Newsletter #10 - Legacy of Adaptation: How Generational Stories Fuel My Change Management Philosophy
Legacy of Adaptation: How Generational Stories Fuel My Change Management Philosophy (5 min.)
Imagine leaving everything you know to pursue better opportunities or avoid danger —this legacy of courage and change has shaped who I am today.
Bottom Line Up Front
🚂 My journey in change management is deeply rooted in the stories of a grandfather who rode the rails of the Great Depression and another who fled "lead poisoning.”
🚌 My firsthand experiences with busing in Milwaukee public schools provided me with early lessons on the impacts of systemic change, influencing my understanding of complex organizational transformations.
🤝 Observing various leaders who adeptly addressed challenges, sought commonality, and facilitated tough conversations throughout my life has honed my ability to navigate and manage change effectively, shaping my leadership style.
💡 Combining historical insights with innovative strategies, I envision a dynamic approach to change management that anticipates future trends and challenges inspired by my personal history and professional experiences.
With his dreams of playing college football shattered, my grandfather John jumped aboard a southbound freight train, leaving behind Peshtigo to ride the rails of uncertainty during the Great Depression, seeking new opportunities that beckoned beyond the horizon.
John later taught me we could only control our reaction to change, not the change itself.
Under the cover of darkness, my grandfather Rutilo hastily packed what he could on the back of his horse, and fled Puebla to escape the fallout from his brother's dispute with a general's son.
Rutilo's mantra was a bit more crass, "only the dumb don't know how to change their luck.
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I'm sharing something more personal yet profoundly influential in shaping who I am as a change management consultant. It's the story of my family's legacy of adaptability and resilience and how it has formed my professional approach to facilitating transformative change in organizations.
Rooted in Resilience: A Legacy of Adaptation
My journey into change management is deeply rooted in my family history. My grandfather John rode the rails out of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, when the Great Depression took away his football scholarship. My grandfather, Rutilo, left the city of Puebla under cover of darkness when his brother had a conflict with a powerful general's son. My parents met in Chicago while pursuing higher education, and after an ideal childhood in Mexico, they moved us back to Wisconsin so we could have better educational opportunities. These stories of resilience and adaptability have not only shaped my character but also my professional ethos.
The School Bus Revolution: Lessons from Milwaukee
One of my earliest real-world encounters with systemic change occurred in the Milwaukee public schools, which underwent a period of student busing to achieve racial integration. This experience offered me a firsthand look at the impact of large-scale change. While some of us found benefits in the program, I know it was difficult for other students, teachers, parents, and communities.
Mentors of Change: The Leaders Who Shaped My Path
Throughout my life, I've observed people who addressed problems directly, sought common ground, and engaged in tough conversations. Their ability to lead from the front, middle, and even behind the scenes showed me various effective leadership styles. These experiences helped me recognize patterns in those who successfully adapt to and manage change.
Guiding Principles: The Values That Drive My Decisions
The values I hold dear today—remaining calm under pressure, considering all sides of a discussion, ensuring everyone speaks, and finding agreeable solutions—directly reflect my upbringing and these formative experiences. These principles guide every decision and strategy in my practice, ensuring that change is implemented and embraced across all organizational levels.
Looking Ahead: Envisioning the Next Era of Change Management
Looking ahead, I see a dynamic landscape for change management that requires a blend of historical lessons and innovative strategies. My vision involves adapting and anticipating change, using both the wisdom of the past and cutting-edge approaches to navigate future challenges. My personal history and years of professional experience deeply influence this vision.
Culminating Insights: Reflecting on a Journey Through Change
From my family's narrative of change to the transformative projects I've led, the journey has been rich with lessons and insights. As we face new and complex challenges in our work, I encourage you to reflect on your experiences and how they shape your approach to change.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of change, what moments in your life have prepared you for the challenges you face today?
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I look forward to our continued collaboration and shared growth in navigating the ever-evolving challenges of change management.
Miguel Guevara
When you are ready, I can help you in three ways:
📞Book a 1:1 Planning call with me (Miguel)
👀 Follow me (Miguel) on LinkedIn
🎥 Take our free Change Management Fundamentals for Project Managers Course
I help business leaders deliver complex projects and write about how to:
- Navigate difficult changes confidently using battle-tested strategies to plan, implement, and win.
- Lead resilient teams by building change management skills and strategies to facilitate change and thrive.
- Reduce risk and boost outcomes using a simple and proven change management framework.
- Excel in your role by gaining insider perspectives and powerful strategies about the corporate world.
