The Inner Game of Change

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity. Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.In this episode of Inside the Messy Middle, I explore a powerful idea:What if organisations behave like immune systems?As AI enters the workplace, many organisations are not simply reacting to new technology. They are responding to perceived threats to identity, expertise, workflows, control, and certainty.Through stories from medicine, business, and lived organisational experience, I explore why good ideas are sometimes rejected, why thoughtful people hesitate during change, and why resistance is often more complex than it first appears.This episode examines:• the hidden defence mechanisms inside organisations• why AI triggers different reactions across legal, IT, policy, and leadership teams• the psychological side of resistance and uncertainty• the role of leadership and change management in creating safe movement during disruption• what business history can teach us about adaptation and survivalFeaturing reflections on Semmelweis, Kodak, Nokia, and modern AI adoption dynamics, this episode is a deeper look into the invisible tensions shaping organisational change today.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Today’s conversation sits at the heart of something we do not talk about enough when it comes to change.We talk about strategy.We talk about tools.We talk about capability and execution.But very rarely do we stop and ask a simpler question.What if the real challenge is not the change itself…but what we cannot see about ourselves as we go through it?In this episode, I sit down with Jill McCauley.Jill is the COO at Behavioral Essentials, and her work focuses on one thing that sits beneath performance, culture, and leadership.Self awareness.She has spent years working alongside leaders and teams, helping them see themselves more clearly, especially in environments that look successful on the outside, but feel very different on the inside.In this conversation, we explore the idea of blind spots in the workplace.Not as abstract concepts…but as real forces that shape how leaders show up, how teams operate, and ultimately how change either moves forward… or quietly stalls.We talk about the hidden cost of leadership without self awareness.Why capable leaders unintentionally create friction.And how the strengths that got us here… can sometimes be the very things that get in the way.There is a simple but powerful idea that runs through this conversation.You cannot change what you cannot see.And the moment you start seeing yourself more clearly…everything else begins to shift.I am grateful to have Jill chatting with me today. About JillI’ve spent my career working alongside leaders — in boardrooms, executive meetings, and organizations that look successful on paper but feel different on the inside.I’ve learned that this feeling is rarely a strategy problem or a skills gap. It’s a self-awareness problem.Capable leaders unintentionally create friction. Teams spend time managing dynamics instead of doing the work. Meetings become more painful than they need to be. Energy and efforts get wasted. And no one can quite name why things feel harder than they should.This is the hidden cost of leadership without self-awareness.Over time, I stopped seeing these challenges as individual failures and started seeing them as systemic issues. As organizations grow, roles evolve, pressure increases, and identities lag behind reality. Leaders keep relying on the same strengths that got them here, without realizing those strengths may now be creating blindspots, tension, or misalignment downstream.Self-awareness isn’t soft. And it isn’t intuitive for everyone.It’s a discipline, practice, and a leadership responsibility. That can’t be ignored.At Behavioral Essentials, we work with leaders, teams, and organizations to build awareness where it actually matters — in how people show up, make decisions, communicate under pressure, and impact the systems around them. This work sits at the intersection of psychology, behavior, and real-world leadership demands. It’s not about labeling people or fixinSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.The Weight of the Middle Feels Heavier Than the Authority.This episode explores a reality many middle managers and change makers quietly carry.Seeing what needs to change. Feeling responsible for making it work. But not always having the authority to fully shape it.Drawing on history, from Roman centurions to naval captains, and modern organisations like Toyota, this episode reflects on a pattern that has always existed.Responsibility does not always come with full control.And in the messy middle, leadership is often less about authority… and more about judgement.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Today I am joined by Shannon Lucas.Shannon is the Co CEO of Catalyst Constellations, where she works with executive teams to close the gap between the speed of change and the speed of execution.And in this conversation, we explore what that might mean in practice.We talk about discernment. We talk about resistance as a signal. We talk about fear in the system.And we explore the reality of leading change when everything is moving at pace.One idea! AI might be acting as a kind of mirror.Reflecting how we think, how we decide, and how we design work.In simple terms, what we notice may shape what happens next.This is an episode for those navigating change in real systems.Not just designing it on paper.I am grateful to have Shannon chatting with me today. AboutI help executive teams and organizations build the muscle to transform continuously without burning out their best people or watching momentum die between initiatives.Most organizations treat transformation like a one-time event: hire consultants, launch the program, declare victory, exhaust everyone involved, then wonder why nothing sticks. I work with CEOs and C-suite leaders to break that cycle by building real change capability into how their organizations actually operate. As Co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations, I bring 20+ years of enterprise-scale innovation and transformation experience from companies like Ericsson, Cisco, and Vodafone. I’ve owned a $150M P&L, generated over $1B in new business pipeline, and learned firsthand what actually works (and what definitely doesn't) when you're trying to change how global organizations operate.My approach combines hard-won operational experience with ongoing research into how transformation really happens. I co-authored the #1 Amazon bestseller Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out. based on our research into Catalysts (the highly action-oriented change agents inside organizations who can't stop themselves from driving change). We wrote it after watching too many talented people flame out while trying to transform their companies without the right support or frameworks. And based on lived personal experience.I believe the organizations that will thrive are the ones that stop treating change as an event and start building the human, cultural, and structural capacity to adapt continuously. These are the firms that turn transformation into a sustained advantage rather than a recurring disruption.My mission: help make the world's largest organizations more sustainable in every sense of the word: for people, profit, and planet.Shannon’s profilelinkedin.com/in/shannonglucasWebsitecatalystconstellations.com (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.This episode is for anyone who has started moving, only to find that the plan does not quite hold once it meets the real world.The shift. The tension between following the plan and adjusting it. The quiet judgement required to make things work in practice.This is where many middle managers and change makers operate. Not just executing plans, but reshaping them to fit reality.Because change does not move forward because of the plan alone. It moves forward because of how people engage with it.