Mastering Strategic Change with Dan Roberts

The Executive Edge

Released September 4, 2025 | Episode 216 Episode Summary

In this episode of The Executive Edge, host Sue Firth sits down with leadership and strategic change advisor Dan Roberts to explore the critical human element of organizational transformation. Drawing from extensive experience in change management and organizational development, Dan shares practical strategies for helping companies navigate change successfully while maintaining team engagement and momentum.

Guest Bio

Dan Roberts is a leadership and strategic change advisor with a background in behavioral psychology and business. His career has focused on helping companies achieve genuine growth through effective change management. Dan is the founder of Impactful Performance and author of "Optimize Your Leadership: An Impactful and Healthy Way to Lead in the New Age."

Key Takeaways The Foundation of Successful Change

• Change management is fundamentally about the people side of change, not just technology and processes
• Companies often know what they want to achieve but struggle with how to get there
• Success requires asking the right questions rather than having all the answers

The "Slow Down to Speed Up" Principle

• Organizations need to be intentional and strategic about change implementation
• Creating a structured plan and process optimizes conditions for success
• Avoiding the rush to implement prevents setting up for failure

Essential Elements of Change Management

1. Clear Communication: Explain the "why" behind changes, not just the "what"
2. Resource Assessment: Ensure people, processes, and technology are in place
3. Risk Management: Identify barriers and resistance points early
4. Roadmap Creation: Develop step-by-step plans people can understand
5. Training & Support: Provide adequate preparation and ongoing assistance

Making Change Less Scary

• Connect changes to existing pain points that employees recognize
• Frame changes to show "what's in it for them" (WIIFM)
• Use peer-to-peer champions rather than top-down mandates
• Introduce changes in digestible, bite-sized chunks
• Pilot programs can help problem-solve before full rollout

Leadership in Uncertain Times

• Focus on what you can control vs. the macro environment
• Create a calm, even-keeled leadership presence amid chaos
• Use the "win the day" approach: plan the work, work the plan
• Think in project-based cycles rather than rigid long-term plans
• Maintain focus on immediate, actionable steps while keeping the vision clear

The Power of Language

• How you phrase messages determines how they're received
• Use softer language (e.g., "fluid" instead of "volatile")
• Ensure consistent messaging across all leadership
• Balance transparency with avoiding unnecessary alarm

Memorable Quotes

• "It's not about having the answers. It's are we asking the right questions?"
• "You have to slow down to speed up"
• "Plan the work, work the plan, don't plan the results"
• "Looking too far in the future is anxiety, and looking in the past is depression"

Action Items for Leaders

• Conduct strategic planning sessions focused on your unit's value to the organization
• Develop clear, consistent talking points for all leaders to use
• Identify and empower peer champions within teams
• Break large changes into manageable monthly and quarterly goals
• Focus on "winning the day" rather than obsessing over long-term outcomes

Resources Mentioned

• Website: impactfulperformance.com
• Book: "Optimize Your Leadership: An Impactful and Healthy Way to Lead in the New Age" (available on Amazon)
• LinkedIn: Dan Roberts

Final Thoughts

Change is inevitable in today's business environment, but with the right approach focused on people, clear communication, and manageable implementation, organizations can navigate transformation successfully. The key is remembering that while you can't control the macro environment, you can control how your team responds to and moves through change.

The Executive Edge with Sue Firth provides practical skills for success in life and business. Subscribe on all major podcast platforms for more insights from leading experts.