Org Design Podcast

Amy Springer
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Org Design Podcast

Leaders share real stories from organizational (org) design, workforce transformation, and managing structure change. We highlight the challenges and breakthroughs seen first hand helping organizations become places people love. This is for any leader who is creating organizations of the future. Join host Amy Springer and the co-founders of Functionly, Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, on their quest to make work work better.

  1. Honor the past while embracing the future in your org design with Ramona Elena-Cherciu

    4 DAYS AGO

    Honor the past while embracing the future in your org design with Ramona Elena-Cherciu

    Join us on the Org Design Podcast as we dive into a captivating conversation with Ramona Elena Curciu, Head of Coherence, live from the EODF conference in Milan. In this episode, we explore the essence of org design, the journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs, and the importance of approaching organizational change with humility and respect. Ramona shares her unique insights on balancing the heart and tools in org design, emphasizing the need to honor the past while fostering growth. As hosts, we delve into the mindset required for effective org design, drawing parallels with design research principles. Tune in to discover how compassion and curiosity can transform organizational landscapes. If you're curious about org design or seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Ramona on LinkedIn and share your thoughts with us.

    22 min
  2. Inclusion in Org Design and creating conditions for EVERYBODY to thrive with Amri B. Johnson

    27 MAR

    Inclusion in Org Design and creating conditions for EVERYBODY to thrive with Amri B. Johnson

    In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Amri B. Johnson from Inclusion Wins. Amri shares his journey into organizational design, revealing how his background as an epidemiologist shaped his understanding of leadership and management. He discusses the importance of creating organizational structures that foster emergent strategies, emphasizing that "structure creates behavior." Amri highlights the common pitfalls organizations face when trying to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, noting that many fail to align their strategies with their stated goals. He argues for a shift in perspective: DEI should not be seen as a separate initiative but as integral to the organization's fabric. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of including team members in the decision-making process and the need for leaders to develop robust listening skills to build adaptive organizations. This conversation aims to equip leaders with the tools to create inclusive environments that allow all individuals to thrive, ultimately driving better organizational outcomes. Tune in to learn how to design organizations that are not only effective but also resilient and inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

    30 min
  3. Mastering the Cube: A Deep Dive into Organizational Design with Dallin Whitfield

    13 MAR

    Mastering the Cube: A Deep Dive into Organizational Design with Dallin Whitfield

    In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Tim Brewer and Amy Springer sit down with Dallin Whitfield, a volunteer at the Org Design Festival and an expert in organizational design. Dallin shares his unconventional journey from aspiring lawyer to becoming an organization design consultant, highlighting the importance of understanding systems and people in the workplace. They discuss the evolving nature of organizational design, emphasizing the need for adaptability in response to external pressures like technological advancements and market changes. Dallin explains how Align Org, his current consultancy, focuses on collaboration and leveraging existing organizational knowledge to drive effective design processes. Listeners will gain insights into the methodologies used in organizational design, including the "Mastering the Cube" framework, which Dallin uses to guide organizations through strategic alignment and structural changes. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by organizations in today’s fast-paced environment and the importance of continuous design governance. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to navigate the complexities of organization design and build better workplaces.

    16 min
  4. From Science to Strategy: Effective Org Design with Beth Gunderson

    27 FEB

    From Science to Strategy: Effective Org Design with Beth Gunderson

    Join us on the Org Design Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Beth Gunderson in our episode, From Science to Strategy: Effective Org Design with Beth Gunderson. Beth, a key figure at the University of Southern California's Center for Effective Organizations, shares her unique path from material science to becoming an influential org design consultant. We explore her insights on the STAR framework, the importance of aligning org design with strategy, and the evolving role of operating models. Beth also discusses how leaders can effectively communicate change and foster collaboration across various organizational levels. With her extensive experience, Beth offers valuable advice for leaders and designers alike. Tune in as Amy, Damian, and I uncover the intricacies of effective org design and how it can transform organizations.

    28 min
  5. Bringing Soul Back to Work: Designing for Dignity, Creativity, and Connection with Jardena London

    13 FEB

    Bringing Soul Back to Work: Designing for Dignity, Creativity, and Connection with Jardena London

    In this conversation, Jardena London—an Agile practitioner and author—discusses the concept of creating “soulful” organizations. Drawing on her background in software development, Jardena noticed that the real challenges weren’t purely technical; instead, they stemmed from how people and teams work together. She highlights three core conditions for soulfulness in any organization: Dignity – Ensuring people are treated with respect, rather than being forced to earn basic self-worth through work. Creativity – Making space for genuine problem-solving and innovation, as opposed to purely transactional or process-driven work that drains energy. Human Connection – Fostering collaboration and openness instead of merely relying on rigid handoffs and “automated” communication. Jardena contrasts these elements with environments that “crush the soul,” where strict processes, ego-driven leadership, or lack of trust discourage creativity and honest dialogue. She believes leaders have a key role in setting conditions: by becoming more self-aware, staying curious (especially in high-stakes situations), and listening actively, they can reduce friction and remove obstacles for their teams. From an organization design perspective, Jardena advocates looking at formal structures, processes, and policies—like budgeting or performance reviews—and asking how they might be unintentionally stifling dignity, creativity, or connection. Then, leaders should revisit the original purpose of these processes and rebuild them in ways that restore or enhance soulfulness. Ultimately, Jardena’s message is that while efficiency and outcomes matter, they are achieved more sustainably when leaders and teams operate with humanity at the forefront—creating organizations where people’s energy and creativity can flourish.

    19 min

  6. 30 JAN

    Empathy Meets Strategy: How Leaders Transform Organizations with Pallavi Srivistava

    Send us a text In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Amy Springer engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pallavi Srivastava, an associate partner at The OrgSmith. They explore the often misunderstood concept of organizational design, emphasizing its importance beyond mere restructuring and cost-cutting measures. Pallavi shares insights on the need for leaders to adopt an agile and entrepreneurial mindset in today's rapidly changing business environment, particularly in light of recent global disruptions like COVID-19. The discussion covers the critical role of leaders in aligning organizational structures with dynamic strategies and the necessity for constant communication about these strategies. Pallavi highlights the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and psychological safety, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to change. She provides real-world examples of companies that successfully pivoted during the pandemic, demonstrating the qualities that empower resilient and agile organizations. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of job design in the context of AI and digital transformation, and the essential leadership skills required to navigate these changes. Pallavi underscores the need for empathy in leadership while also advocating for the courage to make tough decisions as organizations adapt to new challenges. Join us for this enlightening episode as we uncover the complexities of organizational design and the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a responsive and resilient business environment. Support the show

    26 min

  7. 16 JAN

    Cultivating Love-Driven Success in Business with David Henzel

    Send us a text In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, the hosts chat with David Henzel, the founder of Love Not Fear and an accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of businesses.  David shares his journey from being a recovering introvert to a successful leader, emphasizing the transformative power of making decisions out of love rather than fear. He discusses the importance of creating a company culture where employees feel empowered and motivated, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction. David dives into practical strategies for fostering alignment, trust, and motivation within teams, including innovative approaches to organizational design that break down silos and promote collaboration. He introduces exercises such as the lifeline and 3-2-1 to help team members connect on a deeper level, enhancing communication and cooperation. Listeners will gain insight into David's experience with various companies, including Upcoach and TaskDrive, and learn how his philosophy of "Love Not Fear" can be applied to cultivate a thriving organizational culture. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for leaders seeking to create meaningful and impactful work environments. Support the show

    18 min

  8. 2 JAN

    Leading change with curiosity, clarity and human-centricity with Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby

    Send us a text In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we're joined by Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby to explore the human side of organizational change. Our guests share invaluable insights on how to implement structural changes while keeping people at the heart of the transformation process. Key discussion points include: The importance of involving team members in organizational change rather than imposing decisions from aboveWhy continuous communication is crucial throughout the entire change processHow seeking clarity rather than certainty leads to better organizational outcomesThe value of experimentation and learning through pilot programsElizabeth emphasizes that successful organizational change requires supporting each team individually through their transformation journey, while Ross shares the powerful perspective that "the future punishes certainty but rewards clarity." Together, they provide practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, whether they're org design experts or just beginning their journey. This conversation offers essential insights for anyone interested in creating more effective, human-centered organizations that can adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing business environment. Support the show

    26 min
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    About

    Leaders share real stories from organizational (org) design, workforce transformation, and managing structure change. We highlight the challenges and breakthroughs seen first hand helping organizations become places people love. This is for any leader who is creating organizations of the future. Join host Amy Springer and the co-founders of Functionly, Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, on their quest to make work work better.

    Information

    • Creator
      Amy Springer
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      30
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 Org Design Podcast
    • Show Website
      Org Design Podcast

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