Typically, people are afraid of having to face emotions and manage them. This is particularly problematic when a leader is trying to enable a change within an organisation. So how do leaders and managers of change address emotion - this book delves into the aspects of change that managers often don't like to acknowledge but need to embrace to truly understand behaviours and implement change.
The reality is, change is now part of the 'everyday' business, but many leaders do not have a clue how to manage it, so it is successful and generates a good investment rather than a loss. People do not like it when their thoughts and feelings are dismissed, ignored or avoided because this makes them feel under-valued and de-motivated. The answer is to use a holistic approach with the end person in mind perspective in leading, planning and managing change. Sharing findings from some of the latest research conducted on the behavioural elements of leading change, the book is a practical guide with a unique approach that has been tried and tested in a multitude of organisations on how to lead people through complexity and uncertainty so they are resilient and the organisation is future ready.
This book brings together foresight tools, such as horizon scanning and trend analysis, along with organisational development tools, such as team, systems and process analyses, to really bottom out the type of change they are planning. This book helps leaders plan change that is future fit, benefits the organization, and, importantly, the people within the organization.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"The Emotional Side of Organisational Change boldly delves into one of the often-overlooked, misunderstood, and messy aspects of change - the people bit! As we attempt to navigate a volatile and fast-moving future world of work, this book provides practical, actionable, and solidly researched strategies to build the necessary structure, vision, and support to win collective hearts and minds." Dr Nicola Millard, Principal Innovation Partner at BT Business CTO
"Drawing on her extensive practical experience and academic expertise, Jennifer delivers another must read on the topic of change. Approaching change with structure and pragmatism, this book serves as a valuable springboard for anyone managing, implementing, or navigating organizational change." Mark Catchlove, Director - Insight Group, MillerKnoll Global Research & Planning
"As a professional that has dedicated her career to helping organizations through change, Jennifer's insights are spot on. Change is about navigating people, and their emotions, forward. So those factors cannot be ignored. As the speed of change increases, so must the skill with which we enable it." Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, HOK
"This book doesn't just discuss change-it dives deep into the human experience behind it! Jennifer Bryan understands that transformation isn't just about strategy or execution; it's about people. Too often, leaders discount the paramount importance of human-centered change and that's why this book is a wake-up call. Jennifer's approach is a real, practical, and urgently needed. If you want to drive change and create meaningful impact, every leader should read this before leading their next transformation!" Lou Robey, Award Winning Lead Change Manager at BBC (APM Award 2013 & Change Awards 2024), Keynote Speaker & Presenter of Podcasts 'Voices on the Edge of Change".
"Jennifer has written a book that directly addresses the most important challenge of our era - in an age of perpetual societal and technological change - people still matter most! The Emotional Side of Organizational Change cuts through the noise of change theory to deliver practical, honest, and achievable insights. It should be on every leader's desk who wants to turn uncertainty into opportunity through empathy and clarity." Guy Sorrill, Managing Director of Sysdoc
"Right now, we need leaders who can 'Stop, Breathe, Listen' like never before. Jennifer's book pragmatically offers us an approach to change that foregrounds the emotions and enables us to make wiser choices." Megan Reitz, Associate Fellow at Said Business School, Oxford University and Author of 'Speak Out, Listen Up'
"What an insightful, practical, and relevant guide to keeping your people and supporting them through change. Jen brings a wealth of experience across sectors, highlighting what truly works-as well as the often unseen blind spots-so we can all benefit from her hard-won insight. Definitely recommended if you're leading or navigating change." Melanie Stancliffe, Employment Partner at Cripps
"Jennifer Bryan highlights the critical aspects of human behaviour that few dare to address-emotions matter when leading people. Refreshingly direct and practical, The Emotional Side of Organizational Change, challenges the status quo and offers essential solutions for leading positive change. Bryan's message is vital; without it, we risk leading from a place of ignorance". Paige Hodsman, Workplace (Behavioural) and Psychoacoustic Specialist at Ecophon Saint-Gobain
"If you want a book that truly gets what change feels like at work, this is it. What makes this book stand out is Jennifer Bryan puts people at the heart of organisational change-cutting through the jargon with honesty, clarity, and compassion. She shows that change isn't just about systems or strategy-it's about emotion, reaction, and real human impact. Practical, relatable, and refreshingly real, this book gives leaders the tools to lead change in a way that works for people, not just the boardroom." Dana Denis-Smith OBE, CEO, Obelisk Support & Founder, First 100 Years
"Jennifer L. Bryan brilliantly unpacks the complex challenge of leading transformation for the futures without losing hope or momentum. She shows how lifelong learning turns leadership from a lonely journey into a powerful, shared adventure. Holistic change-making has never felt more exciting - it's time to step into the unknown together. I can't wait to begin!" Urs Hauenstein, Ph.D., President of the World Leadership Foundation
"As Jennifer says, we're entering a period of unprecedented change - driven by generative AI, global disruption, and shifting societal norms. The challenge isn't just technological - it's deeply human. In this timely and practical guide, Jennifer Bryan cuts through the noise to focus on what really matters: people. "'Change is about people, not rocket science'" - and this book gives leaders the tools and mindset to navigate that truth with clarity, empathy, and purpose. If you're leading change in a world that won't stop changing, read this." Dave Coplin, CEO & Founder, The Envisioners Ltd.
