Session Overview
Transformation programs tend to fizzle out when people decide that the work is done, but how can leaders maintain control when the change is being chosen for them? Innovations like AI mean external outcomes are driving change, and leaders must adapt to periods of transformation that don’t have a clear end.
Moderated by Matthew Boyd (Unily), the panel brings together Tess Jennings (First Tech Federal Credit Union), Allan Tanner (Gallagher), and Ariane Danut (Unily). They discuss why change isn’t defined by a start and a finish. It’s a start, followed by the work of keeping it going until new behavior becomes embedded practice. The panel explores why AI feels different from a merger, where organizations have built up “corporate muscle,” and why many leadership teams are still searching for a coherent way to talk about it.
That brings the conversation to the issue at the heart of every program: trust. The speakers tackle how to stay transparent when you can’t share everything, how comms teams can move from megaphone to strategic partner, and when it’s right for leaders to admit they don’t have all the answers.
What you’ll learn
Watch the session to discover:
- How First Tech’s “Change Champions”, built buy-in at every level to help carry employees through the largest credit union merger in US history
- Why some transformation programs deliver lasting change while others stall
- How change driven by AI differs from change you choose, particularly when leaders are still working out what it means for their business
- How to protect trust when you can’t share everything, including why authenticity matters most when leaders admit they don’t have all the answers
Meet the speakers:
Tess Jennings - Sr. Director of Corporate Communications, First Tech Federal Credit Union
Tess Jennings is a Senior Director of Corporate Communications at First Tech Federal Credit Union. She leads enterprise-wide internal communications, executive messaging, and employee experience initiatives, with a strong focus on change management and trust-building during moments of transformation.
Allan Tanner - DEX Team Lead, Gallagher
Allan is a highly experienced senior digital professional with 26 years’ experience of delivering digital projects and services across public, private and third sectors for both internal and external audiences.
Ariane Danut - SVP Professional Services, Unily
Ariane is a seasoned results-oriented Professional Services leader with a passion for Customer Experience. She specializes in driving growth and operational excellence in global services and customer success.
Matthew Boyd - Senior Director of Product Marketing, Unily
With 10+ year's experience in marketing and consulting on intranets and the digital workplace, Matthew is passionate about how meaningful technology can transform an organization’s digital employee experience and power better work for their people.