In this engaging conversation, Christine Mikhail shares her journey as an entrepreneur who launched her consulting business during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of change resilience in organizations, especially in the context of the rapid changes brought about by COVID-19. Christine emphasizes the need for a psychological approach to change management, highlighting the emotional aspects that often go unaddressed. The discussion also covers various methodologies for managing change, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the importance of future-proofing organizational culture. The conversation concludes with reflections on accountability within organizations, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding SHRM.

Takeaways

Christine Mikhail launched her consulting business during the pandemic.

Change resilience focuses on the human aspect of change management.

Organizations often overlook the emotional impact of change.

AI can help alleviate mundane tasks, allowing for more creativity.

Future-proofing culture involves aligning AI adoption with organizational values.

Compounded change affects both personal and professional lives.

Effective change management requires addressing psychological readiness.

The stages of grief can be applied to understanding change.

Organizations need to communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings.

Debate and healthy dialogue are essential in organizational settings.

Guest Bio

Christine Mikhail is an accomplished entrepreneur, organizational strategist, and certified change practitioner with a distinguished career transforming workplaces across industries. As the founder of Mikhail Consulting Group, established in 2020, Mikhail has spent the past five years partnering with leading organizations to design agile structures, cultivate adaptive cultures, and drive sustainable transformation.

A trusted advisor to C-suite executives and HR leaders, Mikhail brings deep expertise in organizational design, structure, and change management, helping companies navigate complex transformations with clarity and measurable impact. Leveraging her PROSCI certification and years of hands-on experience, Mikhail developed a proprietary six-week change course—a high-impact group coaching program that equips leaders and teams with the mindset, skills, and tools to confidently lead through change.

Mikhail’s thought leadership extends beyond the boardroom. As an adjunct professor, Mikhail has taught graduate-level courses in talent development focusing on performance management & employee life cycle, shaping the next generation of organizational leaders. Mikhail is also a recognized national conference speaker, having delivered keynotes and sessions at Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology conferences across the United States. Her speaking engagements focus on the evolving workplace, leadership through transformation, and the strategic role of AI in shaping organizational culture and performance.

Links

Mikhail Consulting Group 

Personal LinkedIn

Business LinkedIn

YouTube Channel

Keywords

change management, resilience, organizational development, AI, consulting, pandemic, transformation, culture, leadership, emotional intelligence

Chapter list:

00:00 Introduction to Change Resilience

05:04 Christine's Journey: Launching a Business During COVID

06:09 Understanding Change Resilience vs. Change Management

16:46 The Intersection of Organizational Psychology and Change Management

25:38 Future-Proofing Work Culture with AI

30:13 The Constant of Change

33:27 Compounded Change and Its Effects

37:05 Generational Perspectives on Change

38:20 Navigating Workplace Politics

41:29 Lessons from SHRM's Controversy

45:01 The Future of Meetings and AI

51:06 END