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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we're joined by Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby to explore the human side of organizational change. Our guests share invaluable insights on how to implement structural changes while keeping people at the heart of the transformation process.

Key discussion points include:

• The importance of involving team members in organizational change rather than imposing decisions from above
• Why continuous communication is crucial throughout the entire change process
• How seeking clarity rather than certainty leads to better organizational outcomes
• The value of experimentation and learning through pilot programs

Elizabeth emphasizes that successful organizational change requires supporting each team individually through their transformation journey, while Ross shares the powerful perspective that "the future punishes certainty but rewards clarity." Together, they provide practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, whether they're org design experts or just beginning their journey.

This conversation offers essential insights for anyone interested in creating more effective, human-centered organizations that can adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing business environment.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, organizational design expert Jodie Goulden shares valuable insights on leadership transitions and organizational effectiveness. She discusses the concept, shared by Beth Gunderson at the 2024 ODF conference, the challenges leaders face when moving from operational roles ("the dance floor") to strategic positions ("the balcony"), particularly in rapidly growing organizations.

Key highlights include:

• The importance of balancing strategic oversight with operational understanding
• Practical techniques for facilitating organizational diagnosis without external consultants
• Strategies for helping technically proficient leaders adapt to broader management roles
• Methods for addressing organizational overwhelm and creating sustainable systems

Jodie emphasizes the power of collaborative problem-solving and shares how leaders can create space for different perspectives when addressing organizational challenges. She provides practical advice for leaders who may feel uncomfortable stepping away from day-to-day operations to take a more strategic view.

Whether you're a new leader adjusting to a larger scope of responsibility or an experienced executive looking to improve organizational effectiveness, this episode offers valuable insights into modern leadership challenges and organizational design principles.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Vinisha Rathod, founder of P3 Studios (People, Partnerships, Purpose), shares her expertise on organizational scaling and leadership development. She introduces her framework of "Five Hindrances to Scaling" which includes focus, family, financials, feedback receptiveness, and funnel efficiency. Vinisha emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between people and positions, particularly as organizations grow and evolve.

A key highlight is her discussion on creating healthy organizational cultures, drawing parallels between high-performing sports teams and effective workplace dynamics. She addresses crucial topics such as leadership transition, the challenges of title inflation, and the importance of having difficult conversations about organizational structure. Vinisha shares valuable insights from her experience working with companies across Australia and the Middle East.

The conversation also explores innovative approaches to organizational design, referencing examples from "Reinventing Organizations" and discussing practical methods for improving workplace communication and decision-making. Vinisha offers fascinating perspectives on humanizing the workplace, including the impact of bringing children and pets into office spaces, and how COVID-19 has transformed our view of leadership.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Valdes-Dapena, a seasoned expert in organizational design and development. Carlos shares his insights on the evolving nature of organizational structures, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and the human aspects of organizational change.

Carlos discusses the shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more responsive and adaptive organizational models. He emphasizes the need for leaders to let go of outdated control paradigms and embrace a more flexible approach to management. The conversation touches on the challenges of change, both for organizations and individuals, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Key points from the episode:

• The transition from control-based to responsive organizational structures
• The importance of adaptability and "letting go" for leaders in modern organizations
• The human challenges in organizational change and the need for continuous learning
• Insights into the Organization Design Forum (ODF) and its role in the field of organizational design
• The broad scope of organizational design, encompassing various aspects of how human systems operate in workplaces

This episode offers valuable insights for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in improving organizational effectiveness and navigating the complexities of modern business environments.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Lisa Cooper, an experienced organizational design consultant, shares valuable insights on building effective organizational structures. Key takeaways include:

• The importance of designing structures for the business rather than for specific individuals
• The need to consider future goals when creating organizational structures
• The value of clarity in leadership and organizational design
• The benefit of taking "clarity breaks" to think strategically about the business

Lisa emphasizes the significance of putting the business and its mission first when designing organizational structures. She advises against creating roles for specific individuals, instead focusing on what the business needs to succeed. Lisa also highlights the importance of considering long-term goals, encouraging leaders to envision their organization 5-10 years in the future.

A key theme throughout the discussion is the power of clarity. Lisa borrows from Brené Brown's quote, "Clear is kind," to illustrate how clarity in strategy, structure, and roles can lead to amazing outcomes. She recommends that leaders take regular "clarity breaks" to disconnect from daily operations and think strategically about their organization and team.

The episode provides practical advice for leaders involved in organizational design, emphasizing the balance between strategic thinking and day-to-day operations. Lisa's insights offer valuable guidance for creating resilient, future-focused organizational structures.

Listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into effective organizational design and leadership strategies.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Brandon Curry shares insights on organizational design and leadership. Key points include:

• The importance of understanding roles and their interrelations in an organization
• Recognizing resistance as a sign of engagement and progress in organizational change
• The value of specific questions and conversations in gauging organizational health
• Analogies between organizational dynamics and music or sports teams
• Recommendations for resources on organizational design, including works by Kates Kesler and the Center for Effective Organizations
• The significance of participative design and including more of the organization in the process
• The application of continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Kaizen in organizational design

Brandon emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding current states, and involving team members in the design process. He also highlights the value of specific tools and methodologies in approaching organizational challenges.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Tim Brewer interviews Alix Prassis, an organizational design expert and founder of Culture Elevation Consulting. Alix shares her unique journey into org design, from growing up in a family business to her diverse experiences in HR, learning and engagement, and DEI roles. She discusses the importance of proactive organizational design, addressing growing pains in scaling companies, and the common symptoms of structural issues in organizations. Alix emphasizes the need for leaders to look beyond quick fixes and consider broader systemic solutions, highlighting the value of strategic workforce planning and designing with culture in mind. The conversation also touches on Alix's role as an adjunct professor and her approach to helping leaders navigate organizational challenges.

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In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Cynthia Escamilla, an experienced organizational design consultant, shares insights on effective org design practices. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the bigger picture when addressing organizational issues, rather than just changing roles or people. Cynthia advises leaders to focus on strategic goals and align organizational structure accordingly. She discusses common pitfalls in org design, such as mislabeling budget cuts as reorganization. Cynthia also highlights the iterative nature of org design, suggesting that leaders should plan for continuous adaptation. She explains her consulting approach, which includes diagnostics, co-creation of future designs, and implementation support. The conversation touches on the impact of AI and technology on workforce roles, emphasizing the need for organizations to consider how jobs may be augmented by new technologies in the future.

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