Ever wonder why perfectly logical transformation plans meet fierce resistance? Travis Hahler, change management expert and neuroscience researcher, reveals how our brains are hardwired to fight change through two fundamental mechanisms: energy conservation and protection. 

For transformation leaders, this shifts the entire approach from trying to design "lovable" changes to creating environments where adoption can thrive despite neurological barriers. 

Travis explains why your most vocal critics might be your greatest allies, why resistance isn't a reflection of your leadership, and offers practical strategies for accelerating adoption. A game-changing perspective for change leaders tired of taking resistance personally and ready to leverage neuroscience for better results.

• 00.00 - Introduction 

• 01:30 - What actually happens in our brains when faced with change

• 03:45 - Why resistance is universal: the brain's energy efficiency and protection mechanisms

• 05:20 - Comparing work stress to our primitive fight-or-flight response

• 07:10 - The change curve and why most leaders plan for the wrong phase

• 09:15 - Why jumping straight to execution never works in change initiatives

• 12:30 - How vulnerability and honesty build trust when leading through uncertainty

• 14:45 - Why most leaders take resistance personally (and why they shouldn't)

• 16:20 - Creating environments for adoption rather than trying to design "lovable" changes

• 19:40 - Why quarterly processes might take years, not weeks, to fully adopt

• 22:15 - How leaders confuse resistance to change with rejection of their leadership

• 24:30 - Breaking the productivity loop: getting past denial faster

• 27:15 - Why conscious resistors are often your most valuable allies

• 29:35 - The difference between vocal "rebels" and silent "saboteurs"

• 32:10 - Three immediate actions for leaders: vulnerability, empathy, and addressing loss

Connect with:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Nellie Wartoft⁠⁠⁠⁠

CEO of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tigerhall⁠⁠⁠⁠, Chair of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Executive Council for Leading Change (ECLC)⁠⁠⁠⁠

nellie@tigerhall.com