"Jen's book is a standout resource for anyone leading people through transformation. It's insightful, grounded in real-world experience, and full of practical tools that actually work. She brings clarity to the complexity of change, while never losing sight of the people at the heart of it. A valuable guide for today's leaders." Steve Green, Past President of Association of Change Management Professionals UK Chapter
"In a world obsessed with performance and productivity, Jennifer Bryan dares to ask the deeper question: how do people really feel about change? This book is a wake-up call for leaders who are brave enough to lead with empathy, honesty, heart and aren't afraid to navigate uncertainty. Jennifer brings a rare blend of lived experience, practical wisdom, and deep emotional intelligence to the conversation on change. The result? A guidebook that doesn't just help you survive transformation, it helps you thrive through it. If you want to build resilient teams and lead meaningful change, you need to read this book." Mark Leruste, CEO & Founder of StoryCast and bestselling author of Glow in the Dark
"This book is a timely reminder that successful change demands more than comms plans and KPIs; it demands emotional fluency, empathy, and the courage to listen to what's not being said. For those of us working at the intersection of business, science, and the human condition, Jennifer's work is not only refreshing, it's essential. The future of leadership, as I often say, will belong to the emotionally literate. This book gives them a solid starting point." Scott D McArthur, The Consulting Futurist, Trainer, Facilitator, "Find Your Fire" Coach & Lecturer
"You may be wondering what emotions and change have in common? Why do we need to read this book? Whether people encounter a positive or negative experience with change, it creates a memory that shapes how they will respond to future changes they will encounter. "The Emotional Side of Organizational Change: How to Survive and Thrive" is a guide for organizations, managers, and change professionals to enhance their skill set. It offers practical, realistic scenarios, solutions, and summaries to help the reader. Jennifer is a well qualified and talented leader of change with global recognition. I highly recommend her text because it is more than theory - it is based on experience. Regardless of your tenure with change (beginner, moderate, or expert), she has written a fast read that provides the right level of depth as a refresher or to leverage on your change journey." Douglas Flory, (CCMP), Board of Directors, The Association of Change Management Professionals Global ACMP (2020-2023)
"The Emotional Side of Organizational Change: How to Survive and Thrive is a must-read for future-fit leaders. Jennifer Bryan flips the script on change, shifting it from a task to complete to a human experience to lead. She challenges leaders to treat change as an investment, not a cost, and backs it up with sharp insight and real-world stories. A practical guide for anyone ready to build resilient, human-centred organisations - and prepare for multiple possible futures. In a world where change is business as usual this book is essential reading." Sian Harrington, Award-winning HR and Leadership Journalist, Editorial Director at The People Space and Future of Work Commentator
"What can I say. Change always has an "emotional side" which, sadly, is never really taken that seriously by those who prefer frameworks and data to guide them on their change journey (not that they don't help). Emotions in change are critical to address the issues that are felt by the people who are impacted. The understanding that "people are what matter during change" is critical and is sadly often displaced by those who lead change from a technology perspective. How can you make sure the technology works if you don't get the emotional buy-in from the people who are going to use it? This book helps to get under the skin of "emotions" and, in my humble opinion, is a very worthwhile read." Ron Leeman, Founder/Owner of the Highway of Change
"Change in life is inevitable - thriving is optional! This is a compelling read and insight for every leader to have in their toolkit, at any stage in their change journey". Alex Stanforth, Record-breaking adventurer, international keynote speaker and founder of Mind Over Mountains
"Jennifer Bryan masterfully highlights the often-ignored emotional side of change. Her work is essential reading for any leader who truly wants to build resilient, future-fit organizations. This book doesn't just teach change - it transforms the way you think about leading people through it." Alan Furley, co-founder & CEO, ISL Talent
"Jennifer Bryan has written a timely and provocative understanding of the importance of change in all aspects of our lives: not just business but how our personal lives privately and professionally are affected. We derive communication from our attitudes and emotions. Change is brought about by the delivery of these tools around the urgency of change. Kudos to Jennifer for her dedication to bringing this critical topic to the forefront into today's chaotic turmoil globally." Stanley Zareff, Communications Coach, Zareff Consulting LLC
