At AnchorzUp, we believe that learning from industry experts is key to continuous growth. That’s why we were thrilled to host Dr. Ahmet Shala, PhD in Leadership & Organizational Science, as the speaker for our next Guest Speaker Series. His talk, The Power of Resilience – Thriving Through Change, provided invaluable insights into why organizations struggle with transformation and how they can navigate change successfully.
Key Takeaways from the Talk
Dr. Shala’s presentation was an eye-opener on why transformations fail and how success relies on the collective efforts of leaders, managers, and employees at all levels. He highlighted how each role within an organization plays a part in fostering adaptability, embracing change, and driving continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of adopting a growth mindset over a fixed mindset, explaining how this shift in perspective can make all the difference in adapting to change.
Another critical topic he covered was resistance in the workplace—who resists change, why they do it, and how much of an impact resistance can have on an organization’s transformation efforts. He broke down the Full Range Leadership Model, offering real-life examples to illustrate its effectiveness in driving change. His approach helped us see that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges but actively using them as stepping stones toward improvement.
A Deeper Dive: Discussion & Q&A Session
Following the presentation, Dr. Shala and our CEO, Jeta, engaged in a meaningful discussion with the team. The conversation centered on Organizational Transformation—how we perceive it and how we can apply these insights in both our professional and personal lives. The interactive session allowed us to explore the practical aspects of resilience, leadership, and navigating resistance to change.
Recommended Reads for Growth & Leadership
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Shala shared some must-read books that expand on the concepts he introduced. Here are his top recommendations:
- Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution – Uri Levine
- The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything – Stephen M. R. Covey
- The Power of Clarity: Unleash the True Potential of Workplace Productivity, Confidence, and Empowerment – Ann Latham
- The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk! – Al Ries & Jack Trout
- Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail – John P. Kotter
- Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture – Bernard M. Bass & Bruce J. Avolio
These books provide valuable lessons on leadership, trust, and strategic thinking—insights that can help individuals and organizations embrace change more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Shala’s visit was a powerful reminder that transformation is not just about processes but about people and mindsets. As we continue to evolve and grow at AnchorzUp, we’ll carry these lessons forward—embracing resilience, fostering a growth mindset, and leading through change.
A huge thank you to Dr. Ahmet Shala for sharing his expertise and to our team for their engaging participation. We look forward to more insightful discussions in the future!
