What change do you want to make in the world? We often talk about what change looks like in a workplace context. Yet, being an agent of change doesn’t end when you stop working. The question is, what does being an agent of change look like outside of your professional role? In this episode, Kevin Galang visits with Christmas Hutchinson, a career confidence and growth mindset coach and author of the book The Resilient Mind. To call Christmas – or Chrissy – an Agent of Change is an understatement. While she’s always had a knack for overcoming adversity, when her back was against the wall, she had a realization that would change everything.  If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast

Agents of Change

What change will you make in the world?

As we approach the end of season 4 of Agents of Change, Kevin Galang pauses for a moment to reflect on a favorite question with experts this season.  “What are you leaving behind in 2020?”  You’ll hear from Noel Goggin, CEO and Culture Leader at Conga, Steve Aitken, Salesforce practice international lead for Publicis Sapient, and Esther Flammer, Vice President of Demand Generation at Conga. As you listen to their answers, think about your own. What have you left behind? If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast

What are you leaving behind in 2020?

How can product innovation help your business navigate uncertainty? In 2020, the move to remote work led to a massive increase in innovations and the adoption of new technologies. The question is, how did these transformations help businesses navigate the challenges of 2020? In this episode, Kevin Galang digs into the product innovations of the past year with expert insights from Anna Eaglin, formerly Principal Product Manager at Innovatemap, now Co-Founder and Head of Product at Uncovered, Phil Simon, author of the new book, Reimagining Collaboration, and Grant Peterson, Chief Product Officer at Conga. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast In this Episode, You’ll Learn: The importance of continuous innovation Collaboration is the key to effective innovation How to avoid making mistakes by gathering feedback What to Listen For: [01:32] – What is product innovation? [07:16] – How to avoid complacency in your business [10:47] – Mistakes to avoid in innovation [13:36] – What happens when innovation fails [17:53] – How to make your product stand out [26:16] – What is the future of work culture? [31:24] – Pro tips for collaboration [32:27] – Agent in the News with Amy Bartner 

What innovations helped businesses navigate the pandemic?

Is a culture of instant gratification a symptom of digital transformation? Or is it the cause? When we talk about digital transformation, we’re often talking about ways to make things faster, more efficient, and effortless. The question is, did the constant push towards technology-fueled improvement lead to a culture of instant gratification, or is it a result of wanting everything quicker? In this episode, Kevin Galang examines this chicken-and-egg scenario with insights from guest experts Kelli Blystone, Blog and Social Media Manager at Conga, Dr. Julie Azevedo Hanks, Therapist and Coach, and Rachel Downey, President of Share Your Genius and the producer for the Agents of Change podcast. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast In this Episode, You’ll Learn How to: Protect your mental health in a digital-first world Be mindful when interfacing with technology Manage expectations regarding social media interactions What to Listen For: [01:31] – The problem with instant gratification [08:06] – Managing your attention like a finite resource [11:03] – How Kelli Blystone sets boundaries as a social media manager [16:07] – The importance of being authentic [22:02] – Agent in the News with Amy Bartner 

Can a culture of instant gratification hurt business?

What lessons can we learn from forced business transformations? Business transformation isn’t always voluntary, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lessons to learn. When massive change is unavoidable, some businesses adopt a survival posture, while others see an opportunity to serve their customers better.  In this episode, Kevin Galang examines the mindset of different businesses in the midst of major change, along with insights from guest experts Mike Rethage, Senior Vice President and Head of Senior Living for Touchtown, Dan Hopkins, Senior Director of Applied AI and Public Sector at Eightfold.ai, and Jacob Hill, Managing Director at Offploy Community Interest Company. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast In this Episode, You’ll Learn How to: Take the time to build relationships on your team Ask “why” before you begin Transforming your business can mean short-term pain What to Listen For: [01:22] – How Mike Rethage maintained culture while going digital [06:28] – How Dan Hopkins uses technology for competitive advantage [14:49] – How Jacob Hill navigated the uncertainty of COVID by going digital [18:29] – How Jacob’s personal story empowered him to become an Agent of Change [24:03] – Advice for navigating a digital transformation [25:01] – Agent in the News with Amy Bartner 

How should you respond when change is unavoidable?

