Episode 2 - People Don't Hate Change, They Hate the Future They Picture

In this episode of Thoughts on Change, host Kelly explores why people resist change—even when they deal with it constantly. The answer isn't about change itself, but about the future people imagine. Kelly unpacks the psychology behind change resistance, introducing the concept of change as a "two-sided coin" where people either see gain or loss. Learn how to identify the fear of loss driving resistance and discover practical approaches from the Transform framework to help people see the positive side of change.

Timestamped Show Notes

0:00 - Introduction Kelly introduces the podcast and sets up the central question: why does change make us "kick and scream" when we experience it so frequently?

2:31 - Understanding Change Reactions Exploring what really happens when people experience change and why it's so difficult to shepherd people through workplace changes.

2:31 - The Two-Sided Coin of Change Kelly introduces the metaphor of change as a two-sided coin, using the example of bringing home a newborn to illustrate how the same change can be viewed as magical or nightmarish depending on perspective.

5:49 - The Fear of Loss Understanding why people picture negative stories where they lose something, especially with changes they didn't choose—like most workplace changes.

7:04 - Revealing the Root Kelly shares the third step of her Transform framework: revealing the root of resistance by identifying what people fear they will lose (autonomy, control, authority, purpose).

8:25 - Wrap Up Kelly teases the next episode and encourages listeners to subscribe and share with fellow change leaders.

Podcast Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJhLq4ce4os