Wired for Change

What does it really take to change — yourself, your team, or your organization?In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee speaks with Jill Reilly, author of the upcoming book The 10 Permissions, about why transformation begins with giving ourselves permission first.Drawing from three decades of global work — from South Africa’s transition to democracy to leading HIV/AIDS programs in Zimbabwe and advising boardrooms — Jill shares how change is rarely linear and why permission is the missing ingredient for lasting transformation.You’ll hear:Why inaction is wildly draining and how to reclaim energy.The difference between routine correction and routine adaptation in culture.How to practice micro-permissions that unlock change in everyday life.Why permission is a 21st-century skillset for leaders and organizations.If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, lead boldly, or take the first step toward transformation, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible.📕 Jill’s book The 10 Permissions launches mid-September.https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Permissions-Redefining-Adulting-Century/dp/1963827295

Ransomware is no longer just smash-and-grab — it’s a long game. Attackers are more persistent, better resourced, and increasingly using "Ransomware as a Service" to scale their impact.In this episode of Wired for Change, Amy Yee is joined by Greg Davison (Mimic) and Jarett Parent (C3SA) to explore why organizations must rethink how they defend critical systems. From closing the 20% detection gap to preparing boards for tough questions, this conversation highlights practical strategies for CISOs, IT leaders, and executives who need resilience today.Chapters:00:00 – The Modern Ransomware Landscape05:00 – Mimic’s Origin Story & Mission09:00 – The Mimic–C3SA Partnership12:00 – Deflection vs Detection: A New Defense Strategy19:00 – AI, Innovation, and the Next Wave of Threats26:00 – What Boards & CISOs Need to Ask36:00 – The Future of Cyber Resilience41:00 – Final ReflectionsFor more information about C3SA: https://c3sa.comFor more information about Mimic: https://mimic.com/

OKRs and rigid performance targets are supposed to help teams focus — but too often, they push us toward short-term wins that chip away at our long-term vision.In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee talks with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, about why conventional goal setting can unintentionally kill innovation and how to replace it with a more powerful approach: puzzle setting and puzzle solving.We explore:Why goals can create “vision debt” and performance theaterHow reframing projects as puzzles unlocks curiosity and collaborationReal-world examples from startups, global companies, and regulatorsPractical tools to keep products and transformations vision-drivenHow to foster psychological safety so teams can question, adapt, and innovateIf you’ve ever hit your targets but felt further from your mission, this conversation will help you move beyond the checkbox and make real progress.Episode guest: Radhika Dutt – Author, Radical Product Thinking

In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee explores what it really takes to keep transformation efforts on track when things get messy — because they always do.When priorities shift, trust falters, or unexpected disruptions hit, how do you build a team that can bend without breaking?Amy introduces three essential roles from her Digital Transformation Dream Team framework:🔹 The Adaptive Organization Designer – Inspired by Florence Nightingale, rethinking team structures and systems under pressure🔹 The Velocity Catalyst – With lessons from Taiichi Ohno, removing friction and building trust and momentum🔹 The Strategic Diplomat – Channeling Eleanor Roosevelt to keep alignment, trust, and tough conversations on trackWhether you're leading digital transformation, designing resilient organizations, or just trying to adapt to rapid change, this episode offers practical insights rooted in real-world experience — and a few historical surprises.🎧 Subscribe and explore more at: www.wired-for-change.com#DigitalTransformation #OrganizationalDesign #Leadership #SystemsThinking #ChangeLeadership #WiredForChange

What does it take to lead transformation in one of the most complex, high-stakes environments in the public sector?In this episode of Wired for Change, Amy is joined by Derek Dobson, a veteran strategist and defence innovation leader, to explore how change really happens inside the Canadian defence sector. From his military background to his current work at the systems level, Derek offers a rare perspective on how leadership, policy, and emerging technologies intersect.Together, they discuss:Mission command and agile leadership in high-pressure environmentsCivilian vs military mindsets when navigating risk and innovationThe shift from platform-centric to data-centric defence strategiesRethinking ROI in national security: what are we really buying?Why AI, cyber resilience, and digital sovereignty demand new thinkingThe realities of innovation procurement in CanadaWhat we can learn from both the battlefield and the boardroomIf you care about public sector innovation, complex system transformation, or defence and sovereignty in the digital age, this conversation is for you.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on digital leadership, systems thinking, and meaningful change.

