Published by Eloise Seidelin
‘The pace of change will never be this slow again’ Whether we like it or not Change is happening. It’s how we respond to Change that defines us. Join me for the ultimate insight into how professionals highly qualified in Change embrace it, tackle it and succeed in the face of it.
Listen on Apple Podcasts34 min
Stefan Norval has spent over twenty years inside large, messy organisations doing org design, business architecture and process excellence — and he's tired of the theatrics. In this episode, we get into why he refuses to use the term "change resistance," and why he treats it instead as a rational response to bad structural design. Stefan walks through his run-serve-change model the three fundamentally different types of work every organisation is doing simultaneously, and why collapsing them into "just work" is where things start to break. From there we unpack the confusion tax which is his term for the hidden financial and human cost of running an organisation that isn't designed to carry its own structural load. Think escalation loops, duplicated analysis, governance forums that exist purely for show, and the shadow work people quietly absorb to stop things falling over. We also cover the blocker and the ironist the two roles people get pushed into inside incoherent organisations, and why it's structural, not personality plus why good change management should be invisible, and what it actually takes to stress-test a new operating model before you find out under pressure that it doesn't hold. Stefan closes out with his See, Shape, Grow model and where to find his confusion tax diagnostic if you want to score your own organisation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefannorrvall/ https://scorecard.synexia.au/confusion-tax www.changeittalent.com
42 min
Stop Optimising. Start Humanising. The Capabilities We Need in an AI World AI is accelerating. Change is constant. And everywhere we look, we’re being told to optimise, automate and become more productive. But what if the capabilities we need most in the future aren’t technical at all? In this episode of the Change It Podcast, I’m joined by Dara Simkin, globally recognised play-at-work expert and co-author of Full Stack Human , to explore what it means to stay human in an increasingly automated world. Dara shares why we may be misdiagnosing resistance to change, and why many people are actually experiencing anticipatory grief for a future they can sense but cannot yet see. Together, we explore the human capabilities that will help us not just survive change, but thrive through it: • Why play is a serious capability, not a distraction • How curiosity unlocks better thinking and innovation • Why intelligent optimism matters in a world full of uncertainty • How we build strategic hope and agency during disruption • Why adaptability starts with understanding ourselves For change leaders and transformation professionals, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the future of work will not just be shaped by what technology can do. It will be shaped by how well humans can connect, create, question, adapt and evolve. Because perhaps the answer isn’t becoming more machine-like. Perhaps it’s becoming more human. In this episode: — The emotional side of AI: are we resisting change or grieving it? — Why compassion and understanding ourselves matters in times of uncertainty — Play as the antidote to optimisation and overwhelm — Bringing play into the workplace: permission, space and spark — The five human capabilities we need in an AI world — Radical curiosity, intelligent optimism and strategic hope — Embodied adaptability: moving from panic and perfection into play — What this means for change leaders and the future of transformation — Defining success differently and finding more ease in uncertainty Connect with Dara: Website: darasimkin.com LinkedIn: Dara Simkin Book: Full Stack Human: https://www.amazon.com.au/Full-Stack-Human-Mindset-Technology/dp/1394346255 Connect with Eloise: Founder of Change It Talent www.changeittalent.com Host of the Change It Podcast
31 min
On this Episode of the Change it Podcast, Eloise Seidelin interviews Sean Haywood, founder of Humano PX, to show you what's actually possible when you bring real expertise to the table. Think about the problems that have been bugging you for years. The impact assessments that take months and go out of date the moment something shifts. The 25 different org charts that never quite match. Presenting the same strategy to three different executives and hoping it lands. Sean has been solving all of that in real time, with AI and the results are seriously impressive. This episode gets practical fast: (01:07) Why starting with a clear objective is everything — and how to set one (02:59) Consultant vs coach prompts — and why the difference is a game changer (04:34) Performance review prompts that gather context instead of churning out generic responses (06:14) Building a coaching persona that actually reflects how your leaders think and lead (08:52) Creating an org blueprint as a single source of truth for all your AI-supported change work (13:37) Roadmaps and live org profiles built from real engagement data and meeting insights (19:19) The agentic change engine — real-time impact assessments and strategy at scale (25:39) How much time this actually takes (and what's worth the investment) (27:10) Where to start if you're not sure where to begin This isn't about replacing your judgement. It's about making it faster, sharper, and a lot more scalable. If you've been waiting for someone to cut through the AI hype and show you where the real value is — this is the one. www.changeittalent.com https://humanopx.com/
