change.
24 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 26min
Are You Measuring What Matters? Dr. Ryan Brown
In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Brown, a behavioral scientist from Rice University, dives into the complexities of leadership measurement. He raises crucial questions about what truly counts in organizational change. Ryan introduces a three-domain framework—feelings, thoughts, and behaviors—to capture the full picture of impact. They discuss the pitfalls of data interpretation, how metrics can be manipulated, and the importance of context. Ultimately, he encourages leaders to embrace humility and clarity in their measurement approaches.
7 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 7min
The Obvious/Elusive Idea That Transforms Meetings: Misha Glouberman
Misha Glouberman is an expert facilitator and group designer known for transforming how organizations conduct meetings and events. He challenges conventional thinking by asking if current event structures are hindering desired change. Misha emphasizes the importance of clearly defining event goals and designing activities that align with them. He also underlines the value of treating participants as competent adults, which boosts engagement. With practical anecdotes, he showcases how empowering attendees can enhance community-building and event success.
51 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 30min
What Project Management Must Be Today: Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
In this engaging discussion, project management expert Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez emphasizes the need for simplification in project management and warns against mistaking activity for progress. He argues that the true measure of success should center around delivering real value to stakeholders instead of merely hitting deadlines. Nieto-Rodriguez also highlights the importance of strong sponsorship and team cohesion, advocating for fewer but more purposeful projects. His innovative Project Canvas approach helps align teams and ensure meaningful outcomes.
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 31min
Are You Influencing Without Knowing It? Vanessa Bohns
In a captivating discussion, Vanessa Bohns, a professor at Cornell University and author of 'You Have More Influence Than You Think,' delves into the subtle art of social influence. She reveals that our impact often goes unnoticed, with small actions like a side comment holding more weight than assumed. Social proof, she argues, trumps logical reasoning in influencing behavior. Bohns advises being present and direct in communication, allowing people to say no comfortably, ensuring their agreement is genuine. This conversation reshapes how we view our everyday influence.
15 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 35min
Why You Build Belonging Before Belief: Hahrie Han
Hahrie Han, a political scientist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, discusses her research on building sustainable engagement in organizations. She emphasizes that creating value is more important than convenience in motivating participation. Through the concept of 'radical belonging,' she explains how welcoming individuals first can foster community before delving into beliefs. Han advocates for small, safe failures to cultivate agency, encouraging leaders to turn participation into real influence with practical tools.
23 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Campfires Not Stadiums: Building Belonging: Charles Vogl
Charles Vogl, author of The Art of Community, shares his insights on building trust and belonging in organizations. He discusses the importance of rejecting the superhero myth of leadership, advocating for interdependence over self-reliance. Vogl highlights the value of creating sacred spaces for vulnerability and how small, consistent gatherings—what he calls ‘campfires’—are more effective for fostering community than grand events. He offers practical advice for leaders on modeling openness and establishing cultural norms.
23 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 30min
Common Mistakes in Leading Transformational Change: Linda Ackerman
Dr. Linda Ackerman-Anderson, an experienced change consultant and co-founder of Being First, dives into the crucial pitfalls of leading transformational change. She challenges listeners to rethink change as a strategic function rather than just an event. The discussion emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling change behaviors and the dangers of overloading teams with unrealistic expectations. Linda also highlights the need for relevance, connection, and proactive engagement to ensure lasting change, all while avoiding common mistakes that can derail progress.
