In this first part of the conversation, Galen sits down with longtime friend and leadership giant Jan Cerny to explore her inspiring journey and her new book Constellations for Leading Organizational Change. From her roots in science and research to navigating corporate HR and eventually becoming a leadership coach, Jan shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her perspective on organizational change.

They dive into the metaphors behind Whiskey, Jazz, and Leadership—authenticity, improvisation, and action—and how Jan sees them reflected in her own life and coaching work. Jan also opens up about the challenges and insights gained from interviewing leaders for her book, offering a powerful perspective on authenticity, resilience, and the real meaning of leadership.