Phil Gilbert

Transforming organizational culture is not just about directives—it’s about cultivating enthusiasm, engagement, and momentum. By treating change as a product that people voluntarily adopt, leaders can inspire alignment, spark innovation, and drive transformations that last.

Keynote Details:

Drawing from his experience leading IBM’s global transformation of almost 400,000 people, Phil Gilbert will show how to approach change in a way that excites teams and sustains progress. By framing change as something teams chose to adopt and were happy to pay for, we turned skepticism into momentum and reshaped IBM’s culture.

This session unpacks actionable strategies to help leaders engage teams authentically, build leadership buy-in, and create environments where change becomes second nature. Through vivid stories and real-world tactics, participants will gain a practical framework for designing cultures that adapt and thrive.

Audience:

This keynote can be shaped to serve audiences of most any size, from C-suite executives and senior leadership teams to larger organizational units preparing for a change agenda.

• Leading or preparing for significant transformation initiatives.
• Struggling to gain traction or overcome resistance to change.
• Seeking sustainable strategies to embed adaptability into their organizational culture.

Outcomes:

• A framework for treating change as a product people choose to adopt.
• Tactics for igniting early adoption and maintaining momentum.
• Strategies for aligning leadership and empowering teams.
• Actionable next steps to realign your change initiatives.

Suggested Formats:

• Leadership retreats
• Strategy sessions
• Change management workshops
• Executive Kickoffs