Why Change Fails: The Human Experience We Keep Ignoring

This panel digs into why change initiatives break down when we ignore the human experience—and what it actually takes to lead transformation people can live through. Expect honest insights, real tensions, and practical takeaways, including 2–3 actions leaders can implement immediately, better questions to ask their teams during change, and what to stop doing to make transformation actually stick.

We are bringing together a small group of leaders to share honest perspectives, lessons learned, and practical approaches to leading through change. The goal is to move beyond theory and create a grounded, real conversation that reflects how change is actually experienced day-to-day.

Our Panelists:

Meredith Bronk is President and CEO of Progressive Companies, where she's shaping the future of the built environment by leading a team driven by purpose, creativity, and connection. With over 25 years at the intersection of people, technology, and business, she's known for turning vision into reality—most notably as CEO of Open Systems Technologies (now Vervint), where she led its transformation from tech reseller to digital business consultancy while maintaining 98% employee satisfaction. A builder of culture and strategy who leads by example, Meredith proves that people-first business can also be high-performing business.

​Jon Brickner is the Global Employee Experience Manager at Steelcase.

Stacy Paul is CEO of Array of Engineers (AoE) and an Aerospace Engineer with 25+ years in aerospace and defense, including work on NASA's Space Shuttle and Space Station programs at Johnson Space Center. In 2018, she founded AoE — a Michigan-based firm specializing in automated testing, digital engineering, and embedded hardware design — to foster innovation, grow high-tech engineering careers in Michigan, and support the next generation through STEM. Stacy is active in Michigan's aerospace and tech community, serving on the boards of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, STEM Greenhouse, and Junior Achievement.

Facilitated by: AG Collaborative
Hosted by: Hannah Staal, Chemistry at work