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Today’s conversation is not really about technology.It is about decision making. It is about how we make calls when we do not fully know how something will land. How we rely on instinct, experience, and sometimes guesswork. And now AI is entering that space. Not to replace the human, but to sit alongside the human.So the question becomes, are we moving into a world of human in the loop, or AI in the loop supporting human judgement?Today I am joined by Millie Marconi.Millie is a serial entrepreneur who has been building most of her life. She has created over sixty products across ecommerce, SaaS, mobile games, and recruitment tech. She raised capital, built a product to early revenue, and then made a very deliberate decision to pivot in public when she hit scaling friction.What triggered that pivot is what caught my attention. A single AI generated LinkedIn post that did not land.And her reflection was simple and powerful. How something lands matters more than how it sounds in your head.From that moment, she started to explore what she now calls a perception problem. Not a content problem.She is now building TestFeed, a platform that allows you to simulate how your message, your idea, or your decision might land before it goes out into the world.In simple terms, helping humans make better decisions before the consequences arrive.What I enjoyed in this conversation is that it is not just about the tool.It is about judgement. It is about confidence. And it is about what happens when we start to reduce the unknown.Let’s get into it.AboutOh, I'm Millie. I'm a serial entrepreneur and have been building my entire (professional) life since I was 20 - I've built over 60 products across e-commerce, SaaS, mobile games, and recruitment tech. I've had one 'real' job which lasted a matter of months, and we don’t talk about that.I put my entrepreneurship down to incredible impatience, painful curiosity, and inspiration from my immigrant grandfather, who came to Australia from Italy with nothing and built a fantastic life for himself and our family (and, as a child, introduced me to the joys of red wine and orange juice at breakfast).In 2023, I joined Antler as a solo founder, raised and built a recruitment product that hit $100K in revenue. But after hitting scaling friction in enterprise sales, I made the hard call to pivot - and did it in public.The insight came from an unexpected place: a single LinkedIn post. It was AI-generated. It bombed. And it sparked a realisation: “How something lands matters more than how it sounds in your head.”I wasn’t alone. In dozens of conversations with founders, marketers, and execs, the same problem kept surfacing: “I don’t know how this message will land.” That became the thesis: businesses don’t have a content problem - they have a perception problem.That’s what I’m building now: TestFeed, the world’s first perspective engine.TestFeed lets you simulate how your audience will react using synthetic audiences - befoSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Today’s conversation is a special one for me.My guest today was actually the very first person I interviewed when I started this podcast during the middle of Covid back in April 2021. At the time, the world was navigating uncertainty, disruption, and trying to make sense of what consistency meant when everything around us was shifting.Since then, a lot has happened. The podcast has passed one hundred episodes, the world has moved through Covid, and we now find ourselves in another wave of transformation with Artificial Intelligence entering the workplace and our lives in profound ways.So I thought it would be meaningful to bring him back.My guest is Michael Canic, author of the book Ruthless Consistency. It was one of the books I was reading at the time when the idea of this podcast first came to me.Michael’s central idea is simple but powerful. Consistency is not about robotic repetition. It is about the relentless alignment of intentions, decisions, and actions.In this conversation we revisit the idea of consistency, but in a very different context.We explore whether consistency is the opposite of change, or whether it is actually the thing that enables change. We talk about consistency in leadership, in capability building, and in the way individuals manage themselves in a world full of distraction.And of course, we also touch on Artificial Intelligence, and how it is beginning to amplify the conditions that already exist inside organisations.This is a reflective conversation about leadership, identity, discipline, and the inner game of navigating uncertainty.I am grateful to have Michael chatting with me again.Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.In this episode of Inside The Messy Middle, I explore what happens when hesitation is repeatedly misread, and the middle layer of organisations slowly becomes quieter.At first the silence can look like alignment. Fewer questions. Faster meetings. Less friction.But silence carries a cost.Through examples from science, business, and mythology, this episode explores what organisations lose when thoughtful voices withdraw, why adoption becomes shallow when the middle stops translating change, and how systems can bring those voices back.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real. These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.In this episode of Inside The Messy Middle, I explore what happens when pause, reflection, and professional judgement are interpreted as pushback.What if hesitation is not resistance, but care?What if slowing down is competence recognising consequence?Through a business example from Intel and a quiet literary reflection, this episode examines the cost of misreading human hesitation — and what organisations risk losing when the middle stops speaking.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” That line from George Bernard Shaw captures the heart of today’s conversation.In this episode, I am joined by Dominic Colenso, communication expert, former actor, and author of the bestselling books Impact and Cut Through. Dominic began his career on stage and screen, trained at leading drama institutions, and later brought those performance and storytelling skills into the world of business, where he has spent more than a decade helping leaders and sales professionals communicate with confidence and influence.We explore what it really means to cut through in a world shaped by change, uncertainty, and artificial intelligence. We talk about the shift from selling ideas to serving people, the discipline of rehearsal and reflection, and how clarity, emotion, and energy shape behaviour during high-stakes moments.If you are leading change, presenting ideas, or trying to be heard in a distracted workplace, this conversation will give you practical insights on how to communicate with more presence, purpose, and impact.About“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that is has taken place” George Bernard ShawI’m Dominic Colenso, communication expert, and author of the bestselling book “IMPACT: How to be more confident, increase your influence and know what to say under pressure”Straight out of drama school I closed the most important sales conversation of my life through the audition that landed me a leading role in the Hollywood action movie, Thunderbirds.That launched my career as an actor, director, and teacher at some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions including The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Experience in the rehearsal room, on stage, in front of the camera and behind the lens were the foundation I needed to expand my career into the exciting world of keynote speaking, training and coaching.Over the last decade I’ve helped hundreds of sales professionals and business leaders transform their ability to influence and make an impact. To take their performance from “straight to video” to “Oscar winning ”.I’ll never forget the day my drama school principal called me in and said: “Dahling, we still haven’t seen you do anything!” I was crushed, but he was right. I’d been working so hard to impress everyone else that I’d lost sight of who I was.When I rediscovered the courage to be vulnerable, values-driven and visible, everything changed. That’s what I want for my audiences now.After earning my bachelor’s degree in acting, I gaineSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real. These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.In this episode, I reflect on what happens when the story of change keeps shifting, but the work stays the same. I explore the often invisible labour of translation that sits in the messy middle, where people are asked to make sense of strategy before it fully makes sense to them.This episode invites you to notice the quiet work of holding uncertainty while still offering direction, and to recognise that translation is not about communication or certainty, but about judgement, care, and making work safe enough for others to continue.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Some of you may remember Helen Palmer from a past episode of The Inner Game of Change. It was a conversation that stayed with many listeners because of its depth and humanity.Helen helps people learn so something different becomes possible. Her work spans change management, organisational design, learning, and knowledge. And right now, she is living the very thing she speaks about. Returning to her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand after nearly three decades away.This conversation is not about certainty. It is about how we orient ourselves when certainty is not available. How we stay open. How we exercise judgement. How we move forward without locking things down too early.Helen speaks about uncertainty not as something to manage away, but as a space to stand in with care, curiosity, and confidence.This is Orientation in Uncertainty.About HelenI help people learn so something different becomes possible.That might be a shift in mindset, a new practice, or a deeper understanding. It might show up as a beautifully crafted artefact or a well-held learning experience. What matters to me is utility — learning that is purposeful, thoughtful, and liberating.I design and deliver learning experiences for grown-ups in workscapes. Sometimes the learning is packaged: in a workbook, article, card deck, curriculum, podcast, or social media post. Sometimes it’s embodied: in a facilitated session, a team reflection, or a conceptual model that makes complex things usable.My approach is human-centred and deeply practical. I draw on decades of professional experience across disciplines, shaped by a fierce curiosity and a knack for turning ideas into something people can use. I’m like a Swiss Army knife — what you take when you are moving through unfamiliar territory!He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata It is the people, it is the people, it is the people ~ Māori proverbContactsHelen’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/helenpSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Inside the Messy Middle is a special series from The Inner Game of ChangeThis fortnightly short series is for people who carry responsibility inside complexity.Between strategy and delivery. Between intent and impact. Between what was imagined and what must now be made real.These episodes are not about tools or frameworks. They are reflections on judgement, dignity, and the human cost of change as it is actually lived.Episode OneWhen you are asked to lead change you did not designChange often arrives already in motion.The decision has been made. The direction is set. And somehow, you are now responsible for carrying it.In this opening episode, I reflects on what it means to lead change you did not design, and why the messy middle is not a failure of leadership, but where judgement and dignity matter most.This episode invites you to pause, notice the moment you are standing in, and recognise that certainty is not the work. Judgement is.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens.  And this feels like a perfect way to start 2026. Today I am joined by someone who represents the very best of what technology leadership can be. Lev Gonic is the Enterprise Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, but that title only hints at who he really is.About six months ago, I had the privilege of meeting Lev in person. It was one of those encounters that stays with you. Now I am sitting with him in conversation, and that feels genuinely special.Lev works at the intersection of education, design, and public purpose. He does not speak about technology as something to impress, but as something we are entrusted to use wisely, always in the service of others. And in a world that is becoming increasingly agent driven, he keeps returning to one simple question. How do we stay deeply human while building the future.This conversation is not about systems or platforms. It is about designing change with care, with responsibility, and with people at the centre. I am grateful to have Lev chatting with me today.About LevAs the Enterprise Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, I lead the design and agile management of all enterprise infrastructure, applications, products, services, and analytics at the nation's largest and most innovative university. I have over 30 years of experience in education, technology, and smart city architecture, and I am passionate about enabling and celebrating innovation, collaboration, and productivity through the broadest possible access and utilization of next-generation technologies, including AI, XR, quantum, and broadband networks.I also chair the Sun Corridor Network, Arizona's Research and Education Network, and serve on the Board of Advisors of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice, a national organization that advocates for local self-reliance and accountability in broadband Internet infrastructure. In 2023, I received the ORBIE Award as Arizona's top large Enterprise CIO, and in 2022, EdScoop named me as one of the Top 50 Educational Technology influencers and leaders. I am proud to be part of ASU's vision to be a comprehensive public research university that is measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed.Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

What Do I Want This Change To Leave With Me?Every change leaves something behind. A lesson. A trace. A quieter understanding of who we are becoming.In this final episode of A Change Question, Ali invites you to pause and reflect on one last question: What do I want this change to leave with me?Drawing on Viktor Frankl, T S Eliot, Maya Angelou, and a closing reading from Rainer Maria Rilke, this episode explores how meaning settles after change, and how we can carry learning forward with care.This is not advice. It is a gentle ending. A moment to honour what has shaped you, and to stay close to the questions that will continue to guide you.A reflective close to the A Change Question mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Today is a little different.To mark Episode one hundred, I decided not to bring in a guest. Instead, I wanted to pause and reflect on the ninety nine conversations that shaped The Inner Game of Change.This episode is a quiet look back at how the podcast began during COVID, how the name was inspired by Tim Gallwey’s Inner Game work, and why Dr Michael Canic’s first yes helped set the tone for everything that followed.Across these episodes, a few ideas kept showing up.I also talk about what happens when we stay in change long enough for it to work on us, why elite athletes taught me as much about consistency as any leadership book, and how this podcast has become a place for curiosity rather than certainty.No expectations. No hype. Just a reflection.If one person learns one useful thing, it is a win.If one person manages change a little better, it is a win.Thank you to the guests who generously offered their time, and to the listeners across more than one hundred countries. I am deeply grateful.More conversations, more experiments, and more learning will continue in the new year through The Inner Game of Change and through the Inner Game of Change Institute.For now… a pause.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change. In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can gently shape how we think, work, and move through our lives.As change unfolds, our attention often becomes scattered.We try to notice everything.The risks. The effort. The expectations.But each stage of a change has its own centre of gravity.Something new begins to rise.Something quieter, but more essential, asks for our attention.In this short, reflective episode, Ali explores the question:What deserves attention at this stage of the change?Drawing on The Little Prince, Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, the writings of Marcus Aurelius and Simone Weil, and examples from Jane Eyre and The Lord of the Rings, this episode looks at how attention shifts as we move through different stages of a change.This is not advice. It is a gentle pause. A moment to consider what truly matters now, what no longer needs to be held so tightly, and what might open if we offered our attention with more intention.A short episode for anyone sensing that the next stage of their change might require a different kind of focus.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change. where we explore the thinking behind the doing of change.Today I sit down with the thoughtful and very grounded Meg Smith, co author of the practical and timely book Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption. It is a clear and generous guide for leaders and consultants who want to understand what real adoption looks like inside organisations.Meg brings that same clarity into our conversation. We speak about courage, curiosity, learning, and the real experience people are having as artificial intelligence moves into their daily work. One idea she raises that really stayed with me is this invitation to return to the purpose of our work. Instead of asking how to control or block new tools, ask whether we are still fulfilling the reason we show up to serve others. It is a powerful shift and it opens the door to much better conversations about change.This is a warm and very human exchange about change, self agency, leadership, and the future we are shaping together.I am grateful to have Meg chatting with me today. Oh..  And stay with us after the conversation for a short ChatGPT reflection. About MegI've been fortunate to have an interesting and rewarding career in tech, and I believe the benefits of technology should be available for everyone. I develop programmes and content to teach AI adoption and skills so that people can use it to advance their careers, organisations and communities. I have learned that being humble enough to ask questions will get you further than thinking you have all the answers. I have seen countless examples of how technology can be used to save time, make money, and create memorable experiences.I have also seen how easy it is to miss out on those benefits when there is a disconnect - be that between the people buying the tech and those who are meant to be using it, confusing tools and processes, and inequitable access. My mahi (work) with Cloverbase is focused on creating AIenablement programs. Projects include:-Bespoke training for Microsoft's global teams in Design Thinking & AI sales patterns-90 Day Mentoring Challenge career acceleration program-AI Fundamentals for business leaders and professionals-AI Governance and StrategyI'm available to speak at events, run workshops, or design bespoke AI enablement programs.Send me a message to set up a time to chat.ContactMeg’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/megsmithnzSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts.  