Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast that explores the evolving landscape of change management, leadership, and transformation. I am your host, Ali Juma, and today, we have a truly unique and groundbreaking episode.

For the first time, we’re shifting perspectives by inviting a generative AI—yes, a chatbot—into the conversation. Together, we will dive into the transformative power of AI, its impact on the workplace, and how leaders, change managers, and consultants can harness its potential to drive meaningful progress.

Whether you are curious about the future of AI or looking for actionable insights to navigate change, this episode promises to be thought-provoking and practical. So, let’s explore the intersection of technology and human ingenuity in this one-of-a-kind discussion.

Let’s get started!

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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 are diving into a mental model that might sound a little counterintuitive at first, but is an absolute game changer when it comes to problem solving : Inversion Thinking.

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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

Let’s dive into our very first episode, where we’ll explore Gleicher’s Formula for Change—a simple yet powerful equation that helps you understand how to overcome resistance and move toward action

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

In this special highlights episode of The Inner Game of Change podcast, we revisit some of the most impactful moments from our top episodes. While every conversation this year has been rich with invaluable insights, these highlights showcase standout lessons and perspectives that have resonated deeply with our audience. Join me as we explore key themes in leadership, change, and transformation.
I am grateful for all of my guests' time, insight and wisdom.

As we wrap up 2024, I want to thank you for being part of The Inner Game of Change. Your support and engagement have made every episode truly meaningful. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and restful holiday season. I can’t wait to kick off 2025 with another amazing lineup of guests, creative conversations, and transformative ideas. Until next year, stay well, stay curious, and approach every change with courage and curiosity!

Episodes in this summary include :

E76 - Rethinking Change: From Behavioural Conditioning to Regenerative Transformation - Podcast with Carol Sanford

E75 - Change Journey : Performer to Master - Podcast with Dr Jess Tayel

E73 - Change Leadership In Higher Education - Podcast with Vice Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell

E71 - Winning Against Resistance To Change - Podcast with Dr. David Weiss

E67 - What's Organizational Change Management? - Podcast with Paula Anastasiade

E65 - The Change Management Flywheel - Podcast with Terri Block & Susan Bartlett

E64 - AI Change by Design for Impact - Podcast with Sarah Kaur

E62 - Becoming a Change Maker - Podcast with Alex Budak

E60 - How AI will Revolutionise Change Management - Podcast with Jason Little

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Hello, and welcome to this special episode of The Inner Game of Change.

Today’s episode is deeply meaningful, as it features a conversation with the remarkable Carol Sanford. Carol has been a pioneer of Regenerative Thinking for over four decades, helping entrepreneurs and executives transform their businesses responsibly and meaningfully. Her work has left an indelible mark on so many lives and organisations.

It is with a heavy heart that I share that Carol is now in transition out of this world, as shared by her son Mark 2 days ago. Despite the challenges of her illness, Carol was determined to share her thoughts and wisdom with me and all of you. During the recording, it was not easy for her to continue speaking, and after around 20 minutes, we had to bring the conversation to a close as she had given all she could in that moment.

This episode is a testament to Carol's unwavering commitment to sharing her insights, even in the face of immense difficulty. I invite you to listen closely as she shares her thoughts on her models, philosophies, and the profound lessons she has spent a lifetime teaching.

This is a tribute to Carol’s incredible legacy. May her courage, ideas, and spirit continue to inspire us all as we honour her remarkable journey.

I am grateful that Carol has agreed to have a chat with me.

About Carol
I launched two Startups, ran and sold them. I then turned to teaching and educating businesses globally growing them rapidly, by double digits, all the while making work meaningful and fun. From the beginning (1980), I embedded Regenerative Thinking into decision making and action-taking. Never a sidebar to everything else. I wrote case-story-based books about these experiences to inspire and instruct others. I speak from this deep history of educating Executives and Entrepreneurs to innovate and grow their businesses responsibly. For over four decades, I have worked with great leaders of successful businesses such as Google, DuPont, Intel, P&G, Seventh Generation. NOT A COACH OR CONSULTANT!

What experts say: Carol Sanford "​created an approach that reimagines business. Her approach will be The Future of Business."​ Rebecca Henderson, HBS

My clients are:

Growth Stage Entrepreneurs and Business Unit Leaders - who want to grow their business, their people and themselves with great financial outcomes, all while being responsible. I offer proven frameworks (hundreds of testimonials here and on my website) to find your growth path. The Regenerative Business Program are found at Universities and Carol Sanford Institute . I support established corporations and new economy businesses in developing leaders toward the Business of the 21st Century, and individuals who want a Regenerative Paradigm education.
Event Planners for Corporate & Association events who need a useful, content rich, energizing keynote with innovative, practical ideas that give their members a reason to be glad they attended. I bring deep experience and I bespoke design my talks to make your audience wake up and cheer. Topic arenas: Strategy, Leadership of change and developing people; Design of management systems—all for innovation and what is needed by a business of the future. NOT A COACH or Consultant!

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, uncovering the layers of complexity of organisational change with some of the bright minds in the field.