42 min
The Tools of Negotiating: The Most Valuable Skill You Were Never Taught Nobody teaches us to negotiate. There's no class, no practice run the only time most of us do it is right in the thick of it, in the moment, underprepared and expected to deliver. In this episode, Eloise from Change It Talent sits down with Nan Gesche communications and negotiation educator, team coach, and author of Ladies, Let's Negotiate: Go from Fear to Fair and this one is here for you. In this episode: Why women are so often discouraged from negotiating for themselves How workplace bias and the "double bind" show up in the feedback women receive The negotiation frameworks Nan has spent years teaching and how to put them to work Why preparation is where negotiations are won or lost How to handle a "no" and what to do next The power of practising negotiation in everyday life Why the conversation doesn't end when the meeting does Come away with a completely different relationship with negotiation at work, at home, and everywhere in between. https://www.amazon.com.au/Ladies-Lets-Negotiate-Fear-Fair/dp/1634898443/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 https://nangesche.com/about-nan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nangesche/ www.changeittalent.com
30 min
If you've ever thought about going out on your own, this episode is worth your time. Eloise sits down with Kate Murray, organisational psychologist, change management specialist, and founder of Change Ofi, to talk about what it actually takes to build a consulting business from the ground up. Kate went solo four years ago after leaving a high-pressure consulting role, and she's refreshingly honest about how she did it, what she got wrong, and what she'd tell anyone thinking about making the leap. In this episode we cover: Why Kate went solo and what drove the decision The difference between outcome-based consulting and day-rate contracting How she landed her first clients through reputation, not a sales pitch Shaping your offer around what clients actually need Having a financial buffer and how to think about selling Pricing strategy, including how to use AI and market research to set your rates The role of relationships and repeat work in building something sustainable Hard lessons from running a people-based business, hiring, admin, and the rest Managing the highs and lows, and why your support network matters more than you think Her honest advice for anyone thinking about making the move Real talk. No fluff. Just practical insight from someone who's done it. Links: Connect with Kate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-murray-1a543125/ www.changeittalent.com
36 min
What does high performance actually look like today? In a world where priorities shift quickly and certainty is rare, performance is no longer about control—it’s about adaptability. In this episode of Change It , Eloise Seidelin is joined by Ro Gorrell to explore the concept of self-organising teams and why they are becoming essential in modern organisations. Together, they unpack what self-organising really means in practice, moving beyond theory to examine the structural and leadership shifts required to make it work. This conversation explores: Why adaptability is now at the core of high performance What self-organising teams look like beyond the buzzword The tension between control and trust in organisations The role leaders play in enabling—or constraining—team autonomy This is a grounded and honest discussion about what needs to change if organisations want teams that can truly respond, move, and perform in today’s environment. https://growtalentro.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogorell?originalSubdomain=au https://www.amazon.com.au/Coaching-Self-Organising-Teams-Helping-Flourish/dp/0367627450
38 min
In This Episode of Change It- Eloise Seidelin speaks to Guest Alison Earl. Overwhelm is real. But waiting for conditions to improve? That's a losing strategy. I'm joined by change and transformation specialist Alison Earl is a leading corporate advisor and behaviour change expert, who has spent her career helping organisations navigate the people side of change building leadership alignment, cultures of ownership, and genuine empowerment when complexity and pace show no signs of slowing. Alison introduces her four states of mind framework a practical lens based on where your attention sits and how much agency you're exercising and why most people are operating further from the "responsible" state than they realise. We get into the CIA model, the danger of toxic positivity masquerading as resilience, and a compelling case study that used Alison's Betterment training to shift culture — and saw a 6% rise in engagement as a result. For leaders, Alison's advice is clear: start with yourself, coach rather than rescue, and keep the focus on contribution. A practical, grounded conversation for anyone leading people through uncertainty. https://www.alisonearl.com/
39 min