Mastering the Mental Game of Leading Change – with Jennifer Selby LongWhat separates high-performing leaders during transformation? According to executive coach Jennifer Selby Long, it's not just strategy or execution—it's mindset.In this episode of Wired For Change, we explore the human side of change leadership, drawing powerful lessons from performance psychology and the world of elite athletes. Jennifer shares insights from decades of coaching senior leaders and transformation teams, unpacking what it takes to lead through uncertainty, resistance, and rapid change.🎯 Topics include:The difference between change management and change leadershipHow neuroscience explains team resistance—and how to respondWhy mindset is crucial for staying focused and effectiveBuilding trust and influence with reluctant stakeholdersTelling better stories that engage and align your organizationThe role of AI in supporting (and not replacing) human leadershipHow to develop self-awareness, resilience, and emotional groundingWhether you're leading digital transformation, navigating high-stakes change, or just trying to stay steady amid chaos—this episode is packed with insight and practical wisdom.📩 Guest: Jennifer Selby Long🔗 Learn more at selbygroup.com

What does it really take to scale a company wisely?In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee sits down with tech industry veteran and former CEO Rich Napoli to explore the critical decisions leaders face at every stage of organizational growth. From deciding how much structure is too much (or too little), to knowing when a role—or a person—no longer fits, Rich brings decades of hard-won insights from growing companies across multiple sizes and sectors.We talk about:Why organizations need the right-sized structure at each growth stageHow to avoid growing too fast—or staying too small for too longHiring the right first five people and building culture from day oneWhat to do when early team members no longer scale with the businessHow to build scaffolding that supports growth without smothering itThe CEO’s evolving role as organizations matureRich shares powerful analogies—from biology to startups—and candid stories from his time leading product development, scaling teams, and helping companies navigate high-stakes transitions.If you're a founder, executive, or transformation leader trying to make the right calls at the right stage, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Wired for Change for more conversations on scaling, transformation, and leading through complexity.

What do Julius Caesar, Walt Disney, and Nikola Tesla have in common?They each represent a timeless role in making complex systems actually work — especially when you're leading large-scale transformation or trying to unite tech and strategy.In this episode of the Digital Transformation Dream Team series, we explore three essential archetypes:🏛 The Systems Orchestrator – Julius Caesar: Designed governance models that scaled across a massive empire🎢 The Experience Designer – Walt Disney: Transformed both customer and employee experience through intentional service design⚡ The Tech Trailblazer – Nikola Tesla: Constantly pushed the edge of what’s possible and made it realThese roles ensure your strategy doesn’t get lost in translation, and your systems don’t collapse under complexity.Listen in to learn:How to recognize and support each of these roles on your teamWhy transformation efforts fail without this balanceWhat lessons history’s most visionary builders can teach us todayExplore the full mini-series videos at: https://youtube.com/@wired-for-changeBonus content at: https://amyeyee.substack.com/📬 Subscribe to get future episodes and insights from Wired for Change

As AI and cybersecurity threats grow more complex, the talent pool in governance, risk, and compliance is shrinking. GRC expert Shruti Mukherjee joins host Amy Yee to explore why professionals are leaving, what’s at stake, and how we can build a risk-savvy culture before it’s too late.

