In this insightful and empowering episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Colleen Rouse switches seats with Thrive’s own strategist and innovation expert, Natalie Born, to unpack what it really takes to lead through massive change without leaving people behind. From stepping out of comfort zones into exponential leadership to navigating emotional resistance, communication breakdowns, and uncertainty, Natalie shares the real-world lessons she learned while leading digital and cultural transformation across large organizations.

With honesty, strategy, and compassion, this conversation explores why change is emotional, how influence often lives at the bottom—not the top—and why leaders must invite both supporters and skeptics into the process. Whether you’re building vision, managing resistance, or learning how to communicate when you feel like a broken record, this episode equips you with practical frameworks and courageous leadership principles to guide people from confusion to clarity and from fear to forward movement.

[00:00 – 02:30] Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Natalie’s “rock and a hard place” leadership moment.

Leaving safety to take on an undefined, high-stakes role.

What it means to move from traditional to exponential leadership.

[02:31 – 04:30] Exponential Leaders & the Power of Mentorship

Why growth requires learning how to fall and get back up.

The role of mentors in stretching leadership capacity.

How support systems accelerate confidence and influence.

[04:31 – 08:40] The Emotional Reality of Change

Why change is more emotional than operational.

Understanding the Kübler-Ross Change Curve in leadership.

How shock, denial, anger, and fear show up in organizations.

[08:41 – 10:30] Don’t Write People Off Too Early

Early adopters vs. late adopters.

Why processing styles affect buy-in.

Creating freedom for questions and honest dialogue.

[10:31 – 13:00] Influence Lives at the Bottom, Not the Top

Why real change often moves bottom-up.

Natalie’s story of partnering with a skeptic named “Cassandra.”

Turning resistance into ownership and collaboration.

[13:01 – 15:30] Inviting Dissent to Strengthen Vision

Why leaders shouldn’t only gather “yes” people.

How dissent creates better execution.

Learning from the boots-on-the-ground perspective.

[15:31 – 18:30] Communicating Change Without Burning Out

Why people need to hear things 7–10 times.

Creating transparency through “working open.”

Letting people go on the change journey with you.

[18:31 – 20:15] Will vs. Skill in Change Management

Using the ADKAR framework to assess readiness.

When resistance is about ability, not attitude.

Supporting people with the tools they need to succeed.

[20:16 – 22:50] Casting Vision in Uncertainty

Building a one-page vision for clarity.

Showing people the bridge from chaos to consistency.

Helping teams see where they are and where they’re going.

[22:51 – End] Leading with Compassion, Clarity & Courage

Why honesty builds trust during transformation.

Balancing realism with faith for the future.

Encouragement for women leading through change.

Quotes:

“Change is emotional, but we almost never talk about the emotional side of change in the business world.” – Natalie Born

“Vision builds a bridge between confusion and clarity.” – Natalie Born

“Exponential leaders don’t just push you forward, they teach you how to stand on the ledge.” – Natalie Born

Guest Links:

🎙 Natalie Born

Podcast: Innovation Meets Leadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieborn/

Website: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com/