Episodit

  • 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 a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 Bronwyn

    Okay, 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 here

    Day one or one day. You choose.

    Contacts

    Bronwyn’s Profile

    linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-penhaligon-32977313

    Website

    penhaligons.com.au (Company)

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

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  • 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 a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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

    Contacts

    linkedin.com/in/ayackowski

    paintedporchstrategies.com (Company)

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 flux

    This episode is an invitation to pause, refocus, and lead from a place of clarity and agency.

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 Tracy

    Aims 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.

    Contact

    Tracy’s Profile

    linkedin.com/in/tracydefoe

    Website

    thelearningfactor.ca (Company)

    Email

    [email protected]



    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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-ps

    Agile mindset ---> https://solutionfolder.com/agile

    Resilience ---> https://solutionfolder.com/training-resilient-antifragile

    💡 How Can You Get Free Resources?

    Visit https://solutionfolder.com/free-resources and ge

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 Susan

    024 Awarded Ph.D. at UOW with Examimers' Commendation for Outstanding Thesis
    2022 Australian Ambassador's Award for Women in Leadership Judges' commendation
    2021 UOW Young Alumni Award
    2019 Young Australia China Alumni of the Year Award - Australian Embassy in China
    2019 Book release on Amazon: http://bit.ly/susanfirstbook

    From 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 Susan

    Dr Susan’s Profile

    linkedin.com/in/zhangsusan

    Websites

    xiaochenzhang.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 a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 a mental model that invites us to look beyond the immediate impact of change: Second-Order Thinking.

    So often, change initiatives are shaped around what we expect to happen next. But in reality, change rarely follows a straight line — and first-order decisions often lead to second and third-order consequences we did not anticipate.

    Second-Order Thinking encourages us to slow down and ask better questions — “And then what?” It helps us move beyond short-term fixes and consider the ripple effects, unintended outcomes, and longer-term dynamics our decisions might set in motion.

    If you have ever implemented a change that worked on paper but created new challenges in practice, or if you are aiming to lead change that truly lasts, this episode offers a practical lens to deepen your thinking and strengthen your strategy.

    Listen now to discover how Second-Order Thinking can help you lead change with foresight, clarity, and intention.

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation.

    Today, I am chatting with Ian Heard Director of Public Sector Modern Work at Microsoft ANZ — a leader who is right at the heart of how AI is reshaping the way we work.

    In this episode, we talk about the real story behind GenAI Copilot, what change looks like inside Microsoft, and why the role of a change manager might just be turning into a “Chief Excitement Officer.” From navigating resistance (yes, even inside Microsoft) to embracing agentic workflows, this episode offers a grounded look at how leadership and curiosity go hand in hand in today’s fast-moving world.

    We also dig into what makes AI adoption truly work — the mindset, the momentum, and the magic that happens when teams stop asking if it works and start exploring how it can help. This one’s real, practical, and full of good humour, forward-looking ideas, and insights for anyone navigating what’s next.

    I am grateful to have Ian chatting with me today.

    About

    As Director for Microsoft's Public Sector Modern Works business in ANZ I lead an all-star team, helping our customers across Government, Health and Education to re-imagine productivity through Cloud and AI solutions such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 and Windows 365. This role builds on a career at Microsoft where I have been fortunate to be part of major market transitions in Enterprise Productivity solutions across ANZ and Asia with solutions such as Microsoft Team, Windows 365, Microsoft 365 and the development of Microsoft Security.

    As a leader I am passionate about fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. I prioritize empowering my team to stay ahead of industry trends, whilst being customer obsessed and centre my approach on challenging them to both exceed their potential and their customer's expectations.

    Prior to Microsoft, I cultivated a career with diverse experiences as a leader in multiple geographies and role types in organisations from start-ups and scale-ups through to multi-nationals.

    Complementing my corporate career, I have a passion for social impact and seek to be active in the NFP space, as seen as my tenure leading Microsoft's ANZ Give initiative and tenure at Ovarian Cancer Australia as a Board Observer.

    I am always eager to connect with like-minded professionals and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth. Let's connect and discuss how we can drive innovation and success together.

    Contact

    linkedin.com/in/ianheard

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 a model that helps us look beyond what is visible in times of change: the Iceberg Model.

    Often, we respond to what we can see on the surface — missed deadlines, disengaged teams, unexpected resistance. But, as with an iceberg, most of the real forces driving those outcomes lie beneath.

    The Iceberg Model encourages us to go deeper — to understand the patterns, structures, and mental models that sit underneath the events we see. When we take this layered view, we can begin to address root causes, not just symptoms.

