Leading transformation through behavior science

Evidence-based change leadership development programs for executives and managers

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 transformation success that we'll feel good about. But getting there brings up big, unpleasant emotions like doubt and fear:

Can we do this?

Can I do this?

And when you're on the spot for leading the charge, you want to find a proven approach.

Why traditional change management fails

Despite decades of practice, 70 percent of transformation efforts still fail. Not because of technology, but because the humans using it fail to adopt it.

Learn how behavioral science addresses the real barriers to change.

The behavioral science advantage

Behavior science offers a proven way to change behaviors during transformation efforts. While many organizations use these principles as part of customer experience design, digital design, and marketing, few have applied concepts to organizational change.

We teach leaders how to use three key behavioral science methods during change:

Choice architecture: Design environments and experiences to make desired behaviors easier.
Stakeholder influence: Use nudges to build commitment for individuals and groups.
Adoption acceleration: Habit formation helps leaders and teams sustain change.

The changecapable^TM competency model

Our proprietary competency model is grounded in behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology research. This helps organizations create a systematic and disciplined approach to building change capabilities, from awareness to expertise.

We measure outcomes in the form of changed behaviors. After working with us, leaders feel more confident and capable of leading and influencing change . . . and have the sticky habits to make it easier in perpetuity.

Who we serve

Transformation executives leading enterprise-wide change
Rising managers and individual contributors responsible for strategic change efforts
VPs of talent development building change capability and supporting talent pipelines
Product leaders driving AI/digital adoption
Select nonprofits and social service organizations whose work makes change in the world

Learn through action: Cohort-based development

Our signature group cohort runs from September to December each year. It combines self-paced instruction, on-the-job application, and peer learning. Participants learn to apply behavior science methods to real transformation situations.

We transform leaders: Fear becomes courage; challenge becomes opportunity; change becomes growth.

Trusted by change innovators at:

Core truths about organizational change

I've been fortunate during my 30-year career to have practiced using traditional organizational change methodologies, as well as learning behavior science methods. That unique blend of experiences led me to write my book and to develop the changecapable^TMmethod.

It builds upon four core truths that I believe 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.

The best way to learn proven methods to address these truths is during real change, surrounded by supportive peers and an expert mentor to encourage progress.

3 ways to learn:

changecapable^TM Leadership Program

Participants in my signature program learn the changecapable^TM method while on the job during a real change. This innovative change leadership development program is for the exceptional, curious leader committed to learning proven methods in behavior science that support personal development and organizational growth.

Learn more about the program.

Speaking + workshops on change leadership

Speaking and workshops are just the spark you need to shift momentum and mindsets during change.

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

Behavior science in action during change: A 'genre-breaking' book

Reviewers have called Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader a "genre-breaking 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.