The Scrappy Leader: Brynn Shader

Crafting Change with Brynn Shader

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Scrappy Leader, host Christy Ritchie welcomes Brynn Shader, a business owner, change craft speaker, and advisor. Brynn takes us on a journey from her early days teaching English in the Czech Republic to building a career in HR, Salesforce administration, and change management. She shares how she found her true passion in supporting employees through organizational transitions and how that led her to consulting and public speaking. Brynn introduces her concept of "change craft," a creative and flexible approach to navigating change, and highlights the importance of self-care, mindset shifts, and leadership resilience.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Brynn’s international experiences shaped her approach to change management
• The pivotal moments that led her from HR to a focus on talent development and consulting
• The concept of "change craft" and how it applies to leadership and transformation
• The role of self-care, including therapy and fitness, in sustaining leadership effectiveness
• Strategies for setting boundaries, defining leadership goals, and navigating uncertainty
• Insights into Brynn’s upcoming speaking engagements and future plans

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership success requires intentionality, goal-setting, and a willingness to embrace change.
• Change management is more than process—it’s about people, mindset, and adaptability.
• Developing resilience and prioritizing self-care are crucial for long-term leadership effectiveness.
• Scrappy leaders balance creative problem-solving with polished execution.

Actionable Advice for Leaders:

• Define your leadership vision and core values to guide your decisions.
• Set firm boundaries to protect your energy and maintain focus.
• Stay open to different models and frameworks in change management.
• Practice "gratitude in advance" to shape your mindset for success.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Brynn Shader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnshader/
• Learn more about Brynn’s speaking and work: https://www.brynnshader.com/
• Follow The Scrappy Leader for more inspiring conversations: https://thescrappyleader.podbean.com/

Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] Brynn’s journey from teaching abroad to business ownership [00:08:30] Transitioning from Salesforce admin to HR and talent development [00:15:45] The power of self-care in leadership and change management [00:22:10] Introducing the "change craft" approach to transformation [00:30:20] Advice for scrappy leaders navigating uncertainty and growth

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