The Three Dilemmas of Org Design — David Plink on Leadership, Strategy & Human-Centered Change
Update: 2025-07-31
Description
In this episode recorded live at EODF 2024 in Milan, we sit down with David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, for a raw and inspiring conversation on what it really takes to lead lasting organizational change.
Hosted by Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, David reflects on his 16-year journey leading a global certification body across 30+ nationalities—from recovering after a life-changing illness to transforming a near-bankrupt company into a purpose-driven global movement.
He shares candid stories and hard-won insights, including:
⚖️ Three essential dilemmas every leader faces in org design:
1. People follow strategy vs. People first
2. Big bang vs. Slow burn change
3. Soft approach vs. Ripping off the bandaid
🌍 Why purpose and people development are non-negotiables in modern leadership
💬 How clear communication and embracing uncertainty build safety for change
🧭 Why “clarity is kindness” and sometimes the bravest choice is the hardest one
This episode is a masterclass in empathetic leadership, adaptive strategy, and organizational courage. Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or change agent—this one will stay with you.
🎧 Listen now to rethink how you lead through complexity.
Functionly
www.functionly.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/
Org Design Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/
Top Employers Institute
https://www.top-employers.com/us/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topemployersinstitute/
Hosted by Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, David reflects on his 16-year journey leading a global certification body across 30+ nationalities—from recovering after a life-changing illness to transforming a near-bankrupt company into a purpose-driven global movement.
He shares candid stories and hard-won insights, including:
⚖️ Three essential dilemmas every leader faces in org design:
1. People follow strategy vs. People first
2. Big bang vs. Slow burn change
3. Soft approach vs. Ripping off the bandaid
🌍 Why purpose and people development are non-negotiables in modern leadership
💬 How clear communication and embracing uncertainty build safety for change
🧭 Why “clarity is kindness” and sometimes the bravest choice is the hardest one
This episode is a masterclass in empathetic leadership, adaptive strategy, and organizational courage. Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or change agent—this one will stay with you.
🎧 Listen now to rethink how you lead through complexity.
Functionly
www.functionly.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/
Org Design Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/
Top Employers Institute
https://www.top-employers.com/us/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topemployersinstitute/
Comments
In Channel
%20(Logo).png "“I Had No Idea Org Design Was Even a Thing!\" — Liz Ferguson’s Real-Talk Journey Through Org Change")
-1.png "Why Leaders Need to Embrace Chaos (and Love It) with Carlos Valdes-Dapena")
%20(Logo).png "Honor the past while embracing the future in your org design with Ramona Elena-Cherciu")
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States00:00
00:00
x