When the pandemic hit, life and work transformed seemingly overnight. From remote work to rapid digital transformations, the rate of innovation and adaptation was astonishing.  After a year filled with immense change, what can we take with us as we continue to move forward? More importantly, what should we be prepared to leave behind? In this episode, Kevin Galang tackles these questions with insights from guest experts Esther Flammer, Vice President of Demand Generation at Conga, Noel Goggin, CEO of Conga, Steve Aitken, Salesforce Practice International Lead at Publicis Sapient, and Mike Rethage, Senior Vice President and Head of Senior Living for Touchtown.

What habits learned from 2020 should you continue?

As it became clear that 2020 would be unlike anything any of us had experienced, expectations and predictions surfaced around how the year would turn out. But what happened when those predictions didn't come true?    Kevin Galang revisits predictions, while looking back at lessons learned with guest experts Noel Goggin, CEO of Conga, Tracy Cote, Chief People Officer at Zenefits, and Lori Ramas, Founder and Chief Communications Officer for Ask Relezant. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcast

What did 2020 reveal about your organization?

Most of us spent 2020 reacting to a world outside of our control. And as soon as we adjusted, everything seemed to change. This year, it’s time we shift the focus, breathe and start being proactive. How? By embracing the new normal. As the season unfolds, we’ll revisit past predictions, ways businesses innovated, and what the way forward looks like in this new normal. We’ll also be introducing a new segment called Agents in the News, highlighting the positive things happening in our communities often missed in a sea of doom scrolling.   And as always, we want to empower you to continue to be the agent of change you are, creating a lasting impact on your organization.

Introducing Season 4: Embracing the New Normal

For established companies, change can mean overhauling years of processes and proven methods. But is change any easier in a younger or smaller company?  In this episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Eboni Blake, Senior Business Systems Analyst at Ibotta, an app that helps you earn cashback every time you shop. When Eboni started her role, she was tasked with analyzing processes and implementing changes to help the business scale. Before making change recommendations, Eboni took the time to step back, listen, and observe. Listen in to find out why. Resources and links discussed: Connect with Eboni Learn more about Ibotta Connect with Jason Learn more about Conga 

[Re-wind] The Power of Listening with Eboni Blake

Who is behind the scenes solving problems and uncovering issues? That’s what Conga’s Agents of Change has set out to discover. In this first episode of season one, host Jason Gabbard, Head of AI Strategy at Conga, talked to Kristen Jensen, Senior Systems Strategist with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).  Kristen was on a quest to be an anthropologist but instead of uncovering scientific understandings around humans, she uncovered ways technology can increase government efficiencies. Resources and links discussed: Connect with Kristen Learn more about the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development Check out Kristen’s Conga Customer Story here Connect with Jason Learn more about Conga 

[Re-wind] Moving at the Speed of Government with Kristen Jensen

On today’s re-wind episode of Agents of Change, Jason is joined by Mike Rethage, Senior VP at Touchtown, a community engagement platform that improves quality of life through innovation and connectivity. Mike has a unique perspective on the role of empowerment in the midst of change.  What gave him that perspective? Listen in to hear the full story. Resources and links discussed: Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltrethage/ Learn more about Touchtown: https://www.touchtown.com/ Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-gabbard-ba41191/ Learn more about Conga: https://conga.com 

