This episode explores how to overcome the human brain's natural aversion to change and embrace it as a positive force. Kristy Ellmer, a transformation leader, recounts a pivotal moment in her career where she learned to view layoffs not as a negative event, but as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Against this backdrop, she explains that our brains are hardwired to avoid uncertainty and threats, triggering a stress response that hinders our ability to adapt to change. More significantly, Ellmer highlights that this biological predisposition is a major reason why many corporate transformations fail. To address this, she proposes two key strategies: first, humanize change by understanding individual motivations (personal achievement, customers, teams, community, and financial outcomes), allowing leaders to tailor their communication and inspire commitment; and second, measure cognitive load (confidence and capacity) to adjust workloads and provide support to those struggling with the transition. For instance, Ellmer describes how she helped a mining company transform by focusing on the human element, resulting in a shared mission that resonated with employees across various motivational drivers. This approach, she argues, enables individuals to overcome their natural resistance to change and unlock the positive potential inherent in every transformation. What this means for organizations is a more effective approach to change management, leading to higher success rates and improved employee experiences.
