Change Leadership Conversations

Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta

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Aug 2026

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Change Leadership Conversations podcast explores the insights and practical experiences of thought leaders, change management practitioners, and industry change leaders on what it takes to lead and respond to change in today’s disruptive and fast-evolving world of work. Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta, Change Leadership Advisor, Workshop Facilitator, and Founder of The Change Leadership, each episode brings grounded conversations and practical perspectives shaped by real-world experience. This podcast also goes hand in hand with the Change Leadership Conference held every spring in Toronto.

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30 recent

August 13, 2026Episode 2914 min

Reimagining Change Leadership - Building Organizational Buy-in | EP 29

What if the job of a change leader was never to drive change? In this conversation from the Change Leadership Conference , Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta challenges traditional approaches to leading change and explores why building organizational buy-in isn't about better communication or managing resistance. It's about creating the conditions where people discover, own, and lead change themselves. In this episode, you'll learn: Why organizations often ask for buy-in too late How to move from telling people to engaging them Why resistance is valuable insight, not something to eliminate How building change capability helps organizations thrive in a world of constant change Guest Bio Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is an Executive Change Advisor and the Founder of The Change Leadership, a global platform dedicated to equipping leaders and organizations with the mindset, skills, and practical tools to lead change in today’s disruptive world. She works with leaders, teams, and organizations globally to help them lead and respond to change. She is also the creator of the Change Leadership Conference, and host of Change Leadership Conversations. Resources & Links • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about our work The Change Leadership • Explore Change Leadership Training and Workshops

July 2, 2026Episode 2846 min

Leading Change Across Systems: Boardroom, Government and Education | Ep 28

In this episode, I sit with Dr. Akolisa Ufodike to explore what it really takes to lead change across very different systems. From boardrooms and corporate leadership to government, education, and public service, change does not behave the same way everywhere. So what happens when leaders try to apply one approach across all of them? Dr. Ufodike shares insights from a career spanning CFO and COO roles, academia, entrepreneurship, and serving as Deputy Minister in Alberta. Together, we explore why change in some systems is fast and adaptive, while in others it is structured, political, and slow to move. We also unpack why real change is not something you simply “roll out,” but something that is built from within systems through trust, relationships, and networks. Guest Bio Dr. Akolisa Ufodike is an Associate Professor, former Deputy Minister in Alberta, and former CFO and COO across multiple industries. He has held senior leadership roles in corporate, academic, and public sector systems. He is also the founder of the John Ware Institute, which has supported the placement and development of Black Canadian leaders on boards across the country. Resources & Links • Connect with Dr. Akolisa Ufodike on LinkedIn • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about The Change Leadership • Explore Change Leadership Training and Workshops

June 18, 2026Episode 271 hr 1 min

Why Traditional Change Management Fails in a Complex World | Ep 27

In this episode, we discuss systems thinking, chaos theory, and the complexity of leading change. Traditional change management assumes a level of predictability that simply does not exist in many modern organizations. In this conversation, Rick Nason breaks down why leaders often struggle when they apply structured, linear thinking to environments that are fundamentally complex, adaptive, and unpredictable. Using systems thinking and chaos theory, Rick explains the difference between simple, complicated, and complex systems, and why this distinction is critical for anyone responsible for leading transformation. This conversation is a reminder that not all change can be managed the same way. Some change can be structured. Some can be planned. But much of what leaders face today must be understood through the lens of complexity, adaptation, and human behaviour. In this episode, we explore: • Why “solving” thinking breaks down in adaptive human systems • What chaos theory and systems thinking reveal about unpredictability in organizations • Why AI can handle complicated work but struggles with true complexity Guest Bio Rick Nason, PhD, CFA, is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University. Prior to joining academia, Dr. Nason held senior roles in capital markets as well as roles in corporate training and development. He is the author / co-author of nine books and textbooks, including It’s Not Complicated: The Art and Science of Complexity in Business, published by University of Toronto Press, and Rethinking Risk Management, by Business Experts Press. Resources & Links • Connect with Rick Nason on LinkedIn • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about The Change Leadership • Explore Change Leadership Training and Workshops

