Inspire and influence change

Organizational change as a gateway for growth

Organizational change is more than just a shift in how to do things or what technology to use; it’s an emotional journey.

At the end of that journey, we're dreaming of accomplishing bold goals and ambitious results that we'll feel good about. But getting there brings up big, unpleasant emotions like fear:

Can we do this?

Can I do this?

In a world that feels particularly chaotic and anxiety-provoking, now more than ever, those who want to drive results for their organization need to consider emotions:

How am I feeling? [worried, doubtful]

What are the people impacted feeling? [fearful]

How do people want to feel? [capable and confident]

You might try avoiding unpleasant emotions or dismissing how people feel, and temporarily get results.

When change repeatedly gets treated as a compliance-driven exercise, resentment and contempt build. Turnover increases, engagement drops, and learned helplessness grows.

The key is shifting out of control and building organizational capability to influence change by recognizing that our emotions influence our actions.

Leaders and change agents help others adapt and model how to help oneself. By meeting people where they're at emotionally, influencing supports gradual, easy behavior shifts. Change feels less overwhelming, while confidence and capabilities grow.

Fear can become hope; challenge becomes opportunity; change becomes growth. An innovative, better approach to influencing change is within your reach.

Trusted by change innovators at:

Core truths about organizational change

Most organizations don't feel like they've "cracked the code" when it comes to addressing the people side of change:

Large enterprises employ complex methodologies and have teams of communication and training practitioners to execute.
Technology-based project teams hire expensive consultants who leave when the project's complete.
Resource-constrained organizations layer on change activities to already busy HR professionals or project managers.
....or skip it altogether, because it's impossible.

None of those approaches is a long-term solution in a world that's constantly changing, and where results need to get faster, not slower.

I've been fortunate during my 30-year career to have experienced all types of approaches to change in a variety of real-world situations.

I've also had unique personal and professional experiences with evidence-based practices in adjacent fields: personal development/post-traumatic growth, emotional intelligence, behavioral science, and positive psychology.

Across all of that experience and expertise, I've learned four core truths about organizational change:

Change happens best and most sustainably when the people in it choose it for themselves.
People have limited attention spans; calls to action need to be emotionally compelling and laser-sharp.
The world is overwhelming; making change easier is critical.
People want to feel good--they want to believe they can accomplish the hard thing, together.

Out of these truths, I developed a proprietary method for use on-the-job and in-the-moment.

This sustainable approach focuses on building habits that can be applied across scenarios so that change leaders and change agents become changecapable^TM.

Change leaders + change agents learn how to influence in my signature program

To build habits, participants in my signature program, Designed to Influence, practice key behaviors during an immersive 12-week experience. This program is for the exceptional leader committed to learning and growth for themselves and others. It's also for those who want a long-term proactive solution that comes through capability development rather than a never-ending reactive and tactical firefight.

Learn more about my innovative new exclusive leadership development program, Designed to Influence.

Idea sparks for leaders, teams, and employees through speaking + workshops

Sometimes you need a change in perspective. My speaking and workshops provide idea sparks to shift momentum and mindsets during change using select changecapable^TM concepts.

Whether it's addressing apathy or anger, a focused session shifts emotions and actions. If you're feeling stuck and frustrated during change, consider a speaking engagement or workshop to get moving again.

What does good look and feel like? A 'genre-bending' book

Reviewers have called my book Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader a "genre-bending book" for its unique combination of storytelling and instruction.

Through the eyes of a composite fictional leader, Cera Day, and support from her change agent, Athena, and project manager, Sergio, readers experience what good change leadership looks and feels like.

Read about the book's cast of characters that builds a coalition to influence change.

Kris provides great insights. She hears people and thinks about what they're saying on a deep level.

Coaching client

We would not have been successful without Kris. While we hadn't initially scoped out this need in the project, being able to pivot quickly and include her was invaluable. Thankfully she was available and willing to jump in the fire with us. I wouldn't do another rollout of a platform without a change consultant.

Jill Claggett, MA - Director, HR Systems, Apogee Enterprises

Monica Smith, client at The Toro Company

From the first meeting with Kris, it was clear she brought a strong change point of view, concrete practices, and would challenge us to consider how we brought our different audiences along with us. Our global implementation was incredibly successful in large part due to intentional actions to inform and involve key stakeholders along the way. I can't imagine doing a project like it without Kris.

Her encouragement and personal stories helped me become more mindful in making change doable.

Coaching client

About me

It's humbling to consider that in three decades, my work has helped more than a million people change.

I'm passionate about sharing my deep knowledge of emotions and behavior design by teaching and mentoring change leaders + change agents who want to grow. I believe in the power of humans to inspire and influence positive change in our world. 🧡

Read my story