LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Jonathan Okwo

Interview with Jonathan Okwo on Change Management and Embracing Life's Challenges

Introduction

• Guest: Jonathan Okwo, an experienced change manager specializing in strategic, people-centric, structural, technological, and remedial change initiatives.
• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka, discussing Jonathan’s career journey, personal growth, and the evolving world of change management.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

• Jonathan shared his background in urban and regional planning from a private university in Nigeria.
• His decision to leave Nigeria in 2019 was driven by a desire for personal growth and exploration rather than circumstantial challenges.
• Transition to Canada: Jonathan relocated just before the pandemic, undertaking a diploma in civil engineering technology to expand his career scope.

Shift from Urban Planning to Change Management

• Initially focused on urban planning, Jonathan discovered his passion for working with people rather than technical designs.
• The pivot to change management came from realizing the impact of working directly with individuals in organizations rather than focusing solely on infrastructure.
• Personal Insight: Jonathan values the ripple effect of helping people, stating that the impact on people's lives is more profound than designing buildings.

Defining Change Management

• Core Concept: Change management involves preparing an organization and its people for adoption of new technologies, policies, structures, or personnel changes.
• Jonathan’s role focuses on moving people from their current state to a future state in line with organizational goals, ensuring a smooth transition.

The Nature of Change

• Jonathan highlighted that change is constant, whether it’s technological, structural, or personal.
• Adaptability is crucial for change managers, as the ability to handle and embrace change leads to more effective management of transitions in both professional and personal life.

Personal Experience of Change

• Jonathan’s move from Nigeria to Canada was one of the most significant changes in his life, involving leaving behind his family, property, and cultural background.
• He emphasized that embracing change has led to personal and professional growth, giving him opportunities he wouldn't have had otherwise.

Discussion on AI and its Impact on Business

• AI in Business: Jonathan and Dr. Lycka discussed the increasing presence of AI in the workplace, how it’s automating tasks, and how it may affect jobs.
• Jonathan believes that while AI can’t replace human interaction and emotional intelligence, it’s essential for individuals to enhance their soft skills like communication and networking to stay relevant.
• Practical Use of AI: Jonathan uses AI tools like ChatGPT to assist in tasks like writing and brainstorming, but he notes that it is a tool to enhance, not replace, human creativity and decision-making.

Living a Fantastic Life: Jonathan’s Philosophy

• Self-discipline as Self-Love: Jonathan emphasizes that the key to living a fantastic life is discipline, which he considers the highest form of self-love. It enables him to maintain a positive outlook and productive habits.
• He starts his day early with physical exercise to clear his mind and set the tone for the day.
• Positive Mindset: Jonathan strives to see the best in people and believes in generating positive energy, even when faced with negativity.

BIO:

"Jonathan is an experienced Change Manager in strategic, people-centric, structural, technological, and remedial change initiatives. His expertise lies in providing Change Management services and insight to identify strategic objectives, improve business effectiveness & drive user acceptance and adoption. It extends to conducting training needs assessments, creating training materials, and facilitating training sessions to prepare stakeholders for organizational changes."

Social Media:

LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/jonathanokwo/