On March 20, 2025, PMI Southern Alberta Chapter (PMI SAC) hosted an engaging and insightful event at Hudsons Canada’s Pub, bringing together professionals eager to explore the nuances of effective collaboration in change management. Four distinguished speakers, Axel Maus, Wayne Rambow, Kirsty Gbobaniyi, and Dr. George Ayee, shared their expertise, providing actionable insights on navigating organizational change.
If you weren’t there, here’s a glimpse of what you missed and why you won’t want to miss the next one.
Leadership Investment: The Catalyst for Change
Axel Maus emphasized the critical role of leadership in managing change. He highlighted that for any change initiative to succeed, senior leadership must be fully invested. This investment goes beyond mere approval; it involves active participation, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting teams through the transition.
Collaborative Change: Building Plans With the People
Dr. George Ayee reinforced the importance of inclusive collaboration. According to him, successful change management is not about creating plans for the people but rather with the people. Engaging both those impacted by the change and those implementing it fosters a sense of ownership and alignment. He pointed out the inseparable relationship between project management and change management, stating, “We are one people, working toward a common goal.”
Embracing Change as a Learning Journey
Kristy Gbobaniyi brought an inspiring perspective to the conversation, advocating for a culture that celebrates change. She underscored the need to educate the workforce on the inevitability of continuous change and the value of resilience. Recognizing that failure is a part of the learning process, she encouraged organizations to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Empathy and AI: The Human Side of Change
Wayne Rambow’s insights focused on empathy, a vital ingredient in successful change management. He urged leaders to acknowledge the emotional side of change, introduce it gradually, and build excitement. His refreshing analogy on AI was a highlight: “Treat AI like an intern. You can’t trust them with all the work, but they can be useful.” It’s a reminder to harness technology wisely without losing the human touch.
Don’t Miss Out Next Time! Attendees left the event with actionable insights and new connections. If you missed this one, don’t worry, PMI SAC has more inspiring events on the horizon. Keep an eye on our event calendar, and be sure to join us for the next opportunity to learn, network, and grow.
Stay connected and be part of the conversation because when alignment turns into action, incredible things happen!
