Episode 26.1: Mastering Change Management: Key Insights Every Project Manager Needs with Romaine Charlton

Send us Fan MailEver been involved in a project where the technology was ready but the people weren’t? From billion-dollar ERP rollouts to corporate restructures, one truth stands firm: a successful project requires humans being sufficiently and successfully changed.In this powerful episode of Powering ProjeX, host DK sits down with veteran Change Manager Romaine Charlton to uncover the five things every Project Manager should understand before writing their project plan. They explore how collaboration between PMs and Change Managers transforms delivery outcomes, from chaos to clarity, from output to adoption.So, let’s make change management a project game-changer! Until next time, keep powering your projects with purpose.  👤 Guest Bio: Romaine Charlton has spent more than 20 years leading organisations through complex transformations, from ERP implementations and digital rollouts to mergers, acquisitions, and workforce redesigns. She has delivered for companies including Orica, NAB, BHP, SAP, Incitec Pivot, and Tabcorp, helping teams cut through complexity and build change strategies that stick. Romaine is known for her practical, people-centred approach, adapting proven frameworks like Prosci ADKAR to fit real-world contexts, so change isn’t just managed, it’s embraced.💬 Key Quote:“Planning for technology readiness without people readiness is planning for failure.” Romaine Charlton.🧭 What You’ll Learn:The five things change managers wish project managers knew before writing a plan.Why people readiness is as critical as technical readiness, and how to measure it.How to use feedback loops and sentiment data to track adoption and engagement.The art of building a “power triangle” between the PM, Change Manager and Sponsor.Why empathy, trust, and iteration are the real engines of sustainable transformation. ⚙️ This Episode Is a Must-Listen If You:Manage projects where adoption determines success.Want to strengthen collaboration between PMs and Change Managers.Are tired of “comms and training” being mistaken for change.Believe great delivery is not just on-time and on-budget, but embraced by people. 🔗 Connect & Learn MoreRomaine Charlton, Change Management Consultant: https://www.romainecharlton.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romaine-charlton/Host Daniela Kellett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-kellett-813b1337/ 🧠 Takeaways:Change management is not an add-on. It’s the bridge between plan and adoption.Build the project with your change manager, not after them.Measure sentiment as closely as you measure scope, schedule, and budget.Every PM should champion human readiness as a project KPI. ⚡ Closing Thought:Every project succeeds or fails at the moment humans decide to embrace it. Partner early, plan together, and power your projects with purpose. 🎙️ Subscribe to Powering ProjeX wherever you listen:YouTube: https://youtu.be/2BKeVr65R5kSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ouQGB93q1OThUbNODUedu?si=23eb21e242dc4b2bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/powering-projex-from-vision-to-victory/id1823405814Engage with Powering ProjeX on: X: https://x.com/PoweringProjeXLinked In: https://wSupport the showThanks for following Powering ProjeX. Vision: A world where project people are celebrated as the quiet architects of progress: turning the boldest visions into victories through wisdom, courage, and relentless learning.Mission: To equip project professionals to master their craft through raw, authentic conversations with the respected CEOs, experts, and practitioners.Listen to the Powering ProjeX on:You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@poweringprojexSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ouQGB93q1OThUbNODUedu?si=23eb21e242dc4b2bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/powering-projex-from-vision-to-victory/id1823405814In 2026, Powering ProjeX will be publishing some of our long-form content on Patreon. Short form (20 minute episodes) will continue to be published YouTube Podcasts, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.  Head over to our Patreon site for more content and member only offers. Patreon:  https://patreon.com/PoweringProjeXDonation: You can support Powering ProjeX with a one-off or recurring donation at https://buymeacoffee.com/poweringprojexEngage with Powering ProjeX on:X: https://x.com/PoweringProjeXLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powering-projexContent Frequency: Powering ProjeX releases full length podcasts fortnightly on a Monday at 9:00am AEST.Until next tim...