5 ways to build transformations that really matter in 2026
Every year gives transformation leaders a clearer view of their systems, their culture and their capacity for change. But 2025 surfaced something more important: the limits of our old transformation playbooks. Strategies stalled not because leaders lacked vision, but because organizations have outgrown the traditional ways we manage change. Most transformation guidance still focuses on […]
An HR transformation success story: 5 strategies from Premise Health
Ask any business leader about transformation and they will tell you it’s challenging. We see companies struggle to match the pace of change, particularly in certain industries. In an era where healthcare is rapidly evolving, Premise Health stands out not only for its innovative direct healthcare model but also for its internal transformation journey. At the heart […]
Capability mapping as the key to unlocking your operating model
After 25+ years helping companies navigate HR, finance, IT, and shared services transformations, I’ve witnessed firsthand how rapidly the business landscape is evolving. The rise of AI is reshaping job roles and creating new possibilities for people-technology collaboration, while economic pressures demand organizations do more with less, which is not a new request. Companies need […]
IA’s Retreat: Spring Break for Grown-Ups
FROM KIMBERLY [Editor’s Note: We thought we’d give Mark a break. This month’s newsletter is from IA’s co-leader and Managing Partner Kimberly Carroll.] Next month, we’ve got something exciting coming up – IA’s Annual Company Retreat! It’s the “perfect time” to step away from our daily grind, breathe, reconnect as a team, and get a […]
Is program management HR’s secret weapon for business transformation?
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations are increasingly seeking ways to adapt and thrive amid rapid changes. As businesses face the pressures of digital/technology transformation, evolving market demands and a shifting workforce, HR departments are finding that their “secret weapon” is program management, which has emerged as a crucial yet often underappreciated and/or underutilized tool for […]
Transformation readiness: Avoiding the trap of HR fads with a strong foundation
In the rapidly evolving landscape of human resources, senior HR leaders are often enticed by the allure of the latest trends and technological innovations. In our work with organizations, we often hear about the pressures to adopt some new, shiny solution or “ways of working” without fully understanding what problem it’s supposed to solve. While […]
TAKE THE VACATION
[This month’s newsletter comes from Managing Principal and IA co-leader Kimberly Carroll.] At IA we have unlimited time off, but do you really think we as leaders truly take advantage of it? Of course…NOT. To be completely honest, I have always struggled with taking time, but I’ve come to realize that this downtime is critically […]
3 HR transformation trends from 2023—and 1 bold prediction for next year
Well, it’s that magical time of year again when thought leaders and experts from across the globe look into their crystal ball and try to predict what’s going to happen in the coming year. While many of the predictions are destined to flop, there is still something to be learned from the exercise. Sometimes, it’s illuminating […]
The importance of prioritization
During our keynote at the HR Tech Conference this year, Mark Stelzner and I discussed the idea of “HR tech debt.” We covered a lot of ground during our session, and we were glad to hear the topic resonated with the attendees. One of the causes of HR tech debt we highlighted was a lack of prioritization. During […]
When it comes to provider selection, size shouldn’t matter
One of the aspects about my job that I love the most is being able to help organizations navigate complex transformations. Sometimes these transformations stem from thoughtful planning and strategic alignment, and sometimes they are required because of an emergent need, such as a sunsetting technology. While the reasons organizations transform might be different, the […]