Communicating Change with Transparency
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Description
What to Expect from the Conversation
Organizational change is continuous – and the way leaders communicate through transformation not only determines the outcome of the change, but significantly influences trust and culture.
This session will explore how organizations are actively engaging leaders in communication, addressing change fatigue and AI-related concerns, measuring communication effectiveness, and utilizing storytelling to connect with employees across all levels.
This session brings together business leaders, HR, communications professionals, and change management practitioners to exchange what's actually working. The conversation will move across four connected themes:
- Leader engagement – equipping leaders to shift from telling and managing into coaching, and the tactics they're using to build trust and psychological safety
- Strategy and measurement – how change communication strategies are evolving, where AI is being integrated, and how organizations know their communication is actually working
- Storytelling – making change feel human and relatable, and meeting frontline employees, managers, and executives where they are
- Empathetic communication – acknowledging change fatigue, addressing AI-related fear and uncertainty honestly, and connecting with the emotions of change rather than just the logistics
Speaker Spotlights
We're delighted to feature two Wisconsin leaders contributing their perspectives to this conversation:
Dennis Armstrong - Dennis is President of Applied Talent Management, an independent consulting company. Dennis is an innovative and strategic business leader with a global perspective and significant experience in leading large scale talent management, organization change, and culture change initiatives in Fortune 500 and privately held family-owned companies. Recently retired as Chief Human Resources Officer at Blain’s Supply and Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Dennis has a broad background in HR and operations roles in multiple industries and companies including United Airlines, Limited Brands and Victoria’s Secret Stores, the Vitamix Corporation (CGP and manufacturing) and Blain’s Farm & Fleet. Dennis has a Master’s and PhD in industrial and organization psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Straight Talk: Communicating Change with Transparency and Impact
This presentation will provide an overview of critical elements needed to effectively communicate including:
· Defining the purpose, goals and objectives of the change
· Aligning senior leadership and actively engaging them in communicating change
· Ensuring cross-functional readiness and support for change at all levels
· Communicating the impact of change with transparency
This session will include data and highlights of significant changes at companies including United Airlines, Victoria’s Secret, and Blain’s Farm & Fleet. The emphasis will be on sharing strategies and tools that can be immediately applied.
Stacey Murphy
Stacey Murphy is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and principal consultant of SMA | Stacey Murphy & Associates. She partners with leaders and organizations to elevate executive presence, strengthen communication and influence, and build high-performing, cohesive teams that deliver results. Drawing on a background in sales and senior HR leadership, Stacey brings a practical, business-focused perspective that translates into actionable strategies and lasting impact. She also serves as an instructor with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies. Stacey holds an Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, along with several industry-recognized certifications.
From Change to Commitment: The Power of Storytelling and Strategic Communication
In this engaging presentation, participants will learn how storytelling can transform change from a business initiative into a shared purpose. While data explains change, stories help people understand it, connect with it, and commit to it. Participants will also explore how strategic communication can strengthen executive presence, enhance influence, foster meaningful dialogue, and help leaders navigate change more effectively. Participants will leave with practical insights to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Apply communication strategies that drive trust and engagement.
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Engage leaders as active champions of change communication, equipped with coaching skills and trust-building tactics.
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Acknowledge change fatigue, AI anxiety, and employee emotions with honesty and empathy.
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Ensure message consistency and alignment across multiple transformation initiatives.
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Use storytelling and audience segmentation to make communications more impactful and resonant across the organization.
Audience
This event is designed for leaders responsible for leading transformation, including:
- Business and Operations leaders accountable for keeping teams aligned through AI adoption, restructuring, and ongoing operational change.
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Change Management practitioners stewarding adoption and engagement.
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HR and People leaders guiding their organizations through continuous change.
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Internal Communications professionals shaping employee messaging across initiatives.