Change Leadership Conversations

What does it really mean to influence change, even when you don’t have a formal title? In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Jeremy Schmidt, VP and Senior Manager of Organizational Change Management at RBC’s U.S. Wealth Management Division.

Jeremy shares how he went from financial advisor to change leader, and how anyone, regardless of job title, can play a meaningful role in shaping change. This conversation is full of grounded insights on influence, remote leadership, and the mindset shift from “doing change” to leading it with intention and integrity. 

Whether you’re a new practitioner or experienced leader, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways for leading change in today’s fast-evolving world of work.

In this episode, we explore: 

• Why change leadership is about mindset 

• How to build trust and influence in remote or hybrid environments 

• The difference between authority and influence in leading change 

• How to build organization-wide change capability 

• The power of continuous learning, reflection, and small intentional actions 

Guest Bio: 

Jeremy Schmidt is Vice President and Senior Manager of Organizational Change Management at RBC’s U.S. Wealth Management Division. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Jeremy began his career as a financial advisor and transitioned into change leadership after discovering a deep passion for helping people adapt and thrive through transformation. He is a dedicated advocate for practical change leadership and capability building across all levels of an organization. 

Resources & Links: 

• Connect with Jeremy Schmidt on LinkedIn 

• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training  

• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide 

Brought to You By: 

The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at  TheChangeLeadership.com. 

In this powerful episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Lori-Ann Beausoleil, trailblazer, change champion, and former Senior Partner at PwC with over 35 years of experience. 

Lori-Ann’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and relevance. From being one of the few racially diverse women in the Canadian corporate world in the 1980s, to building an extraordinary legacy, she’s now using her voice and influence to shape the future of boardroom leadership. 

We unpack what it really takes to evolve, remain relevant, and lead with impact in today’s changing landscape. 

This episode will inspire and challenge you to embrace change boldly.

In this episode, we explore: 

• How Lori-Ann navigated decades of transformation and stayed at the top of her game

• The power of authenticity and why your difference is your strength

• What it means to stay relevant in the face of disruption

• Why the question “What’s in it for me?” matters when navigating change 

• How to turn fear of change into fuel for reinvention 

Guest Bio:

Lori-Ann Beausoleil is a governance expert and board leader with over 35 years of experience in audit, risk, regulatory compliance, and ethics. A former Senior Partner at PwC Canada, she has worked across sectors helping organizations strengthen internal controls, meet regulatory requirements, and lead with integrity. Today, she sits on multiple boards and is a passionate advocate for increased diversity and impact at the boardroom level. 

Resources & Links: 

• Connect with Lori-Ann Beausoleil on LinkedIn 

• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training  

• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide 

In today’s episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by trailblazer Jahanzaib Ansari, for a powerful conversation on the intersection of HR, AI, and innovation.  

Jahanzaib has been leading in the ethical AI space long before it became a buzzword, bringing a grounded and deeply personal lens to how organizations use technology to drive fair and inclusive change. His lived experience fuels a mission to reduce bias in hiring and help organizations integrate AI responsibly and humanely at scale. 

Whether you’re leading people, driving innovation, or navigating change in today’s fast-evolving workplace, this episode is full of powerful insights and practical takeaways. 

We explore: 

• How Jahanzaib’s personal journey led to founding Knockri and driving AI for good 

• AI bias, trust, and transparency in the workplace 

• Why responsible AI isn’t just an organizational issue, it’s personal  

Guest Bio

Jahanzaib Ansari is the Co-Founder and CEO of Knockri, a behavioral skills assessment platform that reduces bias in hiring and helps organizations find the best-fit candidates faster. Named one of Canada’s Top 20 Emerging Innovators by The Peak, he has been at the forefront of ethical AI in HR and workforce transformation for nearly a decade, working with Fortune 100 companies and public sector organizations globally. 

Resources & Links: 

• Connect with Jahanzaib Ansari on Linkedin and  knockri.com 

• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training  

• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide 

Brought to You By: 

The Change Leadership, your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.com 

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by David Donaldson for a wide-ranging conversation on courageous leadership, the evolving nature of change, and how to lead when the path isn’t yet visible. 

With decades of experience leading leadership development and transformation initiatives across sectors, David shares powerful stories, from his early entrepreneurial days to his work in national safety, aviation, and leadership training to explore what it really means to lead change. 