There are moments in life when a change that once felt right begins to feel small. It has shaped us, stretched us, and carried us for a while. Then, almost quietly, we realise we have moved beyond it.In this short, reflective episode, Ali explores the question: How do I know when I have outgrown this change?Drawing on Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, the words of Leonard Cohen, the insight of Toni Morrison, and examples from The Lord of the Rings and Little Women, this episode looks at the deeper layers of growth and the quiet signals that tell us we are ready for something different.This is not advice. It is a gentle pause. A moment to think about the changes that have served us, the ones we may be carrying out of habit, and the possibilities that open when we release what no longer fits.A short episode for anyone sensing that they have outgrown a chapter of their life, their work, or their identity.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change. where we explore the thinking behind the doing of change.In this episode, I am joined by Ross Dawson—futurist, keynote speaker, and author of five influential books, including Thriving on Overload and Developing Knowledge-Based Client Relationships. Ross is known globally for his work at the intersection of foresight, networked systems, and human–AI collaboration.We unpack what it really means to lead in a world where AI is no longer just a tool, but a thinking partner. Ross shares his five-part framework—purpose, framing, filtering, attention, synthesis—for building clarity in the face of information overload. Together, we explore what trust looks like in human–AI teams, how to reimagine organisational design, and why every leader today needs to become their own futurist.If you are navigating change, designing future-fit teams, or rethinking how humans and machines work together—this episode offers both depth and direction.I am grateful to have Ross chatting with me today.Ross DawsonIn demand worldwide as a futurist, keynote speaker and board advisor:- Has delivered keynotes and strategy sessions in over 30 countries across 6 continents- Works with boards and leadership teams of major organizations globally - Has run executive education programs and lectured at top academic institutions around the world- Frequently in global media and author of compelling futurist content for PR campaigns Parallel entrepreneur- Founding Chairman, Advanced Human Technologies Group- Founder, Informivity- Founder, Bondi Innovation Alliance Bestselling author of 5 books on the future of business: - Thriving on Overload, a guide to success in a world of unlimited information- Living Networks, now out in its 20th anniversary edition, anticipated the rise of social media- Developing Knowledge-Based Client Relationships, a reference text for professional services firms, out in its second edition- Getting Results From Crowds, a seminal guide to crowdsourcing, out in its second edition- Implementing Enterprise 2.0, a landmark book on applying web technologies inside companies Expertise: Future thinking and long-term strategy, Entrepreneurship, Scenario planning, Network economy, Future of business, Future of work and education, Future of organizations, Future of media, Future of marketing and PR, Future of retail, Future of healthcare, Future of government, Financial services, Professional services, Corporate innovation, Parallel entrepreneurship, Crowdsourcing, Social media, High-value relationships, Influence networks, Social network analysis, Shared value creation, Concept visualization.ContactsRoss’ Profilelinkedin.com/in/futuristkeynotespeakerWebsitesrossdawson.com/ (Personal)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. Who am I becoming through this change?From Pip’s awakening in Great Expectations, to David Bowie’s reinvention, to Maya Angelou’s reminder that becoming is rarely glamorous, this episode looks at how change does not just happen around us — it happens through us.Ali unpacks how our brains reshape our experience during change, how resistance is often the first sign that something inside us is trying to shift, and how even small personal changes ripple outward into our work, families, and communities.He also offers a simple reflection framework — Look Back, Look Around, Look Ahead — to help you sense how much change has already shaped who you are today.If you are navigating uncertainty, evolving in your role, or simply noticing shifts inside yourself, this episode might meet you exactly where you are.The question for you this week: Who are you becoming through the changes in your life — and is that the person you want to become?Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change. where we explore the thinking behind the doing of change.In this episode, we turn our attention to something that is reshaping every part of our work — artificial intelligence. Not as a headline or a fear, but as a companion in how we learn, decide, and lead.My guest, Joanne Rinaldi, brings a wealth of experience leading enterprise transformation and building centres of excellence that help people think and perform differently. She has spent years helping teams grow through change — not just manage it.Together, we explore what happens when AI moves from being a tool we use to a collaborator in our practice. What it means for judgement, empathy, and the human craft of change.I am grateful to have Joanne chating with me today. About Career experience in leading strategic transformational change initiatives. Establish and operationalise centres of excellence to enable new & improved ways of thinking and performing. Lead a client portfolio of strategic advisory services; enterprise transformation, business optimisation, innovative and contemporary learning design and delivery. Leadership and capability frameworks.Lead and inspire 'right' performing teams while nurturing a growth mindset, promoting health & wellbeing and a creating a fun-filled learning environment. Passionate photographer and sports coach/player for fun and fitness!ContactJoanne’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/[email protected] us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. In this episode, I explore what it means to face change when everything feels chaotic. From buffalo walking into storms to Lou Gerstner steering IBM through crisis, to Shakespeare’s King Lear and Viktor Frankl’s quiet wisdom — we’ll look at how clarity can exist even without calm.I’ll share four small, practical steps that help turn overwhelm into movement and uncertainty into agency — because sometimes, having control means embracing the chaos rather than fighting it.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change,  where we explore the invisible forces that shape the way we lead, live, and learn, because real change, as you and I know, always starts on the inside. In this episode of The Inner Game of Change, I speak with Soraya Espejo — a global transformation strategist, MIT-certified AI and Future of Work advisor, and Founder of Changics. Soraya has worked across more than fifty countries helping leaders and organisations prepare for what’s next.Our conversation moves through some of the most pressing questions facing leaders today. How do we lead in a world reshaped by artificial intelligence? What skills matter most in times of uncertainty? And how can we build cultures that adapt rather than resist?Soraya walks us through two powerful frameworks — MIT’s Four-Cap Leadership Model and the 5M Transformation Model — both designed to help leaders strengthen credibility, readiness, and execution.We also explore what happens when change meets complexity, especially during mergers and acquisitions, where culture, communication, and trust can make or break success.This episode is a thoughtful guide for anyone navigating transformation — from CEOs and change professionals to those simply curious about the future of leadership.About SorayaWhat defines meMy experience has shaped me into a strategic architect of transformation — not just a witness to change, but a designer of it🔹 Executive Advisor to C-Suite & Senior Leadership Teams🔹 AI & Future of Work Strategist (certified by MIT)🔹 I design and co-create Future-Ready Organizations🔹 +25 years of experience across 50+ countries and multiple industries🔹 Strategic partner to CEOs in unlocking culture-driven growth leadership🔹 Executive Coach for C-Suite & Senior Leadership🔹 Transformation leader in M&A, culture, and people strategy🔹 Private Equity & M&A Expertise: from pitch to sale🔹 Architect of leadership and performance models that scale🔹 Passionate about aligning Purpose, People & Performance🔹 Founder of Changics, a strategic boutique for human-led transformationContactLinknedInlinkedin.com/in/[email protected] us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. Most of us believe change starts the moment we make a decision.But the truth is, a decision is only the promise — the act is the proof.In this episode, I explore the gap between deciding and doing — that shadowy space where many of our best intentions quietly stall.Through the stories of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, and Malala Yousafzai, who turned conviction into courage, I unpack what it really takes to turn resolution into motion.We’ll also look at what neuroscience tells us about why our brains reward decision-making — but not follow-through — and how to build the bridge from intent to impact.Because decisions without steps become drift.But decisions with steps become movement.And movement is what changes everything.