[Re-wind] The Importance of Empowerment in the Midst of Change | Mike Rethage

Back when we began Season 2 of Agents of Change, we noticed a common theme emerge. Often, the agents of change we speak with have taken unexpected paths to get to where they are. When it comes to making an impact in your company, there is not one specific blueprint to follow.  Carolyn Jungclas is the Senior Vice President and Director of Procurement and Vendor Management at First Citizens Bank. She has made some big changes in processes during her time at First Citizens Bank, even though she didn’t have previous history in banking.  In this episode, you’ll hear Carolyn’s journey, and how her first big project - setting up a vendor risk management program - involved the implementation of a contract management system. Carolyn sought to implement requirements that don’t simply check a box, but actually make the most sense for those that will be using them most. And sometimes, the answer to that question requires some digging. So, how did she do it? Carolyn is driven to solve problems, and most importantly, solve problems that make the lives of the people she works with much better. Listen in to hear her story.  Resources and links discussed: Connect with Carolyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-jungclas-mba-cpsm-2551285  Learn more about First Citizens Bank: https://www.firstcitizens.com/ Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-gabbard-ba41191/  Learn more about Conga: https://conga.com/ 

[Re-wind] Turning the Art of Impact into a Science | Carolyn Jungclas

It’s finally here, the end of Season 3 of Agents of Change. Over the course of this season we’ve discussed some of the biggest factors businesses face as they prepare for whatever happens next. On today’s episode, we’re wrapping up this season by asking several of our guests what that “next” could look like. Sharing their insights are David Murphy, Chairman of Conga, Susie Hayman, Owner and Founder of In Your Business, Lori Ramas, a Systems and Social Media Specialist for Ask Relezant, Ash Finnegan, Digital Transformation Officer at Conga, Dr. Julie Hanks, Owner and Director of Wasatch Family Therapy, and Dan Hopkins, Senior Director of Applied AI at eightfold. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcasts/agents-change. Takeaways From Season 3:   1. Focus On the People   Supporting Quotes: Kevin: People are the heart of your organization. When you’re in the middle of a massive change, it’s easy to focus on the processes or technology. But without the people – your team, your customers, and your partners – your organization wouldn’t be what it is today, or what it could be tomorrow.   2. Technology is a Tool   Supporting Quotes: Kevin: It’s simply a powerful tool, not a magic solution. And, like any tool, it’s impact is in how it’s used. So use it well.   3. Be Prepared   Supporting Quote: Kevin: We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. Focus on the fundamentals, put the right people in place, and be willing to change, and you’ll be ready for every possible tomorrow.

Predictions: What Happens Next?

What comes to mind when you hear AI? Thanks to Hollywood movies like Terminator and iRobot, there’s a wealth of menacing imagery associated with the term. While entertaining these aren’t an accurate picture of AI in the real world. As businesses embrace digital technology, AI is becoming more necessary for success. Yet, there are misconceptions abound, and leaders often don’t understand it well enough to implement it in their business. In this episode, we’re going to examine what AI is, what it’s capable of, and how it’s being applied in today’s business  landscape. Experts featured are Ajay Dawar, Product Executive at Conga, Jason Gabbard (gah-BARD), Head of AI Strategy at Conga, Dan Hopkins, Senior Director of Applied AI at eightfold, and Carl Harkness, Contracts Manager for Nimbus Therapeutics.  If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcasts/agents-change.

Artificial Intelligence: What is Reality?

As digital transformation in business has progressed over the years, many leaders were hesitant to embrace the change. In a post-COVID world, the need for companies to rapidly adopt digital transformation has become even more urgent, still many leaders have been slow to accept this digital must environment.  In this episode of Agents of Change, we’re examining how to implement a successful digital transformation–no matter the industry– while uncovering the ways to get buy-in from both leadership and employees in the process. Joining us on this journey is Ash Finnegan, Digital Transformation Officer at Conga, Eric Carrasquilla, SVP of Product at Conga, and Vanessa Grant, Salesforce Analyst for Ciberspring. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://conga.com/podcasts/agents-change.

Digital Transformation: What’s the new normal?

The people who are in the headlines are often not the people in the trenches. So who is behind the scenes, solving the problems and uncovering issues? Host Jason Gabbard shares stories often untold featuring organizations’ unsung heroes. The professionals on the frontlines, driven by purpose and dedicated to delivering impact.

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Agents of Change

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