Behind the Scenes: What I’ve Learned Leading Change Inside Broken Systems

One of the hardest truths I’ve faced in my work is this: many of the systems we operate within were never designed for the people they are meant to serve. Healthcare, corporate structures, government programs, education, and even nonprofit organizations often carry inefficiencies and inequities that limit their impact.

When I step into a new project, I’m rarely handed a blank canvas. More often I walk into an environment where the systems are already in place. Sometimes they are rigid, sometimes fragile, and often misaligned with the mission or goals. Leading change in those situations requires patience, humility, and the ability to balance bold vision with practical constraints.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Start with listening

Before suggesting solutions, spend time hearing the lived experiences of employees, leaders, clients, and community members. Their insights reveal the real barriers and the hidden strengths that are often overlooked.

Focus on what you can influence

It is tempting to want to fix everything at once, but progress often comes from identifying leverage points where small shifts create ripple effects across the larger system.

Hold space for frustration and hope

Change inside broken systems can feel discouraging, but naming the challenges openly helps teams move toward action with honesty and courage.

At Project Solved, I believe the role of a consultant is not just to design strategies but to help organizations navigate the tension between what is and what could be. Whether I am working with a nonprofit, a corporation, or a community initiative, that tension is where transformation begins.

One of the best ways to start bridging that gap is by understanding yourself and your team more deeply. That is why I often recommend the DISC assessment. It is a powerful tool that highlights communication styles, decision-making tendencies, and team dynamics. When leaders understand how they and their colleagues naturally show up in a system, they can navigate challenges with greater clarity and unlock more effective pathways for change.