Igniting Organizational Change: A Person-First Approach with Richard Carson

In this episode of the Change Management Review Podcast, host Theresa Moulton speaks with Richard Carson, CEO of Carson and Associates, to explore the practical side of organizational change. With over 40 years of experience in management, consulting, and academic research, Richard reveals how his people-sustained change model (PSCOM) evolved from hands-on performance audits to a robust, three-phase, ten-step framework.

You’ll discover:

• How real-world challenges led to a diagnostic approach for organizational change
• The importance of engaging both leadership and frontline teams in the change process
• Practical steps to transform shelf documents into actionable plans
• Insights on turning performance issues into opportunities for lasting transformation

If you’re a change management practitioner or leader ready to make a practical impact, this episode is essential listening. Richard’s insights will empower you to tackle change head-on and build a resilient, people-centred organization.

Guest Bio

Richard Carson is CEO of Carson & Associates, LLC, a consultancy specializing in organizational change management (OCM), strategic planning, and performance management. He is the author of The Book of Change, featuring his trademarked People Sustained Organizational Change Management (PSOCM) model—a three-phase, 10-step framework developed through his doctoral research at Washington State University. 

Mr. Carson has held leadership roles in municipal government, including City Manager for Cascade Locks and Damascus, Oregon, and Regional Planning Director for METRO. He also served as Senior Policy Analyst for three Oregon Governors. 

He holds a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Washington State University, a Master of Public Administration from Lewis and Clark College, and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from Portland State University.