Leading Change Without Permission
The Change Signal with Alex Budak
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In this episode, I talk with Alex Budak, UC Berkeley faculty member and author of Becoming a Changemaker, about how change leadership actually spreads through an organization.
We explore why people wait too long to claim the role of changemaker, and why permission often has to be taken rather than granted. Alex makes the case that change management is not a heroic solo act — it’s a team sport, built through values, courage, early champions, and the willingness to let other people shape the work.
There’s practical wisdom here for anyone leading transformation in a large organization: find the 25 percent who can shift the norm, stay clear on the why while loosening your grip on the how, and stop making yourself the hub where every decision has to land.
It’s a conversation about agency, courage, control, and what it takes to help more people step into change.
Here are three questions that arise from this Change Signal conversation:
Who gave you permission to lead?
What if 25 percent is enough?
Where have you become the hub?
ABOUT ALEX:
Alex Budak is a UC Berkeley faculty member, speaker, social entrepreneur, and author of Becoming a Changemaker. His work focuses on helping people develop the courage, mindset, and practical skills to lead change from wherever they are — with or without formal authority.
Alex’s website: https://www.alexbudak.com/
Alex’s Substack: https://alexbudak.substack.com/
Music Credits: Rest in the Garden - SackJo22 ft Duckett & The Stubble Field Break (Mana Mixed) - Mana Junkie ft Apoxode
