If you’ve ever led a team through change, you know it doesn’t always feel smooth or inspiring. Sometimes it feels like holding on for dear life, hoping you’ll make it to the other side without flying off the rails.
That’s exactly how Jessica Szalla kicked a recent HDI and ICMI Idea Exchange session on organizational change management — with a rollercoaster story that was equal parts terrifying and relatable. The point? Business transformation can feel just as unpredictable as a ride full of corkscrews and free falls. And while surviving is one way to get through it, thriving is a whole different experience.
Surviving vs. Thriving
Jessica shared two stories. The first: barely “surviving” a heart-stopping ride on Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens. The second was facing budget cuts that eliminated two essential tools her team relied on. She could have limped through, doing the bare minimum with what was left. Instead, she chose to rally her team, research creative solutions, and pitch a new plan to leadership. That decision moved her team from a state of survival to one of thriving.
Courage in Change Leadership
One big takeaway? Courage doesn’t always look like bold speeches or dramatic moves. Sometimes it’s about asking hard questions when the safety net is gone. Sometimes it’s about staying calm in chaos long enough to find options others can’t see. In Jessica’s case, courage meant leading her team through uncertainty, reframing the problem, and showing leadership that there was a way forward.
The Questions to Ask Yourself
The session left us with two reflection points that anyone leading change should consider:
- What’s your “Apollo’s Chariot”? In other words, what’s been the wildest, most uncertain moment in your career where you felt like you were just hanging on? And what would you do differently now to not just endure it—but thrive through it?
- What does courage look like to you? In times of change, how do you personally define courage? Is it speaking up? Is it taking risks without a guarantee of success? Or is it choosing to stay steady when everyone else feels unmoored?
Final Thought
Change leadership doesn't mean eliminating twists and turns. It’s about how you guide your team through them. Surviving may get you to the end of the ride, but thriving means emerging stronger, more resilient, and perhaps even energized to face the next challenge.
If you’re in the middle of a transition — or gearing up for one — this session is a reminder that courage and creativity are your best safety harness.
(Watch the full session video below for more insights on thriving through organizational change.)