May 14, 2026Episode 2642 min

Getting to Yes: Building Organizational Buy-in For Change Management | Ep 26

In today’s episode of Change Leadership Conversations, we bring you a practical panel discussion recorded live at the Change Leadership Conference on a challenge many change managers know well: how do you get to yes for change management? I’m joined by Silvia Fraser, Blake Bell and Esther Akinrinlola for a rich conversation on building organizational buy-in, showing value early, and embedding change capability across the organization. This episode explores what it takes to move change management beyond a checkbox activity and position it as a strategic enabler. The conversation gets into the work behind buy-in: understanding what matters to executives, activating informal influencers, creating shared language, and helping teams see change as part of how the organization works, not something that happens off to the side. Together, we explore: • How to build buy-in for change management • Why showing value early is often more powerful than trying to sell the function • How to use data, business outcomes, and case studies to influence senior leaders • Why change capability must be built across the organization, not held by one team Panel Guests • Silvia Fraser: Director, Workplace Strategy & Transformation, Metrolinx • Blake Bell: Head, Global Change Enablement, Manulife • Esther Akinrinlola: Director, Change Management & Communications Resources & Links • Connect with Silvia Fraser , Blake Bell and Esther Akinrinlola on LinkedIn • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about Change Leadership Training • Explore the Change Leadership Conference

April 30, 2026Episode 2548 min

The Future of Change Management | Ep 25

In today’s episode of Change Leadership Conversations , we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded live at the Change Leadership Conference on the future of change management. I’m joined by Manisha Paliwal, Jason Little, Myles Bartlett, and Rich Batchelor for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on how the role of change leaders is evolving in today’s fast-changing world. From AI and adaptive organizations to coaching, curiosity, and change enablement, this discussion explores what it means to lead change in an environment shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and accelerating technological advancement. Together, we unpack how change management is moving beyond traditional frameworks into a more people-centered, enablement-driven, and experimental practice. If you are thinking about the future of your role, your skills, and how to stay relevant as a change leader, this conversation is for you. We also explore: • How AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the role of change leaders • Why curiosity and experimentation are becoming critical future skills • How VR, empathy, and immersive technologies are influencing change adoption • Why change leaders must become more agile, people-centered, and collaborative Panel Guests • Manisha Paliwal – VP, Enterprise Change Enablement • Jason Little – CTO, author, and founder • Myles Bartlett – Associate Dean at Sheridan • Rich Batchelor – Global ACMP President and Chief Change Agent Resources & Links • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about Change Leadership Training • Explore the Change Leadership Conference

April 16, 2026Episode 2426 min

Navigating Change, and Disrupting Status Quo | Ep 24

In today’s episode of Change Leadership Conversations , the tables turn as Cher Jones sits down with me, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta, for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation recorded live at the Change Leadership Conference. Together, we discuss what it truly means to disrupt the status quo, not just in organizations, but in how we lead and respond to change. We also take listeners behind the scenes of the Change Leadership Conference, the thinking behind the theme, and the evolution of The Change Leadership as a platform, community, and movement. In this episode, we explore: • What disrupting the status quo really means in today’s world of work • The human and neuroscience-based approach to leading change • How empathy and bold leadership coexist in difficult decisions • The 6Cs behind The Change Leadership ecosystem • Why change leadership is bigger than one conference and must become a collective movement Guest Bio Cher Jones is a personal branding strategist, speaker, and corporate trainer known for helping leaders and professionals build magnetic personal brands that create visibility, credibility, and opportunity. In this special conference conversation, Cher brings her signature warmth and strategic insight to unpack the deeper “why” behind change leadership, brand, and impact. Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is the Founder of The Change Leadership, a global platform dedicated to equipping leaders and organizations with the mindset, skills, and practical tools to lead change in today’s disruptive world. She works with professionals, teams, and organizations globally to help them lead and respond to change with confidence, empathy, and impact. She is also the creator of the Change Leadership Conference, host of Change Leadership Conversations , and a recognized thought leader in practical, human-centered change leadership. Resources & Links • Connect with Cher Jones on LinkedIn • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about The Change Leadership • Explore Change Leadership Training and Workshops

April 1, 2026Episode 2330 min

Building Your Brand as a Change Leader | Ep 23

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations , Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with Michelle Joliat, Senior Vice President at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, for a powerful and practical conversation on what it really means to build your brand as a change leader. Michelle’s journey spans management consulting, digital transformation, and enterprise leadership across organizations like RBC, BMO, and Ontario Teachers’. But what stands out is not just what she has done, it is how she has shown up. This conversation explores how your brand as a change leader is not built through titles or frameworks, but through the value you bring, the risks you take, and the way you lead people through uncertainty. We go beyond theory into real stories, including transformation efforts that failed, and what those moments reveal about leadership, alignment, and accountability. If you are looking to strengthen your influence, credibility, and impact as a change leader, this episode is for you. Guest Bio Michelle Joliat is a Senior Vice President at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where she leads product, delivery, and large-scale transformation across technology and operations. With a background in management consulting and senior leadership roles at RBC and BMO, Michelle has led major digital, agile, and enterprise transformation initiatives. She is known for her ability to drive execution while keeping people at the center of change. Resources & Links • Connect with Michelle Joliat on LinkedIn • Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn • Learn more about Change Leadership Training • Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide Br ought to You By The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.com

