Change Leadership Conversations

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Blake Bell for a grounded and practical conversation on what it really takes to get buy-in for change at scale.Blake shares insights from over two decades of leading enterprise-wide change in complex organizations including Rogers, RBC, and now Manulife - where he’s helping to build a change-capable workforce of over 40,000 employees.Together, they explore the shift from change management to change enablement, and how organizations can create the conditions for people to not only adopt change - but lead it from wherever they sit.In this episode:Why getting buy-in starts with language, trust, and timingWhat the move from change management to change enablement means for leaders todayPractical ways to build enterprise-wide readiness and capability for changeHow to speak the language of leadership to gain executive supportGuest BioBlake Bell is the Global Head of Organizational Change Enablement at Manulife. With more than 20 years of experience leading change across financial services and telecommunications, Blake brings a grounded, people-first approach to transformation. He previously led change and communications at Rogers and RBC, and today focuses on enabling leaders and teams to thrive in disruption. He’s also a published author and pop culture enthusiast. Resources & Links:Connect with Blake Bell on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingDownload the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps others discover the show, and we appreciate your support!

In this episode, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits with Etonia Collier, a dynamic and deeply insightful change management leader and Director, with over a decade of experience across fintech, financial services, and education. Etonia brings a refreshingly honest and practical lens to what it really means to lead change, especially in today’s chaotic and fast-paced world.From building a change career without formal credentials to using AI to be more human, Etonia walks us through the real-life strategies that make change leaders effective, adaptable, and resilient.Whether you’re new to the field or deep in the trenches of transformation, this episode will reignite your passion for change leadership and offer grounded, actionable insights you can apply right away.We explore:How Etonia transitioned into change management without a “perfect resume” and practical ways to build experienceThe importance of curiosity, empathy, and co-creation in influencing stakeholdersNavigating burnout, resistance, and the emotional toll of changeHow AI is not replacing our work, it’s reshaping it so we can go deeperGuest BioEtonia Collier is an experienced Change Management Lead with over 10 years of expertise driving organizational transformation across the financial and technology sectors.Currently leading change at a major fintech, she’s passionate about helping people adapt, grow, and thrive through change. Beyond her corporate work, Etonia has taught Change Management and Economics at McMaster University and Centennial College, earning recognition for her ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, practical learning experiences.Links & Resources:Connect with Etonia on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingExplore our courses, conference, and community: thechangeleadership.com

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Adam Kahane joins Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta to explore what it truly means to collaborate in today’s divided, complex, and fast-changing world.Adam is one of the world’s most respected voices on systems transformation and collaboration. He is the Co-Founder of Reos Partners, and author of multiple influential books including Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, and Collaborating with the Enemy, which is the focus of this episode.Together, Adam and Yvonne explore:Why he rewrote the second edition of Collaborating with the EnemyThe growing challenge of “enemy-fication” in workplaces and societyWhat “stretch collaboration” looks like and why it’s crucial todayMisconceptions about collaboration, resistance, and leadershipHow leaders can navigate high-conflict, high-complexity environmentsWhat it means to take responsibility for change, starting with yourselfThis episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating conflict, resistance, or polarization while trying to move change forward.Guest BioAdam Kahane is a pioneering facilitator of processes through which business, government, and civil society leaders collaborate to address their most important and intractable challenges. He is a Co-Founder of Reos Partners and the best-selling author of Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, Collaborating with the Enemy, Facilitating Breakthrough, and Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems.Resources & Links:Connect with Adam Kahane on LinkedInCollaborating with the Enemy book hereConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership Training

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with Elizabeth McSavaney, Head of HR for Zurich Canada and leader of HR Transformation for North America. With over 25 years of experience across insurance, tech, government, and consumer goods, Elizabeth shares wisdom from the frontlines of leading transformation, and how HR, leadership, and change are evolving in today’s high-pressure, high-disruption world.This isn’t your typical HR conversation.We explore:How to build influence and earn a real seat at the tableWhy resilience and recovery cycles matter in high-performance workplacesWhat it really takes to create a change-ready cultureThe evolving role of HR as a strategic business enablerHow to address resistance to AIWhether you’re in HR, leading change, or executive leadership, this is a masterclass in what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.Guest BioElizabeth McSavaney is Head of HR for Zurich Canada and leads HR Transformation for North America. A senior HR executive, who has led people strategy and transformationacross insurance, consumer goods, tech, and public sectors. Elizabeth is responsible for guiding initiatives in workforce planning, leadership development, and future-focused HR.As well as governance expertise that reflects her commitment to strategic leadership and community impact.Resources & Links:Connect with Elizabeth McSavaney on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingDownload the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

