#63 The Human Side of Systems Change (Part 2) with Dr. Tovah Sheldon

Why Distance Learning?

Too often, educational change is approached with a top-down, impersonal strategy—especially in virtual settings. Leaders are handed new tools, frameworks, and mandates but given little space for reflection, values alignment, or the flexibility needed to make change stick. The result? Burnout, survival mode, and disjointed systems that don’t serve students or educators.

In this episode, Dr. Tovah Sheldon—school design strategist at Michigan Virtual and leader of the Leadership Coaching for Innovation initiative—unpacks how true transformation begins with the adults in the system. With warmth, insight, and a deep coaching mindset, she guides us through what it really means to center leadership development around the human experience. From redefining change through “rugged flexibility” and allostasis, to bridging the gap between personal and organizational values, Dr. Sheldon makes the case for slower, deeper, more reflective innovation. She shares stories of golden moments, challenges us to pluralize transformation, and gives us a clear pathway toward leading with clarity, purpose, and empathy.

If you’re leading innovation—especially in virtual or hybrid environments—listen in for insight on:

• Why “rigid” systems fail in dynamic environments, and how to lead with adaptive stability.
• How to help leaders and teams surface their core values and use them to drive sustainable change.
• The habits and actions that define innovators—and how they play out differently in virtual spaces.
• Why going deep before wide is essential for lasting, scalable impact.
• How “small-i” innovations build momentum toward big transformation.

Episode Links:

• Leadership Coaching for Innovation at Michigan Virtual
• Brad Stulberg on Rugged Flexibility and Allostasis
• Henry Ford Innovation Hub – Phil Grumm’s Work

Additional People and Concepts to Link:

1. Brad Stulberg
   Referenced for the concepts of allostasis and rugged flexibility.
   🔗 https://www.bradstulberg.com
2. Phil Grumm and Henry Ford Learning Institute / Innovation Hub
   Credited as the origin of the Habits and Actions of Innovators framework.
   🔗 https://inhub.thehenryford.org/
3. Dr. Jay Marks
   Mentioned for his insight: “Lots of little moments lead to momentum.”
   🔗 https://www.nuatc.org/about-us/mentors/jay-b-marks-ph-d/
4. Ellen Langer
   Referenced for her ideas on mindfulness, scientific uncertainty, and contextual truth.
   🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Langer
5. 3P Learning (Project-, Problem-, and Place-based Learning)
   Discussed in relation to innovation in virtual programs.
   🔗 Resource from Michigan.Gov
6. Cynthia Coburn
   Cited for the depth before breadth concept in educational change.
   🔗 https://sesp.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/cynthia-coburn.html

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.