U.S. Navy officer turned federal org designer, Robert L. Stevens, on listening, leadership and lasting change
Update: 2025-12-04
Description
In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, recorded live at the Organization Design Forum’s Festival, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer sit down with Robert Stevens, retired U.S. Navy officer turned federal org design leader.
Robert shares how he discovered he’d been practicing org design long before he knew the name, and why true organizational change is about much more than “lines and boxes.” From uncovering hidden leadership gaps, to building communication plans that prevent confusion, to the power of simply listening—Robert provides practical insights drawn from decades of service and transformation work.
Whether you’re a first-time leader, a seasoned executive, or simply curious about how to make organizations truly work for people, this conversation is packed with lessons on authenticity, courage, and systems thinking.
Robert L. Stevens
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-stevens-6aa476238/
Functionly
https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly
https://www.functionly.com/
Org Design Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast
https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast
Organization Design Forum - https://organizationdesignforum.org/
Robert shares how he discovered he’d been practicing org design long before he knew the name, and why true organizational change is about much more than “lines and boxes.” From uncovering hidden leadership gaps, to building communication plans that prevent confusion, to the power of simply listening—Robert provides practical insights drawn from decades of service and transformation work.
Whether you’re a first-time leader, a seasoned executive, or simply curious about how to make organizations truly work for people, this conversation is packed with lessons on authenticity, courage, and systems thinking.
Robert L. Stevens
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-stevens-6aa476238/
Functionly
https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly
https://www.functionly.com/
Org Design Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast
https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast
Organization Design Forum - https://organizationdesignforum.org/
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