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change,  where we explore the invisible forces that shape the way we lead, live, and learn, because real change, as you and I know, always starts on the inside. Today, I am joined by Lindsay Phillips. Lindsay is the founder of SkyPhi Studios, a Forbes contributor, and a seasoned change leader who has helped organisations realise the true value of their digital investments. Her work spans leadership coaching, culture change, and program management—always with a focus on people and collaboration, not just the technology itself.In this conversation, we dive into the gap between the promises leaders make and the value organisations actually see. We explore why adoption is not the same as optimisation, how fatigue often cuts short measurement, and what leaders can do to create sustained engagement. And we also explore generative AI—why it feels like learning a musical instrument, starting with noise and, with practice, becoming music.If you care about making change stick, about the human side of value realisation, and about how AI is reshaping the adoption landscape, this is an episode for you.I am grateful to have Lindsay chatting with me today.Note: Stay tuned after the conversation for a special ChatGPT reflection and review of this episode AboutLindsay is an organizational change expert that helps organizations realize the full value of their digital investments. She specializes in guiding organizations through change, fostering collaboration, and enhancing engagement. Her expertise in leadership coaching, program management, and culture change initiatives helps organizations not just adopt new tools, but embrace a holistic approach to transformation. She has founded two consulting firms, SkyPhiStudios and Studio Change.Lindsay’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/lindsay-phillips-atxWebsitelindsay-phillips-pmp.com (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. In this episode, I explore a question that often slips past us until it is too late: Where is this change leading me, and do I want to follow?Change always has direction. Sometimes it carries us forward, other times it drags us somewhere we never meant to go. The risk is drift, arriving at a destination we did not choose.Drawing on stories from Galileo to Satya Nadella, and from poetry to business pivots, I explore how agency begins with pausing to ask the question, then noticing the patterns shaping the current, and finally choosing the path you want to take.Because every change carries you somewhere. The real power lies in deciding; drift if you choose, change if you must, but never surrender your agency to choose the path yourself.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change,  where we explore the invisible forces that shape the way we lead, live, and learn, because real change, as you and I know, always starts on the inside.My guest today is Dr Amy Silver; a clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and a masterful thinker when it comes to fear, patterns, and performance.In this episode, Amy and I explore the idea of fear as the loudest guest in the room—an ever-present voice that can either protect or paralyse us. We talk about what happens when fear becomes the default setting in our teams, our leadership, and our own heads.We also examine how our post-COVID workplaces are stuck in a tension between efficiency and connection, and what it takes to break out of that loop. And, of course, we talk about artificial intelligence: the discomfort it brings, the curiosity it demands, and what it means to use it as a thinking partner rather than a threat.This conversation was wide-ranging, deeply practical, and at times, personal. We talk about journaling, performance reviews, power dynamics, and what it means to build a muscle of courage—one small moment at a time.If you’ve ever felt that fear has too much say in the way you lead, speak, or even show up at work, this one is for you.And in a special addition to this episode…For the first time, I have asked my thinking partner, ChatGPT, to listen in and share its own reflection at the end. Its take on the episode surprised me—warm, clear, and strangely not complelety inhuman. About AmyLeadership development programs grounded in clinical psychology. Using an evidence-based approach for lasting leadership transformation.I am a psychologist, speaker, facilitator, and coach. I partner with powerful leadership teams to help foster sustainable high performance. My expertise is in understanding how to activate the best of people so they can reach collective goals through conversations characterised by high courage and high compassion. My role is to engage individuals and teams in their most conscious (as opposed to reactive) practice, supporting and preparing them to lead together, through the complexities of our now and our future courageously.I regularly write and talk in the media on how we can drive high performance ​by being courageous with the way we connect (including to ourselves), communicate, and make complex decisions for the greater good ( Harvard Business Review (HR), ABC Radio, The Australian, HR Director, AFR, CEO World, and New Zealand’s The AM Show). My book, The Loudest Guest: How to Control and Change Your Relationship with Fear received two awards (Silver medalist, Living Now Awards 2021; Finalist in The Australian Career Book Award, 2021) and a best seller on Amazon. It is available in all good bookstores, as an audiobook and digital form. It is also featured on Blinkist.ContacsDr Amy’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/amysilverbraveWebsitedramysilver.com (Company)EmailSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. In this episode, I explore a question many of us face when change arrives uninvited: What can I control when change is already on its way?From restructures to new technology, change often shows up before we’re ready. The 3 P’s — Place, Proximity, and Posture — offer a way to regain agency, even when the storm is already here.Drawing on neuroscience and lessons from history, I unpack how small, deliberate choices shift the brain from threat to action — and why missing those choices, like Kodak or the Maginot Line, can cost us dearly.👉 When change comes, where will you find your control — in your place, your proximity, or your posture?Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. Each episode is a chance to learn from thinkers, doers, and everyday leaders about what really makes change work — and what keeps it human.My guest is Rebecca Bultsma — an AI ethics researcher, power user, and someone who lives in that space between awe and dread of what AI can do. Rebecca has built her career helping leaders cut through the hype, face the risks, and still find practical, human-centred ways to use this technology without losing their soul or their job.In this episode, we explore the hype and the harm, the messy middle of adoption, and the accountability gaps that every business and every leader needs to face. And at the heart of it all, we talk about what it means to stay radically human in a world that is increasingly shaped by algorithms.I am grateful to have Rebecca chatting with me today. About Rebecca (In her words)The honest truth?I'm an AI Ethics researcher who uses AI all day. Yes, I see the irony. Yes, I'm navigating this contradiction in public. Daily.I help leaders who are somewhere between "AI will save us" and "AI will end us" find their actual footing. No BS, no fear-mongering, just practical strategies for using AI without losing your soul (or your job).What I actually do:Translate tech panic into action plans. I take 20 years of making complex things human-friendly (comms/PR veteran) and mix it with an MSc in AI Ethics from Edinburgh. The result? I can explain why AI is incredible AND terrifying in the same breath - and help you navigate both.The work:Keynotes that don't put you to sleep (50+ delivered, people actually stay awake)Workshops where we actually DO things (not just talk about them)Executive sessions for when you need to admit you don't get it (safe space, I promise)Currently obsessing over: AI governance that doesn't kill innovation, helping teachers not fear GenAI, and explaining to boards why "AI strategy" isn't optional anymore.ContactsRebecca’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/rebecca-bultsmaWebsiterebeccabultsma.com/ (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. In this episode, I explore a question we often avoid: How do I initiate change in the workplace?History shows us that change rarely starts with permission. It begins with a first step — often small, often risky — and gains power when followed by the second step that makes it stick.From neuroscience to practical strategies, this episode unpacks why the first move matters, how to position it well, and what happens if you don’t make it… because someone else will.