**Business Book Awards 2025 Finalist**

‘A crucial tool for all Change Leaders.’ – Ket Patel

Organization change can be messy. Much of what matters takes place under the surface, and overlooking these hidden factors – as most change programmes do – too often results in failure and frustration. What’s the answer? More thoughtful conversation, inquiry and storytelling, which enable leaders to understand more fully what is happening under the surface in their organization and have better communication and engagement with their teams.

Based on her academic research and over 25 years of consultancy practice, Dr Susanne Evans’ ChangeStories approach enables leaders and change practitioners to have more meaningful conversations about change, create stories that can reduce resistance to change and increase engagement, and ultimately ensure the benefits of a change programme are realized.

This is a complete guide to building storytelling, inquiry and conversation into your everyday practice, including step-by-step guides, templates and case studies.

This is a fantastic book for anybody working in change communications – Amazon 5*

A great look at change management within a business. As a business owner it is an invaluable handbook to help guide decision making and all important internal communications – Amazon 5*

Full of useful tips that can help you shape your stories to make any change activity more effective – Amazon 5*

Change in organizations is actually simple in many ways, yet we make things incredibly hard for ourselves. A great deal has been written about change in organizations, much of which overcomplicates things or strays into vacuous thought leadership style pondering. In part this is because it evokes anxiety in clients and makes it easier to sell them ‘solutions’. Susanne’s book is different. It starts with a premise that might be best described as ‘I think we might be overcomplicating things, folks, and here is what it would be useful to actually pay attention to’. Grounded in her experience as a change consultant working for large professional services firms, Susanne builds the case for how (re-)writing stories and narratives in organizations is at the heart of effective change. Crucially, she makes it clear that leaders need to build their capabilities in the area of storytelling and understand how change stands or falls on the tales people tell about their lived experiences – for good or ill. She is highlighting a key facet of the craft and practice of leading that is a million miles away from flashy, ‘follow these steps’, ‘wield this model’ approaches to change. Recommended. – Steve Hearsum, Founder, EDGE+STRETCH, Author of No Silver Bullet: Bursting the Bubble of the Organisational Quick Fix

The book is a story in itself – an easy and enjoyable read, providing the reader with the simple structure of the ARIAS model to follow, along with tips on how to build the learning into daily practice and links to supporting material. I really love the storymaking template and have used this across change programmes and projects – its simplicity translates change into a clear, compelling and aligned message that is easy to understand and engage with. It transforms change from the language of project to the language of people. The template is now an essential in my change toolkit. – Rachel Butler, Head of Change, Anglian Water Services UK, Change Awards Winner of Best Capability Builder

This book is a fabulous read, a true wealth of resource, knowledge and wisdom that draws from Susanne’s experiences and research. It’s a true story in itself, bringing to life the power of stories to add value, interest and buy-in to any communication. For me, the difficulty is pulling out only one or two key themes, as I believe the entire book is important! The ARIAS Model and storytelling template are so on-point and user-friendly, I can’t wait to put these into practice. Whilst reading the book, I was already thinking about what areas of my work I could start to utilise these tools and techniques with.

Without people, successful change is impossible, and this book really teases out the importance of involving people whether they are senior leaders, change agents or employees on the ground. All stakeholders should be involved right from the start, and for those managing and leading the change, they must be able to win the hearts and minds of those impacted by the change. What also stuck with me was the authenticity of the storyteller and being your true self. There’s no point telling a story if no-one’s going to listen!

I would highly recommend this book for those wanting to try a different approach to building engagement and reinforcing change. – Joscelyn Henry-Shaw, PPM Profession Change Manager, NHS England

This is a very generous and appreciative piece of writing. Susanne writes as she works – in the deeply held belief that people in organizations can ‘do’ change with limited external support. In this book, she gifts to readers the practical set of tools that she uses in her change work with organizations. Susanne understands that we are meaning-making beings. With this in mind, she encourages us to notice the meaning we are making in the stories we tell and how we can use story to help others to do so.

There are many refreshing aspects of this book, not least Susanne’s simple, practical and straight-talking language with her own stories. I read the book in 3 sittings – and having done so – can refer back when I need to to the many models and insights from her research of the literature, her practical experience with clients and her ChangeStories podcasts. I think Susanne hits the nail on the head when she writes about the need to pay attention to things as they are – with all our senses and ways of knowing, whilst giving heartfelt consideration to, ‘what matters’. Most of all I enjoyed Susanne’s candour in telling her own change story (which I know well), though I think if I told it, it would have more superlatives about her strengths as a colleague and change agent! – Ann Knights, Professor of Practice in Coaching and Leadership, Hult International Business School, Co-author of Relational Team Coaching

A very honest and approachable way to get immersed into the world of change. It feels like you’re getting advice from a friend all the way through, by someone giving you the inside scoop – I especially appreciated the practical questions and reflections throughout. If you’re new to change or even a seasoned practitioner, there are excellent references, advice and approaches here that can really have an impact on how we think and bring change to life in our organisations. – Soraya Abdelmageed, Head of Change Management, Asahi Europe & International

