Leading Change

Ema is joined by Cody Pavlat, a seasoned trainer and change leader, to explore the often-overlooked role of middle managers in driving successful transformation. They unpack how these “unsung heroes” bridge the gap between executive vision and day-to-day execution, the importance of psychological safety in leading change, and why you can’t just outsource adoption to the training team.

Should states be allowed to regulate AI, or are we risking innovation with death by a thousand cuts? In this episode of Leading Change in the Wild, I dive into the now-infamous “Big Beautiful Bill,” the 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation that was overwhelmingly struck down in the Senate. What’s at stake? A lot. From who gets to decide what’s ethical AI to how fast innovation can move,...

Ema is joined by management consultant Tara, who shares insights from 25+ years of working with thousands of managers, both seasoned and accidental. They dive into why top performers often get promoted into leadership roles without the right preparation, how to support those "accidental managers," and why people skills are no longer optional in today’s workplace.

Grab your (digital) cowboy hats, because we are officially in the Wild West of AI. In this episode of Leading Change in the Wild, I’m breaking down the most important legal battles unfolding right now over artificial intelligence, ethics, and data privacy. These lawsuits aren’t just headlines. They could redefine how AI is built, used, and trusted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why The New Yo...

Ema is joined by Elsie Mort, a seasoned Change Communications Manager, as they dive deep into the fascinating world of organizational change, standardization, and how to successfully modernize systems without alienating your teams.

What if I told you Taylor Swift is a change management mastermind, not just a mastermind of planting Easter Eggs? In this episode of Leading Change - Change in the Wild, I break down how Taylor (and her comms team) executed one of the clearest, boldest change communication strategies we’ve seen in years. From buying back her masters to not re-recording Reputation, Swift didn’t just pivot. She brou...

Ema is joined by executive coach Frankie Bercobin to discuss how executive function influences performance and productivity in the workplace, especially under stress, neurodivergence like ADHD, or during career transitions.

Want to know what declaring you are AI-First will get you? Canceled and quick. In this solo episode of Leading Change, Ema Roloff breaks down Duolingo’s major misstep after a leaked internal memo revealed their “AI-First” strategy. Thousands of users canceled subscriptions. Critics flooded the comments. Why? Because People-first > AI-first, especially when the message is delivered without clari...

Ema is joined by Ian McCain, a digital transformation expert and seasoned improviser, to explore how the mindset of improv can unlock trust, momentum, and innovation during change initiatives. Whether you're leading a tech rollout or managing team dynamics, this episode offers powerful, practical tools to help you navigate the unknown with confidence.

In this special Live from New York edition of Leading Change with Ema Roloff - Ema sits down with Michelle Ralph, EVP, Chief Claim and Transformation Officer at Preferred Mutual, to talk about what it really takes to lead a successful digital transformation—starting with your people.

Ema sits down with Ashley Fetko, Partner and Head of Growth & Client Engagement at Tyson & Mendes, to explore the defense strategies that actually stop nuclear verdicts. Ashley dives into the power of storytelling, the need for collaboration, and why being a good human is more than just a motto—it's the foundation of winning in the courtroom.

Ema is joined by Robin Dreeke, founder of People Formula, former FBI Special Agent, and behavioral expert, for a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to build trust as a leader. Drawing from his experience recruiting spies and leading counterintelligence efforts, Robin shares powerful lessons on vulnerability, active communication, and shifting your focus from self to others.

Ema is joined by Minette Norman, an expert in inclusive leadership and psychological safety. Together, they explore how to recognize and fix the “meeting after the meeting” culture—those side conversations that happen when teams don’t feel safe speaking up.

Ema is joined by Maria Ross, an author, speaker, and empathy advocate, to discuss why empathy isn’t just about being nice—it’s a strategic advantage. They dive into the myths of empathy in leadership, how it drives high-performance teams, and why it’s essential for building a strong workplace culture.

Ema sits down Jon Giganti as he shares his journey from corporate sales to leadership coaching and speaking. He opens up about overcoming self-doubt, managing anxiety, and embracing vulnerability in leadership. Discover how shifting your mindset from “being good” to “being helpful” can transform the way you lead and connect with others.

Ema sits down with Bob Pick, CIO at Tokio Marine North America, to share insights on implementing practical Agile in enterprise environments. From managing unrealistic expectations to driving culture change, Bob breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how companies can make Agile truly effective.

Ema sits down with Luke Frazier, CEO of Stepwise Innovation, to discuss why relying on the same data sources leads to stagnation—and how companies can break the cycle by creating unique datasets and looking outside the industry for inspiration

Ema sits down with David Obert, Chief Product Officer at Verisk Property Estimating Solutions, to explore the future of claims automation, the role of IoT, and the challenges of creating a seamless data ecosystem. From predictive analytics to straight-through processing, discover how the industry is evolving to enhance efficiency and improve policyholder experiences.

Ema Roloff and digital transformation expert Paige Materna explore how AI, predictive analytics, and digital front doors are reshaping the healthcare experience for patients, providers, and payers. They discuss real-world applications, industry leaders driving innovation, and personal stories that highlight the urgent need for patient-centered care.

Ema sits down with Courtney to break down the problematic yet powerful career cheat codes that can fast-track your success. They discuss how making your work visible, building a strong personal brand, and strategically marketing your skills can give you a competitive edge. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or break into a new industry, these insider tips will help you navigate t...

Ema sits down with Max Vermeir, Senior Director of AI Strategy at ABBYY, to break down what agentic AI really is, why it's gaining traction, and what businesses need to consider before jumping on the bandwagon. From "agent washing" to practical enterprise applications, we separate fact from fiction in the AI revolution

Ema sits down with public speaking coach Eva Daniel to explore how mastering communication can accelerate career growth, build influence, and make leaders more impactful. From storytelling techniques to making data presentations more engaging, Eva shares practical strategies to help professionals command the stage — whether in a boardroom or at a keynote event.

Join Ema and special guest Laura Dinan Haber—Innovation Brand Director at Nassau Financial Group—to explore how collaboration and fresh ideas can take your brand to new heights. From reimagining traditional industries to tapping into diverse viewpoints, Laura shares real-world examples of “just starting” on an innovative path and finding the right people to champion your vision. If you’re ready to...

Join Ema with special guest Scott Shumway, author of The Invisible Four Letter Word: The Secret to Getting What You Really Want in Life. Scott shares how understanding and regulating our "wants" can overcome resistance to change, foster powerful leadership, and align teams toward a unified vision.

Join Ema with special guest Tori Paulman, VP Analyst at Gartner, as they dive into the fascinating world of cyber psychology and its profound impact on the modern workplace. Tori discusses how human behavior is shaped in digital environments and the role of technology-driven personalization in transforming work dynamics.