Mergers are often discussed in terms of strategy, systems, and financial outcomes. What receives less attention is the human experience behind organizational change.
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Lisa Smith, Vice President of People Development and Change Management at Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union. Lisa has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate leadership development, culture transformation, and large-scale change initiatives. Most recently, she has played a key role in bringing together Coast Capital, Prospera Credit Union, and Sunshine Coast Financial to form Canada's largest purpose-driven federal credit union.
Together, Mike and Lisa explore what it takes to successfully guide people through major organizational change. They discuss why culture must be intentionally developed, how leaders can prepare themselves before supporting others through uncertainty, and why communication, trust, and emotional awareness are often the difference between change that succeeds and change that struggles.
Lisa also shares lessons from previous mergers, the value of employee ambassador programs, how organizations can build readiness before change arrives, and why the Hero's Journey offers a surprisingly useful framework for understanding transformation.
Whether you're leading a merger, managing a growing team, or helping people navigate uncertainty, this conversation offers practical insights for building resilience, engagement, and trust during times of change.
Episode Resources:
Lisa Smith: LinkedIn
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