Are We, as Leaders, Immune to Change?

Are We, as Leaders, Immune to Change?


Could this be where the real issues lie?

As leaders, we often find ourselves stuck in patterns we know aren’t serving us—or our organisations—well. But despite being aware of the need for change, we’re slow to act. It feels like every day is a replay of the one before: another Groundhog Day. And we are very good at excuses and blockers too!

But here’s the thing: We know better. The struggle is real, but it’s also one we could do something about. The truth is, 80% of our success comes down to the inner game, and until we confront the beliefs that have shaped our leadership practices for years, we’ll keep spinning our wheels.

Why Does This Happen? Why Do We Resist Change?

Leaders today face three core challenges that keep us stuck:

  1. Time: We all know that time is our scarcest resource. We understand that if we challenged our current practices and priorities, we could create more time. Yet, most of us are still burning ourselves out, stuck in firefighting mode rather than proactively shifting how we spend our days.
  2. Tech/AI Fluency: Let’s face it—AI is no longer just a buzzword, it’s essential for the future of work AKA, it's here folks! We know that becoming fluent in AI could free up countless hours by automating the tasks that keep us bogged down. But many leaders remain hesitant, sitting on the sidelines of this digital revolution. Why? Because adopting AI requires a shift in mindset—and that’s where we get stuck.
  3. Energy: Here’s one we all know instinctively—energy is everything. When you walk into a meeting in a foul mood, you can feel the room shift, and suddenly, that collaborative energy is gone. We know how powerful our energy is, yet we rarely address it in our leadership practice. We don't prioritise strategies that help us manage and harness that energy to drive better outcomes.

What’s the Real Issue?

The real issue is simple: we’ve developed an immunity to change. We know the solutions, but we don't take action. Why? Because so much of our success—or lack of it—is rooted in the inner game: our mindset, beliefs, and energy.

We tell ourselves stories:

  • "I don’t have enough time."
  • "I can’t learn AI. It’s too complicated or it's evil!"
  • "Energy doesn’t really matter that much in the grand scheme of things."

And we are so quick to list the excuses and blockers in our way: lack of budget, clarity of vision, resource issues - all real, all true but without

These narratives keep us trapped. Until we challenge them and adopt a modern leadership mindset, we’ll keep waking up to the same Groundhog Day scenario. The truth is, our current beliefs about time, technology, and energy are outdated. We need a mindset upgrade if we’re going to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Digital Leadership 2.0: A Modern Solution for a Modern Problem

This is where Digital Leadership 2.0 comes in. Our program is designed to help leaders move beyond the immunity to change by focusing on three key areas:

  1. Mindset Mastery: Upgrade your thinking and learn how to challenge long-held beliefs that are no longer serving you.
  2. Energy Control: Discover how to harness your energy to drive positive outcomes, improve your leadership presence, and make faster, better decisions.
  3. Tech Fluency: Especially with AI, become more comfortable integrating new technologies into your leadership practice—freeing up your time and mental space for more strategic work.

The Time for Change is Now

It’s no longer enough to just keep up with the pace of change. As leaders, we need to become agents of change. That requires not just new strategies and tools, but a fundamental shift in how we think, act, and lead.

If you’re ready to stop hitting reset every morning and start leading in a way that is aligned with the future, join us for our upcoming Digital Leadership 2.0 cohort in November. It’s time to break the cycle and become a leader who not only knows what to do, but actually does it.

Applications are now open, but spots are limited to ensure a high-impact experience.

Ready to make the shift? Click here to apply.


Final Thoughts

The inner game is everything. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing different—and that starts with challenging the beliefs and practices that are holding you back. Let’s evolve, together.

John McSweeney

Project Manager at Ervia (formerly Bord Gais Eireann) - Small Business Advice Programme

2mo

Excellent. Good luck Mel Ross.

Paul Russell

Human-centered coach helping others rediscover the power of curiosity and empathy | Leadership Mentor | Public Speaker | STEM Ambassador | Author | Be the Business Mentor | GoodEnoughist "Commit, Execute, Accept"

2mo

Mel Ross - a great post! I wonder whether leaders lost the courage to commit to change? And if so what factors have come into play that weren't so prevalent before? And to challenge what I have just said what if the factors haven't changed? What does that say about modern leadership?

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