AI. Restructures. Burnout. Poor tech ROI. Reputation risk. Organisations are overwhelmed. In this episode of Change It , Eloise returns with a new series focused on staying relevant in change, transformation and organisation design amid accelerating AI adoption and relentless restructures. She’s joined by Catia Davim and Amy O’Donohue, Chief Big Believer and Chief Empowerment Officer of Simplify Co. Together, they explore: Why organisations feel stuck in fatigue and fear Why AI investments are underdelivering The reputational cost of poorly managed restructures Why leaders need stronger organisation design capability The risk of adopting new technology without redesigning work How HR can step into the role of OD coach Why slowing down can actually accelerate outcomes They argue the real issue isn’t change fatigue it’s redesign avoidance. AI won’t fix broken operating models. Restructures won’t fix unclear strategy. And tech won’t deliver ROI if the work itself hasn’t been rethought. The opportunity? Use AI to remove low-value admin. Reinvolve the people who do the work. Redesign for growth not scarcity. This episode is for leaders, HR professionals, org design specialists and change practitioners who want to rethink how work gets done. https://simplifyco.com.au/ https://events.humanitix.com/mastering-organisational-design-masterclass
31 min
Unforgettable Online: Nissi Ozigbu’s Guide to Building Your Digital Presence In this episode, I sit down with Nissi Ozigbu , who has become an omnipresent voice in change, to unpack how she built her online presence with intention. From TikTok beginnings to becoming a standout on LinkedIn, Nissi shares the realities the wins, the failures, the fears and the strategies that helped her create a brand that delivers real opportunities. What’s covered in this episode: How Nissi first found her voice Overcoming fears and failures while building confidence online Her strategic pivot from TikTok to LinkedIn Working with the algorithms and setting herself up to win each week Securing five-figure deals and building a healthy pipeline of work Staying consistent and authentic when building your brand This conversation is generous, honest, and fun — Nissi’s energy lifted me on a rainy Sydney day, and I know it will do the same for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and host’s reflections 00:58 Welcome to the Change It Podcast 02:10 Meet Nissi Ozigbu: Building an authentic voice online 04:32 Starting out on TikTok: overcoming fears and finding her style 09:15 Transitioning to LinkedIn: strategies that work 15:27 Working with the algorithms (and setting yourself up each week) 20:48 Wins, failures, and lessons learned 26:02 Building consistency and staying authentic 30:12 Advice for change professionals building their brand 34:10 Closing reflections and golden nugget
26 min
In this episode of Change It , I’m joined by Hilary Scarlett leading workplace neuroscience expert and author of the just-released third edition of Neuroscience for Organizational Change . We explore how advances in neuroscience are changing the way we think about leadership, communication, and cognitive overload in today’s world of work. We cover: Inter-brain synchronisation and what it means for teams The neuroscience of psychological safety The rising conversation around neurodivergence What technology is helping us now understand about the brain Mental energy, YOU have a limit to how long you can work for effectively in a day- Hilary unveils. Burnout, and the Leadership response How to translate brain science into change strategy that lands It’s a rich, human conversation and a timely one. 📢 A personal update: This is also a very special episode of Scarlett's for me. I share the news of our baby girl Scarlet’s arrival. Thank you for bearing with the slower release schedule, I’m back and couldn’t think of a better way to return. 🎁 Listener bonus: Hilary has kindly offered a 25% discount for Change It listeners details at the end of the episode. 🔗 Links: 📘 Neuroscience for Organizational Change – Third Edition Get 25% off at www.koganpage.com/NFOC3 using code AEHR25
42 min
Change with a Conscience: Ethics, Red Flags & Real Talk with Myah Rom & Gilbert Kruidenier In this very human episode of the Change It podcast, I sit down with change practitioners Myah Rom and Gilbert Kruidenier to talk about something we don’t explore nearly enough ethics in change . We unpack the tricky dual loyalties between business outcomes and employee wellbeing, share personal stories from the field, and reflect on those uncomfortable moments where doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing. From the misuse of behavioural science to the subtle red flags we brush past, this conversation shines a light on the real work of navigating change with integrity. We cover: 🔹 The ethics of influence, power, and behavioural nudges 🔹 What psychosocial safety legislation means for change 🔹 When to raise a red flag (and how to do it with grace) 🔹 How AI and tech challenge ethical boundaries 🔹 Why listening, not persuading, is the ultimate leadership skill This isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present, curious, and honest in the face of complexity. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kruidenierconsulting?originalSubdomain=au https://www.linkedin.com/in/myah-rom-285b5426?originalSubdomain=au https://www.amazon.com.au/Bad-Change-doesnt-things-better/dp/B0B1BL78GV
39 min
