Episode 7

Beyond the Launch: Transformations That Really Stick

Summary:

Alexa Beavers explores the pitfalls of celebrating change initiatives prematurely in organizations. She shares a cautionary tale about a company's failed attempt to centralize its talent acquisition system due to lack of real behavioral change. The episode delves into the importance of genuine adoption over superficial compliance, emphasizing that successful transformation requires cultural shifts and enduring change in daily practices. Beavers offers insights into fostering transformations that truly last, reminding leaders that impactful change is often messy and imperfect but ultimately rewarding. Tune into the Transformation Unfiltered podcast for more actionable insights.

Chapters:

| 0:00 | Introduction to Change Initiatives |

| 0:26 | Example of a Failed Change Initiative |

| 0:52 | Misalignment Between Intent and Behavior |

| 1:23 | True Indicators of Successful Change |

| 1:49 | Shifting the Focus to Lasting Change |

| 2:23 | Conclusion and Podcast Invitation |


Host Alexa Beavers: linkedin.com/in/alexabeaverspmp

Executive Producer Jim Kanichirayil: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Music Credit: "Lost in Dreams" by Kulakovka

Transcript
Alexa Beavers: [:

They implemented a cutting edge system. They restructured roles across multiple regions and rolled out extensive training. When the system went live, leadership declared victory and the champagne flowed, email celebrated the successful transformation. But here's what happened next. Recruiters in the different regions kept using their old processes.

haviors didn't change a year [:

The value just wasn't realized frustration mounted workarounds multiplied, and ultimately they had to do another major reset, another expensive and disruptive change initiative, successful change. Isn't just about launching systems or restructuring roles or delivering training. It's about what actually sticks.

When nobody's watching, if employees aren't adapting their daily behaviors, if managers aren't reinforcing the new way of working, and if the culture isn't shifting to support the change and that successful transformation it's just for show. So next time you're driving change, ask yourself, are we celebrating a system go live or the actual adoption of real new behaviors?

to unlearn their old habits [:

Want more tips on leading transformation? Transformation that lasts? Follow the Transformation Unfiltered podcast for real stories and actionable insights that will fast forward your change. See you next time.

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About the Podcast

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About your hosts

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Alexa Beavers

I’m the founder and CEO of The Axela Group, where I work with leaders who are doing hard and important things—whether that’s leading change, shifting culture, or just figuring out how to keep showing up when the pressure’s on.

These days, I spend a lot of my time multiplying my impact through our growing team at The Axela Group. Our incredible team of coaches and consultants is making a difference in work and in life —through coaching executives to tap into their whole human intelligence, consulting on how to navigate rapid change, developing productive teams, and creating spaces where leaders can share their challenges, lessons, and what matters most in these fast-moving times. In essence, I’m building a team that helps others lead with clarity and humanity—especially in messy, high-stakes environments. I am also bringing real leaders stories of growth and transformation to life through amazing conversations with leaders across industries who have been there done that - and are courageous enough to share.

When I’m not in conversation with a leader who is sharing their story or leading my own amazing team, I’m probably up to my eyeballs in paint doing art, walking the dogs by the river, or hanging with my crew of teenagers in Richmond, Virginia.

Ping me if you’re trying to lead through change and want a partner who’s been in the trenches.
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Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

I'm the occasional host and full time producer of the Transformation Unfiltered show. At this point I've had over 1500 podcast episodes hosted/produced and it's one of my favorite mediums to work in.

I've previously hosted and produced top 10% globally ranked podcasts (Cascading Leadership, HR Impact, Engaging Leadership) and have a number of other shows I've helped launch and produce as well.

When I'm not in these interwebs streets yappin' away, I'm a fractional Head of GTM (go-to-market) for early stage/accelerating growth stage HRTech, TATech, and executive coaching organizations. I help organizations integrate sales, marketing, and partnership functions into a unified practice.

Ping me if you have questions and/or if you want to be a guest.