March 18, 2026Episode 2228 min

Leading Change with Influence from Where You Are | Ep 22

What does it really mean to influence change, even when you don’t have a formal title? In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations , Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Jeremy Schmidt, VP and Senior Manager of Organizational Change Management at RBC’s U.S. Wealth Management Division. Jeremy shares how he went from financial advisor to change leader, and how anyone, regardless of job title, can play a meaningful role in shaping change. This conversation is full of grounded insights on influence, remote leadership, and the mindset shift from “doing change” to leading it with intention and integrity. Whether you’re a new practitioner or experienced leader, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways for leading change in today’s fast-evolving world of work. In this episode, we explore: Why change leadership is about mindset How to build trust and influence in remote or hybrid environments The difference between authority and influence in leading change How to build organization-wide change capability The power of continuous learning, reflection, and small intentional actions Guest Bio: Jeremy Schmidt is Vice President and Senior Manager of Organizational Change Management at RBC’s U.S. Wealth Management Division. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Jeremy began his career as a financial advisor and transitioned into change leadership after discovering a deep passion for helping people adapt and thrive through transformation. He is a dedicated advocate for practical change leadership and capability building across all levels of an organization. Resources & Links: Connect with Jeremy Schmidt on LinkedIn Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn Learn more about the Change Leadership Training Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide Brought to You By: The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.com .

March 4, 2026Episode 2148 min

Reinvention, Relevance & Boardroom Leadership | Ep 21

In this powerful episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Lori-Ann Beausoleil, trailblazer, change champion, and former Senior Partner at PwC with over 35 years of experience. Lori-Ann’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and relevance. From being one of the few racially diverse women in the Canadian corporate world in the 1980s, to building an extraordinary legacy, she’s now using her voice and influence to shape the future of boardroom leadership. We unpack what it really takes to evolve, remain relevant, and lead with impact in today’s changing landscape. This episode will inspire and challenge you to embrace change boldly. In this episode, we explore: How Lori-Ann navigated decades of transformation and stayed at the top of her game The power of authenticity and why your difference is your strength What it means to stay relevant in the face of disruption Why the question “What’s in it for me?” matters when navigating change How to turn fear of change into fuel for reinvention Guest Bio: Lori-Ann Beausoleil is a governance expert and board leader with over 35 years of experience in audit, risk, regulatory compliance, and ethics. A former Senior Partner at PwC Canada, she has worked across sectors helping organizations strengthen internal controls, meet regulatory requirements, and lead with integrity. Today, she sits on multiple boards and is a passionate advocate for increased diversity and impact at the boardroom level. Resources & Links: Connect with Lori-Ann Beausoleil on LinkedIn Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn Learn more about the Change Leadership Training Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

February 18, 2026Episode 2045 min

Redefining HR: Innovation, AI & Human-Centered Change | Ep 20

In today’s episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by trailblazer Jahanzaib Ansari, for a powerful conversation on the intersection of HR, AI, and innovation. Jahanzaib has been leading in the ethical AI space long before it became a buzzword, bringing a grounded and deeply personal lens to how organizations use technology to drive fair and inclusive change. His lived experience fuels a mission to reduce bias in hiring and help organizations integrate AI responsibly and humanely at scale. Whether you’re leading people, driving innovation, or navigating change in today’s fast-evolving workplace, this episode is full of powerful insights and practical takeaways. We explore: How Jahanzaib’s personal journey led to founding Knockri and driving AI for good AI bias, trust, and transparency in the workplace Why responsible AI isn’t just an organizational issue, it’s personal Guest Bio Jahanzaib Ansari is the Co-Founder and CEO of Knockri, a behavioral skills assessment platform that reduces bias in hiring and helps organizations find the best-fit candidates faster. Named one of Canada’s Top 20 Emerging Innovators by The Peak, he has been at the forefront of ethical AI in HR and workforce transformation for nearly a decade, working with Fortune 100 companies and public sector organizations globally. Resources & Links: Connect with Jahanzaib Ansari on Linkedin and knockri.com Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn Learn more about the Change Leadership Training Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide Brought to You By: The Change Leadership, your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.com