Episode 24: Change by Design - A Conversation with Melissa Donegan Artwork

UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

Unboxing OD is your guide to making sense of Organizational Development - one thoughtful conversation at a time. Hosted by Kenneth Pearson, seasoned OD practitioner and author of The Flow of Five Tiers, this podcast unpacks the complexity of organizational life with clarity, compassion, and a bit of edge.

Whether you're an early-career OD professional, a leader trying to navigate change, or simply someone who believes workplaces can be more human, you'll find grounded insights and actionable takeaways here. While most episodes are solo deep dives into the fieldwork and philosophy behind OD, we also feature voices from the field, bringing in experts, newcomers, and those who challenge the status quo.

No jargon. No endless theory. Just practical wisdom, lived experience, and a steady focus on making organizations better for the people who keep them alive.

Ready to deepen your OD practice? Connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/unboxing-od-podcast or visit the Pearson & Pearson LLC website at www.pearsonpearson.llc.

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UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

Episode 24: Change by Design - A Conversation with Melissa Donegan

August 06, 2025 • Kenneth Pearson • Season 2 • Episode 4

0:00 | 59:26

In this episode of Unboxing OD, host Kenneth Pearson sits down with Melissa Donegan - an experienced leader across federal agencies, healthcare, education, and tech - to talk about what it really means to design for change instead of reacting to it.

Together, they explore how intentional listening and career mindfulness can transform not only the outcomes of an initiative but also the people at the heart of it. Melissa shares how her career path has shaped her perspective, what it means to mentor with presence, and why allyship and empathy are essential to long-term change.

They talk about building trust, seeing potential in others before they see it in themselves, and navigating the workplace with a mindset rooted in curiosity and connection. This conversation is full of real moments, practical insight, and gentle reminders that OD is not just about systems - it’s about people.

So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for a grounded, insightful dialogue about designing for meaningful, lasting change.

TO CONNECT WITH MELISSA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-donegan-28a60790/
E-Mail: melissadonegan.io@gmail.com

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