Together, they unpack the mindset shift from managing change to leading it, and why real change leadership requires vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to sit with ambiguity. 

In This Episode: 

• Why leading change means creating paths that don’t exist yet 

• How entrepreneurial thinking prepares leaders for disruption 

• What AI adoption reveals about resistance, readiness, and leadership mindsets 

• Why real communication goes far beyond emails and training plans 

Guest Bio 

David Donaldson is a leadership development expert, VP & Partner at LPI Canada. With a background in change management, entrepreneurship, and aviation safety, David brings a grounded yet visionary perspective to leadership and transformation. He currently works with a global learning and leadership institute and is known for his experiential facilitation and thought-provoking analogies. 

Resources & Links: 

• Connect with David Donaldson on LinkedIn 

• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training and Programs  

• Explore upcoming Change Leadership Conference events 

In this episode, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Rehana Rajwani, a transformation leader who brings a unique blend of science, systems thinking, and soul to how we lead change.

Rehana, who currently leads Agile Learning and Transformation at BMO, shares how her background in engineering and agile coaching inspired her to develop the concept of Organizational Physics, a powerful framework that applies feedback loops, momentum, and systems thinking to drive meaningful change at scale.

Together, they explore how to build momentum for change, lead through complexity, and shift from reactive to responsive cultures, all while staying human in an age of AI and disruption.

In This Episode: 

• What “Organizational Physics” is, and how it reframes change leadership 

• How feedback loops and momentum shape how people respond to change 

• Why systems thinking can help organizations adapt more effectively 

• How Agile values and change leadership principles intersect 

• Why adaptive leadership is essential in the age of AI 

Guest Bio: 

Rehana Rajwani is an enterprise transformation leader, agile coach, and speaker with deep experience leading organizational change in complex environments. As Head of Agile Learning and Transformation at BMO, she focuses on building capability, culture, and mindset across the enterprise. With a background in engineering and a passion for systems thinking, Rehana is known for pioneering the concept of Organizational Physics, blending science and soul to create change that sticks. 

Resources & Links: 

• Connect with Rehana Rajwani on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about Rehana’s book here 

• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn 

• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training and Programs  

• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is joined by Blake Bell for a grounded and practical conversation on what it really takes to get buy-in for change at scale.

Blake shares insights from over two decades of leading enterprise-wide change in complex organizations including Rogers, RBC, and now Manulife - where he’s helping to build a change-capable workforce of over 40,000 employees.

Together, they explore the shift from change management to change enablement, and how organizations can create the conditions for people to not only adopt change - but lead it from wherever they sit.

In this episode:

• Why getting buy-in starts with language, trust, and timing
• What the move from change management to change enablement means for leaders today
• Practical ways to build enterprise-wide readiness and capability for change
• How to speak the language of leadership to gain executive support

Guest Bio

Blake Bell is the Global Head of Organizational Change Enablement at Manulife. With more than 20 years of experience leading change across financial services and telecommunications, Blake brings a grounded, people-first approach to transformation. He previously led change and communications at Rogers and RBC, and today focuses on enabling leaders and teams to thrive in disruption. He’s also a published author and pop culture enthusiast.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Blake Bell on LinkedIn
• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training
• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

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In this episode, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits with Etonia Collier, a dynamic and deeply insightful change management leader and Director, with over a decade of experience across fintech, financial services, and education. Etonia brings a refreshingly honest and practical lens to what it really means to lead change, especially in today’s chaotic and fast-paced world.

From building a change career without formal credentials to using AI to be more human, Etonia walks us through the real-life strategies that make change leaders effective, adaptable, and resilient.

Whether you’re new to the field or deep in the trenches of transformation, this episode will reignite your passion for change leadership and offer grounded, actionable insights you can apply right away.

We explore:

• How Etonia transitioned into change management without a “perfect resume” and practical ways to build experience
• The importance of curiosity, empathy, and co-creation in influencing stakeholders
• Navigating burnout, resistance, and the emotional toll of change
• How AI is not replacing our work, it’s reshaping it so we can go deeper

Guest Bio

Etonia Collier is an experienced Change Management Lead with over 10 years of expertise driving organizational transformation across the financial and technology sectors.

