Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Episode #263: Colin Savage – The Frequent Flyer of Change Has Thoughts on AI—and Lifelong Learning — Part One
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #263 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan welcomes Colin Davidge, a seasoned change management expert with a dynamic career spanning continents, cultures, and industries. This episode marks the beginning of a three-part series exploring Colin's profound insights into change, lifelong learning, and the integration of AI in personal and professional growth.

Colin's Background and Journey

Colin Davidge opens up about his extensive career and personal journey, highlighting his adaptability and passion for embracing change. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Colin ventured abroad shortly after university, spending two decades living and working in seven countries and engaging in projects across over 70 nations.

Notable Quote:
“At the time, when everybody was banging down my door to give me a job, but I needed to go, I needed to go somewhere else. So I left with that degree and with some other experience and decided to test Asia.”
— Colin Davidge (05:30)

Colin's academic pursuits included earning three master's degrees and lecturing at various universities in Southeast Asia and Japan. His professional trajectory encompassed roles in business development, marketing, market research, and strategic change management across both the private and public sectors.

Defining 'Change Addict' and 'Change Guru'

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around Colin's self-description as a "change addict" transitioning into a "change guru." He delineates these terms by contrasting impulsive, novelty-driven changes with strategic, purpose-driven transformations.

Notable Quotes:

• “I really was a change addict in the sense when I left Canada in 1994 I just threw caution to the wind and went to Thailand.”
  — Colin Davidge (10:54)

• “Change addict is a harsh word, but you really can be addicted to change.”
  — Colin Davidge (15:26)

Colin explains that his addiction to change was fueled by a desire to escape traditional paths and seek new, uncharted opportunities. However, he acknowledges the risks of making changes without adequate planning and emphasizes the importance of purposeful transformation to derive meaningful value.

Experiences in Organizational Transformation

Colin shares his experiences in leading organizational change, particularly highlighting two contrasting case studies from his tenure in Japan and Canada.

1. Success in a Traditional Japanese Organization:
   While working with a major Japanese life insurance company in Brazil, Colin spearheaded a strategic initiative to introduce fintech and RegTech innovations. Despite operating within a culture that highly values traditional practices, Colin successfully navigated the complexities by engaging in individual conversations, meticulous research, and fostering a groundswell of support within the organization.

   Notable Quote:
   “Change is personal. ... you’ve got to research your idea. This is the market side. These are the people, what they would buy.”
   — Colin Davidge (21:03)

2. Challenges in a Traditional Canadian Marketing Firm:
   In contrast, Colin recounts his experience with a traditional marketing company in Canada where his efforts to introduce disruptive initiatives were met with resistance. Despite having organizational support, the entrenched legacy of high revenue and reluctance to deviate from established practices led to the failure of his change initiatives.

   Notable Quote:
   “They used all the right words. They were very receptive to the idea. ... But in this instance, it’s a little bit about, it’s maybe less about the change addict thing but learning about that change guru.”
   — Colin Davidge (21:03)

Through these experiences, Colin underscores the necessity of aligning change initiatives with both organizational culture and strategic objectives, highlighting that successful transformation requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands strategic planning and cultural alignment.

Lessons from Consulting Projects Applied Personally

Vince probes into how Colin's extensive consulting experience translates to personal growth and decision-making. Colin articulates that the principles of strategic change in organizations are equally applicable to individual life choices, especially when navigating personal dilemmas or crossroads.

Notable Quote:
“If you’re just doing it because somebody has slighted you... you need to find your place in your tribe.”
— Colin Davidge (15:46)

He advises listeners to approach personal changes with the same rigor and intentionality as business transformations—assessing motivations, conducting scenario planning, and ensuring that changes are aligned with long-term goals rather than impulsive reactions to temporary dissatisfaction.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As the conversation wraps up, Colin reflects on the delicate balance between being open to change and avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive decisions. Vince teases the topics for the upcoming parts of the series, which will delve deeper into the learning required for transformation, the shift from lifelong learning to skill stacking, and the pivotal role of AI in personal strategies.

Closing Quote:
“Buckle up. This one is a ride.”
— Vince Chan (30:31)

Stay tuned for Part Two, where Colin will explore the evolving landscape of professional learning and the future of skill development.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been excluded to focus on the substantive discussion between Vince Chan and Colin Davidge.