{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Why Distance Learning?","title":"#63 The Human Side of Systems Change (Part 2) with Dr. Tovah Sheldon","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2731,"description":"Too often, educational change is approached with a top-down, impersonal strategy—especially in virtual settings. Leaders are handed new tools, frameworks, and mandates but given little space for reflection, values alignment, or the flexibility needed to make change stick. The result? Burnout, survival mode, and disjointed systems that don’t serve students or educators.\nIn this episode, Dr. Tovah Sheldon—school design strategist at Michigan Virtual and leader of the Leadership Coaching for Innovation initiative—unpacks how true transformation begins with the adults in the system. With warmth, insight, and a deep coaching mindset, she guides us through what it really means to center leadership development around the human experience. From redefining change through “rugged flexibility” and allostasis, to bridging the gap between personal and organizational values, Dr. Sheldon makes the case for slower, deeper, more reflective innovation. She shares stories of golden moments, challenges us to pluralize transformation, and gives us a clear pathway toward leading with clarity, purpose, and empathy.\nIf you’re leading innovation—especially in virtual or hybrid environments—listen in for insight on:\nWhy “rigid” systems fail in dynamic environments, and how to lead with adaptive stability.\nHow to help leaders and teams surface their core values and use them to drive sustainable change.\nThe habits and actions that define innovators—and how they play out differently in virtual spaces.\nWhy going deep before wide is essential for lasting, scalable impact.\nHow “small-i” innovations build momentum toward big transformation.\nEpisode Links:\nLeadership Coaching for Innovation at Michigan Virtual\nBrad Stulberg on Rugged Flexibility and Allostasis\nHenry Ford Innovation Hub – Phil Grumm’s Work\nAdditional People and Concepts to Link:\nBrad Stulberg\nReferenced for the concepts of allostasis and rugged flexibility.\n🔗 https://www.bradstulberg.com\nPhil Grumm and Henry Ford Learning...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/2eKPm8ob1eS5Ju0DBuhPXRKuQv7Vx4cWT0c4uWSYbCQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82MmFh/MmQyYTc4NzdkNGJh/MzIzZWU5MmI3MzRk/MjQwYy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}