👉 If there’s one step you’ve been waiting to take, what will it be — and what would the second step look like?Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. Every so often, I like to step outside and look at what I call the Outer Game of Change—that wider perspective where leaders and influencers shape the systems we all work within.Today, I am joined by Greg Sawyer, CEO of CAUDIT, the Council of Australasian University Directors of IT. Greg has been at the centre of some of the most pressing conversations in higher education—AI, cybersecurity, the evolving role of CIOs, and the signals shaping our future through CAUDIT’s annual Top 10. For nearly two decades, the Top 10 has been a compass for CIOs, surfacing the sector’s priorities and giving leaders a shared language to act on.In this conversation, Greg shares why IT is not a cost centre but an enabler, how CIOs are stepping up as strategic leaders, and why sharing knowledge across institutions is one of the sector’s greatest superpowers.I truly enjoyed this exchange with Greg and I know you will find it insightful too.About GregSeasoned leader and technologist. I have worn many hats in my career - geek, engineer, manager, director, architect, program/ project manager, security, cybersecurity, and soldier. As a result, I have a unique ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, lead strategic delivery and projects to navigate complex challenges. This unique focus and experience has taught my professional value boils down to:- I don’t care who gets the credit. I just want to win. I know how to get things done to make it happen.- Relationships matter and they make work fun. - I speak many languages – geek, executive, designer, customer, board member, plain English and difficult client. Listening rather than speaking makes the difference.- I have been in technology and communication for most of my life. It’s what I do.- Leading people comes naturally.- I make decisions, I own my decisions and can admit to wrong decisions. But I then own moving that forward to the outcome.- I don’t know everything, but I can learn quickly to make informed decisions.- I dance in the storm.Contact GregGreg’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/[email protected] us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

 Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change. In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. We start with a deceptively simple one: What am I tolerating that I no longer have room for?From George Eliot’s idea of the unhistoric acts that shape our days, to Seneca’s warning about the quiet waste of possibility, this episode explores how the small things we put up with, in our work, our habits, our relationships, can drain more than just our energy. I will share a practical way to name, assess, and act on them, and why framing it as a question opens the door to change.If you have been feeling the slow weight of things you have outgrown, this one is for you.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. On today’s episode, I am speaking with someone who is not just talking about fixing higher education; she is building a new one from the ground up.Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich is a change maker in every sense of the word. As Founder and President of Newstate University, a skills-first, competency-based online university, she is on a mission to lift people into the middle class without burying them in debt.Sasha has spent her career leading innovation at some of the biggest names in higher ed, but when she saw the limits of tweaking the old system, she chose a different path; AI-first, student-centred, and free of the red tape that stops too many learners at the door.In our conversation, Sasha opens up about decision making under uncertainty, the courage and risk appetite needed to lead big change, and the execution discipline that turns vision into results. She is candid, she is bold, and she is relentlessly focused on impact.I am grateful to have Sasha chatting with me today. About SashaSasha Thackaberry (@sashatberr) is a higher education leader in innovative learning models and the effective use of eLearning systems. She is currently the Founder and President of Newstate University, a skills-first, competency-based, online university with fully stackable certificates and degrees. www.newstateu.com She previously served as the President of SkillsWave, a rollout of a company from D2L when she was Senior Vice President of Wave at D2L, an upskilling platform that serves as a matchmaker between corporations needing upskilling, and education partners delivering excellence in learning. She has supported teams and grown enrollments across a range of institutions, including as the Vice President of Student and Partner Services at Pearson, as Vice President for Online and Continuing Education at Louisiana State University, and as Assistant Vice President for Academic Technology and New Learning Models at Southern New Hampshire University. She was previously the District Director of eLearning Technologies for the Office of eLearning and Innovation (eLi) at Cuyahoga Community College, responsible for both operational support for eLearning technologies and for innovative learning projects. In that role she led the administration and front end support for Blackboard Learn, as well as other academic technologies. She also led Quality Matters initiatives at Tri-C, including serving as the QM Coordinator. She has consulted for higher education organizations, for corporations in their eLearning efforts, and in the K-12 sector. Presentations include local, state, and national conferences, general sessions and keynotes, and enjoys writing in the field. Her PhD in Educational Administration - Higher Education is from Kent State University, as is her Masters in the Art of Teaching.Contact  SashaSasha’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/sashatberrWebsiteSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change. Now, before we step into today’s topic, let’s revisit something we mention in every episode, what is a mental model anyway?A mental model is a way of seeing, a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions. You can think of it like a mental lens. The clearer it is, the better we navigate uncertainty and lead with intention.In our last episode, we explored Chunking — a model about breaking big challenges into small, manageable pieces so we can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.Today, we are staying in that space between vision and execution. Because once we’ve broken things down into chunks, the next trap is how we estimate the time and effort those chunks will take.And that’s where today’s mental model comes in — The Planning Fallacy.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. In this episode, I am joined by James Stevenson, Principal at Kaizen Institute Western Europe. James brings clarity, calm, and sharp thinking to the world of continuous improvement. We talk about what Kaizen truly is (and what it is not), why it starts with the customer, not the process, and how so many change efforts lose their way by optimising for convenience rather than value.From leadership mindsets to simulated learning, from efficiency gains to the often-ignored question of “what happens after the improvement?”, this conversation looks at the human and the structural sides of change. We also explore the role of artificial intelligence in continuous improvement, and how AI might be the sharpest new tool in the Kaizen toolbox, if used wisely.If you are in the business of enabling better change, better work and better workplaces, this one will land.I am grateful to have James chatting with me today. About JamesA conscientious and hard-working consultant at Kaizen Institute Western Europe.ContactsJames’ Profilelinkedin.com/in/jameskaizenWebsiteuk.kaizen.com/ (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.Now, before we get into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway?A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions. You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can navigate uncertainty.In our last episode, we explored the OODA Loop — a model that helps us respond quickly and wisely when change is moving fast and unpredictably.Today, we are building on that, because once you have figured out how to adapt quickly, the next challenge is dealing with sheer size and complexity.That is where today’s mental model comes in — Chunking.