Overcoming Knowledge Gaps That Make Organizations Resistant to Innovation with Eric Saylors

Organizations often invest heavily in new technologies, processes, and initiatives, yet many struggle to achieve meaningful adoption. While resistance is frequently attributed to culture or unwillingness to change, the real barrier is often something less visible: knowledge gaps that prevent people from understanding, trusting, and effectively using new ways of working.

In this episode of the Change Management Review™ Podcast, host Theresa Moulton speaks with Eric Saylors, founder of AI Strategy by Design and a veteran emergency services leader, about why curiosity, better questions, and practical learning are essential for successful transformation. Drawing on decades of experience leading people in high-pressure environments, Eric explains how organizations can overcome hidden barriers to innovation by helping people build confidence, close knowledge gaps, and embrace AI as a tool that strengthens—not replaces—human capability.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why knowledge gaps often create resistance that organizations mistakenly attribute to culture or employee reluctance.
• How asking better questions leads to stronger decision-making and more successful change outcomes.
• Why curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable leadership capabilities in the age of AI.
• Practical ways leaders can help employees build confidence while adopting emerging technologies.
• How AI can serve as a collaborative partner that enhances human expertise rather than replacing it.
• Lessons from emergency services leadership that apply directly to organizational change and innovation.

Whether you’re leading digital transformation, introducing AI into your organization, or helping teams navigate uncertainty, this conversation offers practical insights into building the learning culture and leadership mindset needed to move innovation from concept to adoption.

Guest Bio

Eric Saylors, EdD, is Product Lead at HEN Technologies, a global leader in firefighter safety and fire suppression technology. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Organizational Change from the University of Southern California (USC) and specializes in helping organizations overcome the knowledge gaps that often make change initiatives and innovation efforts unsuccessful.

Drawing on his experience in emergency services leadership and organizational transformation, Eric developed the KMO Model, a practical framework that helps leaders identify root causes of resistance, strengthen adoption, and build change initiatives that are understood, practiced, measured, and sustained. His work focuses on equipping leaders to navigate change with greater clarity, curiosity, and confidence.