Navigating Change for Deezer Leadership Team
An actionable transformation program designed for C-1 leaders at Deezer to provide them with a practical toolkit for navigating uncertainty related to organizational changes and unlocking new levels of productivity company-wide.
40
C-1
Leaders
3
Month
Journey
+35
Net Promoter
Score
2
Leadership
Cohorts
Challenge
The Deezer team faced a large reorganization process, leading to organizational optimizations but also uncertainty related to organizational changes. In order to improve such process, Deezer decided to support C-1 level leaders with powerful change management skills.
The program focused on 3 main topics: awareness of what exactly is changing in the organization, the change management strategy, and change communication. In response to this need, we embarked on the co-creating process with the Deezer team to design a streamlined digital experience that combines learning and collaboration formats, taking into account the time constraints Deezer's C-1 leaders faced.
With this program, we wanted to support and equip them with actionable and concrete tools that will help them empower and navigate their teams ..... and keep them engaged during current and future changes. Another goal was to implement a Deezer approach to change all over the company to make sure we all speak the same language.
Solution
A Change Management Program tailored to Deezer’s context and challenges
A successful change initiative relies on more than just one-time training and creates space for application and reflection. Our program comprised follow-up programming with activities every two weeks, alternating between masterclasses, peer coaching, and co-development, to maximize outcomes and keep learning momentum among leaders. This program structure also enabled the creation of a cross-functional leadership collaboration space.
By leveraging feedback and continuously improving the program, we ensured that the training resonated with the Deezer participants and addressed their specific needs and challenges.
I enjoyed the training. The virtual format made it easy to focus. There was a good balance between theory and exercises. The trainer was very engaging and made the theory fly quickly.
Impact
#1: Enhanced Change Management Skills
Participants were equipped with the skills to identify and address the challenges associated with change, proactively mitigate risks, and effectively communicate with and engage stakeholders throughout the process. The training program's emphasis on practical application ensured that participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also had the opportunity to immediately implement what they learned. This approach allowed them to witness firsthand the positive impact of applying the learned strategies and techniques.
Through the training, participants gained insights into building effective communication strategies and skills. They were also able to equip themselves with the knowledge of what changed during the program, which created an awareness among them to address future resistance and overcome challenges.
#2: Alignment on Change Management Approach & Actionable Toolkit
The BIA x Deezer Program provided leaders with a collaborative space to come together and address real-life challenges that the organization faced. This enabled them to work as a team, especially during the peer coaching sessions and the co-development workshops. This acted as a catalyst to foster alignment and teamwork. These sessions enabled reflection, support, and co-creation of processes and templates, strengthening leadership alignment. The program's emphasis on actionable templates and a change management toolkit equipped participants to navigate challenges beyond the program's duration.
I felt a lot of good energy and vibes coming out of this training. It was first, as every training could be, a good moment to step back and spend time with my peers interacting & reflecting on important changes to be done across our organization. I have found the templates provided in the program very useful and easy to re-use with my team. So actionable!
#3: A Standardized Approach to Change Management across Leadership Cohorts
The program created momentum within the leadership circle to establish a unified approach to navigating change at Deezer. This led to participants gaining a common language and tools to navigate change consistently. The training program provided a shared understanding, fostering a cohesive and unified mindset for approaching change initiatives.
Participants learned to apply a structured framework to assess, plan, and execute change initiatives, ensuring consistency in approach and minimizing the risk of fragmented efforts. This standardized approach promoted clarity, transparency, and accountability, fostering a culture where change was embraced as a collective effort.
About Deezer
Deezer is one of the largest independent music streaming platforms in the world, with more than 90 million tracks available in 180 countries, providing access to lossless HiFi audio, innovative recommendation technology and industry defining features. As the home of music, Deezer brings artists and fans together on a scalable and global platform, to unlock the full potential of music through technology. Founded in 2007 in Paris, Deezer is now a global company with a team of over 600 people based in France, Germany, UK, Brazil and the US, all brought together by their passion for music, technology and innovation.
HelloCircle, the leadership academy for the tech industry, is a spin-off of BIA Berlin Innovation Agency.