"This is a book about change for people who have a day job (and a life) to be getting on with. Jennifer telescopes between the macro trends in the world and the ordinary day-to-day "so what" we all face - as we try to get things done in a way that makes sense to us. At the heart of her message is a mantra I've heard from her many times over the years: "It's the people, stupid!' And that means paying attention to what people, and ourselves, are actually thinking and feeling, not what others think we should. Which leads to her top three tips that a leader can do tasked with leading change: "Stop. Breath. Listen."' John Higgins, Researcher, Author, Editor, Advisor
"Jennifer Bryan delivers a powerful blend of personal insight and professional expertise, providing practical, actionable strategies essential for navigating change in our rapidly evolving, post-AI and post-pandemic world. At the heart of her compelling message is a vital truth: without deeply understanding the emotional, and often irrational, ways people respond to change, true leadership and successful transformation remain elusive. Jennifer's courage in sharing her personal journey illuminates her motivation and her pioneering role in placing human experience firmly at the centre of organisational change. Her approachable coaching style, enriched by decades of frontline experience, is evident in the thoughtfully crafted reflective questions and key takeaways concluding each chapter. This book is the roadmap for any change professional committed to leading genuinely effective, human-centred transformation." Nilema Bhaka-Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Courageous Leaders
"Jennifer brings rare clarity to the part of change we too often overlook at cost: the emotional experience. Yet it's critical for successful change. She reframes what it means to lead transformation-balancing the emotional and the rational, with practical tools. For anyone leading through complexity, Jennifer offers a vital, human-centred approach that is both urgently needed and deeply wise." Charlotte Talmage, Founder and CEO of Uuna
"Jennifer Bryan brings a powerful, humane approach to the reality of leading change today. In The Emotional Side of Organizational Change, she reminds us that successful transformation isn't just about systems, processes, and strategies - it's about connecting with hearts and minds. Her holistic approach is insightful and innovative. It provides a practical guide for any leader ready to embrace authenticity, emotional intelligence, and sustainable change. A must-read for those who believe the future of work must be human first." Talita Ferreira, Seasoned Executive Director, NED and International Trainer and Coach for Directors and Executive Leaders.
"Jennifer Bryan has written a powerful and necessary guide that speaks to the soul of change. The Emotional Side of Organizational Change reminds us that transformation isn't just about strategy - it's about stories, emotions, and the people behind them. This book is a must-read for leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centered change." Preethi Nair, Author, Story Coach & Founder of Kiss the Frog (R)
"All too often organisational change is seen as a simple process, just follow these steps and you will get to your North Star. Jennifer's book calls out this over simplification, highlighting the need to really consider the full emotional spectrum that change evokes. If you are looking for a heart-felt, practical guide to really support your people, then this book is a must buy!" Bex Moorhouse, Founder and Director of Invigorate Spaced Ltd
"What Jennifer Bryan doesn't know about change isn't worth knowing. This book finally puts people, not process at the heart of transformation." Alex Merry, Public speaking coach and Founder of MicDrop
"I had a pleasure working with Jennifer on a large workplace project, and this book definitely covers what you deal with the most in the daily practice of change management.
Successful change is 60% about getting buy-in and managing everyone's emotions. And handling emotions doesn't mean abandoning rational communications - but you need to keep your hand on the pulse of the population." Maciej Markowski, CEO of SquarePlan
"Jen clearly articulates real world examples of good and bad change through her own (extensive) experience. This is not just a book about change, it's a manual to help lead change managers through the process. Reflective questions at the close of each chapter engage the reader to apply their new found knowledge to their own experience. A great addition to the change toolkit!" Sophy Jacob, Project Manager at BBC Birmingham
"Jennifer Bryan is an experienced change manager with her practical approach to change captured in her previous book. This second book offers a refreshing focus on the emotional and human aspects of change, Jennifer provides practical tools, insightful case studies and recommendations to help leaders create better human-centric organisations. This book is a must-read for leaders and managers who recognise that their workforce are their biggest asset." Dr. Nigel Oseland, Chartered (Environmental) Psychologist, Workplace Consultant, Change Manager, Applied Researcher, Author and International Speaker