In this powerful episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with one of Canada’s foremost experts on the intersection of AI and healthcare, Dr. Muhammad Mamdani. With over 600 published studies and leadership roles across Unity Health Toronto, Ontario Health, and the University of Toronto, Dr. Mamdani brings real-world insight into how AI can be responsibly developed and deployed to improve outcomes in life-and-death scenarios.We explore:• The practical realities of applying AI• How AI is disrupting education, critical thinking, and the world• What “responsible AI” really looks like, and why it’s urgent• How to manage AI hallucinations in critical contexts like healthcare, and beyond• Building trust and engaging frontline stakeholders for adoption and co-creationWhether you’re a change leader, innovator, or just curious about the impact of AI, this conversation will spark ideas and deepen your understanding of the change we’re all navigating.Guest Bio:Dr. Muhammad Mamdani is one of Canada’s leading voices on AI in healthcare. He serves as Clinical Lead for AI at Ontario Health, VP of Data Science at Unity Health Toronto, and Director of T-CAIREM at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mamdani’s work bridges advanced analytics with real-world clinical decision-making. He’s a Faculty Affiliate at the Vector Institute, an Affiliate Scientist at IC/ES, and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. His team received the national Solventum Health Care Innovation Team Award.Resources & Links:Connect with Dr. Muhammad Mamdani on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingBrought to You By:The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.comSubscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps others discover the show, and we appreciate your support!

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, host Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with Jeff Fraser, global change executive, to discuss what it truly takes to lead enterprise-wide change across large organizations.Jeff takes us behind the scenes of some of the most complex change initiatives, from driving large-scale digital and facilities transformation to aligning hundreds of workstreams across global markets.We also talk candidly about what it really takes to earn influence at the executive table,Together, we explore:Jeff’s unconventional career journey into change leadership and change managementWhat it means to lead change at scale, and the role of leaders in the change processHow to measure ROIGuest Bio:Jeff Fraser is a dynamic global change executive with deep cross-industry experience in Financial Services, Energy, and Professional Services. He has spearheaded global and enterprise-wide change initiatives with oversight of ~$5B in change budgets for digital adoption, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence mandates. He is recognized for building award-winning teams, advising C-suite leaders, and consistently driving tangible business results.Resources & Links:Connect with Jeff Fraser on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingDownload the free Agile & Change-Ready Team GuideBrought to You By:The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more a TheChangeLeadership.com

