Change Leadership Conversations

Hosted by Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta

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May 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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27 recent

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 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 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 gameThe power of authenticity and why your difference is your strengthWhat it means to stay relevant in the face of disruptionWhy 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 BioJahanzaib 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

February 4, 2026Episode 1958 min

The Change Leader Mindset, and Leading with Courage | Ep 19

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by David Donaldson for a wide-ranging conversation on courageous leadership, the evolving nature of change, and how to lead when the path isn’t yet visible. With decades of experience leading leadership development and transformation initiatives across sectors, David shares powerful stories, from his early entrepreneurial days to his work in national safety, aviation, and leadership training to explore what it really means to lead change. Together, they unpack the mindset shift from managing change to leading it, and why real change leadership requires vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to sit with ambiguity. In This Episode: Why leading change means creating paths that don’t exist yet How entrepreneurial thinking prepares leaders for disruption What AI adoption reveals about resistance, readiness, and leadership mindsets Why real communication goes far beyond emails and training plans Guest Bio David Donaldson is a leadership development expert, VP & Partner at LPI Canada. With a background in change management, entrepreneurship, and aviation safety, David brings a grounded yet visionary perspective to leadership and transformation. He currently works with a global learning and leadership institute and is known for his experiential facilitation and thought-provoking analogies. Resources & Links: Connect with David Donaldson on LinkedIn Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn Learn more about the Change Leadership Training and Programs Explore upcoming Change Leadership Conference events

January 21, 2026Episode 1850 min

Organizational Physics: The Science and Soul of Leading Change | Ep 18

In this episode, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Rehana Rajwani, a transformation leader who brings a unique blend of science, systems thinking, and soul to how we lead change.Rehana, who currently leads Agile Learning and Transformation at BMO, shares how her background in engineering and agile coaching inspired her to develop the concept of Organizational Physics, a powerful framework that applies feedback loops, momentum, and systems thinking to drive meaningful change at scale.Together, they explore how to build momentum for change, lead through complexity, and shift from reactive to responsive cultures, all while staying human in an age of AI and disruption.In This Episode: What “Organizational Physics” is, and how it reframes change leadership How feedback loops and momentum shape how people respond to change Why systems thinking can help organizations adapt more effectively How Agile values and change leadership principles intersect Why adaptive leadership is essential in the age of AI Guest Bio: Rehana Rajwani is an enterprise transformation leader, agile coach, and speaker with deep experience leading organizational change in complex environments. As Head of Agile Learning and Transformation at BMO, she focuses on building capability, culture, and mindset across the enterprise. With a background in engineering and a passion for systems thinking, Rehana is known for pioneering the concept of Organizational Physics, blending science and soul to create change that sticks. Resources & Links: Connect with Rehana Rajwani on LinkedIn Learn more about Rehana’s book here Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn Learn more about the Change Leadership Training and Programs Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

January 14, 2026Episode 1857 min

From Change Management to Change Enablement | Ep 17

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Blake Bell for a grounded and practical conversation on what it really takes to get buy-in for change at scale.Blake shares insights from over two decades of leading enterprise-wide change in complex organizations including Rogers, RBC, and now Manulife - where he’s helping to build a change-capable workforce of over 40,000 employees.Together, they explore the shift from change management to change enablement, and how organizations can create the conditions for people to not only adopt change - but lead it from wherever they sit.In this episode:Why getting buy-in starts with language, trust, and timingWhat the move from change management to change enablement means for leaders todayPractical ways to build enterprise-wide readiness and capability for changeHow to speak the language of leadership to gain executive supportGuest BioBlake Bell is the Global Head of Organizational Change Enablement at Manulife. With more than 20 years of experience leading change across financial services and telecommunications, Blake brings a grounded, people-first approach to transformation. He previously led change and communications at Rogers and RBC, and today focuses on enabling leaders and teams to thrive in disruption. He’s also a published author and pop culture enthusiast. Resources & Links:Connect with Blake Bell on LinkedInConnect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedInLearn more about the Change Leadership TrainingDownload the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps others discover the show, and we appreciate your support!