How to Build a Change Career, Navigate Chaos, and Lead with AI | Ep 16
In this episode, Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta sits with Etonia Collier, a dynamic and deeply insightful change management leader and Director, with over a decade of experience across fintech, financial services, and education. Etonia brings a refreshingly honest and practical lens to what it really means to lead change, especially in today’s chaotic and fast-paced world.
From building a change career without formal credentials to using AI to be more human, Etonia walks us through the real-life strategies that make change leaders effective, adaptable, and resilient.
Whether you’re new to the field or deep in the trenches of transformation, this episode will reignite your passion for change leadership and offer grounded, actionable insights you can apply right away.
We explore:
- How Etonia transitioned into change management without a “perfect resume” and practical ways to build experience
- The importance of curiosity, empathy, and co-creation in influencing stakeholders
- Navigating burnout, resistance, and the emotional toll of change
- How AI is not replacing our work, it’s reshaping it so we can go deeper
Guest Bio
Etonia Collier is an experienced Change Management Lead with over 10 years of expertise driving organizational transformation across the financial and technology sectors.
Currently leading change at a major fintech, she’s passionate about helping people adapt, grow, and thrive through change. Beyond her corporate work, Etonia has taught Change Management and Economics at McMaster University and Centennial College, earning recognition for her ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, practical learning
experiences.
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Etonia on LinkedIn
- Connect with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta on LinkedIn
- Learn more about the Change Leadership Training
Explore our courses, conference, and community: thechangeleadership.com