In this powerful episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with Carl Oxholm, former Senior Partner at PwC Canada, and author of The Biology of Leadership  to explore how leaders can harness their biology, energy, and emotional intelligence to lead change more effectively. Carl shares practical insights on aligning energy with intention, how to stay grounded in chaotic environments, and why understanding our instincts and emotions is essential for high-performance leadership. Whether you’re leading change, a team or an entire organization, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom for today’s ever-evolving world of work.  Topics Covered: Carl’s journey from corporate partner to leadership author and advisor What The Biology of Leadership teaches us about energy, emotions, and instincts Why change leadership begins with emotional awareness and self-regulation How to manage your energy and stay effective in times of chaos The link between biology and leadership performance  Guest Bio: Carl Oxholm is the Founder and CEO of Virtue Compass Inc., where he helps leaders align energy with intention to perform at their best. As a former senior partner at PwC Canada, he pioneered national emotional intelligence programs and led leadership development, culture change, and executive coaching initiatives. He is the author of The Biology of Leadership, ranked #2 on Forbes’ Top Leadership Books list, and is known for integrating science, energy, and human nature into leadership practice.  Connect with Carl: Website: virtuecompass.com LinkedIn: Carl OxholmBook: The Biology of Leadership – available wherever books are soldLearn More:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging and fun conversation, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta has a frank discussion with Joel Emuan about her book, "The Change You Want! Change Your Mindset, and Change Your Life" We dive into the crucial role mindset plays in personal and professional development. Sharing simple and practical strategies on how to overcome the daily challenges we face in our personal and professional lives, this conversation is packed with insights on how the right mindset can drive incredible change and help us achieve our goals. Link to Book Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this enlightening conversation with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta and Samantha Fowlds, they delve into applying positive psychology to leading change, how to raise your energy when you’re feeling depleted and how harnessing positive energy can help you lead change effectively. Samantha shares insights on power of positive leadership, psychological safety, self-compassion, and overcoming change fatigue. Learn More:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials:⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership:⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging conversation with Hilary Scarlett, author of Neuroscience for Organizational Change, we delve into the fascinating application of neuroscience in leading change. We discuss how it can be applied within hybrid and remote workplaces, various change models, how our brain's functioning can influence organizational behaviour, and touch on the surprising impact of sugar levels on decision-making. This episode offers practical advice and scientific insights to help you lead change more effectively. Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta.Learn More:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials:⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership:⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this conversation with Dr. Ann Cavoukian, we delve into the crucial topic of privacy and its role in building trust. In an era marked by a growing trust deficit, Ann shares strategies for fostering trust with your employees and customers. We also explore the implications of privacy in the context of leading change and how to maintain trust while navigating these challenges. Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this compelling conversation with Jeremy Gutsche, a renowned expert on innovation and disruption, we dive into the nuances of leading in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the dynamics of Chaos vs. Crisis and share actionable strategies for thriving amidst turmoil. Gain valuable insights into harnessing the power of disruption to drive positive change. Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this conversation, we explore the challenge of establishing a hybrid workplace and the art of gathering. Join Silvia Fraser, Brien Convery, Greg Roth, and Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta from the Change Leadership Conference as they share invaluable insights on fostering connections and nurturing community in a post-pandemic world. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Karel Vredenburg, Global Vice President of UX Research at IBM, introduces Design Thinking and offers practical insights on applying its concepts - from ideation to a focused and human-centered approach to leading change. Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta shares how elements from Design Thinking such as empathy, diversity, and collaboration intersects with change management tactics and leading change. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this episode with young innovators Ashna Nirula (16 years old),  Alexander Yevchenko (17 years old) and Pavi Dhiman (16 years old), activators from The Knowledge Society (TKS), delve into how they are harnessing AI and technology to lead change and disrupt the status quo. They cover significant global issues like healthcare and sustainability at the Change Leadership Conference. These trailblazers, all in their mid-teens, also share their firsthand experiences in the workplace and aid in dispelling some of the common myths about Generation Z. Learn More: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Change Leadership Course⁠ | ⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠ | ⁠Change Leadership Community⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠Linkedin⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠Linkedin⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠

In this conversation, Dr. Dave Mayers and Brien Convery share insights from the Change Leadership Conference. Knockri is used as a case study on implementing Ethical AI in the hiring process to remove biases and foster a more human-centric approach. We also hear from Monique Crichlow, Siobhan Calderbank, and Amanda Cupido about adopting AI in the workplace. Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta concludes the session by sharing the top three insights we can take away to start positively leveraging AI and leading change. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Andrew McCarthy from Inkblot, a subsidiary of Green Shield, shares insights from the Change Leadership Conference and delves into the imperative of cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and wellness. With Karen Sedore and Siobhan Calderbank joining as panelists, sharing their expertise on the evolving landscape of employee wellness, change fatigue and leading change. Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta, founder of The Change Leadership, hosts the episode and offers her insights on the correlation to leading change. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠

Change has never been as dynamic as it is today. One of the biggest challenges facing organizations is the increasing need to stay ahead of the rapid pace of change. The podcast goes hand-in-hand with discussions from the Change Leadership Conference that takes place each spring in Toronto, hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta. Learn More: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Course⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Management Resume & Interview Workshop⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Change Leadership Community⁠⁠ Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on Socials: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Follow The Change Leadership: ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