Change Leadership Conversations

Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

  1. The Future of Change Management | Ep 25

    5D AGO

    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

    49 min
  2. Navigating Change, and Disrupting Status Quo | Ep 24

    APR 16

    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

    26 min
  3. Building Your Brand as a Change Leader | Ep 23

    APR 1

    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

    30 min
  4. Leading Change with Influence from Where You Are | Ep 22

    MAR 18

    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.

    29 min
  5. Reinvention, Relevance & Boardroom Leadership | Ep 21

    MAR 4

    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

    49 min
  6. Redefining HR: Innovation, AI & Human-Centered Change  | Ep 20

    FEB 18

    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

    45 min
  7. The Change Leader Mindset, and Leading with Courage | Ep 19

    FEB 4

    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

    58 min
  8. Organizational Physics: The Science and Soul of Leading Change | Ep 18

    JAN 21

    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

    51 min
See All (26)

Trailer

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like