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Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljannaway/
That Change Show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/79698579/

Forget the technical jargon. This conversation is about strategy, culture, and embracing the philosophy of "human and, not human or".
This episode is essential for Agile coaches and change managers seeking to lead their organizations through AI transformation, focusing on conditions, iteration, and human-centric design.

Key Discussion Points for Change Practitioners:
Shifting the Narrative: From "Loop" to "Lead" Rachel argues that the common phrase "human in the loop" is "almost derogatory". Instead, AI strategy requires the "human in the lead," meaning humans are taking control of the AI rather than allowing the AI to control us. Jason agrees, noting that while autonomous agents are hyped, a human must always direct and orchestrate the technology.

The Role of Context and Conditions AI success is "not about the tech, it's about the conditions surrounding it". Change managers must apply critical process thinking: if you automate a "crappy process," you just get a "quicker, more expensive, but still rubbish process". Success requires treating the AI just like an intern or junior—providing clear instruction, direction, and leadership.

Agile and Iteration in the AI Landscape AI systems are never "done and finished". Consistent with Agile principles, AI requires constant monitoring, checking, and iteration because change is constant. The organizational drive for "faster, better, cheaper," often focused purely on reducing headcount, risks leading to "bad quality" outcomes.

The Emergence of the AI Champion Jason proposes that change agents are perfectly positioned to morph into AI champions. Change practitioners build relationships and know the most about the organization, having context from "the office junior and the CEO". Rachel offers a framework using five strategic lenses—including Purpose, People, Process, and Practice (continual learns)—to ensure AI adoption is effective.

Addressing Cultural Challenges and Shadow AI The discussion tackles why employees often view AI either as a threat coming to take their job or as a tool allowing them to "put their feet up". Furthermore, organizations must contend with "shadow AI"—the widespread, uncontrolled use of AI tools by staff on their phones, even if banned by policy. Change agents must foster the psychological safety needed for employees to experiment, fail fast, and focus on using AI for "donkey work" so they can spend more time on creative and human-led tasks.

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The episode concludes with a powerful metaphor reminding listeners: "Only dead fish go with the flow." Change is inevitable, so choose to be a "live fish" by making choices and having input into your organization's AI future

Jason Little is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of Lean Change Management, Change Agility and Agile Transformation: 4 Steps to Organizational Transformation. That Change Show is a live show where the topics are inspired by Lean Change workshops and lean coffee sessions from around the world. Video versions on Youtube

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Well, it's been so long I actually forgot I already did episode 1 of season 3!

In this episode we talk about why the anti-ai sentiment is more damaging than ai-hype.

Jason Little is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of Lean Change Management, Change Agility and Agile Transformation: 4 Steps to Organizational Transformation. That Change Show is a live show where the topics are inspired by Lean Change workshops and lean coffee sessions from around the world. Video versions on Youtube

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In this episode of That Change Show, Jason sits down with Don Gray for a deep dive into the realities of change management—beyond frameworks, buzzwords, and rigid processes. They explore why change is messy, how emotions and values shape resistance, and why organizations often focus on the wrong levers when trying to transform.

Drawing from personal experiences, the Satir Change Model, and insights from complex systems thinking, Jason and Don challenge the traditional right-hand-side approach to change (processes & tools) and emphasize the often-overlooked left-hand-side (culture, strategy, and human dynamics).

Along the way, they revisit stories from the Aye Conference, Agile 2012, and Problem Solving Leadership (PSL) workshops, discussing how adaptive thinking, small shifts, and informal change agents can lead to meaningful transformation.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why organizations resist change—and why that’s normal
✅ The butterfly effect of small shifts in complex systems
✅ How patterns form, evolve, and disrupt change efforts
✅ The power of timing, emotions, and informal change agents
✅ Why solving problems for people actually makes things worse

🎧 Listen now to rethink how you approach change!

Watch on Youtube

Show Notes and Links

REITH LECTURES 1970: Change and Industrial Society: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/radio4/transcripts/1970_reith2.pdf

Don's contact information

website: donaldegray.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldegray/
Mastodon: @donaldegray@hachyderm.io

Congruent Change information

website: congruentchange.com
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/congruent-change/
Mastodon: @congruentchange@sw-development-is.social

Don's Change Mind Map: https://www.congruentchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Change.pdf

Problem-solving Leadership information

web url: https://www.congruentchange.com/problem-solving-leadership/
registration request at the bottom

details for the March workshop ...
When: March 20 - April 4, 2025
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Fee: $2995

Jerry Weinberg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Weinberg

Jason Little is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of Lean Change Management, Change Agility and Agile Transformation: 4 Steps to Organizational Transformation. That Change Show is a live show where the topics are inspired by Lean Change workshops and lean coffee sessions from around the world. Video versions on Youtube