The Inner Game of Change

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast] I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.  Now, before we step into today’s topic, let’s revisit something we mention in every episode, what is a mental model anyway? A mental model is a way of seeing, a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions.  You can think of it like a mental lens. The clearer it is, the better we navigate uncertainty and lead with intention. In our last episode, we explored Chunking  [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast/episode/7da79686/mental-models-for-managing-change-chunking]— a model about breaking big challenges into small, manageable pieces so we can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Today, we are staying in that space between vision and execution. Because once we’ve broken things down into chunks, the next trap is how we estimate the time and effort those chunks will take. And that’s where today’s mental model comes in — The Planning Fallacy. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1751572/open_sms] Ali Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast] the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation.  In this episode, I am joined by James Stevenson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskaizen/], Principal at Kaizen Institute Western Europe. James brings clarity, calm, and sharp thinking to the world of continuous improvement.  We talk about what Kaizen truly is (and what it is not), why it starts with the customer, not the process, and how so many change efforts lose their way by optimising for convenience rather than value. From leadership mindsets to simulated learning, from efficiency gains to the often-ignored question of “what happens after the improvement?”, this conversation looks at the human and the structural sides of change.  We also explore the role of artificial intelligence in continuous improvement, and how AI might be the sharpest new tool in the Kaizen toolbox, if used wisely. If you are in the business of enabling better change, better work and better workplaces, this one will land. I am grateful to have James chatting with me today.  About James A conscientious and hard-working consultant at Kaizen Institute Western Europe. Contacts James’ Profile linkedin.com/in/jameskaizen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskaizen] Website uk.kaizen.com/ [https://uk.kaizen.com/](Company) Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1751572/open_sms] Ali Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast] I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change. Now, before we get into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway? A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions.  You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can navigate uncertainty. In our last episode, we explored the OODA Loop [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mental-models-for-managing-change-ooda/id1561948319?i=1000715484526] — a model that helps us respond quickly and wisely when change is moving fast and unpredictably. Today, we are building on that, because once you have figured out how to adapt quickly, the next challenge is dealing with sheer size and complexity. That is where today’s mental model comes in — Chunking. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1751572/open_sms] Ali Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast] I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change. Now, before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway? A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions.  You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can move through uncertainty. In our last episode, we explored Map vs Territory — a model that reminds us to challenge our assumptions and stay grounded in reality, not just in our maps or frameworks. Today, we’re building on that — because once you’ve seen the difference between map and territory, the next question becomes: How do you move through it, especially when things are changing fast? That’s where today’s mental model comes in — the OODA Loop. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1751572/open_sms] Ali Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, [https://www.theinnergameofchange.com.au/podcast] the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation.  In this episode, I sit down with Dr Jonathan Thorp [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanthorp/]; a former Navy pilot turned leadership educator—to unpack one of the most vital ingredients of effective teams: psychological safety. From the boardroom to the break room, we explore what makes conversations feel safe, why trust must precede truth-telling, and how safety and accountability must work together—not in opposition—for change to truly take hold. Jonathan also shares his six-step dialogue framework and reminds us that not all resistance is resistance—sometimes, it’s just people needing time to process. Whether you lead teams through change or support those who do, this episode will leave you with both practical tools and fresh perspective. I am grateful to have Jonathan chating with me today. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1751572/open_sms] Ali Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn