350 Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change with Tamsen Webster | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Tamsen Webster, a leading expert in strategic messaging, transformational change, and the author of Say What They Can’t Unhear: The Nine Principles of Lasting Change. Known for her innovative thinking and deep understanding of human psychology, Tamsen has spent years helping organizations and leaders communicate more effectively and drive lasting change. With her unique approach, she cuts through the noise, helping leaders make their messages resonate and stick in ways that foster true alignment and transformation.

Tamsen’s insights are particularly valuable for CEOs and senior executives who are looking to lead their teams through complex changes, whether it’s navigating organizational transformation, driving innovation, or aligning their teams around new strategic initiatives. She emphasizes that change isn’t just about getting people to say "yes" in the moment—it’s about creating long-term buy-in by connecting change to deep-seated beliefs and identities. In the episode, Tamsen explains the core principles from her book that help leaders unlock this deeper level of connection, ensuring their messages aren’t just heard but acted upon in meaningful ways.

Throughout the conversation, Mahan and Tamsen go into the concept of the "ding moment"—that powerful, almost unshakable realization when a message clicks with someone so deeply that they can’t forget it. For leaders, creating these moments is key to inspiring lasting change and commitment from their teams. Tamsen shares compelling examples of how leaders can leverage their team's existing beliefs to drive change that feels both natural and necessary rather than forced or manipulative.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why true leadership isn’t just about getting quick agreements but fostering long-term commitment to change by connecting with deep-seated beliefs.
• Hear how Tamsen’s concept of the "ding moment" can transform the way you communicate, ensuring your messages resonate and stick.
• Discover why many change initiatives fail because they don’t address the underlying beliefs of the people involved—and how you can avoid this common pitfall.
• Find out how leaders can reframe change as a reaction rather than an action, helping their teams respond positively and embrace the transformation.
• Understand the power of aligning new ideas with your team’s existing identity and values to create change that feels authentic and sustainable.
• Hear Tamsen explain why every decision your team makes is based on an internal story—and how you can leverage that to drive better alignment and execution.
• Uncover the key principle that change isn't about manipulation, but about guiding people to a new understanding of what’s possible, using what they already know and believe.
• Gain insights into how to avoid “believers’ remorse” and ensure that the changes you lead are seen as right decisions, even in hindsight.
• Learn strategies for avoiding resistance to change by focusing on shared principles that resonate across different teams or departments.

Connect with Tamsen Webster

Tamsen Webster Website

Say What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change

Tamsen Webster LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn
Partnering Leadership Website