Why Corporate Change Fails Without the Human Factor – A Conversation with Sabeth Marini

In a world of AI disruption, burnout, and rigid hierarchies, meaningful transformation inside traditional companies can feel impossible. But what if the key to real innovation wasn’t more strategy — but more humanity?

In a recent episode of the Change_Liscious Podcast, host Hedi Schaefer sits down with corporate changemaker Sabeth Marini to talk about what really creates change inside traditional environments like banking and finance — and why bringing your whole self to work might just be the boldest move you can make.

From Software Developer to Culture Shifter

Sabeth’s journey started in IT, as a software developer — a role that sparked her early curiosity in transformation. But as she tells it, building things well wasn’t enough:

“We knew how to build. But did we really understand what people needed? That’s what pulled me toward human-centered design and the psychology of change.”

This led her into design thinking, product ownership, and eventually — corporate cultural transformation in a global financial institution. Not your average startup story — and exactly why her perspective hits different.

Why “Bringing Your Whole Self to Work” Isn’t Just Fluff

Let’s get real: most corporate environments say they want authenticity — but are still run by old-school rules, top-down mindsets, and fear-based leadership. Sabeth challenges this:

“When people can’t bring their full selves to work, everyone misses out — the team, the product, the customer. You’re paying people to wear masks.”

She explains how psychological safety — the freedom to be honest, flawed, and still valued — is not just good for people; it’s essential for business performance and innovation.

The Human Factor = The X-Factor

As Sabeth puts it: “In the end, it all comes down to people.”

It’s not tools. It’s not frameworks. It’s not some magical org chart.It’s trust. Empathy. Psychological safety. Listening.

Whether it’s designing financial services, building tech products, or leading diverse teams — if people can’t show up as themselves, innovation will stall.

What Makes a Brave Leader (and How to Become One)

Sabeth doesn’t just talk theory. She’s in the trenches. And her advice for aspiring changemakers is refreshingly real:

Don’t rely on motivation – It’s fleeting. Instead, reconnect with your purpose.
Know your values – They’re your compass when things get messy.
Surround yourself with people who push you AND believe in you – Growth requires both.
Be okay with fear – Brave leaders feel fear too… they just keep moving.
Start small, stay steady – The secret to lasting change is breath, not speed.

One of her best mic-drop moments from the episode?

“I think bravery is just being scared… and doing it anyway.”

Culture as the Catalyst

So what does this mean for companies?

If you want resilient teams, creative thinking, and true innovation — you must design environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported. Environments where people can fail, speak up, and bring their “extra” — not hide it.

And leaders? Your job is to go first.

“We’re not psychologists,” Sabeth says, “but we can create environments where healing — and transformation — can happen.”

Final Wisdom: Your Change Journey Starts Now

In a world hungry for realness, the most radical thing you can do as a changemaker is show up — fully.

“Think of all the incredible things you’ll create. The people you’ll meet. What you’ll discover about yourself. This is your adventure. Go on and have it.” – Sabeth Marini

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

➡️ Change_Liscious Podcast: Sabeth Marini on Brave Leadership & Corporate Change Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your audio fix.

Corporate change management, Human-centered leadership, Psychological safety at work, Bringing your whole self to work, Culture transformation in business, Change maker mindset, Brave leadership in organizations, Design thinking for corporate innovation