In this eye-opening episode of Mind the Microsoft Gap, hosts Chris Threlfall and Nick Thomas sit down with special guest Caroline Connolly to explore one of the most underestimated aspects of IT transformation business change.
While many organisations focus on technical execution, it’s the people side of change that determines success or failure. Whether rolling out Microsoft 365, migrating to the cloud, or adjusting internal processes, managing change is less about systems and more about mindset.
Caroline brings her wealth of consulting experience to unpack the cultural, emotional, and practical realities of helping users transition through change without losing productivity or morale. From communication breakdowns to leadership alignment and managing resistant users, this episode gives you the full picture of what effective change looks like in action.
What You’ll Learn:
• Why technology projects are really business change initiatives
• How to engage users early to avoid resistance and confusion
• The role of leadership and line managers in successful change adoption
• How small changes often have the biggest long-term impact
• Why storytelling and emotional connection are more effective than strategy decks
• The importance of continuous adoption post-project
This episode is packed with real-world insight, practical strategies, and candid stories from the front lines of digital transformation. Whether you’re a change manager, project lead, or IT stakeholder, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Timestamps & Topics
| Time | Topic |
| 0:00 – 1:00 | Welcome & Introduction to Business Change |
| 1:00 – 3:30 | What is business change and why is it more than just tech? |
| 3:30 – 6:30 | Common pitfalls: resistance, frustration & security risks |
| 6:30 – 10:00 | User involvement, early champions & safe spaces for feedback |
| 10:00 – 14:00 | The leadership gap: why management must lead by example |
| 14:00 – 18:00 | Communication strategies that actually work |
| 18:00 – 24:00 | Small projects, big impact: don’t skip change management on the “quick wins” |
| 24:00 – 30:00 | Project success ≠ adoption: where the real work starts |
| 30:00 – End | AI, automation & the future of change |
Need help managing business change in your Microsoft environment?
Get in touch with the team at Insentra, follow us on LinkedIn, and catch upcoming episodes of Mind the Microsoft Gap for practical advice, expert insights and real-world strategies.