Currently leading change at a major fintech, she’s passionate about helping people adapt, grow, and thrive through change. Beyond her corporate work, Etonia has taught Change Management and Economics at McMaster University and Centennial College, earning recognition for her ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, practical learning experiences.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Etonia on LinkedIn
• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training

Explore our courses, conference, and community: thechangeleadership.com

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Adam Kahane joins Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta to explore what it truly means to collaborate in today’s divided, complex, and fast-changing world.

Adam is one of the world’s most respected voices on systems transformation and collaboration. He is the Co-Founder of Reos Partners, and author of multiple influential books including Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, and Collaborating with the Enemy, which is the focus of this episode.

Together, Adam and Yvonne explore:

• Why he rewrote the second edition of Collaborating with the Enemy
• The growing challenge of “enemy-fication” in workplaces and society
• What “stretch collaboration” looks like and why it’s crucial today
• Misconceptions about collaboration, resistance, and leadership
• How leaders can navigate high-conflict, high-complexity environments
• What it means to take responsibility for change, starting with yourself

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating conflict, resistance, or polarization while trying to move change forward.

Guest Bio

Adam Kahane is a pioneering facilitator of processes through which business, government, and civil society leaders collaborate to address their most important and intractable challenges. He is a Co-Founder of Reos Partners and the best-selling author of Solving Tough Problems, Power and Love, Transformative Scenario Planning, Collaborating with the Enemy, Facilitating Breakthrough, and Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Adam Kahane on LinkedIn
• Collaborating with the Enemy book here
• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training

In this episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with Elizabeth McSavaney, Head of HR for Zurich Canada and leader of HR Transformation for North America.

With over 25 years of experience across insurance, tech, government, and consumer goods, Elizabeth shares wisdom from the frontlines of leading transformation, and how HR, leadership, and change are evolving in today’s high-pressure, high-disruption world.

This isn’t your typical HR conversation.

We explore:

• How to build influence and earn a real seat at the table
• Why resilience and recovery cycles matter in high-performance workplaces
• What it really takes to create a change-ready culture
• The evolving role of HR as a strategic business enabler
• How to address resistance to AI

Whether you’re in HR, leading change, or executive leadership, this is a masterclass in what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.

Guest Bio

Elizabeth McSavaney is Head of HR for Zurich Canada and leads HR Transformation for North America. A senior HR executive, who has led people strategy and transformation

across insurance, consumer goods, tech, and public sectors. Elizabeth is responsible for guiding initiatives in workforce planning, leadership development, and future-focused HR.

As well as governance expertise that reflects her commitment to strategic leadership and community impact.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Elizabeth McSavaney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training
• Download the free Agile & Change-Ready Team Guide

In this powerful episode of Change Leadership Conversations, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits down with one of Canada’s foremost experts on the intersection of AI and healthcare, Dr. Muhammad Mamdani. With over 600 published studies and leadership roles across Unity Health Toronto, Ontario Health, and the University of Toronto, Dr. Mamdani brings real-world insight into how AI can be responsibly developed and deployed to improve outcomes in life-and-death scenarios.

We explore:
• The practical realities of applying AI
• How AI is disrupting education, critical thinking, and the world
• What “responsible AI” really looks like, and why it’s urgent
• How to manage AI hallucinations in critical contexts like healthcare, and beyond
• Building trust and engaging frontline stakeholders for adoption and co-creation

Whether you’re a change leader, innovator, or just curious about the impact of AI, this conversation will spark ideas and deepen your understanding of the change we’re all navigating.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Muhammad Mamdani is one of Canada’s leading voices on AI in healthcare. He serves as Clinical Lead for AI at Ontario Health, VP of Data Science at Unity Health Toronto, and Director of T-CAIREM at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mamdani’s work bridges advanced analytics with real-world clinical decision-making. He’s a Faculty Affiliate at the Vector Institute, an Affiliate Scientist at IC/ES, and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. His team received the national Solventum Health Care Innovation Team Award.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Muhammad Mamdani on LinkedIn
• Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Change Leadership Training

Brought to You By:
The Change Leadership – Your go-to ecosystem for future-ready change leadership training, resources, and the annual Change Leadership Conference. Learn more at TheChangeLeadership.com

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