What if innovation started not with faster technology, but with deeper values?In this special episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee takes you inside Carleton University’s Abilities Living Lab—a space where accessibility, community, and cutting-edge research converge to reimagine what innovation can be. Joined by lab director and biomedical engineering professor Dr. Adrian Chan (who also happened to be Amy’s professor during her undergrad in engineering!), we explore how this unique lab is pushing the boundaries of inclusive, multidisciplinary design.Together, we tour a vibrant and flexible research environment where:🔹 AI-powered motion capture helps refine powered prosthetics🔹 Infection prevention environments are co-designed with front-line users🔹 Musical instruments are built for people of all abilities—no training required🔹 Early-stage work is exploring 3D-printed food for people with swallowing disorders🔹 Rehab robotics are making stroke recovery safer and more effective🔹 And researchers, designers, healthcare professionals, and community members collaborate as equalsBut this lab is about more than emerging technology. As Dr. Chan explains, accessibility isn’t just about functional independence—it’s about living fully. Music. Food. Sports. Culture. Joy. These aren’t extras—they’re essential parts of life. And this lab was built to reflect that philosophy at every level, from layout to lighting to the kinds of research questions being asked.Whether you're in healthcare, design, engineering, public innovation, or policy—this episode offers a living example of how inclusive, values-driven transformation can take shape when community is at the center.📍 Wired for Change | Episode 14🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more📺 Watch the full lab tour on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iA7y2XbBYCs#InclusiveInnovation #Accessibility #DigitalHealth #BiomedicalEngineering #HealthTech #AssistiveTech #HumanCenteredDesign #InnovationLeadership #WiredForChange

Karen Moore, founder of Sounding Board and adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law, joins Wired for Change to explore the rising complexity of compliance in a volatile global landscape. From sanctions and trade disruptions to nationalism and climate-driven instability, she unpacks the evolving risk environment facing today’s organizations.We discuss:Geopolitical upheaval and its impact on business operationsShifting enforcement priorities in the EU, Asia, and Latin AmericaThe role of compliance leaders in connecting the dots across disciplinesWhy behavioral science, marketing, and moral courage all belong in modern compliance programs🎧 Watch or listen to Compliance in a Changing World: Nationalism, Sanctions, and Global Risk for insights into the future of compliance leadership.

The Human Side of Change – Culture, Courage, and ConnectionTransformation Dream Team – Episode 2What really drives change? It’s not just strategy or technology—it’s people.In this episode of Wired for Change, Amy Yee explores the human infrastructure behind successful transformation through three powerful archetypes:The Change Leader – Inspires belief and momentum (John F. Kennedy)The Change Navigator – Guides teams through complexity (Empress Dowager Cixi)The Change Whisperer – Builds trust from within (Harriet Tubman)Blending history, leadership insights, and real-world transformation stories, Amy helps listeners recognize these roles in their own work and understand why culture, courage, and connection are essential to making change stick.Whether you’re leading change or living through it, this episode will help you:Identify the human roles that make transformation workReflect on your own role in changeUnderstand how to build a dream team for lasting impact🎧 Follow for more episodes in the Transformation Dream Team series.

🎙️ Wrestling with Privacy – with Dr. Sophia MullerWhy is privacy still so hard to implement—even when everyone agrees it matters?In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee sits down with privacy expert Dr. Sophia Muller to unpack the real-world challenges organizations face when trying to make privacy principles stick. From legacy systems to culture clashes and checkbox compliance, we explore what gets in the way—and how to move forward.👥 Who this episode is for:– Leaders navigating digital transformation– Privacy officers and compliance teams– Anyone tired of hearing “privacy by design” without seeing it in action🔍 Topics covered:– Why privacy initiatives stall– The myth of the perfect checklist– How to embed privacy into real-world workflows– The hidden cultural blockers no one talks aboutThis conversation is practical, sharp, and surprisingly hopeful.