Read Susanne Evans’ book and like me, you’ll want to immediately put her insights and principles into practice. With clear, captivating prose, organizational examples, helpful models and references (for more information) to her highly successful ChangeStories Podcast, Dr Evans leads us through the process of creating meaningful organizational change through storytelling. And in the process, she shifts our perspective on creating change: it’s about the people not the process; change is messy and that’s ok; be sure to welcome the disruptors and, especially, lead with appreciation. This book will become required reading for everyone experiencing change in their organization. And in these times, that is pretty much everyone! – Susanna Liller, PCC, President and Founder, The School for Real-Life Heroines, Author of You Are a Heroine: A Retelling of the Hero’s Journey

Is it possible to love a book? I haven’t in a long time read a book to the end, let alone read one that informed my practice. And then came ChangeStories, bringing me into the shared history of change that so many practitioners have to navigate. It instantly made my experiences feel seen. It made me switch off autopilot and dive into my own work and the stories in the changes around me. Storytelling in its own right is a tale as old as time, but what Susanne does in this book transcends fables and fairytales, positioning storytelling as an imperative to your change, its outcomes and your people. It shows wonderfully that there is another way to lead change, and it all starts with a good story. So yes, it’s possible to love a book. – Susie Palmer-Trew, Founder, Everyday Change, Author of The Everyday Change Playbook

I first met Susanne at the beginning of her PhD and it has been such a pleasure watching her bring stories to life for organizations. In her wonderful book, her generosity of spirit shines through as she shares tools and her ARIAS model for coaches and organizations alike to use time and time again when their stakeholders need it most. Reading ChangeStories made me so happy as people not profit are at the centre of all she recommends as well as deeper inquiry to truly understand those around you. Having been an MD of a family business, I remember how our story kept us together as a strong team and set us apart from our competitors, but I didn’t realise why until I read ChangeStories. I also learned first-hand as a coach and as an employee, what it feels like to be without the story during change, much like we felt during the uncertainty of Covid – vulnerable, unanchored, confused. Susanne’s method and tools mean we can prevent this for future organizations. – Rebecca Mander, Executive Coach and Founder of GuruYou®

I find people tend to fall into one of two camps when it comes to the potential value of stories in change. Either ‘storytelling is all fluff, and “once upon a time” has no place in a serious business’, or ‘great, if I polish my story according to a proven model and make it shiny, everyone will love me and change will just happen’. Mmmm. Both are stories, and both are untrue. This book isn’t about the idea of stories being an option in organizations. It reflects Susanne’s deep appreciation of how people and organizations are already full of stories, which compete for our attention and with each other, and which need to be surfaced, heard and woven together if there is to be any real progress on any change. You can tell yourself you don’t have time to read this book and reflect on your own use of stories. But that would be a story. Choose your stories wisely. – Alan Arnett, Thinking Partner and Coach, The Exploration Habit Ltd

In business, we often rely on PowerPoint presentations filled with facts and statistics. But let’s be honest, while you’re presenting, your audience is secretly planning their next coffee break. Even if you manage to persuade them, you’ve only convinced them intellectually. That’s not enough to get people moving. Stories, on the other hand, grab people by the heart and mind, making them truly want to act. Susanne Evans’ book is a powerful guide on how to use storytelling to drive change. It will transform the way you inspire and lead. – Andrea Pacini, Head of Ideas on Stage UK, Author of Confident Presenter

I very much enjoyed reading this book as I thought it not just gave the reader tools on how to manage and lead change, but it gave the reader a ‘tell it how it is’ with managing change. Susanne shares stories and case studies of previous experiences as well as the research and podcasts she has conducted within certain subject areas, giving you insight into her own journey of learning, discovering and helping others with change. There were several elements that really resonated with me, but to pick one, it would be the chapter on inquiry – I think change managers need to ‘be curious, not judgemental’ when working with clients to help uncover what is at the core of the organization. I also really liked the template Susanne shares on how to tell stories – I thought this was very practical and helpful for people to get started on sharing their own stories. – Jennifer Bryan, Founder and Managing Director of Leading Change, Vice President, Association of Change Management Professionals, Author of Leading People in Change: A Practical Guide

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human history, and this incredibly practical book will help you harness its power to engage your audiences and unravel the mysteries of change. Susanne talks to you through the pages with practical and engaging insights, tools and techniques, signposting useful models and her own podcast episodes to allow you to delve into your own personal lightbulb moments. I cannot wait to use Susanne’s storytelling template with some of my clients who are struggling to explain the why of change. Her comparison of individual reactions to change with responses to being asked to go swimming resonated deeply with me. Personally, I hate swimming, but my daughter loves it. The book teaches that this difference is precisely why we need to tap into everyone’s personal perspective when asking them to embrace change. I love a book that helps me enhance my organizational development practice and makes me think, and this one does that in spades! – Kate Clarke, Founder, Kate Clarke Consulting Ltd

