804. Leading Change Through Conversation: The Power of Nemawashi
What if the fastest way to create meaningful change is to slow down and have the right conversations first?
In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Adam Braus, professor, author, entrepreneur, founder of Elton University, and author of Leading Change at Work. Adam introduces Nemawashi, a Japanese approach to organizational change that he describes as “piecemeal consensus” developing an idea through individual conversations before asking a group to make a formal decision.
Adam explains how leaders and employees at every level can use Nemawashi to overcome “permission paralysis,” gather honest input, improve ideas, and build genuine support without manipulating people into accepting a predetermined outcome. Rather than relying on top-down announcements, the process allows change to spread through an organization through trust, collaboration, and shared ownership.
The conversation also explores Adam’s work with Elton University, a nonprofit institution designed around personalized, one-on-one education. He explains how its evidence-based, student-directed MBA and PhD programs challenge the traditional factory model of higher education by building each student’s curriculum around their specific goals.
Listeners will learn:
• How Nemawashi can reduce resistance to organizational change
• Why consensus building is different from seeking permission
• How leaders can unlock the collective intelligence of their teams
• Why ego can undermine otherwise promising change initiatives
• How personalized education can connect learning to real-world goals
• Why emotional honesty strengthens professional and personal relationships
• One conversation to initiate before advocating for your next idea
This episode offers a practical framework for leading change with greater patience, humility, responsibility, and respect for the people affected by the decision.
Connect with Adam Braus:
Website: elton.university
Email: adam.braus@elton.university
Podcast: Solutions from the Multiverse
The interview focuses on Nemawashi, collaborative change leadership, personalized higher education, professional credibility, and the value of honest communication.
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