In the latest episode of 91社区 Management Insights, BCom student Megan Curadeau sits down once again with BCom graduate, faculty lecturer, and visiting scholar Simon Blanchette (BCom鈥�14). This engaging conversation focuses on a topic that resonates deeply with both students and professionals alike鈥攃hange management. Together, they break down how individuals at various stages in their careers can effectively navigate change, from entering the workforce to adapting to technological shifts like AI.
Simon opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mindset open to change, especially for students about to begin their careers. He encourages listeners to embrace a growth mindset鈥攁 belief in one鈥檚 ability to learn and adapt, even when faced with unfamiliar tasks or environments.
鈥淔all in love with learning,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you upskill yourself, you will always be employable.鈥�
Simon highlights how common it is, even among seasoned professionals, to experience imposter syndrome. However, he reassures students that their undergraduate experience is proof of their capacity to learn new skills continuously.
鈥淵ou graduated from undergrad, or you will eventually,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ell, you've managed to spend 3 or 4 years learning new skills every single day, every single week, and you can keep doing that for the rest of your life.鈥�
Megan and Simon also explore how students can prepare to understand company policies and structures before joining an organization. Simon stresses the value of asking questions early on, even if it feels uncomfortable.
鈥淚 would rather someone ask me questions because they're unsure than trying to pretty much BS their way through, giving me work that actually doesn't work and that could have been easily realigned by just them asking me a few questions for clarification,鈥� he explained.
When addressing resistance to change, he points out that young professionals should first reflect on their own feelings. Are they resistant due to discomfort, uncertainty, or genuine disagreement? Recognizing the root cause is essential.
If they鈥檙e on board with organizational change, Simon encourages them to act as 鈥渃hange champions鈥� and support their peers by sharing their own journey toward acceptance.
鈥淸If you鈥檙e not on board] I would try to, you know, do some reflection,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hy are you opposed to change? What's the reason for the resistance? Is it discomfort? Or is it because you really disagree with what's being done?鈥�
He advises having constructive discussions with supervisors or leadership to voice concerns and better understand the rationale behind the changes. Often, transparency and dialogue can ease uncertainty and foster a more collaborative environment.
Another key point he raises is the importance of peer support during transitions. Whether through informal coffee chats or dedicated Slack channels, creating spaces for open dialogue can help employees feel less isolated.
鈥淪ometimes venting is what you need,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o sometimes just being a trustworthy ear for someone to vent about something, knowing that nobody will actually go in and repeat what they said is already something that's really, really important.鈥�
According to Simon, this type of human connection not only improves mental well-being but also boosts overall resilience and productivity.
鈥淭here鈥檚 great power in realizing that you are not alone,鈥� he said.
On the leadership side, Simon urges senior managers to remain present and communicative throughout change processes. He stresses the value of acknowledging uncertainty when necessary, providing clear plans, and offering continuous feedback opportunities.
Leaders should foster a culture where employees feel safe voicing concerns, and they must ensure proper support systems鈥攚hether training, coaching, or mentorship鈥攁re in place to ease transitions.
鈥淟eaders need to lead,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey need to be present. They are leading to change. They also need to be open to feedback, open to the fact that maybe the idea isn't completely fleshed out.鈥�
One of the most pressing contemporary factors driving change is the rise of artificial intelligence. Given the transformative impact AI has had and will continue to have across industries, Simon emphasized the need for students and professionals to stay informed and adaptable.
鈥淎I isn鈥檛 just taking jobs,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 shifting the landscape and creating new opportunities.鈥�
The episode concludes with an inspiring reminder that managing change鈥攚hether organizational, technological, or personal鈥攕tarts with a willingness to learn and adapt. Simon encourages listeners to believe in their ability to evolve alongside shifting environments, assuring them that curiosity, open-mindedness, and continuous learning are the keys to long-term success.
For more insights from 91社区 alumni and faculty experts, tune in to future episodes of 91社区 Management Insights and follow the Desautels Faculty of Management on social media.
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