ChangeStories places storytelling at the heart of the change process, while reminding us that at heart, we are all storytellers. In our workplaces, communication often defaults to being formal and fact-based, and we favour pursuing a linear change progression over embracing its inherent messiness. Dr Susanne Evans makes a compelling case for leaders to involve people early and consider their real-world experiences during transitions. You will learn to embrace the mess, make genuine inquiries, have meaningful conversations and craft compelling stories. If you are sceptical of your own storytelling abilities, Susanne will reassure you as she wonderfully weaves her often humorous work–life stories throughout the book and provides practical tools to help you tell impactful tales. – Susan Ní Chríodáin, Facilitator and Coach, Author of Leading Beyond the Numbers, Host of Life Beyond the Numbers podcast

In my work, I’m surrounded by great storytellers who help people navigate through and make sense of the tumult of organizational changes. This book offers us a glimpse into what makes them so effective. Reading it has left me with greater confidence to find and tell more stories in my own work with change. A reminder of some of the most human – and often forgotten – practices of navigating workplace change, and a generous sharing of templates and structures to help you make your own stories to inspire action and engagement.

Through her own stories, Susanne reminds us how the stories that already exist in an organization can be coupled with new stories to create movement in the organization and build momentum from the old to the new, from the past through to the future. Not only a deeply helpful guide to finding, shaping and telling your own stories, but a timely reminder of some of the most human – and effective – ways of approaching change.

If I was leading a piece of organizational change, I’d want Susanne to be alongside me. And if that wasn’t possible, I’d re-read this book. – Helena Clayton, Leadership Coach, Author of Leading from Love

ChangeStories podcasts have galvanised a community of passionate storytelling experts and here Susanne Evans brings this to life for leaders engaged in the messy business of change. The power of narrative to move the dial beyond strategic goals into organizational purpose and values is explained. Packed with insights, practical exercises and a new contribution with the ARIAS model, she advocates for leaders and followers working together to co-create change with a full understanding of their part in it. Key here is what matters to people, with reflection, attention and listening driving impactful change that reaches all corners of the business. – Vikki Kirby, Storytelling Research Fellow and Business Storytelling Advocate

A fascinating exploration into the origins, power and application of storytelling in everyday life. We all know how to tell stories. We do it with our friends all the time to build connection, to laugh and to reminisce. It is a tool that is frequently overlooked in organizational change and one we must try to lean on more. This book gives you the tools to create stories that can help you implement change more effectively, creating that same feeling of fun, joy and togetherness in your change initiatives. A crucial tool for all change leaders. – Ket Patel, Founder, Change Agitators, Change Management Institute Master Change Practitioner

ChangeStories reminds me of an Adam Grant or Malcolm Gladwell bestseller; it’s non-fiction that is as compelling as a novel.

Susanne Evans combines fascinating stories with thought-provoking research, written in an accessible style. ChangeStories also includes practices and tools to help the reader apply the many ideas contained in the book.

Even though I’ve studied, practiced and taught storytelling for over 30 years, I repeatedly found myself surprised by, and appreciative of, the many new insights I gained from this book.

Whether you’re simply interested in upping your general storytelling game or specifically interested in using the power of storytelling to help people navigate change, this is a must-read. – David Lee, Founder of HumanNature@Work, Author of Dealing with a Difficult Co-Worker

• Cover Page
• Praise for ChangeStories
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Part I: Change can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be
  • Chapter 1: The history (and reality) of change management in organizations
  • Chapter 2: Leading change differently using stories
• Part II: The ChangeStories® ARIAS Model
  • Chapter 3: Attention
  • Chapter 4: Reflection
  • Chapter 5: Inquiry
  • Chapter 6: Appreciation
  • Chapter 7: Storytelling
• Part III: Building your change story
  • Chapter 8: Story finding
  • Chapter 9: Story making
  • Chapter 10: Story performing
  • Chapter 11: Story honing
  • Chapter 12: Concluding this story and taking action
• About the author
• Endnotes
• Index

FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP

Paperback / 9781788605342 / November 12, 2024 / £14.99

Hardback / 9781788605922 / November 12, 2024 / £24.99

Ebook / 9781788605366 / November 11, 2024 / £7.99

Paperback and eBook Bundle / £16.99

Dr. Susanne Evans

Dr Susanne Evans is an organization change consultant and researcher on a mission to change the way that transformations are managed.

Having spent 10 years in Big 4 consultancy firms, she saw first-hand how difficult it was to achieve the benefits of large-scale transformation programmes.

Her PhD research focused on the role of stories in transformation and she distilled both this research and her 25 years of hands-on consultancy experience to create the ChangeStoriesTM approach, enabling her clients to use stories, ask questions and have powerful conversations to drive change.

As well as writing and speaking regularly for platforms such as the Change Management Institute, Business Transformation Network and Enterprise Nation, Susanne also hosts open storytelling workshops, supporting people in writing a compelling story for themselves.

She is the host of the popular ChangeStories podcast, in which guests share ideas for improving the way that changes are managed in organisations.