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.Now, before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway?A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions. You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can move through uncertainty.In our last episode, we explored Map vs Territory — a model that reminds us to challenge our assumptions and stay grounded in reality, not just in our maps or frameworks.Today, we’re building on that — because once you’ve seen the difference between map and territory, the next question becomes: How do you move through it, especially when things are changing fast?That’s where today’s mental model comes in — the OODA Loop.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. In this episode, I sit down with Dr Jonathan Thorp; a former Navy pilot turned leadership educator—to unpack one of the most vital ingredients of effective teams: psychological safety.From the boardroom to the break room, we explore what makes conversations feel safe, why trust must precede truth-telling, and how safety and accountability must work together—not in opposition—for change to truly take hold.Jonathan also shares his six-step dialogue framework and reminds us that not all resistance is resistance—sometimes, it’s just people needing time to process.Whether you lead teams through change or support those who do, this episode will leave you with both practical tools and fresh perspective.I am grateful to have Jonathan chating with me today.Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.In our last episode, we explored Leverage Points — how small, well-placed actions can shift entire systems. We talked about where change managers should be scanning for influence — not just solving problems, but shifting the conditions that create them.Today, we pivot to a model that pairs beautifully with that: Map vs. Territory.But first — if you’re just joining us, a quick reminder of what this mini-series is all about. A mental model is a way of seeing — a thinking framework that helps us interpret complexity, make better decisions, and lead change more thoughtfully.And just like any map, the clearer our model, the more confidently we can move through uncertainty.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. Today, I’m joined by Bronwyn Penhaligon — a strategic psychotherapist who helps people and teams get unstuck by tackling the emotional loops and environmental triggers that hold them back. In this conversation, we unpack burnout — how it’s different from stress, why it’s rising, and what both leaders and individuals can do to stop normalising overwhelm. We also explore the deep connection between mindset, environment, and change readiness.And then — we zoom out. We talk about the psychological impact of artificial intelligence. Not just what it does, but how it’s quietly reshaping how we think, connect, reflect — even how we relate to ourselves.So whether you’re managing change, leading a team, or just navigating your own mental patterns — this episode has something for you. I am grateful to have Bronwyn chatting with me today. About BronwynOkay, it’s time to stop.Stop telling yourself you'll start next week. Stop lying awake every night stressing about your problems. Stop drinking your way through a bottle bitching to your friends...Just stop. Let's face it, all the 'new year, new me' mantras and goal setting sessions won't change anything if you don't change your behaviour. So...- If you’re struggling to regulate your emotions- Sick of overthinking and stressing yourself out - Tired of procrastinating and faffing through your day- And you're ready to start doing better…Then we need to talk.I'm a Strategic Psychotherapist and I'm here to move you from where you are now, to where you want to be - as fast as possible. I help people not just 'feel' better, but be more effective in life; to actually 'be' better. I work 1:1 with people ready to get out of their heads, with teams keen to optimise their performance, and with companies who are in need of a fresh voice to talk about the elephant in the room. - visit www.penhaligons.com.au- book an initial consult- or DM me hereDay one or one day. You choose.ContactsBronwyn’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/bronwyn-penhaligon-32977313Websitepenhaligons.com.au (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.In this episode of Mental Models for Managing Change, we explore Leverage Points — a systems thinking model that helps change leaders identify the small, high-impact interventions that can shift entire systems.Popularised by Donella Meadows, Leverage Points reveal why some efforts lead to deep transformation, while others barely make a dent. Ali Juma unpacks this model through a real-world example from Toyota’s production system and shares five places where change managers can look for untapped leverage.If you are tired of pushing hard with little traction, this episode will help you focus your energy where it counts most.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation. In this episode, I am joined by the insightful and bold Amy Yackowski—founder of Painted Porch Strategies and a passionate advocate for building shift-ready teams and leaders.Together, we dive into the critical, often overlooked period before change officially begins—a space Amy calls Phase Zero. Long before the project plan kicks in, before kickoff meetings and comms plans, Phase Zero is where emotional readiness, mindset, and organisational truth-telling take shape. It is the terrain where insight is gathered, assumptions are surfaced, and success—or struggle—starts to take root. We explore why skipping Phase Zero can derail even well-planned change, how to navigate time constraints, and how AI tools like Copilot can surface early insights. Amy also shares how Stoic thinking shapes her work and why change must be personalised—not one-size-fits-all.  Whether you are a project lead, a change advisor, or just navigating another wave of workplace evolution, this episode offers a fresh lens and some very practical tools to help you start smart—right from Phase Zero. I am grateful to have Amy chatting with me today. About Amy"Oh, Shift". It lands on the steps of your business and with your teams every day, challenging you to adapt.- Market Shifts - Economic Shifts - Technology Shifts - Strategic/Operational Shifts - Culture Shifts  - Priority Shifts  - People Shifts  - Leadership Shifts  😧 Are you taken by surprise, stepping in it, and making a mess? 😎 Or are you able to spot, solve, and pivot with confidence?When these shifts hit your plan - and change is not just desired, but demanded - how ready is your team to navigate with clarity and purpose to make it happen? ⛔ Part of the 70%+ of organizations struggling with transformation realization and adoption?🔮 Struggle with designing future-focused solutions before the next shift happens (vs. recreating what you already do or have)?🔥 Battling team burnout, misalignment, low ownership, and miscommunication?Then partner with 'the Porch'. Growth-minded businesses work with us to create a P.A.T.H. for success that reduces risk, increases engagement, and achieves innovative transformation.With 20 years of expertise in operational optimization and team dynamics, backed by certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Change Management, the Painted Porch team uses Stoic principles and operational best practices to:- Analyze your processes, culture, and communication 🚥- Map out your change journey 🗺️- Build resilient, shift-ready teams that make your growth strategies stick Contactslinkedin.com/in/ayackowskipaintedporchstrategies.com (Company)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.In this episode, we explore one of the most practical and empowering models in the change toolkit: the Circle of Control, Influence, and Concern.When faced with uncertainty or disruption, where we place our attention can make or break our impact. This timeless mental model helps us distinguish between what we can control, what we can influence, and what we should consciously let go of.You’ll discover:How to apply this model in personal and organizational changeCommon traps that drain energy and focusPractical strategies to expand your circle of influenceWhy mindset and boundaries are critical in times of fluxThis episode is an invitation to pause, refocus, and lead from a place of clarity and agency.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation.In today’s episode, we explore a powerful way of thinking and working that helps people navigate complexity, solve tough problems, and grow through structured learning — the Improvement Kata.My guest is Tracy Defoe — a lifelong adult educator, Kata coach, and passionate advocate for deliberate, reflective learning at work. