Every mistake I made early in my career became a lesson I now incorporate in change strategy. Which one shaped you the most?
In my early HR Executive days, “change projects” often landed on my desk for one simple reason: Someone wanted to save costs or had a preferred supplier.
Back then, I didn’t know much about change management. I simply rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
Looking back now — from my change strategist seat — I see the blind spots clearly.
✨ Mistake #1 – Jumping in without the WHY
I delivered the change before defining why it mattered — for the business and, more importantly, for the people affected.
✨ Mistake #2 – Focusing only on the tip of the iceberg
We never gathered real business requirements or assessed change impacts. We assumed the obvious was obvious — it wasn’t.
✨ Mistake #3 – No structured plan
Everything was done intuitively. We reacted instead of anticipating. There was no roadmap to guide us through uncertainty.
✨ Mistake #4 – No back-up plan
When things backfired (and they did), we were surprised instead of prepared.
✨ Mistake #5 – Trying to change leaders, not approaches
I thought I could shift their mindset without their buy-in.
Lesson learnt: without motivation and understanding, there’s no will to change.
These early career missteps shaped how I approach change today — with clarity, structure, and heart.
Because every transformation deserves more than good intentions. It deserves a plan, a purpose, and people who understand the why.