DESIGN EXCHANGE PODCAST

How to Manage Change in Today’s Evolving Workplace

January 19, 2023|25 Minutes
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Armstrong World Industries hallway
Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster, Pa.
SUMMARY

As the future of work continues to evolve rapidly in the hybrid work era, companies face unprecedented levels of change and the need to effectively communicate and support people through change is crucial. In this podcast, Gensler Strategy experts Jessica Pearson and Kate Kirkpatrick lead a thoughtful discussion on the importance of change management for guiding people through major transitions. Lynn Isabella, Associate Professor of Business Administration at University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and Sara Carlton, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Highwoods Properties, Inc., join the discussion to share insights and personal experiences navigating change management in the workplace.

Drawing upon extensive research and experiences, the guests discuss best practices for change adoption while addressing both the functional and emotional aspects of change. Carlton also highlights how early engagement and communication helped Highwoods Properties successfully relocate its offices. The episode explores the impact of organizational change on individuals, provides tips for communicating new visions and addressing concerns, and offers real examples of effective change management.

Top 4 Takeaways

  1. It’s important to start the change management process early.
  2. Understand and account for different change experiences.
  3. Establish the relationship between vision and buy-in.
  4. Prioritize the value of an inclusive process for supporting people through transition.
GUESTS
Lynn Isabella headshot
Contact
Lynn Isabella
Lynn is the Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration at University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She teaches courses in organizational behavior, leadership and change, and team interaction. As a management consultant, she has extensive international experience with companies worldwide, helping them develop their global leadership talent and organizational effectiveness.
Sara Carlton headshot
Contact
Sara Carlton
Sara is the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Highwoods Properties, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina.
GUEST HOSTS
Jessica Pearson headshot
Jessica Pearson
Jessica is the Strategy Lead and a Design Manager in Gensler’s Raleigh-Durham office. Her fascination with people and why they do the things they do has fueled her career to stretch beyond architecture into change management, workplace strategy, and real estate consulting. Contact her at .
A person with blonde hair.
Full Bio All Posts
Kate Kirkpatrick
Kate is a leader of Gensler’s strategy practice who uses research, design thinking, and behavior-driven approaches to create brand, transformation, and place activation strategies across corporate, civic, developer, and other Gensler project and client types. Kate is based in Washington, D.C. Contact her at .
HOST
Brandon Larcom headshot
Full Bio
Brandon Larcom
Brandon is a global leader of Gensler’s Product Development practice. As Co-Director of Product Development, he specializes in business development, identifying future design industry trends, and licensing for global product rollouts. Brandon currently hosts and co-produces the Gensler Design Exchange podcast, facilitating a dialogue between design experts, creative trendsetters, and thought leaders to discuss how Gensler is enhancing the human experience through the world of design. Contact him at .
 
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