Today, I am delighted to host Dr. Jess Tayel, a top LinkedIn voice and a distinguished leader in global change and transformation. Dr. Tayel has over 25 years of experience in leading global change and transformation programs in senior leadership roles, guiding and leading large-scale change programs across 15 countries.

She has worked with companies like Google, Boeing, Apple, Emirates, World Cup, ABN Amro, Barclays and more.

Jess is also the founder of the People of Transformation Program and Community. People of Transformation aims to attain the next level of mastery of change and transformation practice and leadership.

In this episode, Jess and I dive into understanding the transformation journey for professionals, discussing the challenges and rewards, and tracing the growth continuum from early development to mastery.

We discuss what it truly takes to overcome personal growth hurdles and how achieving mastery can bring profound rewards—not just for individuals, but for businesses and even society as a whole

Contact Jess
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/business-transformation-change-coach-mentor

Websites

• peopleoftransformation.com (Other)
• peopleoftransformation.com (Company)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Welcome to the Inner Game of Change Podcast, uncovering the layers of complexity of organisational change with some of the bright minds in the field.

Today, I am joined by Kavita Ganesan; an AI advisor, strategist, and founder of Opinosis Analytics. Kavita has led numerous AI projects, from recommendation engines to advanced sentiment analysis systems, impacting millions of users and shaping strategic AI initiatives for major organizations like McKesson, Verizon, and the University of Sydney.

In today’s episode, we will explore the transformative power of AI and its wide-reaching impacts. Drawing from her book The Business Case for AI, Kavita will help us understand how AI is reshaping organizations and discuss how leaders, managers, and change professionals can navigate this shift to tackle both challenges and opportunities.

I am grateful to have Kavita chatting with me today.


About Kavita (In her words)
As an AI advisor, strategist, and founder of Opinosis Analytics, I help business leaders and tech teams in two key areas. The first involves architecting complex AI (and GenAI/LLM) systems. I’ve designed and managed over two dozen projects from a vague idea through productionization of these solutions.

This includes problems such as:
» Recommendation engines (people, product, jobs, topics, content)
» E-commerce search improvements
» Organization-specific question-answering systems (RAG-Based Q&A)
» Chatbots
» Sentiment analysis
» Categorization engines
» Unstructured data integration

The solutions I’ve managed scale to millions of products and users and some of these initiatives have led to successful funding events for the clients supported.

My second area of focus is in helping companies with strategic AI integration. Whether it’s to spot low-hanging but high-impact AI opportunities, teach teams how to plan their AI strategy, develop a truly executable roadmap, or get started with individual initiatives--I’ve helped put teams on the path to achieving tangible results.

I’ve supported/am supporting the following companies through my work: McKesson, McMaster-Carr, The University of Sydney (Australia), Brown-Forman Corporation, The Odevo Group (Sweden), Verizon, NRC (US Government), and Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (US Government).

Contact
LinknedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavita-ganesan/

Websites

• kavita-ganesan.com/blog/ (Other)
• opinosis-analytics.com (Company)
• amazon.aibusinesscasebook.com (Other)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Welcome to a special episode ; The Outer Game of Change. In these unique episodes, I am joined by leaders and executives who drive change and shape the future of their organizations. We listen to their unique insights, explore how they perceive change, and uncover what is simmering in their minds.

Today, I am thrilled to have with me Professor Theo Farrell, the 7th Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University here in Australia. Professor Farrell has a distinguished career in academia and research, having held leadership positions at top universities around the world. He is an author, and renowned advocate for academic excellence, inclusivity, and transformative change. Most importanly, I find Theo to be a great human.

In this episode, we will dive into the dynamics of change leadership, exploring how transformative forces like AI are reshaping higher education. We discuss the evolving nature of academia, the challenges and opportunities of integrating advanced technologies, and what it takes to lead an institution through such significant transformation.

With his extensive background in both strategic leadership and research, Professor Farrell offers unique insights into the future of higher education and how universities can adapt to and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

I am grateful to have Professor Farrell chatting with me today.

About Theo Farrell
Professor Theo Farrell commenced as the 7th Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University in February 2024. He brings a deep commitment to advancing academic excellence, building inclusive communities, forging external partnerships, and leading transformative change.

Prior to joining La Trobe, Professor Farrell held a number of leadership roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Executive Dean of Law, Humanities and the Arts, all at the University of Wollongong, and Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at City, University of London. From 2006 to 2016, he held a chair in online learning at King’s College London. At UOW, City and King’s, Professor Farrell led numerous initiatives to develop research capacities, innovate learning and teaching, and enhance student experience.

Professor Farrell has held ten UK research council awards. His most recent book, Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan (Vintage 2021), was shortlisted for three national book awards and selected book of the year by The Sunday Times. Professor Farrell is a champion of real-world impact from academic research. A leading expert on the conflict in Afghanistan, he acted as strategic advisor to the UK government and the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, and participated in track II talks with the Taliban.

Professor Farrell is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK), Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, Visiting Professor at King’s College London, and past President of the British International Studies Association.


Contact Info
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/theo-farrell-35698b1b3

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast