The Change Signal with Michael Arena
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Where is change already happening without you? Are you selling ideas before they’ve been tested? And what are we losing as AI makes work more efficient?
Michael Arena is a network scientist, former Chief Talent Officer at General Motors, and author of Adaptive Space and co-author of The New Social Code. We talk about what actually helps change and transformation take hold inside large organizations, and why so much of it happens outside the formal change process.
Michael argues that change is largely emergent: small groups experiment, build trust, find allies, and create enough momentum for leaders to notice. His advice for change leaders is wonderfully practical: don’t rush to pitch a promising idea upstairs. Find a friend, pressure-test it, and make it work before you try to sell it.
We also explore the changing role of human networks in the age of AI, why trusted relationships help bold ideas travel, and how leaders can balance exploration, execution, influence, and connection without becoming hostage to their own networks.
ABOUT MICHAEL:
Michael Arena is a pracademic and network scientist who has worked inside large organizations including General Motors, where he served as Chief Talent Officer. He is the author of Adaptive Space, about how organizations create the conditions for adaptation and innovation, and co-author of The New Social Code, about navigating human networks in an increasingly algorithmic world.
- Michael’s network research: connectedcommons.com
Music Credits: Rest in the Garden – SackJo22 ft Duckett & The Stubble Field Break (Mana Mixed) – Mana Junkie ft Apoxode
