Org Design Podcast

<p>Leaders share real stories from organizational (org) design, workforce transformation, and managing structure change. We highlight the challenges and breakthroughs seen first hand helping organizations become places people love. This is for any leader who is creating organizations of the future. Join host Amy Springer and the co-founders of Functionly, Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, on their quest to make work work better.</p>

Leading change with curiosity, clarity and human-centricity with Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we're joined by Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby to explore the human side of organizational change. Our guests share invaluable insights on how to implement structural changes while keeping people at the heart of the transformation process.Key discussion points include:The importance of involving team members in organizational change rather than imposing decisions from aboveWhy continuous communication is crucial throughout the entire c...

01-02
25:52

Beyond the Day-to-Day: Transforming Technical Experts into Strategic Leaders with Jodie Goulden

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, organizational design expert Jodie Goulden shares valuable insights on leadership transitions and organizational effectiveness. She discusses the concept, shared by Beth Gunderson at the 2024 ODF conference, the challenges leaders face when moving from operational roles ("the dance floor") to strategic positions ("the balcony"), particularly in rapidly growing organizations.Key highlights include:The importance of balancing strategic ov...

12-19
21:27

Humanizing Leadership: How Modern Organizations Can Build Trust and Drive Growth with Vinisha Rathod

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Vinisha Rathod, founder of P3 Studios (People, Partnerships, Purpose), shares her expertise on organizational scaling and leadership development. She introduces her framework of "Five Hindrances to Scaling" which includes focus, family, financials, feedback receptiveness, and funnel efficiency. Vinisha emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between people and positions, particularly as organizations grow and evolve.A key highlight ...

12-05
25:28

Why Leaders Need to Embrace Chaos (and Love It) with Carlos Valdes-Dapena

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Valdes-Dapena, a seasoned expert in organizational design and development. Carlos shares his insights on the evolving nature of organizational structures, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and the human aspects of organizational change.Carlos discusses the shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more responsive and adaptive organizational models. He emphasizes the need for leaders to let go ...

11-21
28:30

Clarity is at the Heart of Org Structure: Mastering Clarity Breaks with Lisa Cooper

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Lisa Cooper, an experienced organizational design consultant, shares valuable insights on building effective organizational structures. Key takeaways include:The importance of designing structures for the business rather than for specific individualsThe need to consider future goals when creating organizational structuresThe value of clarity in leadership and organizational designThe benefit of taking "clarity breaks" to think strategic...

11-07
23:19

Aligning Teams and Decoding Resistance: Brandon Curry's Guide to Leadership

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Brandon Curry shares insights on organizational design and leadership. Key points include:The importance of understanding roles and their interrelations in an organizationRecognizing resistance as a sign of engagement and progress in organizational changeThe value of specific questions and conversations in gauging organizational healthAnalogies between organizational dynamics and music or sports teamsRecommendations for resources on org...

10-24
17:16

Scaling with Intention: How to Address Growing Pains in Your Organization with Alix Prassas

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Tim Brewer interviews Alix Prassis, an organizational design expert and founder of Culture Elevation Consulting. Alix shares her unique journey into org design, from growing up in a family business to her diverse experiences in HR, learning and engagement, and DEI roles. She discusses the importance of proactive organizational design, addressing growing pains in scaling companies, and the common symptoms of structural issues in org...

10-10
26:53

Moving Beyond Budget Cuts: Aligning Org Design with Strategy with Cynthia Escamilla

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Cynthia Escamilla, an experienced organizational design consultant, shares insights on effective org design practices. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the bigger picture when addressing organizational issues, rather than just changing roles or people. Cynthia advises leaders to focus on strategic goals and align organizational structure accordingly. She discusses common pitfalls in org design, such as mislabeling budget cuts...

09-26
16:51

Future-Proofing Organizations: Joemmy Ramirez & Mary Selden on Internal Organizational Design Team Success

Send us a textUnlocking the Future of Organizational Design: In this episode from the Org Design Festival, experts Joemmy Ramirez and Mary Selden, join Podcast hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer, explore the art and science of developing effective organizational design functions within large organizations. They discuss unconventional career paths and innovative approaches to modern organizational challenges, along with the crucial elements for reshaping and future-proofing organizational struc...

09-12
27:02

Building Resilient Organizations: Steve Garcia on Navigating Effectiveness in Today’s Rapidly Changing World

Send us a textIn this podcast, Tim Brewer, Amy Springer, and Steve Garcia explore the evolving landscape of organizational design. Steve, who began consulting in 2005, emphasizes that org design encompasses more than just structure, including processes, culture, and informal networks.Steve highlights how rapid technological changes, particularly AI, are making traditional leadership approaches obsolete. His company, Contemporary Leadership Advisors (CLA), assists leaders in navigating these c...