    If you have ever found yourself solving the same issue repeatedly or wondering why certain problems persist despite good intentions, this episode offers a powerful way to reframe your approach.

    Listen now to discover how the Iceberg Model can help you lead more thoughtful, sustainable change in your organisation.

    #ChangeManagement #MentalModels #SystemsThinking #OrganisationalChange #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagingChange #ComplexityThinking #TheInnerGameOfChange

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation.

    In this episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Karen Ball, Senior Fellow at Prosci and author of The ADKAR Advantage: Your New Lens for Successful Change. Released in April 2024, Karen’s book offers a fresh and practical take on navigating change by embracing the power of the Prosci ADKAR Model.

    With over 40 years of experience, Karen has helped countless individuals and organisations unlock the real benefits of successful change—both professionally and personally. As a seasoned change advisor, instructor, and CCMP™ professional, she brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and passion to the conversation.

    Today, we’ll unpack Karen’s insights from her book, explore why the ADKAR lens is more relevant than ever, and hear some real-world lessons from her extensive journey in the field of change.

    I am grateful to have Karen chatting with me today.

    About Karen

    Karen Ball is author of "The ADKAR Advantage: Your New Lens for Successful Change", a Prosci publication released in April 2024. Her passion through the book is to help individuals and organizations realize the benefits of successful change, personally and professionally, by looking at change through the lens of the Prosci ADKAR Model.

    Karen is a Senior Fellow at Prosci. Previously, she served as Prosci’s Executive Vice President of Research, Product and Marketing. She is a Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™), Prosci executive instructor, and change advisor with over 40 years of professional experience. As a public speaker, Karen frequently shares her passion for all things ADKAR and change management in webinars, customer presentations, podcasts, and conference keynotes.

    Contacts

    Karen’s Profile

    linkedin.com/in/karenball26

    Email

    [email protected]

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Hi everyone, and 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.

    Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly cover what a mental model actually is.

    A mental model is simply a way of thinking — a framework that helps us understand the world, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively. Think of it like a blueprint for how to approach challenges and navigate complexity.

    Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you are driving to a new destination. Without a map, you could easily take wrong turns, waste time, or even get lost. But with a map — your mental model — you have a clear route to follow, helping you avoid mistakes and arrive faster and with far less stress.

    In the same way, mental models give us a clearer path when managing change. They help us break down complexity, anticipate obstacles, and guide us toward better outcomes.

    And today, we’re diving into a mental model that sits at the heart of successful change initiatives: The Influence Model.

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Hi everyone, and 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.

    Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly cover what a mental model actually is.

    A mental model is simply a way of thinking — a framework that helps us understand the world, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively. Think of it like a blueprint for how to approach challenges and navigate complexity.

    Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you are driving to a new destination. Without a map, you could easily take wrong turns, waste time, or even get lost. But with a map — your mental model — you have a clear route to follow, helping you avoid mistakes and arrive faster and with far less stress.

    In the same way, mental models give us a clearer path when managing change. They help us break down complexity, anticipate obstacles, and guide us toward better outcomes.

    And that brings us to today’s episode, where we’ll explore First Principles Thinking.

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Welcome to the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation.

    In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Mark Abraham, Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and author of the bestselling HBR book, Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI. With over 20 years of experience, Mark has worked closely with global CEOs, CMOs, and CXOs, helping them tackle complex business challenges and deliver breakthrough 1:1 customer experiences. At BCG, he founded and leads the company’s Global Personalization business.

    Mark brings a wealth of knowledge on how AI is reshaping customer experience, the ethical considerations of data usage, and how businesses can implement personalization at scale. We explore the strategies that drive success, the barriers to adoption, and how AI can be the game changer in the dynamic world of personalization.

    I am thrilled to have Mark chatting with me today.

    About Mark

    I am Managing Director and Senior Partner with Boston Consulting Group and author of the bestselling HBR book, Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI.

    At BCG, I founded and lead the company’s Global Personalization business, helped found our firm's AI arm, BCG GAMMA, comprised of thousands of data scientists and engineers, and lead our work in the restaurant sector. As head of the firm’s Marketing, Sales & Pricing Practice in North America, I work with global CEOs, CMOs and CXOs on complex, multifaceted business challenges. Over the course of my 20+ year tenure at the firm, I have overseen end-to-end transformation programs for iconic clients in a wide range of industries and built BCG into a globally recognized leader in helping brands deliver breakthrough 1:1 customer experiences.

