Change Management Episodes

What if everything you've been taught about managing performance was built for a workplace that no longer exists? Dr. Edie Goldberg returns to A World of Difference to unpack the research behind her new book, revealing why the system most companies use to drive performance is quietly working against them.

Topics Covered

Why “coercive control” — carrots, sticks, and fear-based motivation — is the hidden operating system behind most performance management, and why the research says it doesn't wo...

What if your AI transformation isn't stalling because of the technology, but because of the culture, trust, and leadership behaviors you've built (or failed to build) around it? Shaara Roman has spent years inside global enterprises watching AI initiatives launch with fanfare and quietly fall apart, not because the software failed, but because the people strategy was missing.

In this episode:

Why AI should be treated as a team member, not just a tool

The six pillars of AI change management: s...

The AI race is real. So is the hidden cost. Lori introduces the Speed Tax, the Culture Architecture Framework, and a free 5-question diagnostic for HR leaders. 6th anniversary solo episode.

What if the resistance you're seeing in your organization isn't defiance, it's information? What if the way you're talking about change is the very thing blocking it?

Episode Summary
In this episode of A World of Difference, host Lori Adams-Brown sits down with Jeff Wetherhold, founder of the Sustainable Change System and MI for Health, to unpack why 88% of organizational changes produce no lasting results, and what evidence-based leaders can do differently. Drawing on more than 20 years of exp...

What if the blueprint for thriving in the AI era has been buried for centuries, inside the civilization that built the pyramids? Organizational psychologist Christine Mikhail joins Lori Adams-Brown live from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas to unpack one of the most urgent (and under-discussed) challenges in the modern workplace: we're racing to implement AI, but we're forgetting the humans doing the work.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Christine coined "compounded change" and why ...

Ever started a new job and realized the “real work” isn’t just the work. It’s learning the culture, the decision-making rhythm, and what success actually looks like? In this re-released best-of conversation, Dr. Shweta Miglani breaks down the small, practical moves that help you ramp faster, build credibility, and grow your career without burning out.

Dr. Miglani shares how her journey began in journalism, pivoted through learning science and instructional design, and expanded into global talent management and organizational development—supporting leaders across industries and countries. Together, we talk about what separates professionals who thrive quickly from those who stay stuck: proactive communication, stakeholder mapping, clear expectations, and learning how to lead with both strategy and humanity.

You’ll hear actionable guidance for your first 90 days, how to make your one-on-ones count, and why emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence matter even more as AI tra…

As 2025 comes to a close, this episode is a love letter to difference makers everywhere—those navigating change, courage, career pivots, and complex workplaces. Lori Adams-Brown reflects on the books that shaped her thinking this year and deeply resonated with listeners across the globe.

From leadership in the age of AI to psychological safety, toxic workplaces, courage, presence, and recovery after trauma, these books don’t just inform—they invite you to live and lead differently. Many of the ...

Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told that “just learning every new AI tool” is the secret to staying relevant and leading your team into the future. But after hours tinkering with the latest apps and features, you’re still feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re actually making any real progress—or just adding more noise to your workflow. If you’re tired of chasing shiny objects and still feeling uncertain about how to lead responsibly with AI, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what a...

Ever wondered what really happens behind closed boardroom doors when leaders are faced with uncomfortable truths, especially when speaking up could cost them their job? This conversation isn’t just about corporate buzzwords or performative change. It’s an unfiltered look at how fear quietly shapes decisions, and how a handful of micro-courage moments can actually flip the script for whole organizations. If you think courage at work is all about bold speeches, think again. There’s a twist here th...

Ever wondered if your people strategy is actually holding your business back? Yvonne Jackson—who’s helped companies like Apple untangle their most stubborn people challenges—just dropped a truth bomb that might surprise you: equity isn’t a culture problem, it’s a process problem. And the fix? It’s way less complicated (and a lot quicker) than most leaders think. In this episode, you’ll hear how duct-tape solutions and “cute” values might be costing your business more than you realize—and what to...

Get ready to be blown away by a Silicon Valley powerhouse turned leadership consultant's unexpected journey from tech industry leader to trailblazing author. This story will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership and human connection. Stay tuned to learn how a pivotal event led to a powerful career pivot and a mission to create psychologically safe work environments. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

Get ready to be blown away by a Silicon Valley powerhouse turned leadership consultant's unexpected journey from tech industry leader to trailblazing author. This story will inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership and human connection. Stay tuned to learn how a pivotal event led to a powerful career pivot and a mission to create psychologically safe work environments. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

Have you heard these myths about women in STEM? Myth 1: Women leave STEM careers because they prioritize family over work. Myth 2: Women lack the skills and aptitude for STEM fields. Myth 3: Women don't want leadership roles in STEM. But wait, I've got the truth that's going to blow your mind. Stay tuned to uncover the reality behind these myths and discover the game-changing strategies for retaining and empowering women in STEM. Get ready for a paradigm shift.

In this episode, you will be able...

Have you ever heard the myths about achieving corporate board diversity? Let's debunk three common misconceptions: 1. There aren't enough qualified women for board positions. 2. Women need just one more qualification before they're ready for the board. 3. CEOs are the only suitable candidates for board seats. The truth behind these myths is eye-opening, and I'm here to share it with you.

Get ready to be blown away by the unexpected superpowers of a corporate communication expert. This is not your typical leadership conversation. Brace yourself for wisdom that transcends industries and cultures, and stay tuned for a revelation that will transform the way you see communication in organizations. Are you ready to unlock the hidden potential of your team? Let's dive in and discover the unexpected with Alejandra Ramirez.

Discover the shocking truth about toxic rock stars in business and the unexpected impact on workplace safety. Dive into the surprising revelations about psychological safety and its critical role in creating thriving, innovative, and productive workplaces. Uncover the unexpected strategies for handling toxic behavior and fostering a safer, more inclusive work environment. Get ready to be amazed by the eye-opening insights that will revolutionize the way you approach leadership and team dynamics....

Imagine redefining success on your own terms, only to find out that the key to fulfillment lies in the unexpected wisdom of diverse global cultures. In a world where success is often equated with wealth and power, what if I told you that true success is deeply personal and universally powerful? Let's dive into the surprising ways different cultures define success, and how it can reshape your own definition of success. Are you ready to unravel the unexpected secrets that could lead you to your ow...

A new year brings time to reflect, and time to prepare for what is ahead. Does 2025 cause you to hope or tremble? Either way, we can learn to lead through complex challenges by taking lessons from times where multiple crises converge.

From Lawyer to Leadership Coach

Finding Joy and Resilience While Traveling

Join podcast host Lori Adams-Brown in this thrilling episode of A World of Difference as she uncovers the alarming events at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans, discussing the controversy surrounding women pastors and the issue of abuse wit...

Join podcast host Lori Adams-Brown in this thrilling episode of A World of Difference as she uncovers the alarming events at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans, discussing the controversy surrounding women pastors and the issue of abuse within the church. With personal experiences as a woman pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention and a victim of abuse, Lori candidly shares her reaction to what she witnessed. Be warned of potential triggering content. From discussing the use of NDA...

Surviving in Toxic Environments: Dr. L. Carol Scott shares essential self-care strategies to thrive in the midst of challenging circumstances and navigate the conflict between self-preservation and external pressures.

Surviving in Toxic Environments: Dr. L. Carol Scott shares essential self-care strategies to thrive in the midst of challenging circumstances and navigate the conflict between self-preservation and external pressures.

Does the stress and chaos of an unhealthy environment leave you feeling overwhelmed? Have you been told to just tough it out and keep pushing forward, only to find yourself exhausted and burnt out? It's time to stop the cycle of ineffective self-care and start prioritizing your we...