Episode 76: Change Has Changed: How to Lead When the Old Playbook No Longer Works

The old change playbook told us to define where we are, describe where we're going, and close the gap. But what happens when the future state keeps shifting before you get there, and your people are exhausted from constant change? In this episode of the Extraordinary Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Alejandra Garcia, a transformation leader with over two decades of experience turning procurement organizations from service providers into value-creating business partners across FMCG and pharma. She is a chemical engineer by training, a systems thinker by nature, and a certified systemic coach. We explore why “change has changed,” and what leaders must do differently when the destination is unclear, change fatigue is real, and people's identities are on the line. In this episode, you'll learn: The one question that removes judgment from conflict Why a transformation failed despite a solid business case, and the building blocks Alejandra never skips now How to hold the paradox of a restructure people understand but still fear How to help people discover who they are beyond their title Why the leader of the future is an architect (orchestrator) and a catalyst, and doesn't need to have all the answers If this conversation resonated, share it with a leader who is navigating change right now. And as Alejandra says, if you don't agree, let us know in the comments. We love a good debate. About Alejandra Garcia: Alejandra Garcia gets brought into companies at the moment they realise procurement can be a real source of competitive advantage, and that getting there means changing what the function is, not just asking it to work harder. She has led that change across FMCG, nutrition and pharma, in businesses spanning the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The work is the same every time: move procurement from order-taker to a commercial force, rebuild how it earns its seat at the table with the rest of the business, and develop the people that will become the future leaders. A chemical engineer from Mexico City with a master's in economics and procurement. She is a certified coach; she thinks in systems, which means the patterns and dynamics inside an organisation are usually visible to her. She leads with customers, results, and people first. About Dagmara Asbreuk: A CEO & Founder of Extraordinary Leadership, keynote speaker and a recognized Executive Transformational Partner to C-level & VP leaders leading organization transformation or scaling growth. She brings 15+ years of global corporate experience leading change, growing organization and developing leaders - and 10 years in depth of leadership transformation on a human level. Awarded as top 3 Linkedin influencing voice in executive leadership, the Power Woman 2024, and Top 15 Dubai's Coaches. Trusted by leaders from large and md size organizations as Maersk, Chanel, DENSO, Alshaya, Roche, Ikea etc 👇 CONNECT WITH DAGMARA: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagmara-asbreuk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dagmaraasb/ 🌐 Website: https://www.theextraordinaryleadership.com/ 👉 Book a non binding, leadership clarity call: https://calendly.com/dagmaraasbreuk/30-min-consultation 👉 Book Dagmara for your Leadership event, conference, summit Keynote Speaking: https://www.theextraordinaryleadership.com/speaking 👉 Book Dagmara for your leadership Team Offsite: Leadership Team: https://www.theextraordinaryleadership.com/ORGANIZATION ✨ If this episode resonates, please subscribe to the Extraordinary Leadership Podcast — it helps us reach more leaders who are ready to lead differently. 🔁 Share this episode with at least one leader who would benefit from these insights. 💬 And let me know in the comments: What is your biggest takeaway from today's episode? Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:15 What really shaped Alejandra's leadership 08:15 How coaching changed the way she leads 14:20 Reframing conflict as a request for help 17:00 A transformation that failed, and what it taught her 23:00 Holding paradoxes through restructuring 29:30 Leading as an architect and a catalyst 35:45 Systems thinking in practice 40:45 Why change has changed 45:45 “If I'm not a category manager, who am I?” 48:40 Who holds space for the leader 51:45 Letting go of having all the answers #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Transformation #ExecutiveLeadership #Procurement #Coaching #ExtraordinaryLeadership