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In this episode of Dear HR Diary, I’m joined by the brilliant Sarena Diamond—change strategist, leadership whisperer, and champion of the human side of transformation. Together, we dig into one of the most challenging (and often mishandled) topics in the workplace: change management.

We’re not talking about the dry, corporate buzzword version. Nope. We're talking real talk about what change feels like, why humans resist it (spoiler: it’s not because they’re stubborn), and how leaders can either fuel resistance or become powerful agents of smooth transitions.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why change triggers resistance (Hint: it’s all about safety, not defiance)
• The emotional layers behind change—fear, uncertainty, and identity
• The crucial role of leaders in managing change, not mandating it
• Practical strategies for communicating, listening, and actually supporting people through transition
• The biggest mistakes organizations make during change initiatives (and how to avoid them)

Sarena shares wisdom from years in the trenches, and we get into the very human side of what it takes to navigate disruption—gracefully, effectively, and without burning your people out.

Whether you’re leading change, surviving it, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you the tools and perspective to handle it with heart (and a plan).

📌 Takeaways for HR and Leaders:

• Change without communication = chaos
• Resistance is a signal, not a problem
• Leaders must go first—emotionally and behaviorally
• Culture doesn’t shift by accident; it requires intention

🎧 Listen in if you’ve ever thought:

• “Why is everyone pushing back?”
• “How do I lead this change without losing the team?”
• “Why does every change initiative feel like a battle?”

Because HR isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. And change? It's personal.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Sarena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarena-diamond/
🌐 Visit Sarena’s website for more insights – https://diamondsolutionsgroupllc.com/

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Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart