The Future of Change Management: Adapting to the Next Iteration of Work with April Callis-Birchmeier

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson and change management expert April Callis-Birchmeier discuss the primary indicators of effective change management in organizations and the common obstacles faced during implementation. April emphasizes the importance of bringing people along with the change and crafting a relevant, relatable story. She also highlights the evolving field of change management, with a focus on being data-driven and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Three key takeaways:

1. HR professionals should recognize their impact in change management and step into the role of guiding leaders through the change process.
2. Communication and advanced planning are crucial for successful change implementation.
3. AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be valuable resources for generating ideas and streamlining tasks, but it's important to vet the output and use it as a starting point rather than copying and pasting.

April is recognized as one of the Top 30 Global Gurus in Organizational Culture in 2021 and 2022. She is an internationally known organizational change management expert who has implemented change for government, health care, higher education, and corporate clients.

Her expertise and experience have resulted in certifications such as PMP®, CSP™ and she was one of the first CCMP™.

She served on the ACMP Standard Working Group to develop the global professional standard for all change management practitioners worldwide and is CEO of Springboard Consulting. This change management consulting firm provides enterprise implementation support, education, and exam preparation in organizational change management for Human Resource professionals.

April authored four books, including the bestsellers "READY, Set, Change! Simplify and Accelerate Organizational Change" and "READY, Set, CCMP™ Exam Prep Guide."

She has been an adjunct professor for Roosevelt University, Oakland University, and Wright College and has provided professional education for the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. April is the Association of Change Management Professionals, Michigan Chapter President, and a frequent speaker for SHRM and PMI training, state, and chapter events.