Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

Catalyst Constellations
Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

This isn’t a typical changemaking podcast because it’s not for a typical changemaker. It’s for the innovators who can’t stop taking in information, connecting dots, and changing the world. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t broken, difficult, or an incurable workaholic. You’re a Catalyst, and authors Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas believe that means you’re a rock star. In this podcast series they are having extended discussions on how to use that information to grow and thrive, with Catalysts that are profiled in their book Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

  1. 16 HR. AGO

    Stephen Kelner, President & Tiffany West, Head of Programming at Ascent Leadership Networks – Aligning Motivations to Drive Change

    In this episode we had the great fun of having two amazing guests, Stephen Kelner, President & Tiffany West, Head of Programming at Ascent Leadership Networks. Collectively they bring decades of experience working with some of the world’s largest organizations to drive change. As we discussed the challenges Catalyst leaders face, they shared two great insights into how aligning motivations can unlock transformation. To help reduce resistance to change, we need to align to the motivations and wins of the key stakeholders we need to bring along on the journey. To help maintain our own energy throughout the ups and downs of leading change, we need to continually check-in to make sure our personal motivations are aligned with the change capacity and capabilities of the organization. They shared the concept of zooming in on the daily activities that can give us energy as we get stuff done and have that sense of accomplishment with zooming out to evaluate if we are still aligned to the type, breadth and vision of change we’re being invited to create. Tiffany also shared two of her favorite Catalysts that have inspired her in different ways during her years at the World Economic Forum: Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever for the work he did mainstreaming sustainability into the Fortune 100 world and Beth Comstock, former CMO at GE, for her work leading change by flexing outside-in and inside-out innovation. We couldn’t agree more! Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    45 min
  2. NOV 11

    Andre Christian, Founder of EvokeIQ - From Realization to Transformation: Andre Christian’s Catalyst Journey

    In this episode, Andre Christian, founder of Evoke IQ and former VP of Innovation and Product Design at SES Satellites, shares his journey of discovering his unique value as a Catalyst and how it has shaped his leadership approach. Andre begins by discussing the realization of his unique skills. Throughout his career, he often felt like a "jack of all trades, master of none," until he connected with the Catalyst community. This experience helped him understand that his ability to anticipate change, think ahead, and drive transformation was not only rare but highly valuable. Finding his tribe of like-minded Catalysts made him feel "forever employable," as he finally recognized and embraced his true worth. Andre then delves into how a Catalyst must lead with empathy, have support, and identify the right environment. He emphasizes the importance of understanding where an organization is in its readiness for change and leading with questions rather than a hard sell. Strong support from senior leadership is crucial for a Catalyst's success, as it provides the confidence needed to push forward with innovative ideas. Andre also highlights the necessity of finding an organization that is genuinely open to transformation, ensuring that the Catalyst's efforts will be supported and valued. He also addresses the challenges of running ahead, burnout, and performing while transforming. As a forward-thinking leader, Andre has experienced the difficulties of moving too far ahead of his organization, as well as the personal toll of burnout. He shares his strategies for managing these challenges, including the importance of mindfulness and self-care. Andre also introduces the concept of "perform while transforming," emphasizing the need for leaders to balance ongoing performance with the demands of organizational change. Finally, Andre reflects on the success of the Catalyst Program at SES, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and empowering change agents within the company. This program not only drove significant transformation but also created a network of Catalysts who were instrumental in moving the organization forward. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    36 min
  3. NOV 6

    Tricia Carey, Former Chief Commercial Officer at Renewcell - Crafting Relationships and Personas for Impact with Tricia Carey

    In this episode, we connect with Tricia Carey, Former Chief Commercial Officer at Renewcell, a leader with decades of experience in the industry. Tricia shares her insights on overcoming resistance to change by emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience and building strong relationships. She highlights how understanding the motivations and needs of different stakeholders is key to driving transformation. Tricia underscores this with her belief that "it's not companies who do business together. It's people who do business together." Tricia also delves into the power of building a personal and professional persona. She explains how reflecting on your approach and adapting your persona to fit different roles and audiences can be crucial in leading change. This self-awareness allows leaders to connect more effectively with their teams and stakeholders, ensuring that their message resonates and drives action. Throughout the conversation, Tricia emphasizes how these relationships and a well-crafted persona can create a supportive network that amplifies efforts and overcomes resistance, particularly in advancing circularity initiatives. Her approach to community-building, such as through the "Carved to Blue" blog, showcases how aligning people around a shared mission can drive significant innovation in the textile industry. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    28 min
  4. OCT 31

    Chuck Patrick, Head of Strategic Program Management at Axis Capital - Mobilizing Great Ideas

    In this episode, we connect with Chuck Patrick, Head of Strategic Program Management at AXIS Capital. Chuck shares his journey and how he has carved out a unique role helping executives turn transformative ideas into reality. He emphasizes the "Mobilization of Great Ideas," guiding leaders through the process of moving from vision to execution and iteration. Chuck discusses how great Catalysts excel at getting others to embrace change by viewing the organization as an ecosystem, building trust, and surrounding themselves with individuals who think differently. He underscores the importance of relationships in driving change, noting that successful Catalysts leverage their networks and build strong, trust-based connections to facilitate transformation. Chuck also delves into the challenges of implementing change, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining momentum and energy throughout the process. Initial enthusiasm often wanes, making it crucial to monitor organizational dynamics and pay attention to personal resilience. He highlights the importance of separating work from personal life and engaging in activities that recharge him, like reading and exercising. By maintaining a balanced perspective and not overly identifying with his job, Chuck effectively navigates the ups and downs of organizational change. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    40 min
  5. OCT 23

    Patrick Vanbrabandt, CEO of Carya Group - From Tech Nerd to People Observer to Successful CEO: Patrick Vanbrabandt on Leading Transformation

    In our conversation with Patrick Vanbrabandt, CEO of the Carya Group, he shares his journey from a self-described "extreme nerd" to a leader deeply focused on understanding and empowering people. Patrick reflects on his early passion for technology and how it evolved into a fascination with how people work together and achieve success. This shift in focus led him to realize that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Over time, this perspective became central to his leadership style. He discusses the importance of responsibility and autonomy in driving innovation. Patrick explains how the Catalyst Program within his company has empowered employees by giving them the freedom to pursue their ideas with minimal oversight. This autonomy, coupled with a strong sense of responsibility, has significantly contributed to the company's growth and success. Patrick also touches on the delicate balance of steering transformation while minimizing disruption. He emphasizes the power of vision and consistency, noting that while it's crucial to stay the course, it's equally important not to pivot too quickly. Instead, he advocates breadcrumbing—bringing people along with change over time. This approach ensures that people are on board and reduces resistance to change. Patrick's insights offer valuable lessons on how leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of organizational transformation by focusing on people, maintaining a clear vision, and empowering their teams. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

This isn’t a typical changemaking podcast because it’s not for a typical changemaker. It’s for the innovators who can’t stop taking in information, connecting dots, and changing the world. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t broken, difficult, or an incurable workaholic. You’re a Catalyst, and authors Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas believe that means you’re a rock star. In this podcast series they are having extended discussions on how to use that information to grow and thrive, with Catalysts that are profiled in their book Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.

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