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Tracy shares her deep insights into how the Kata practice — inspired by Toyota’s continuous improvement approach — helps individuals and teams move forward, even when the way ahead is unclear.We unpack what the Kata actually is, how it works, and why it's far more than a business tool — it's a mindset shift. We also touch on the role of psychological safety, the difference between goals and challenges, and how leaders can become coaches who build capability, not just compliance.If you’re curious about how to embed continuous improvement in a way that feels human, sustainable, and empowering — this one is for you.I am grateful to have Tracy chatting with me today. About TracyAims to make you smarter about learning.Adult Education professional specializing in learning at work. Interested in culture change, supporting peer-leadership, informal learning, multiple literacies and communication in diverse settings. Experienced in designing and implementing innovative learning at work programs. Humble Lean Practitioner interested in combining my interests in Lean with Adult Learning and Culture Change. Student of the Kata, Coach and Learner. Improvement and Coaching Kata learner and coach. Volunteer Host of the Cascadia Kata Dojo Community Call - a 30 minute weekly zoom meeting for Kata Coaches From British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.Specialties: Customized solutions, embedding lean or essential skills in content training, facilitation of improvements or supporting leaders in improving their facilitation, communicating with the workforce, re-framing change as learning challenge, training design and delivery, implementation and evaluation. Facilitating meetings and retreats for clients, strategic planning, realizing a mission and vision to a Challenge, and a daily improvement plan. Plain Language and Clear Design.ContactTracy’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/tracydefoeWebsitethelearningfactor.ca (Company)[email protected] us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.In this episode of Mental Models for Managing Change, we explore a mental model that helps us cut through complexity and focus our energy where it really counts: The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 Rule.Named after economist Vilfredo Pareto, this model reveals a powerful pattern — that a small percentage of inputs often lead to the majority of outcomes. In change work, that means identifying the vital few actions, stakeholders, or conversations that drive the biggest impact.If you have ever felt spread too thin, overwhelmed by competing priorities, or stuck in busywork that goes nowhere, this episode is for you.Learn how to spot the 20% that truly matters, make better decisions with limited time, and shift from doing more… to doing what matters most.Listen now to discover how the Pareto Principle can bring clarity, focus, and traction to your next change effort.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation.In this episode, I am joined by someone who’s been on the frontlines of organisational culture in some of the world’s most recognisable companies — Mehmet Baha, author of the newly released book Creating Psychological Safety at Work.Baha is the founder of Solution Folder and has over 24 years of experience working with top organisations, including being one of the first Facebook employees in Europe. He is a global trainer and speaker on psychological safety, agile, and resilience, fluent in multiple languages, and has delivered learning sessions worldwide.We unpack why psychological safety is not just a ‘nice-to-have’ — but a non-negotiable for high-performing teams. From personal stories of toxic cultures to practical tools you can apply today, Baha shares what it takes to build environments where people feel safe to speak up, make mistakes, and bring their whole selves to work.If you are a leader, change practitioner, or simply someone trying to create better conversations at work, this one is for you.I am grateful to have Baha chatting with me today. About Baha🎯 What Is Important To You?You are ambitious, open to new ideas, would like to provide the best learning experience for your employees & teams, and you are committed to making a difference in your organization. ⭐️ Why?Because you believe that learning sessions should be inspiring and aimed at enabling behavior change.🚀 How Can I Serve You?Learning sessions (live virtual training, keynote talks, custom-made online courses) I provide are on the topics of psychological safety, agile mindset, and resilience.The learning sessions are based on 3H: Head, Heart, Hands. You learn cutting-edge concepts (Head), you are inspired (Heart) and you put in practice what you learn (Hands). 🌍 What Do Others Say?🔥 “The online session provides a comprehensive yet practical overview of psychological safety with hands-on exercises that helps the attendees apply the more theoretical concepts to their daily work life." VP of Agility, Global manufacturing company, USA 🔥 “Great learning experience and excellent presentation." Former Vice President Project Management, Bank of America🔥 “After this session, I will communicate more often with my peers and encourage their feedback."Senior Manager, Global healthcare company, Germany 🔥 "It was a wonderful session with lots of interaction and learning." Harvard Business School Online Istanbul Chapter Organizer🧑🏽‍💻 How Can You Book A Learning Session/Talk?Psychological safety ---> https://solutionfolder.com/team-psAgile mindset ---> https://solutionfolder.com/agileResilience ---> https://solutionfolder.com/training-resilient-antifragile💡 How Can You Get Free Resources?Visit https://solutionfolder.com/free-resources and get free resources toSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.In this episode of Mental Models for Managing Change, we explore a mental model that helps us pause, reflect, and challenge how we make sense of the world around us: The Ladder of Inference.Developed by organisational psychologist Chris Argyris and later popularised by Peter Senge, this model shows how quickly we move from observing facts to taking action — often based on assumptions, not evidence.It is especially useful in moments of tension, misalignment, or misunderstanding — and in change work, those moments happen often.If you have ever walked away from a meeting wondering, “How did we end up on such different pages?”, this episode is for you.Learn how to recognise the thinking patterns that drive your decisions, how to stay grounded in what is observable, and how to open up better, more constructive conversations — even during complex change.Listen now to step off the ladder, and into clearer, more intentional leadership.Send us Fan MailAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation.In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Susan Zhang, a creative technologist, author, and global thought leader. From her beginnings in China to her journey as an international student in Australia, Susan has embraced the discomfort of change to unlock personal and professional growth.We dive deep into topics like the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, the role of ambition in driving change, and how embracing failure can lead to unexpected growth. Susan shares her unique perspective on leadership, drawing from her experiences at Google and her bold decisions to pivot in her career. If you're navigating a time of uncertainty or change, this conversation offers powerful insights on how to move forward with confidence, embrace new opportunities, and transform challenges into growth. I am grateful to have Susan chatting with me today.Susan's Book Life Outside My Comfort Zone: Hup draak!About Susan024 Awarded Ph.D. at UOW with Examimers' Commendation for Outstanding Thesis2022 Australian Ambassador's Award for Women in Leadership Judges' commendation2021 UOW Young Alumni Award2019 Young Australia China Alumni of the Year Award - Australian Embassy in China2019 Book release on Amazon: http://bit.ly/susanfirstbookFrom an international student to a global tech leader, from a career at Google UK to TikTok in China, from an introvert to a TEDx speaker, Dr Susan Zhang continues to push boundaries and explore outside her comfort zone.Dr Zhang is recognised as a high-energy business leader and technology serial entrepreneur. She effectively brings a combination of technical prowess and commercial acumen in her leadership positions at Google, later for ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon and Canva where her career has taken her to Australia, China and the United Kingdom. Currently, she is the Head of Creative and EdTech, Digital Trade for the British Government based in Sydney.Dr Zhang is a published author, a TEDx Speaker and a mentor for young entrepreneurs. Dr Zhang believes her research can play a key part in harnessing the capabilities of AI-driven education influencers at the intersection of e-learning technology and pedagogy Digitalisation.Contact SusanDr Susan’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/zhangsusanWebsitesxiaochenzhang.com (Personal)amazon.com.au/Life-Outside-My-Comfort-Zone/dp/1794103422/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=life+outside+my+comfort+zone&qid=1606083586&sr=8-1 (Portfolio)Send us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn