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
7 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.
11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 36min
Are You Pretending Change Has No Cost? Paulo Pisano
Paulo Pisano, CHRO at Booking.com, is a seasoned change practitioner renowned for leading large-scale transformations. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the importance of simplifying complexity in change efforts while addressing the real costs involved. Paulo emphasizes the need for leaders to confront sacrifices openly, shifting mindsets from victimhood to protagonist roles. He also shares strategies for embedding change in daily workflows and staying engaged with stakeholders, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating organizational change.
27 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 30min
A Fresh Take on Courage for Change: Dave Ulrich
In this conversation, Dave Ulrich, a leading HR and leadership expert, dives into the complexities of change management. He highlights the 'knowing–doing gap' as a key barrier to transformation and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and experimentation. Ulrich illustrates how great leaders navigate the paradoxes of leadership, balancing instinct with data, and boldness with patience. His practical insights on fostering courage and patience in leaders offer a refreshing perspective on the messy nature of organizational change.
35 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 30min
Are You Your Own Saboteur? Kirstin Ferguson
Kirstin Ferguson, a leadership thinker and author of "Blindspotting: How to See What Others Miss," dives into the power of character over competence in leadership. She challenges listeners to embrace intellectual humility and curiosity, emphasizing that everyday interactions shape culture more than grand gestures. Ferguson advocates for asking better questions instead of simply providing answers and highlights how organizations can benefit from fostering a culture of seekers rather than knowers. Her insights encourage leaders to embrace uncertainty and flexibility for authentic transformation.
38 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 29min
The Hidden Politics of Change Leadership: Dan Pontefract
Dan Pontefract, former Chief Learning Officer at TELUS and SAP, shares his insights on effective change leadership. He emphasizes that managing up isn't just about hierarchy but nurturing champions for change. Culture is the core of transformation—not a 'soft' topic—and purpose, balance, and generational shifts are essential. He advises leaders on building internal advocates, planning for post-change adoption, and measuring success by purpose rather than perfection. This engaging discussion is packed with practical strategies for transformative leaders.
36 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 17min
Is Your Exec Team BORED of change? Probably. Kate Lye
In this engaging conversation, Kate Lye, a performance partner to CEOs and an experienced change leader, explores the critical role of executives in driving organizational transformation. Kate highlights the pitfalls of leaders defaulting to functional expertise while neglecting systems thinking. She argues for the necessity of personal change for effective leadership and warns against executive boredom signaling the decline of change initiatives. With insights on holding CEOs accountable, she emphasizes the need for proactive leadership to ensure sustainable transformation.
29 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 30min
Does Insubordination Help or Hinder Change? Todd Kashdan
Todd Kashdan, a psychology professor and author of The Art of Insubordination, discusses the complex role of principled rebellion in driving change. He argues that early cooperation stifles cognitive diversity, which is essential for innovative solutions. Todd also reveals the personal costs of insubordination, including potential hits to well-being and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of amplifying diverse voices and detaching ideas from their originators to foster an environment conducive to meaningful change.
20 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 30min
The Hidden Rituals of Change: Michael Norton
Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect, dives deep into the world of rituals and change. He reveals that everyday rituals, like team lunches or Zoom emojis, shape organizational culture far more than top-down initiatives. Norton also introduces the concept of ambiguous loss, explaining its emotional complexities during change. He encourages leaders to blend past traditions with new practices to ease transitions, ensuring that meaningful elements of the past are honored while forging new identities.