    I hold an MBA with high distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a BA in business studies from Oxford Brookes University.

    Outside of BCG, you might find me off the grid on some of the great hikes of the world in places like Iceland, Patagonia, Australia & New Zealand or my Pacific Northwest home along with my two sons and partner, Jason. I grew up across three continents in Europe, China and US, learned five languages, and love meeting new people across cultures.

    Contact Mark

    Mark’s Profile

    linkedin.com/in/markabrahamai

    WWW

    https://www.personalizedthebook.com/

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow 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 am joined by Lisa Carlin, a strategy execution expert, to dive into one of the biggest conversations in business today; AI strategy and adoption. With the AI hype everywhere, how can organizations separate signals from the noise and make smart strategic decisions?

    Lisa brings her deep expertise to help us cut through the noise, focus on what matters and harness AI for real impact. We will explore practical adoption strategies, leadership's role in driving AI success and the mindset shift needed to embrace this powerful technology.

    I am grateful to have Lisa chatting with me today.

    About Lisa

    Hi, I'm a Strategy Execution Specialist. I work with leaders who want to leave a legacy of change and innovation. I help them to plan and execute their strategic projects when stakes are high. They have ambitious goals, and are faced with major risk, tough cultures or likely resistance.

    My clients love having an independent sounding board and expert advice, so they can deliver their plans with confidence.

    After 50+ implementations, I've learned that traditional strategy approaches alienate staff and hinder implementation. Over this time, I’ve pioneered a culture-friendly, human-centered approach that speeds up change momentum. AI is now a major part of my focus: developing effective AI strategies to fast track success.

    My career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running my own business since 1999. When I’m not at work, I’m gardening with the dogs.

    ***
    Work with me:

    1. 😊🌱📈 Contact me to convert your strategies into executable projects, plans and results. [email protected]

    2. 😊🌱📈 Join The Turbochargers Hub for resources, learning and a community of leaders driving change. See https://theturbochargers.com/hub/

    3. 😊🌱📈 Signup for TURBOCHARGE WEEKLY, 8,000+ subscribers.

    Fast-track your strategies with 3 tips in under 3 minutes (free)
    https://info.theturbochargers.com/register-turbocharge-weekly

    Contact Lisa

    LinkedIn

    linkedin.com/in/lisacarlin

    Websites

    theturbochargers.com/ (Company)futurebuildersgroup.com/ (Portfolio)

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Hi everyone, and 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.

    Let’s start with a quick definition. A mental model is a framework or way of thinking that helps us understand the world, make decisions, and solve problems more effectively. It’s like a blueprint for how to approach challenges and navigate complexity.

    Now, here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you’re driving to a new destination. Without a map, you might take wrong turns, waste time, or even get lost. But with a map—your mental model—you have a clear route, helping you avoid mistakes and reach your goal safer and faster.

    In the same way, mental models give us a clearer path for managing change. They simplify complexity and guide us toward better outcomes.

    And in today’s episode, we’re diving into a mental model that shifts the way we see problems and solutions—one that helps us move beyond quick fixes and truly understand the bigger picture: Systems Thinking.

    Send us a text

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn

  • Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation.


    Today, I welcome the inspiring Margo Waldorf, founder of the Global Change Awards and a true change leader on a mission in the field of workplace transformation.

    As the CEO of the Global Change Awards and Director at Change Ready Workplace, Margo is a passionate advocate for making change a skill that everyone can master. Her work is reshaping the way organisations approach change management and leadership.

    In this episode, we dive into the role of change management, the power of leadership and sponsorship, and what it means to be an influencer in the field. We also explore the critical topic of making an impact, offering insights and inspiration for expert change practitioners, those new to the profession, and anyone considering a career focused on meaningful work and driving real transformation.

    This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference in the workplace—let’s get started!

    About Margo
    Margo is the visionary founder behind the Change Awards, a prestigious global initiative that celebrates outstanding achievements in workplace transformation and change management.

    As the CEO of the Change Awards and a director at Change Ready Workplace, Margo plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the change profession.

    Her dedication to raising awareness and advocating for change as an essential skill underscores her commitment to driving progress and excellence in organisational development worldwide.

    Contacts
    linkedin.com/in/margowaldorf

    Websites

    mwaldorf.co (Personal)calendly.com/margowaldorf (Company)changeawards.co (Company)

    Send us a text

    Real Talk About Marketing

    An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

    Ali Juma
    @The Inner Game of Change podcast

    Follow me on LinkedIn