By Kate Brackenridge, Change Manager, UAA Group
In a world where change is constant, Huw Thomas challenges the status quo with a compelling message: change management must earn its place at the executive table. In his Rethink Change, “Elevate and Influence,” Huw outlines a bold, practical framework for all Change Practitioners to increase their impact by mastering executive relationships.
We begin with a critical truth—your success as a change leader hinges not just on your technical skills, but on your ability to influence senior leaders and adapt to their world. To do this, Huw urges us to position themselves as mission-critical experts from day one – build relationship where you add value outside of just the project. This means stepping into the role not as a support function, but as a strategic peer to sponsors and leaders.
A key theme throughout Huw approach is business acumen. Thomas emphasizes that if you don’t understand the business (from a financial or risk management POV), you can’t expect the business to value your input. This insight is paired with a call to shift from a focus on deliverables and activities to a value creation mindset—one that prioritises outcomes and impact over process. Helping the perception evolve from merely a change deliverer to a change leader.
Another cornerstone of Huw approach is communication – advocating for the use of simple, unambiguous language instead of change management jargon, which often alienates rather than engages. This clarity should be coupled with a deep understanding of executive self-interest. Rather than pushing your own agenda, align your message with what matters most to your stakeholders.
Most powerfully, Huw speaks to the importance of executive presence. True influence, he argues, comes from elevating those around you—especially your business leader stakeholders. By making others look good and feel empowered, you build trust and credibility that opens doors to deeper collaboration and greater change impact.
In summary, Thomas offers a seven-point playbook for change agents:
- 🎯Position yourself as a peer to your sponsor or executive—not just a support function.
- 🧠Be the expert—own your space with confidence.
- 💡Focus on value creation, not just deliverables.
- 📊Know the business—if you don’t understand it, why should they listen?
- 🗣️Ditch the jargon—speak in clear, simple language.
- 🤝Appeal to self-interest—align your message with what matters to leaders.
- 🌟Elevate others—true executive presence lifts everyone around you.
Huw’s message is clear: to drive meaningful change, you must rethink your role—not as a facilitator, but as a strategic influencer. So, who is ready to elevate and influence?
