Episode 169: Rethinking Resistance with the Neurological Nomad

Travis Hahler is Senior Director of Global Strategy & Transformation at Salesforce, where he leads teams through large-scale organizational change. Alongside his corporate work, Travis is a keynote speaker and the author of Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change, published by Fast Company Press. Travis joins to unpack what happens neurologically when people encounter change — and why most leaders are misreading the signals. Drawing on his book Rethink Resistance, Travis makes the case that resistance isn't a problem to overcome. It's data. The conversation moves from the science of six neurological barriers to change, to the surprisingly practical value of body language, to an unexpected live tarot card reading that turns out to be a fitting metaphor for the whole conversation: if you know what to look for, you can see what's coming. Travis also addresses the AI transformation moment head-on — arguing that how companies are currently introducing AI mirrors one of the most primal threat responses in the human brain, and that leaders who don't understand that are setting their organizations up to fail. Bonus: Resistance Tarot Card Giveaway During the episode, Travis revealed that he's creating a physical deck of Resistance Tarot Cards — a tangible extension of the frameworks in his book. If you purchase Rethink Resistance and send Travis proof of purchase, you'll be entered into a drawing to receive a packet of the cards. This was unplanned, unscripted, and announced here first. To enter: buy the book, then reach out to Travis directly via his website or LinkedIn with your purchase confirmation. Links & Resources Book — Rethink Resistance: linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomad Travis's Website: travishahler.com Book Page: travishahler.com/book Podcast Snippets: travishahler.com/podcast LinkedIn — The Neurological Nomad: linkedin.com/company/the-neurological-nomad