Change is not about resistance—it’s about heart
Change is the only constant, but it is often challenging to deal with. That’s why, in this episode, Camiel Gielkens shares his vision on change management. ‘We need to touch people and their hearts,’ he says. For change to work, you need to include people in your vision. Make them understand why this is needed and how this is done.
Open mindedness is crucial in change management. Emotions and ideas arise and differ, which makes it even more important to talk about them. When hearts and minds are open, it’s time to work: with open hands. Change is about experimenting and allowing room for failure. Every journey starts with the first step. After taking the plunge, magic can happen!
For years, people have said “resistance to change is human.” But is it? Camiel Gielkens, CEO of Schouten & Nelissen Group, challenges this assumption in the latest episode of The Relevance Podcast. Together with host Jim Morris, he explores how organizations can embrace change in a way that touches both the heart and mind—and why this is more relevant now than ever.
Guests: Jim Morris (host) & Camiel Gielkens (CEO of Schouten & Nelissen)
The surprise: Change isn’t about better reports—it’s about emotion
Camiel started his career as a strategy consultant, crafting detailed, analytical reports for global companies. “But at the end of the day, nothing changed,” he recalls. The breakthrough came when he realized change doesn’t happen through logic alone. “If you don’t touch people’s hearts, no change will happen.”
Change management is more urgent than ever
The world is becoming increasingly complex, Camiel observes. With markets shifting rapidly and competitors emerging from unexpected places, organizations must adapt or risk falling behind. “Change used to feel optional; now it’s survival,” he says. COVID-19 exemplified this: “80% of our work was face-to-face. When the pandemic hit, our agenda emptied overnight. But instead of fear, we saw opportunity. Suddenly, the ‘why’ behind blended learning was clear to everyone.”
A different approach: Open mind, open heart, open hands
How can organizations approach change effectively? Camiel describes a three-step mindset:
Open mind – “Look at the world without assumptions. See the patterns. Invite diverse perspectives.”
Open heart – “Ask: what’s the positive opportunity here? Be willing to let go of control and embrace possibilities.”
Open hands – “Start small. Prototype. Experiment. Only think about the first step. That’s how change gains momentum.”
This approach requires leaders to let go of micromanagement and involve people at every level. “Real change isn’t top-down or bottom-up—it’s both. If it’s only my vision as a CEO, nothing will happen. If it’s a shared vision, magic happens.”
The myth: People resist change
“For me, the big myth is that people resist change,” says Camiel. “If change is pushed on them, yes—you’ll see cynicism and fear. But if people understand the ‘why,’ and if it aligns with their values, they embrace it.”
About The Relevance Podcast
The Relevance Podcast explores what it means for organizations and employees to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. With diverse speakers sharing their expertise, personal stories, and real-world case studies, every episode offers insights, tips, and practical advice—useful for both your professional and personal life. Now, and in the future.
Listen the Relevance Podcast via Spotify.
