Embracing the Season of Change
The end of summer always feels like a turning point. Kids are heading back to school. Vacations wind down. The mornings feel cooler, and the leaves begin their slow shift into fall colors.
Change is in the air.
In many ways, autumn is a signal. A signal to reset, refocus, and prepare for what’s ahead. Parents look ahead to a new school year. Businesses refine their plans to finish strong and position themselves for the year ahead.
Currently, the workforce itself is undergoing a significant season of change.
The Workforce Autumn
Much like the shifting leaves, we’re watching the workplace transform before our eyes:
AI is emerging as a co-worker. It’s reshaping roles, processes, and the very definition of collaboration.
Workforce expectations are evolving. Employees are reevaluating their career paths, embracing flexibility, and reassessing what they want from leadership.
Economic pressures remain real. High interest rates and tariffs are forcing businesses to adjust strategies and priorities.
At first glance, change can feel like loss, like leaves falling from the trees. But in reality, it’s preparation. The shedding of the old makes room for what’s next.
From Fear to Anticipation
What shift might you need to make? Embrace the change. We look forward to the beauty of fall foliage or the first blooms of spring. Why not take the same perspective in business? Seasons of change are opportunities for renewal, not just disruption.
Just as nature follows cycles, so too does business. Leaders can thrive in this “workforce autumn” by doing three things:
Acknowledge what must fall away. Old processes, outdated roles, and unproductive habits can’t all come with us into the next season.
Invest in the new growth. AI and digital transformation are not threats to be feared but seeds of productivity and innovation to be nurtured.
Lead with anticipation, not anxiety. Employees will follow leaders who see opportunity in change, not just risk.
The Opportunity Ahead
The seasons remind us of a powerful truth: change is a natural part of life. We can’t resist it. We know it is coming. Our best strategy is to view change as an opportunity to be embraced.
As we move into autumn, let’s not just celebrate the beauty of changing leaves. Let’s embrace the beauty of a workforce in transformation because the leaders who look forward to change will be the ones ready for whatever spring brings.
What season of change is your organization in right now?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Lupinacci spent the last 25 years at some of the world's best-known companies, such as Intel Corporation and Kimberly-Clark. His career spans key executive roles such as Chief Learning Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Chief Integration Officer. After a successful corporate career, Jeff turned his focus to his true passion—serving the overworked and under-resourced HR profession.
Beyond his corporate success, Jeff is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with his insights featured in leading publications such as CFO Europe, Nikkei Business Magazine, and Baylor Business Review. In addition to his business leadership, Jeff is an adjunct professor at Baylor University, where he teaches Human Capital Management for the Executive MBA program and leads the HR Strategy and Analytics capstone for undergraduates.
Jeff is the best-selling author of The Talent Advantage: A CEO’s Journey to Discover the Value of Talent. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and two doodles.