Ep18: Harnessing Change Through Storytelling with Dr. Susanne Evans

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, is joined by Dr. Suzanne Evans, an organization and change consultant specializing in transformation. Suzanne discusses her new book, 'Change Stories,' and emphasizes the importance of considering the human aspect of organizational change.The conversation covers how effective change management involves understanding the emotions and daily lives of employees, using storytelling to enhance communication, and maintaining curiosity and optimism in the workplace. Helen and Suzanne also explore practical tips for leaders to foster deeper connections and successfully navigate change.Topics Discussed:Harnessing change through storytellingEffective communication during organizational changeChallenges in Implementing Change Management ProgramsPractical Tips for Leading Organizational TransformationView Extended Shownotes here:About Dr. Susanne EvansOrder ChangeStories: How to have powerful conversations, tell inspiring stories and build engagement for transformationMore about Feldspar ConsultingFollow Dr. Evans on LinkedInI founded Feldspar Consulting Limited in 2007 after a 10 year consultancy career in Big 4 consultancy firms.  I wanted to create a consultancy firm that offered exceptional customer service and the latest thinking in change management and HR consultancy, but priced in a way that made it accessible and affordable to organisations of all sizes.  My aim was also to provide a more creative and individualistic approach to organisation change, to reflect the circumstances of each individual and organisation.Since then, I have worked as a consultant, coach and trainer across a variety of sectors including professional services, property, IT, veterinary practices, utilities, education, local and central government, financial services and insurance.  My change work focuses on using storytelling and appreciative inquiry techniques to increase involvement and engagement with change and to create a more human approach to change.  As well as working in the field of organisation change, I also provide consultancy advice to organisations in areas such as performance management, talent management, leadership development, learning and development and other aspects of people management.My work is underpinned by the research that I undertook to complete a PhD in Organisational Change at the University of Birmingham in 2020.   In this research I discovered that there was a need to approach organisation change differently.  To make it more human centred and to enable people at all levels to feel involved and engaged in the change.Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, history and archaeology and often use these as metaphors to discuss various aspects oFurther links to follow:Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidenceHelen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wadaThe Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/