Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary Episode: Colin Savage: A Change Addict’s Quest Across Borders—From Canada to Japan and Beyond — Part One Release Date: February 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling first part of a three-episode series, Vince Chan, host of the Chief Change Officer podcast, sits down with Colin David, a seasoned professional whose career embodies the essence of navigating and mastering change. Titled "Colin Savage: A Change Addict’s Quest Across Borders—From Canada to Japan and Beyond," this episode delves deep into Colin's multifaceted journey across continents, industries, and cultures, offering listeners invaluable insights into embracing and leading transformation both personally and professionally.

Colin's Journey: From Canada to a Global Change Guru

Colin's Background and Early Career

• Origin: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
• Education: Bachelor's in English Literature with a robust academic pursuit, including three master's degrees.
• Career Path: Left Canada shortly after university to embark on a 20-year journey living and working in seven countries, contributing to projects in over 70 nations.

Notable Quote:
Colin David [05:29]: "I managed to over the 20 years, build up what I call 7, 7 70. So I lived in seven countries, I was seconded to seven others, and I worked in Project 70 nations around the world."

Embracing Change: From Addict to Guru

Defining "Change Addict" vs. "Change Guru"

• Change Addict: Driven by novelty and the thrill of the new, often leading to frequent relocations without long-term planning.
• Change Guru: Strategic and calculated approach to transformation, ensuring meaningful and sustainable change.

Notable Quote:
Colin David [10:53]: "If you're just chasing novelty, you might be a change addict. But embracing change for a strategic purpose transforms you into a change guru."

Personal Anecdotes of Change

• Thailand and Myanmar: Colin's spontaneous moves to Thailand and Myanmar without prior knowledge exemplify his "change addict" phase, driven by curiosity and the allure of the unknown.

Notable Quote:
Colin David [10:53]: "I just threw caution to the wind and went hit Thailand. I packed the suitcase, I went there. I knew nothing about the language, culture, the working environment or anything."

Lessons from Organizational Change Initiatives

Strategic vs. Arbitrary Change

• Strategic Change: Planned, research-driven transformations aligned with clear objectives and supported by organizational culture.
• Arbitrary Change: Unplanned, superficial modifications lacking depth and commitment, often leading to resistance and failure.

Notable Quote:
Colin David [19:17]: "True impact comes when you are guiding strategic and focused change, not just embracing change for the sake of change."

Case Studies Presented by Colin

1. Success in Japan:

   • Context: Introducing innovative business ideas within a traditionally conservative Japanese organization.
   • Approach: Emphasized strategic planning, thorough research, and fostering internal support to implement change.
   • Outcome: Achieved successful transformation over two years, demonstrating that even traditional cultures can embrace meaningful change.

   Notable Quote:
   Colin David [22:10]: "We managed to get support from lovely people within the organization. It took two years, but the change did happen."

2. Challenges in Canada:

   • Context: Attempting to implement disruptive initiatives in a traditional Canadian marketing company.
   • Approach: Aggressive promotion of change without adequate organizational readiness or alignment.
   • Outcome: Faced significant resistance, leading to eventual failure despite initial support from leadership.

   Notable Quote:
   Colin David [27:15]: "When the entire organization has been dictated change and not really trusting of the person who's supposed to pilot it, then it's not going to happen."

Key Insights and Takeaways

1. Purpose-Driven Change: Successful transformation requires a clear purpose beyond novelty. It must align with organizational or personal goals to foster genuine commitment and effectiveness.

2. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the cultural dynamics of an organization or community is crucial when introducing change. Tailored approaches increase the likelihood of acceptance and success.

3. Strategic Planning: Comprehensive research and strategic planning underpin effective change initiatives. This includes market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and measurable objectives.

4. Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating failures, such as the unsuccessful attempt in Canada, builds resilience and offers valuable lessons for future endeavors.

Notable Quote:
Colin David [19:17]: "Learn to take the interest and the novelty and the energy that comes from a potential change and have it fuel you, but do the important steps to make that change happen."

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with Vince Chan highlighting Colin's transformation from a "change addict" to a "change guru," emphasizing how his diverse experiences have shaped his expertise in leading meaningful transformations. Vince teases the next episodes, which will explore the evolving landscape of learning and AI's role in personal and professional development.

Notable Quote:
Vince Chen [30:30]: "Change addict turned change guru... how the constant evolution around him became his greatest teacher."

Upcoming Episodes Preview

1. Part Two: The Learning Required for Transformation

   • Exploration of Colin's extensive academic pursuits and his belief that lifelong learning is outdated, advocating for skill stacking as the future.

2. Part Three: AI, Human Intelligence, and Personal AI Strategies

   • Discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human intelligence, emphasizing the necessity of personal AI strategies in today’s world.

Final Thoughts

Colin David's journey offers a profound narrative on the complexities of embracing change. His experiences underscore the importance of purpose, strategic planning, and cultural understanding in driving successful transformations. For listeners aspiring to become Chief Change Officers in their own right, Colin's insights provide a roadmap for navigating the ever-evolving landscapes of career and personal growth.

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