In this episode, I sit down with Sylvana Rochet – the leadership advisor trusted by execs from Tesla, Slack and Apple – to talk about how to lead through the chaos of high-stakes transitions without leaving your people behind. Whether it’s an IPO, a layoff, or a burnout-fuelled exit, Sylvana helps leaders get clear, stay human, and lead with intention.

We dig into the real blind spot most execs miss: the emotional fallout of change. You can’t just tick off the legal and financial to-do list and expect the team to bounce back by Thursday. We unpack how slowing down, asking better questions, and connecting to your true intentions can transform the way you show up and lead. Whether you're scaling fast or just figuring out what’s next, this one’s gold.

How to lead through big transitions without losing your people

Plan for the people – Most leaders focus on logistics and forget the emotional reality of transition. Your people need space to process. Give it to them.

Slow down to speed up – Honour the human side of change now and you’ll move faster later with a team that’s energised and bought in.

Use the three C’s – Clarity, curiosity and courage. Get clear on your intention, get curious about what you don’t know, and find the guts to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Set your intention – Every conversation, every decision, every day. Don't drift. Be intentional with how you show up and what you want to create.

Practise X-ray listening – Go deeper than the first answer. Ask better questions. Listen for what’s said and unsaid. That’s where the truth is.

Timeline summary

[02:55] – The leadership blind spot in transitions: ignoring the human element
[06:33] – “Slow down now so you can go faster later” – why pacing matters
[07:37] – The Three C’s: clarity, curiosity and courage – your go-to framework
[12:01] – “Your real intention? To prove you’re as good as your sibling.”
[14:13] – The billboard test: What is your intention?
[19:03] – How to practise X-ray listening and actually hear what matters
[23:39] – Listening as an act of relationship, not just a transaction
[25:00] – Transition coaching: clarity, courage and what's next
[27:16] – Build an identity that no one can take from you
[27:41] – Book rec: The Courage to Be Disliked and why it’ll blow your mind

Links & resources

📘 Book recommendation: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
🔗 Connect with Sylvana Rochet on LinkedIn

If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a fellow leader going through change. And don’t forget to rate, follow and review Leadership that Sells – let’s help more managers lead first and sell more.