Newly named Change Management U.S. Practice Leader Jeremy Ford joins C2IQ's Make or Break podcast to share what it takes to lead people through transformation.
Jeremy Ford recently joined C2IQ's Make or Break podcast, hosted by Mo Berkner Boyt, for a candid conversation on what drives successful change programs and what gets in the way.
The episode covers four core themes: the limits of AI in change management, the outsized influence of frontline managers, why measurement strategies can't be one-size-fits-all, and why early involvement is the most effective path to adoption.
Key Takeaways:
1. AI can support change. It can't lead it. Technology can accelerate parts of a change program, but trust, authenticity, and emotional connection still have to come from people. As Jeremy put it: "AI is a powerful tool and an enabler, but we can't lose sight of how we continue to put humans at the center. AI on its own is not going to get people to feel trust, have certain beliefs, or behave in a different way."
2. Frontline managers are the deciding factor. They're the ones who translate the enterprise message into day-to-day reality. Their clarity, their belief in the change, and their engagement with their teams determine whether a program lands or falls flat.
3. Measurement has to fit the change. There's no universal playbook for tracking progress. Effective measurement starts with the specific change, the people most affected, and the outcomes the organization is trying to drive.
4. Involve people early. "Participation fosters acceptance. If you want people to be engaged, you need to go out and engage with them. You can't just lob communications at them from across the country," Jeremy shared. Going directly to end users, understanding their reality, and giving them a voice builds support from the ground up.
Throughout the conversation, Jeremy returned to the idea that change management is both discipline and craft:
"Change management is equal parts art and science. The science part is the playbook, the assets, and the tools. But the art is trying to get people to feel a certain way, and that doesn't come from a playbook."
Listen to the full episode here: "What makes change stick?" Jeremy Ford on the Make or Break Podcast.
