The power of polarity: Why lasting change needs both head and heart
The Change Awards have become a must-attend event for those of us who live and breathe transformation. This year, with Investigo, Part of The IN Group as the Talent Partner, promises to be no different. Bringing together the brightest minds in change and transformation, it’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence, challenge our thinking, and explore the future of our industry.
I’m thrilled to be moderating a panel that delves into one of the most pressing conversations in our field: The Power of Polarity: Why Lasting Change Needs Both Head and Heart. Joining me will be two incredible leaders in this space – Marla Baldwin and Katharine Williams – as we explore the essential tension at the heart of all transformation: the push for order and the pull of evolution.
The balance between structure and emotion
As those of us who have experienced business changes know, too often organisational change is treated as a structural exercise – a question of frameworks, governance, and delivery roadmaps. While these elements are critical, we know that real transformation isn’t dictated by a Gantt chart alone. It’s driven by the people who bring change to life: their energy, their resistance, their ability to connect emotionally with the vision.
Our panel will explore how this balance plays out at two key levels:
- Individuals navigating change – The interplay between logic and empathy, conscious and subconscious reactions, and how our instinctive responses to perceived threats shape our ability to adapt.
- Teams delivering transformation – How recognising our own biases and preferences can help us build teams that complement rather than clash, leveraging diverse perspectives to generate real momentum.
Why this matters for change leaders
As change leaders, we are often asked to bridge the gap between strategy and sentiment, between control and creativity. We need to embrace the tension between structure and fluidity, between the need for governance and the power of human connection. Those who master this balance don’t just manage change; they create lasting impact.
I can’t wait to explore these themes with Marla and Katharine at the Change Awards. If you’re passionate about transformation and want to be part of this vital conversation, make sure to secure your ticket. See you there!
