From Change Management to Meaningful Change Leadership with Leslie Ellis

The hardest part of change isn’t the plan or the platform—it’s leadership. In this episode, Todd sits down with Leslie Ellis, CEO of Meaningful Change Consulting, to unpack why transformations stall and how leaders can turn constant disruption into a durable advantage. Drawing from work across dozens of organizations and nearly a million stakeholders, Leslie shares a powerful truth: change doesn’t fail because people resist—it fails when leaders stop listening. Together, they explore how mindset, alignment, and simple micro-shifts build trust, reduce rework, and create lasting impact. Topics Discussed Leslie’s origin story and shift from execution-focused change to change leadership Why leader habits and blind spots quietly drain momentum and create rework The myth of change as a one-time event and why alignment beats speed Psychological safety, fail-fast learning, and building a learning culture Practical micro-shifts: listening first, asking open questions, and embracing silence Using resets, better language, and vulnerability to engage people in change Conscious business: designing for systemic health, not just short-term profit Building a “change muscle” so future transformations get easier Recommended reads and the types of leaders and organizations Leslie supports How to connect with Meaningful Change Consulting If this conversation sparked something for you, share it with someone navigating change—and help more leaders find the show by subscribing and leaving a review. https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/meaningful-change-leadership-with-leslie-ellis Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com