Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: Episode #395 with Colin Savage

Title: Chief Change Officer
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Colin Savage
Episode Title: Why Skill Stacking Is the New Lifelong Learning — Part One
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #395 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a compelling conversation with Colin Savage, a self-proclaimed "change addict" turned "change guru." This episode marks the first part of a three-part series where Colin delves into his extensive journey navigating multiple continents, cultures, and industries. With a career spanning over 20 years and contributions to projects in more than 70 nations, Colin offers a wealth of insights into embracing and mastering change both personally and professionally.

Colin Savage’s Journey

Colin opens up about his origins in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and his adventurous spirit that led him to live abroad for two decades. He shares, “I lived in seven countries, was seconded to seven others, and worked in projects across over 70 nations” (03:26). This nomadic lifestyle was driven by a deep-seated desire to explore the unknown, pushing him to continuously adapt to new environments and industries.

Academic and Professional Threads:

• Education: Colin pursued three master’s degrees and spent nearly nine years lecturing at universities across Southeast Asia.
• Business Development: His roles encompassed business development, marketing, and market research across various sectors, bridging both the private and public sectors.
• Strategy and Change Management: Leading teams in diverse industries, Colin honed his expertise in strategic change, particularly noting his experience leading a team of 40 analysts in telecommunications in the UK.

Change Addict vs. Change Guru

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around the terms "change addict" and "change guru," which Colin elaborates on (08:50).

• Change Addict: Colin describes himself as someone who seeks novelty and thrives on constantly changing his environment. He recounted, “I was a change addict in a sense when I left Canada in 1984... I not only changed the city I lived in, but the country, the culture, the language, the industry, and everything at once” (03:26). This compulsive need for change, fueled by boredom and a quest for new experiences, often led him to make bold life decisions without a concrete plan.

• Change Guru: Over time, Colin transitioned into a "change guru," applying his extensive experiences to guide others through transformative processes. He emphasizes the importance of strategic, purpose-driven change rather than change for its own sake.

Calculated vs. Impulsive Change

Colin contrasts impulsive change, driven by immediate feelings or boredom, with calculated change, which is strategic and well-planned (13:22).

• Impulsive Change: Early in his career, Colin often made spontaneous decisions, such as moving to Myanmar with just a suitcase and ambition. He acknowledges the dangers of such impulsive actions, noting, “I was out in a week... I could have done it in a much more thoughtful way” (13:43). While this approach led to significant personal growth, it also carried risks and unpredictability.

• Calculated Change: As a change guru, Colin advocates for thoughtful, strategic change. He advises, “Have some scenario planning... Figure out what you really want to do” (13:43). This method minimizes regret and ensures that change aligns with long-term goals and personal values.

Lessons from Organizational Change

Drawing from his extensive experience in organizational transformation, Colin shares valuable lessons applicable to both businesses and individuals facing change.

Japanese Organizational Change: Colin recounts his time working with a Japanese life insurance company in Brazil. Despite Japan’s reputation for traditional practices, he successfully spearheaded change by:

• Building Support: “We actually managed to get support from lovely people within the organization” (17:14).
• Strategic Approach: Emphasizing researched, measured change rather than abrupt shifts.

Failures in Traditional Marketing Company: In contrast, Colin describes his unsuccessful stint with a traditional Canadian marketing firm:

• Lack of Genuine Commitment: Despite being recruited as a change agent, the organization’s deep-rooted attachment to legacy practices hindered meaningful transformation.
• Misalignment of Goals: Colin states, “They were hooked on a legacy of very high revenue and high-profile profit margin... they weren’t willing” (17:14), leading to his inability to implement desired changes.

Personal Stories and Insights

Through personal anecdotes, Colin illustrates the complexities of driving change in diverse settings.

• Moving to Myanmar: Colin shares his spontaneous move fueled by a desire to escape comfort, highlighting the exhilaration and challenges of adapting to a completely new environment.

• Attempted Change in Canada: His experience in Canada underscores the importance of organizational readiness and genuine willingness to embrace change for it to be effective.

Concluding Insights

As the episode wraps up, Colin stresses the significance of purposeful change. He advises listeners to:

• Assess Motivation: Determine whether the desire for change stems from temporary dissatisfaction or a long-term need for growth.
• Strategic Planning: Engage in thorough planning and research to ensure changes align with broader objectives.
• Seek Support: Build a network of supportive individuals to facilitate and sustain change initiatives.

Vince hints at future episodes, where Colin will discuss the evolution of lifelong learning into skill stacking and the interplay between AI and human intelligence in personal development.

Notable Quotes

• “I not only changed the city I lived in, but the country, the culture, the language, the industry, and everything at once.” – Colin Savage (03:26)

• “You got to have a little bit more planning behind it... why am I really unhappy? What do I really want to do?” – Colin Savage (13:43)

• “It's not just keeping that direction by the outside or financial reinvolvement, the wholesome way that we're going to evolve and change for the better.” – Colin Savage (17:14)

Conclusion

Episode #395 of Chief Change Officer offers a deep dive into the mindset and strategies of a seasoned change expert. Colin Savage’s experiences underscore the delicate balance between embracing change and ensuring it is strategically aligned with personal and organizational goals. Listeners are left with actionable insights on navigating their own transformational journeys, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone aiming to outgrow themselves and unlock unprecedented outcomes.

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