Exploring AI, Adaptive Leadership, and the Power of Questions with Chris ShipleyWhat does it take to lead through continuous change—when even the roadmap is evolving?In this episode of Wired for Change, I sit down with Chris Shipley, an accomplished author - most recently The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce- and seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of technology, journalism and innovation - to reflect on the evolving demands of leadership in an AI-driven world.We explore:Why adaptive leadership and vulnerability matter now more than everThe underestimated power of asking better questionsHow provider-sponsored health plans are navigating AI transformationWhat it means to move forward with intent, even when the path keeps shiftingHow leaders can balance hope, honesty, and uncertaintyRecorded in-person in Dallas at the Health Plan Alliance AI Accelerator kickoff, this episode is rich with real-world insight, memorable metaphors, and the kind of candor that today’s transformation leaders are craving.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on digital transformation, innovation, and change that matters.#AIleadership #DigitalTransformation #HealthTech #AdaptiveLeadership #WiredForChange #ChrisShipley #AIinHealthcare #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalChange

In this special on-site episode of Wired for Change, we join Dr. Matthew Bromwich and host Amy Yee at the National Health-Tech Innovation Conference in Vancouver to explore one of the biggest challenges in healthcare (and beyond):👉 Why do so many great ideas struggle to reach real-world impact?Dr. Bromwich shares powerful lessons from his journey as a physician-entrepreneur, highlighting:The “Valley of Death” between research and commercializationWhy funding and procurement remain major roadblocks for health innovatorsHow true innovation demands cross-functional collaboration between healthcare, business, research, and governmentThe critical mindset shift from seeking "unicorns" to building resilient, sustainable ecosystemsIf you’re passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare transformation, or making real change happen — this conversation is for you.✨ Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction and conference background01:00 – The personal story behind launching a health innovation journey02:00 – Breaking down the barriers: funding, procurement, and collaboration gaps05:00 – Designing conferences differently to drive real consensus08:00 – Learning from failure and navigating the “innovation tree”10:00 – How to build a functional innovation ecosystem12:00 – Final reflections: advice for innovators and changemakers🔗 Learn more about Core Innovation: https://www.cheoresearch.ca/for-researchers-and-partners/innovation/📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on new episodes featuring transformational leaders, bold innovators, and real-world change-makers.#WiredForChange #HealthInnovation #HealthcareTransformation #Entrepreneurship #InnovationEcosystem #HealthTech #DigitalTransformation #InnovationLeadership #Changemakers

After years in the trenches of transformation work (and conversations with a great network!), our host Amy Yee has identified 16 pivotal roles that show up again and again on high-performing transformation teams and are essential for moving forward. And it’s not about titles. These are the mindsets, capabilities, and team dynamics that determine whether transformation efforts soar or stall.In this 15 min episode of our new Transformation Dream Team (TDT) miniseries, we explore:The balance between big ideas and real executionThe hidden tension between vision and structure3 essential team players you need to have an eye forThis isn’t theory—it’s a practical, memorable framework youcan use to assess your current team, identify gaps, and better understand your own superpowers in the change process.Which role(s) do you naturally play in a transformation? And which ones are missing from your current team?Wired-For-Change Podcast#DigitalTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment#InnovationStrategy #WiredForChange #PodcastSeries #TransformationLeadership#FutureOfWork #ChangeManagement #ExecutionMatters #TeamDynamics

In this episode of Wired for Change, host Amy Yee sits down with Kelly Geyer, a global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) leader and change management expert, to explore one of the most urgent issues in tech today: AI bias.As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from healthcare to HR, the risks of reinforcing discrimination through biased data and poorly designed systems are growing. But the good news? We can do something about it — if we start now.🔍 In this episode, we cover:The real-world risks of biased AI (including a powerful story you won’t forget)How organizations can build inclusivity into AI from the ground upWhy DEI isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a foundation for sustainable transformationThe roles everyone (yes, everyone) plays in responsible AI adoptionTools, frameworks, and international efforts that are shaping the future💡 “If diversity and inclusion aren’t part of your culture, they won’t show up in your AI.” – Kelly GeyerWhether you're leading digital change, selecting AI tools, or just trying to understand how AI decisions are impacting you and your community — this episode is for you.🟢 Subscribe to Wired for Change for more conversations at the intersection of technology, equity, and transformation.👇 Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 The risks of AI bias06:30 Real-world examples: healthcare, hiring, credit13:30 How widespread is AI in 2025?18:00 Who should be thinking about DEI in AI?26:00 The seven major risks of ignoring inclusivity in AI34:00 Frameworks and tools for assessing bias38:30 Promising practices from around the world44:00 Final thoughts and calls to action

In this episode, host Amy Yee sits down with Terri Griffith, Keith Beedie Chair in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Simon Fraser University, to unpack the “hidden skills gap” that’s limiting our ability to innovate, adapt, and scale—despite major technological investments.🔹 What is "system savviness" and why does it matter for the future of work?🔹 Why do 75% of innovation and transformation efforts still fail?🔹 How can leaders better align talent, technology, technique, and timing?🔹 What role should education, experimentation, and negotiation play in building adaptive teams?🔹 And how does a childhood spent helping a wedding planner prepare someone to lead complex engineering projects?Whether you're a policymaker, digital leader, educator, or founder, this conversation will give you new tools—and a new lens—for driving sustainable innovation.👇 ResourcesTerri's Blog: https://terrigriffith.com/newsletterWired For Change: https://www.wired-for-change.com🔗 Subscribe for more episodes on building change-ready teams and systems.🎙️ Wired for Change is a podcast for leaders and changemakers navigating complexity, technology, and transformation.#Innovation #DigitalStrategy #AIinCanada #SystemSavviness #OrganizationalChange #Leadership #SociotechnicalSystems #WiredForChange

Today’s episode features a powerful conversation with Skaidra Puodžiūnas, Ontario Director at the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) — and one of the voices behind an open letter sent today to Premier Doug Ford, urging policy reform to better support Canadian-grown innovation.We dive into:🔹 The real challenges Canadian innovators face scaling at home🔹 Why government procurement policies are a critical — and underused — tool🔹 How Skaidra’s experience as a former Ontario public servant drives her advocacy today🔹 What policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens can do to unlock Canada’s innovation economyFrom health tech to cybersecurity to AI, world-class innovation is happening here. But without policy change, we risk losing it.🎧 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay wired in →    / @wired-for-change  📥 Access the open letter from CCI: https://www.canadianinnovators.org/co... 📌 Learn more about the Council of Canadian Innovators: https://www.canadianinnovators.org/💬 Have thoughts on today’s episode? Drop a comment — we’re building a community of change-makers who believe in Canada’s potential.#WiredForChange #CanadianInnovation #SkaidraPuodziunas #CouncilOfCanadianInnovators #Procurement #DigitalTransformation #PublicPolicy #TechPolicy #OntarioPolitics #InnovationEconomy #ScaleUpCanada

Hosted by Amy Yee, the next episode of Wired For Change Podcast is here with the terrific Glynda Rees - RN, MSN, ACHIP, CPHIMS-CA, FAMIA | Program Lead Digital Health | Co-Founder EdEHR | Doctor of Nursing Post-Candidacy. Her interests include the integration of Informatics and digital health in undergraduate and post-graduate education, and the impact of technology on clinical judgment and decision-making at the point of care. In this episode, we dive into the open project Educational EHR which Glynda co-founded, we raise awareness about a collaborative grassroots initiative coming out of the Alberta Virtual Care Coordination Body with thinking that can be applied more broadly, and we spotlight BCIT's Digital Health Advanced Certificate, where Glynda is the Program Lead. It was wonderful to sit down together and discuss all of this wonderful collaborative work, coloured by a little "hopeful skepticism" for good measure.Don't forget to like and subscribe! See more videos and clips at:https://www.youtube.com/@wired-for-changeVisit and contact us at: https://wired-for-change.com