08-29
24:02

Impact-Driven Businesses and the power of Org Design with Kiersten Rippeteau

Send us a textKiersten Rippeteau discusses her journey into organizational design, starting from internal consulting in healthcare to external consulting in the construction industry. She emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational systems and human behaviors. Rippeteau highlights the need for clear strategy, values, and effective communication within organizations. She also touches on the impact of AI in consulting and construction, stressing the importance of maintaining a hum...

08-15
20:10

Designing product orgs of the future with Gary Cohen of Practical Agility

Send us a textGary Cohen, owner of Practical Agility, discusses his journey from software development to organizational design, emphasizing the importance of aligning incentives, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and focusing on customer outcomes. He highlights the need for continuous product discovery and learning to improve efficiency and effectiveness in product teams. Cohen also addresses the increasing demand for rapid organizational changes and the potential impact of AI on prod...

08-01
21:17

Professor and Practitioner: Strategy, Power and Politics, and Curiosity in Org Design with Chris Worley

Send us a textIn this Org Design Podcast episode from the Organizational Design Festival 2024, Chris Worley shares his fascinating journey in organizational design. We explore the common signs of org design issues, the importance of strategy in effective org design, and the challenges of power and politics in implementation. Chris emphasizes the significance of curiosity, trust-building, and the role of leaders in fostering psychological safety during organizational change. Tune in for insigh...

07-18
30:36

Insights on Org Design from Shubha Narayanan on AI, Collaboration, and the UNSPEND Model

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Shubha Narayanan, a partner at OrgSmith, to discuss all things organization design and workforce transformation. Shubha shares her insights on the evolving role of org design, emphasizing the importance of solving problems through people and processes rather than mere structures. She delves into her journey from working at KPMG to leading OrgSmith, highlighting the importance of aligning o...

07-11
21:51

Unlocking Org Success: from Paul Tolchinsky, a founding father of modern org design

Send us a textPaul Tolchinsky discusses his journey into organizational design, emphasizing the importance of human interaction and systemic thinking over traditional hierarchical structures. He highlights the need for leaders to embrace resistance, engage with employees at all levels, and create adaptive, responsive systems. Tolchinsky advocates for leaders to ask good questions, listen, and integrate diverse perspectives to foster a more inclusive and effective organizational environment. H...

07-04
17:30

Leading with Empathy: CEO Drew Sechrist on key org design decisions and navigating a down-size

Send us a textDrew Sechrist, CEO of Connect the Dots, discusses the challenges of organizational design and the importance of empathy in leadership. He shares his experience of having to lay off 20% of his company, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and support for affected team members. Sechrist also highlights the benefits of having a geographically diverse team, with operations in both the United States and Serbia, and how the company has adapted to remote work.Support the show

06-24
37:39

Role, goal and decision clarity, and why you should never design around a person with Ron Schwartz

Send us a textIn the podcast interview, Ron Schwartz discusses the importance of organizational design, emphasizing the need to identify roles, goals, and decision rights. He advises against designing an organization around individuals, instead suggesting to design around what is needed to execute strategy and plans. Schwartz also highlights the importance of open conversations in the organization, particularly when dealing with changes. He suggests that leaders should have the ability to del...

04-10
33:42

Growing a company from 6 to 120+ and getting thrown into Org Design with CEO Tom Douglas

Send us a textDiscover the secrets to creating adaptable organizations and accelerating business growth with Tom Douglas, the CEO of JMARK. In this engaging podcast episode, Tom shares his valuable insights on the importance of org design, clear responsibilities, and aligning with customer and employee needs. Learn from his experiences and gain practical tips for building a successful business in today's dynamic landscape.Listen now and unlock the potential of effective org design! #Podcast #...

12-11
26:53

Unleashing the Power of Org Design: Insights from Kattie Capozza on Patterns, Connectivity, and Strategic Decision-Making

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Kattie Capozza discusses her approach to org design based on her lived experience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cause and effect, identifying patterns, and connecting different aspects of an organization. Starting with the operating model and considering factors such as workflow, structure, talent, and business cycles can lead to more thoughtful and strategic org design decisions. Capozza also highlights the need for patience, involving...

10-11
28:04

Why Kumbaya and trust falls won't work and what's needed to avoid toxic cultures ft. Glenn Bergsma (Evolve Leadership)

Send us a textIn this conversation, Glenn Bergsma, an organizational and leadership development consultant from Evolve Leadership, shares his insights into organizational design. Bergsma notes that his consulting engagements often involve organizational design, which is one of the many areas of expertise that his firm specializes in.Bergsma emphasizes the importance of deep listening when identifying organizational issues. According to him, leaders need to play the video, or think ahead to fu...

09-18
28:25

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