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
10 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 29min
The OARS of Real Engagement. John Anthony
John Anthony, a motivational interviewing practitioner and consultant who trains change leaders, explains how to engage people using the OARS model. He outlines open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries. Short takes explore spotting resistance, knowing when you’re dancing or wrestling in a conversation, and how curiosity shifts cynics into genuine consideration.
26 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 22min
My Three Most Powerful Insights about Modern Change Mastery: MBS
This engaging reflection dives into the challenges of modern change management. It critiques outdated methods and highlights the need for claimed agency and organizational readiness. Through vivid metaphors, listeners explore chaotic 'kitchen fires' and predictable yet soulless 'fast-food' changes. The goal? Transform change into a nourishing 'trattoria' experience or an adaptive, flourishing 'top-chef' model. By tackling responsibility, space, and technical excellence, the discussion arms leaders with practical tools for navigating complex transformations.
30 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 34min
Change Lessons from Jugaad Innovation. Simone Ahuja
Simone Ahuja, an innovation strategist and CEO of Blood Orange, champions jugaad, the art of frugal innovation. In an engaging conversation, she highlights how constraints can spark creativity and why many change initiatives stall due to misidentified problems. Simone advocates for smaller, more adaptable experiments that democratize problem-solving within organizations. By shifting focus from resources to mindset, she provides practical tools for leaders aiming to ignite real transformation.
26 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 33min
How to Clear Your "Head Trash." Charlie Gilkey
In this engaging discussion, Charlie Gilkey, a productivity expert and author, unpacks the concept of 'head trash' that hinders progress. He challenges listeners with thought-provoking questions about the fear of success and the hidden barriers that stall ambitious projects. Charlie shares practical tools, like the 5-10-15 rule, to help reclaim focus and momentum. Emphasizing the importance of a support network, he argues that epic achievements can't be done alone. This conversation is a masterclass in overcoming inner resistance to create meaningful change.
18 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.
27 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.
