My top 3 Change books, podcasts, and communities

Last week, a student on my Leading Successful Change course asked me a question on a live Q&A.

She asked: What books, articles, blogs, podcasts and industry bodies do I recommend in Change?

And I was STUMPED!

Because I'm a terrible Change Manager. I'm so sorry.

I don't read, listen or watch many Change Management anythings!

And it's not the first time I've been this useless. I did four years of a Media and Communications degree (read: journalism) without ever reading or watching the news.

But I still did alright. In fact, I did exceptionally well.

Now don't get me wrong - I love Change.

But a lot of Change stuff out there is really, really boring. All theory, no practice. Written in waffly prose. Overcomplicated. And kind of repetitive!

The textbook I got in my APMG International certification course was enough reading for my entire Change career (as the copious tabs and highlighted sentences indicate).

But just because I don't consume a lot of content in Change, doesn't mean I don't consume content for Change.

You see, I have an uncanny ability to think laterally. To connect seemingly different thoughts and concepts and tools and methods together to create something new and more useful and relevant. To draw parallels and learnings across vastly related worlds and topics. And I do it all the time - for Change. I bring in everything I've ever learnt from Media, Communications, Advertising, Marketing, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Coaching, and Business into Change.

So here's my list of top things I consume, almost all of which are outside of Change and almost all of which I use inside of Change.

TOP 3 BOOKS

1. The Barefoot Investor's The Only Money Guide You'll Ever Need:

Change experts can make a lot of money and I share openly about how moving into Change tripled my salary in three years and put me on a path of financial security and success. But it's not how much money you make - it's what you do with it. So for anyone in any profession, I recommend getting this book and just nailing your financial foundations. That's where true freedom grows from.

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:

I swear, amazing things happen when you read this book. It's like the universe ripples around you. And there are so many lessons and reminders throughout... it's just an amazing way to reconnect with who we are and what we do, which is essential in Change.

3. The Effective Change Manager's Handbook edited by Richard Smith, David King, Ranjit Sidhu and Dan Skelsey:

As theory-based as it is, I do recommend it. Like I mentioned, it's the only Change book I actually own... so I feel like it has to make the list!

TOP 3 PODCASTS

1. The Seize the Yay Podcast:

I actually listen to this for my business, but again, hearing different approaches and experiences, and stories about how humans think and behave and feel... I bring all this into my thinking in Change. Because the often-entrepreneur guests bridge industries, countries, and services/products, the episodes are incredibly diverse. And usually Change is working within big corporates, so it's great to pick up and hear what the trends are on the ground.

2. The Change It Podcast:

The lovely Eloise Seidelin has interviewed several heavy hitters in Change, including my previous Head of Change Caroline Perkins and the amazing Jennifer Zuber. I've really enjoyed the episodes I've heard so far and it's so refreshing to actually have a Change-related, practical podcast to listen to!

3. The Tony Robbins Podcast:

Sorry folks, another business-heavy podcast BUT there are a few episodes that have literally blown my mind when it comes to Change Management, culture and team, as well as the future of work and career. Check out the episodes with Simon Sinek, Danny Meyer, Marissa Levin, Elatia Abate, and my fan-girl moment Martine Rothblatt.

4. The Leading Women Podcast:

For good measure, I should add in Commbank's new podcast which I have also been enjoying because lots of Change Managers are women, and it's great to hear from senior successful female leaders smashing it out in corporate.

TOP 3 INDUSTRY BODIES

1. Change Management Institute (CMI):

My favourite memory of moving into Change was meeting all the kind folks at my first ever CMI networking drinks. As the industry peak body globally, CMI is still a great place to network for newbies, and develop your professional pathway as a seasoned practitioner.

2. Change Community Hub:

Alright, so I haven't been super involved so far with this community that sprung up just a short year ago. But I love love love so many of the awesome people behind it (call out to my girl Khytsse Garcia) that I am very passionate and pleased to spruik any chance I get!

3. Agile HR Community:

I only went to one event and then COVID hit. But you know when you find your people... people who care about people but who are actually savvy and strategic and open to ideas and innovation and change? That was what it felt like in that room (and I'm not even in HR).

A final fourth community is one that you won't be able to Google, because it's my exclusive community for my Leading Successful Change students. It is amazing and I love all the awesome women from across the globe in it - so I gotta say it's my fave!

And there you have it - a quick and dirty run-down of a bunch of things I do actually bring into my Change space. Maybe I'm not such a terrible Change Manager after all?!

I'm Lata Hamilton - Change Leadership and Confidence expert, Founder & CEO of Passion Pioneers, and the creator of the Leading Successful Change program.

If you'd like to make the career change to Change or step up in your Change career, grab my free Underpaid & Overlooked Coaching Action Guide to learn how to change careers with confidence and earn your worth - download it here.