Change is constant at work — yet organizational change can still catch teams off guard. In this episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with Jess Rodriguez to explore what it really takes to lead teams through change with clarity, empathy, and trust. From change management to workplace communication, we discuss how leaders can move beyond control and guide their teams through uncertainty at work in a people-centered way.

Jess shares how her background in improv shaped her approach to corporate leadership: put people first, communicate change clearly, ask better questions, and build employee trust before jumping into strategy. We also unpack why “cheerleading” change can backfire, how emotional responses show up during change at work, and how leading with empathy helps create genuine team buy-in instead of reluctant compliance.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why people aren’t “bad at change” — and what they’re actually reacting to during organizational change
• How fear and uncertainty at work can impact trust, performance, and team dynamics
• Why curiosity strengthens employee trust faster than forced positivity
• Communication strategies at work that help leaders surface real concerns instead of making assumptions
• How a structured curiosity phase supports workplace communication without slowing progress
• The difference between compliance and buy-in — and why connection drives stronger team leadership
• How to involve employees early so they feel included in the change management process
• The four attributes of effective team leadership during change: curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and adaptability
• A hard but important truth: not everyone will land in the same place — and strong leaders guide their teams with transparency anyway

Whether you're leading teams through a large organizational change or navigating everyday shifts in the workplace, this conversation reinforces a powerful leadership principle: successful change management starts with people. When leaders prioritize connection, communicate with intention, and lead with empathy, they build the trust teams need to adapt, collaborate, and move forward with confidence — even when the future feels uncertain.

Resources: 

• Jess' Website: https://www.jessrod.com/
• The Sales Creative website: https://www.thesalescreative.co/
• Connect with Jess on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessrodspeaks/

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com