In this episode of the Change It Podcast, I welcome back the brilliant Edwina Pike whose last episode remains one of our most listened to and loved. And she’s back with a bang. We tackle the uncomfortable, often unspoken truth: leaders get the outcomes they deserve. At a time when change practitioners are being told that sponsorship and leadership alignment are the deciding factors of success, this episode is for anyone leading change, working alongside leaders, or feeling frustrated by the gap between intent and impact. Ed breaks down six powerful keys to leadership from what gets measured, to how leaders respond in a crisis, to the subtle cues of approval and disapproval and shows how each of these shapes team performance more than any slide deck or town hall ever could. With her signature mix of neuroscience, behavioural science, and straight-talking wisdom, Ed offers a practical playbook to elevate leadership capability and impact. No fluff. Just tools, truth, and transformation. In this episode: 🔹 The six key behaviours that define effective leadership 🔹 Why most leadership development is outdated—and what to do instead 🔹 How to create a vivid, emotionally engaging vision for your team 🔹 Why resource allocation is the ultimate indicator of priorities 🔹 Practical tips for improving leadership presence and impact 🔹 How change managers can better support (or challenge) leadership Whether you’re in the C-suite or coaching someone who is, this conversation is a must-listen. Links: https://www.irrationalchange.com/ https://www.irrationalchange.com/planner https://www.irrationalchange.com/listen/cmr-leaders-are-humans-first https://www.linkedin.com/posts/edwina-pike_irrationalchange-leadership-canyoufixit-activity-7303689695207575552-bGMv/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwina-pike/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/edwina-pike-im-here-for-your-success-not-your-comfort/id1553420644?i=1000645479382
35 min
In this episode of the Change It Podcast , host Eloise is joined by globally recognised change leader Melanie Franklin to explore how neuroscience is transforming modern change management. Together they unpack: 🔹 Why traditional change models are no longer fit for purpose 🔹 How understanding the brain’s need for certainty, autonomy and energy conservation helps us design better change experiences 🔹 The practical application of current neuroscience literature in today’s fast-paced organisations 🔹 The rising role of AI and why human-centred skills like behavioural insight and relationship-building are more important than ever 🔹 How to make change easier to absorb by aligning it with how the brain actually works Melanie brings clarity, warmth and forward-thinking wisdom to a conversation that feels timely and necessary. This one’s for anyone leading, delivering or living through change.
33 min
In this episode, Eloise is joined by Chelsea Pottenger , founder of EQ Minds and one of Australia’s leading voices in mental wellbeing, to explore the very real impact of burnout in high-performance environments —especially in the world of transformation. From her own journey through postnatal depression to becoming a global mental fitness advocate, Chelsea brings warmth, wisdom, and deeply practical tools to help us reset our expectations and protect our energy. Together, we unpack: 🔥 How to spot burnout before it takes over 🧠 Mental fitness habits to support sustainable high performance 🛑 Why breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re essential 🧭 How leaders can set the tone for a mentally healthy culture 💡 Tactical advice for transformation professionals navigating constant demand Whether you’re feeling the stretch or leading others through it, this episode offers grounded insight to help you lead well and live well . ⏱ Episode Breakdown 01:32 – Chelsea’s Personal Journey to Mental Fitness 03:51 – Understanding Burnout and Its Early Signs 09:22 – Practical Tools for Sustainable Work 16:10 – Creating a Culture of Wellbeing 21:02 – Implementing Breaks and Recovery Strategies 26:59 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links: https://www.eqminds.com/ https://www.amazon.com.au/Mindful-High-Performer-powerful-recharge/dp/1922351946
19 min
In part two of this AI special series, Eloise continues the conversation with Paul Gibbons and James Healy, authors of Adopting AI: The People First Approach . This episode moves from theory to practice: unpacking the key principles and mindsets that enable ethical, effective, and human-led AI adoption in the workplace. From complexity to behaviour, democracy to ethics, this is a must-listen for change professionals wanting to stay equipped and enabled to shape what comes next. 🔹 Embracing complexity: why neat frameworks won’t cut it🔹 The case for bottom-up adoption and organisational democracy🔹 Why behaviour change, not just tech change, is the game-changer🔹 Creating a culture of experimentation and curiosity🔹 The role of ethics and risk in scaling AI responsibly🔹 What change practitioners must start doing now to stay relevant🔹 Reflections on the global AI landscape and what’s coming downstream If you haven’t already, be sure to go back and listen to part one: Rethinking Change for the Age of AI with Paul Gibbons and James Healey And don’t forget to grab a copy of the book Adopting AI and connect with Paul and James on LinkedIn. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-healy-7ba629167/?originalSubdomain=au https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulggibbons https://thebehaviourboutique.com/ https://paulgibbons.net/ https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-AI-People-first-Paul-Gibbons/dp/B0F18ZXHKP
30 min
In this first episode of a two-part series, Eloise speaks with Paul Gibbons and James Healy, authors of Adopting AI: The People First Approach . Together, they explore why AI demands a radical shift in how we think about change—beyond models, beyond methods, and deep into mindset. This isn’t about tools—it’s about trust, ethics, risk, and readiness in a world where AI is reshaping everything. What we cover: 🔹 Why AI is fundamentally different from traditional technology🔹 The flaws in classic change management when it comes to AI🔹 The ethical and accountability challenges leaders can’t ignore🔹 How unpredictability demands new thinking, not just new tools🔹 The personal journey behind writing Adopting AI 🔹 Why continuous learning and experimentation are now non-negotiable This episode sets the stage. Part two dives into the practical principles—so be sure to follow the show so you don’t miss it. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-healy-7ba629167/?originalSubdomain=au https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulggibbons https://thebehaviourboutique.com/ https://paulgibbons.net/ https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-AI-People-first-Paul-Gibbons/dp/B0F18ZXHKP
29 min
In this episode of the Change It Podcast , Eloise is joined by Esther De la Cruz—thought leader, strategist, and advocate for simplifying the complex. Together, they explore how reducing noise and sharpening focus can drive better outcomes in change. From cutting through cluttered communication to aligning strategy with narrative, this conversation is a breath of fresh air for anyone feeling overwhelmed by transformation fatigue. You’ll hear: Why simplicity isn’t basic—it’s bold How neuroscience supports a simpler approach What curiosity has to do with clear thinking The role of AI in making change more human Practical tips to declutter your change plans and unlock team momentum If you’ve ever felt bogged down in too many workstreams or buried under buzzwords, this one’s for you. Links: https://estherdlc.com/clients/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherdelacruz/?originalSubdomain=au https://www.instagram.com/estherdlc_com/ https://www.amazon.com.au/Leading-Technology-Driven-Transformation-Financial/dp/0994415524
49 min
In this episode, Eloise is joined by the brilliant Rich Batchelor —a seasoned change enablement expert with over 30 years successfully delivering change. He has consulted, coached and educated with organisations across the globe and regularly lends his voice to many educational events, conferences and experiences each year. From Lego Serious Play to cultural dynamics, Rich brings a refreshing perspective on how to unlock capacity, capability, and creativity in change. Tune in for a vibrant and intimate conversation exploring: 🔹 Rich’s global journey through change 🔹 Capacity vs capability – what's the sweet spot for real enablement? 🔹 The models Rich uses and why they still work in today’s shifting landscape 🔹 Who’s doing change well – big vs small , new vs old organisations 🔹 Why play, curiosity, and self-leadership are game changers 🔹 What you need to start doing differently today as a change practitioner 🔹 Practical advice for building resilience and a mindset that thrives in uncertainty Whether you're deep in delivery or leading strategy, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink how we enable meaningful, human-centred change
30 min
In this episode of the Change It Podcast, I’m joined by Karla Micallef : an experienced and inspiring change leader with a passion for building enterprise-wide change capability that sticks. We unpack the six key components of change maturity : from strategy and prioritisation to managing the change funnel, using fit-for-purpose frameworks, and embedding change well beyond the core change team. Karla shares how to engage BAU teams, secure sponsorship, and build a model that balances governance with practicality. She speaks with clarity, calm, and a ton of wisdom — offering up real-world examples and grounded advice that every change leader will relate to. If you're trying to lift your organisation’s change capability, get leadership buy-in, or move from reactive to strategic change then this one's for you. 🎙️ What we cover: Karla’s journey into change management What enterprise change capability really means The six pillars of change maturity How to manage a healthy change funnel Engaging BAU in sustainable change Practical training, sponsorship, and stakeholder buy-in Advice for organisations just getting started Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-micallef-357b5413/ https://change-management-institute.com/change-portfolio-management-training/ https://change-management-institute.com/change-portfolio-management-training/foundation/
28 min
In this episode of the Change It podcast, host Eloise Seidelin is joined by Matt Dragun , founder and managing director at Matae . Matt shares his extensive background in change and transformation management , from project management to executive coaching and building a technology company that’s shaping the future of change. 🚀 What’s in this episode? 🔎 Why listen? If you’re in change management, transformation, or leadership , this episode is packed with practical insights into the future of our industry and how to stay ahead using tools in a changing landscape . ✨ Exclusive for Change It listeners: Matae is offering a free 4-week trial of their Change Workspace v2.0 —complete with Change Workspace v2.0 sandbox, your own pre-populated project to play in so you can check-out all the cool features, and you'll will be provided with a free onboarding session from the Matae team so you can get the most out of your trial experience. Sign up at www.changeworkspace.io/changeit 🎧 Next episode: In two weeks, I’ll be chatting with Karla Micallef about Building Enterprise-Wide Change Capability —what it really takes to embed sustainable transformation. 👂 Listen now and let’s change it together! Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dragun-1163b54/ matae.io changeworkspace.io/changeit