Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper

Handling Change Without Losing Yourself (or Your Team)

Change has a funny way of showing up uninvited and then overstaying its welcome. In our world, whether it’s new roles, new technology, or entirely new ways of working, change isn’t just occasional… it’s constant. The real challenge isn’t whether things will shift – It’s how we respond when they do.

In this episode, we found ourselves right in the middle of that reality. New transitions, new perspectives, and a timely reminder that even after decades in the JD Edwards space, none of us are exempt from figuring it out as we go.

The Big Idea: Adaptation Is a Skill, Not a Trait

There’s a common misconception that some people are just “good with change.” But what we’ve seen time and time again is that adaptability isn’t something you either have or don’t; it’s something you build.

And in today’s environment, where AI is accelerating change, roles are evolving faster than ever, and expectations keep shifting; that skill is no longer optional. It’s foundational.

The twist? Adaptation isn’t just about moving forward. It’s about doing so intentionally, without losing clarity, stability, or your sense of direction.

Key Points to Remember

1. Perspective Drives Better Decisions
   Understanding how systems are used in the real-world changes everything. The closer you are to that reality, the better decisions you make.
2. Change Fatigue Is Real
   Constant change takes a toll. Ignoring the discomfort doesn’t eliminate it; it just delays the impact. Acknowledging it upfront helps teams move forward more effectively.
3. Simplicity Creates Stability
   When everything feels complex, simplify. Breaking change into smaller, manageable pieces makes it easier to process and act on.
4. Lead Yourself First
   You can’t guide others through change if you haven’t processed it yourself. Taking time to reset isn’t optional; it’s essential to show up well for your team.

Real-World Application: Making Change Work For You

So, what does this look like in practice?

It means slowing down just enough to process before reacting. It means being honest about what’s working and what isn’t. It means creating structure when things feel uncertain.

And maybe most importantly, it means remembering that change isn’t just something to survive; it’s something to leverage. When handled well, it becomes an opportunity to improve how we work, how we lead, and how we deliver value.

Midwesternism of the Day

Let’s just say this one involves a place where the lighting is low; the décor hasn’t changed in decades, and prime rib is less of a menu item and more of a tradition.

Tune in Today!

Change isn’t going anywhere, but how we handle it can make all the difference.

If you want the full conversation with the stories, the humor, and the perspectives we only hinted at here, you’ll want to give this episode a listen.

Until next time, let’s keep learning, sharing, and most importantly, laughing together.

Toodles!

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