Harmonizing AI and Human-Centric Approaches in Business Transformation - with Kate Bullinger

Humans are in a tough spot right now. Seems like everyone's talking about AI disruption, how to "stay human," why humans will be more or less important, and on and on. But one thing remains certain: business transformation will fail without a human-centric approach. In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle sits down with change management and change communications legend Kate Bullinger, CEO of United Minds, to discuss the critical role of human-centric approaches in managing organizational change. With over two decades of experience partnering with senior executives on enterprise transformations, Kate shares her wisdom and insights on building purpose-driven cultures and high-performing teams. From M&As to restructuring and leadership transitions, Kate and Dan examine the complexities of change management in today's constantly disrupted business environment. They explore how AI and technology can enhance communication strategies while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human touch. Kate offers practical advice on creating effective change playbooks, addressing employee concerns, and navigating the challenges of fractured audiences within organizations. Listen in and hear about... Human-centric approaches to organizational change and transformation The importance of creating a "North Star" vision for change initiatives Leveraging AI tools to enhance change management strategies The impact of employee advocacy on organizational reputation and change efforts Future leadership challenges in an AI-driven, hybrid work environment Notable Quotes Human-Centric Change: "Change can't happen if you don't bring the humans along for the journey.” - Kate Bullinger [04:25 → 04:42] Communication During Uncertainty: "Even getting out there and listening and being present can quell a lot of those concerns or at least let people know that there's no new information to share. I think that's something that's really consistent across any kind of change because at the end of the day, it's really about human behavior. Right. And people don't like change." - Kate Bullinger [11:37 → 12:03] Employee Engagement: "The more people feel like they've had a voice or they've had some fingerprint on the process, the more they feel bought in." - Kate Bullinger [29:08 → 29:31] Future Leadership: "When you think about 10 years from now, what is it going to look like to lead a large global organization? I don't. Those leaders won't be in their jobs anymore.” - Kate Bullinger [1:03:52 → 1:04:20] Change Management: "It's not that people are processing faster, but that our ability to engage them in a meaningful and more targeted way that's stakeholder-centric. Even inside the organization, I think is where we want to lean into AI and technology." - Kate Bullinger [1:04:20 → 1:04:35] Resources and Links Dan Nestle Inquisitive Communications | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Dan Nestle | Twitter/X Kate Bullinger United Minds | Website Kate Bullinger | LinkedIn Timestamps 0:00 Intro: AI content debate on LinkedIn 5:07 Human-centric approach in business transformation 10:37 Challenges of communicating during change 15:42 Creating a North Star vision for change 21:52 Types of business transformations 28:31 Leadership behaviors during organizational change 34:18 Navigating uncertainty as a communications leader 40:19 Using AI tools for employee sentiment analysis 45:11 Developing a modern change management playbook 51:53 Communications teams as organizational nerve centers 59:55 Unique skills gained from managing transitions 1:03:26 Future of leadership in evolving workplaces (Notes co-created by Human Dan and  Flowsend.ai ) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices