Managing Director, Head of Strategy, Planning and Governance for Corporate & Investment Bank Chief Risk Officer at Wells Fargo
As I completed the first module of XMA (Executive Master’s Program on Change Leadership) at Columbia University, I want to share a few reflections on how we can develop the capacity for change leadership in our organizations. Change brings anxiety and can overwhelm our mental capacity. As leaders, it is our responsibility to actively manage the emotional aspects of change in order to free up organizational capacity to effectively think under “fire”. One way to redirect our minds is to cultivate curiosity, as our brain cannot be anxious and curious at the same time. Action without reflection is thoughtless, while reflection without action is passive. In a fast-paced environment, integrating reflective practice into our organizational routines allows us to pause, think and reflect on our experiences, appreciate the past before using the present to create better future. As John Dewey famously said, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from the reflecting on experience.” To succeed as an organization and achieve ambitious goals, it is essential to embrace fearlessness. Establishing psychological safety within the organization fosters a culture of learning, growth and innovation, which are crucial for long-term sustainability and success. In the words of Edmund Burke, “No passion so effectively robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” Chris Washburne, introduced to us a concept of Jazz as equity in excellence. Jazz musicians have long understood the importance of giving each individual a voice- an autonomous and unique voice within the collective. It is paramount for every member to have the opportunity to share their narrative, and for the community to actively listen and amplify these stories. This approach mirrors effective teamwork and leadership, showcasing a dynamic form of leadership characterized by spontaneity and improvisation to create something new, as exemplified by Miles Davis who said, “When you hit a wrong note, it is the next one that makes it good or bad.” In conclusion, returning to school has been a humbling, inspiring and enlightening experience for me. I eagerly anticipate the next phase of my educational journey and plan to continue sharing my learning and insights with you.
Congrats!
Brilliantly written and expressed! The jazz example really resonated with the me.