Celso Sawaia spent 12 years as a micromanaging CEO before learning the difference between being a boss and being a leader. After nearly 20 years with the United Nations implementing enterprise architecture and PMO offices, he discovered that technical excellence means nothing if you can't navigate the human side of change. Now teaching future leaders and running his own consultancy, Celso reveals why most transformation initiatives fail—and it has nothing to do with your framework or methodology.
In this episode, Celso shares the specific turning point in September 2016 that completely transformed his leadership approach, why active listening and empathy matter more than any certification, and what leaders need to develop now before AI makes technical skills obsolete. From building Brazil's fourth internet provider to advising UN agencies globally, his hard-won lessons cut through typical change management advice to reveal what actually works when implementing organizational change.
What we cover:
Real transformation fails because of people problems, not technical ones. Celso discusses:
Why his PMO and enterprise architecture implementations met massive resistance despite being technically sound
The critical difference between being obeyed versus being followed
How to build diverse teams that fill your leadership gaps instead of trying to be good at everything
Why soft skills will become your only competitive advantage as AI handles technical work
The specific communication and empathy practices that turn resistance into buy-in
You'll relate to this episode if you:
Are leading digital transformation, process changes, or organisational restructuring
Feel frustrated when technically solid initiatives meet unexpected resistance
Want to understand why change management is fundamentally about people, not systems
Are preparing for a future where AI handles execution and humans provide critical thinking
Recognise you might be a boss when you need to become a leader
You know that leadership requires bringing people along the journey, not just implementing the right processes—and you're ready to develop the skills that matter.
Connect with Celso Sawaia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjsawaia
Shift Happens is the go-to podcast for leaders navigating the complexities of organisational change. Host Kamila Adamatti brings her extensive experience in change management to conversations with executives who share real stories, valuable lessons, and practical strategies for leading transformation.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like it, subscribe, and share it with a leader who needs to hear this message.
Connect with Kamila Adamatti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamila-adamatti
Visit the Shift Happens website: https://shifthappensthepodcast.com/
Tone Up Business Consulting: https://toneupbusiness.com/
We hope you enjoyed this episode of the Shift Happens Podcast.
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Connect with Kamila Adamatti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamila-adamatti/
Visit the Shift Happens website here: https://shifthappensthepodcast.com/
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Shift Happens, presented by Kamila Adamatti, is a global leadership podcast that explores how transformative leaders drive meaningful change in complex, fast-moving environments. With episodes in both English and Portuguese (subtitled in both languages), the show delivers practical insights on communication, resilience, team development, strategic decision-making, and personal growth. Whether you're leading a business, managing change, or navigating your own leadership journey, Shift Happens provides the tools, inspiration, and perspectives to help you lead with intention and impact.
