The choice of the ideal speaker for a conference on change management depends first and foremost on the specific objective of your event, and not solely on the topic being addressed. This guide compares the approaches of Delphine Zanelli, Jean Michel STEBER, Caroline Loisel, Michel Poulaert, CsP, and Jean-Luc Hudry, all recognized for their expertise in this field. This is not a ranking of the top five speakers, but rather an analysis of the different perspectives they offer: strategy, management, operations, decision-making, human factors, and more. The table below details, for each speaker, their preferred angle, targeted objective, and recommended audience, to help you choose the speaker who will best meet your needs.
How to Decide Quickly
Identify the priority of your event, then follow the rule that applies.
- If you want to prepare your managers for the impact of AI on their roles and initiate a real shift in mindset. →
Delphine Zanelli — to reinvent management in the age of AI - If you want to rally your teams around ethical influence to support a cultural or commercial shift. →
Jean Michel STEBER — to strengthen ethical influence during change - If you want to approach transformation from the perspective of fears, ego, and meaning to overcome human barriers. →
Caroline Loisel — to understand the human drivers of change - If you want to energize your teams, boost trust and enthusiasm to approach change positively. →
Michel Poulaert, CsP — to inspire optimism and boldness in the face of change - If you want to motivate and engage your teams with real-life examples and practical tools to approach change positively. →
Jean-Luc Hudry — to instill optimism during change
| Speaker | Overview | Angle | Objective | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delphine Zanelli Français | Angle It sheds light on the essential managerial approach needed to succeed in digital and human transformation. Objective Reinventing management in the age of AI Target Executive committees, managers in transition, transformation seminars | It sheds light on the essential managerial approach needed to succeed in digital and human transformation. | Reinventing management in the age of AI | Executive committees, managers in transition, transformation seminars |
| Jean Michel STEBER Français | Angle It demonstrates how positive influence and trust accelerate buy-in to change. Objective Strengthen ethical influence in change Target Sales teams, managers, professional networks, conventions | It demonstrates how positive influence and trust accelerate buy-in to change. | Strengthen ethical influence in change | Sales teams, managers, professional networks, conventions |
| Caroline Loisel Français | Angle She analyzes the psychological and relational mechanisms that determine the success of transformations. Objective Understanding the human drivers of change Target HR Directors, managers, project teams, interactive workshops | She analyzes the psychological and relational mechanisms that determine the success of transformations. | Understanding the human drivers of change | HR Directors, managers, project teams, interactive workshops |
| Michel Poulaert, CsP Français | Angle He brings energy and optimism to unleash individual and collective boldness during transitions. Objective Inspiring optimism and boldness in the face of change Target Large conventions, teams seeking motivation, kick-off | He brings energy and optimism to unleash individual and collective boldness during transitions. | Inspiring optimism and boldness in the face of change | Large conventions, teams seeking motivation, kick-off |
| Jean-Luc Hudry Français | Angle Trust is earned drop by drop and lost by the liter: fill up! Objective Inspiring optimism in change Target Managers, sales teams, corporate conventions | Trust is earned drop by drop and lost by the liter: fill up! | Inspiring optimism in change | Managers, sales teams, corporate conventions |
Angles and Specificities of Each Speaker
Angle: She sheds light on the essential managerial mindset needed to succeed in both digital and human transformation.
For which audience/event: Executive committees, managers undergoing change, transformation seminars
Choose if… Choose if you want to prepare your managers for the impact of AI on their roles and initiate a true shift in mindset.
Conference to watch: Managing in the Age of AI: Becoming the Leader AI Cannot Be
Angle: He demonstrates how positive influence and trust accelerate buy-in for change.
For which audience/event: Sales teams, managers, professional networks, conventions
Choose if… Choose if you want to engage your teams around ethical influence to support a cultural or commercial transformation.
Conference to watch: Ethical Persuasion, the Ultimate Business Skill
Angle: She breaks down the psychological and relational mechanisms that determine the success of transformations.
For which audience/event: HR directors, managers, project teams, interactive workshops
Choose if… Choose if you want to address transformation from the perspective of fears, ego, and meaning to overcome human barriers.
Conference to watch: Change and transformation: a matter of our brain and our ego!
Angle: He brings energy and optimism to unleash individual and collective boldness during times of transition.
For which audience / event: Large conventions, teams seeking motivation, kick-offs
Choose if… Choose if you want to energize your teams, strengthen confidence, and boost enthusiasm to embrace change positively.
Conference to watch: The Boldness of Optimism
Angle: Trust is earned drop by drop and lost by the liter: fill up your tank!
For which audience/event: Managers, sales teams, corporate conventions
Choose if… Choose if you want to motivate and engage your teams with real-life examples and practical tools for approaching change in a positive way.
Conference to watch: Better to think about change than to change the bandage!
FAQ
How do I choose a speaker suited to the objective of my change management conference?
First, define the main goal of your event: to inspire, train, or raise awareness. For example, Delphine Zanelli is known for her talks on the human side of change management, while Michel Poulaert focuses on motivation and optimism in the face of transformation.
Which speaker would be best suited for an audience of managers?
For a managerial audience, opt for a speaker like Jean-Luc Hudry or Jean Michel STEBER, who offer concrete feedback and practical tools for leading change within teams.
How can I adapt the format of the presentation to the size of my event?
For a large gathering, a dynamic keynote with a speaker like Michel Poulaert will capture the audience’s attention. For a more intimate or interactive format, Caroline Loisel offers participatory workshops tailored to small groups.
What level of technical expertise should I expect from change management speakers?
Some speakers, like CsP, approach change management from a methodological and technical perspective, while others favor a more human and inspiring approach. Specify the desired level during your briefing to guide the content.
How can I effectively brief a speaker to ensure they meet my expectations?
Prepare a detailed brief including the context, audience profile, and your objectives. Platforms like Lespeakers can support you in preparing and connecting with specialized speakers.
What’s next?
Once the angle is clarified, the simplest way forward is to formalize your brief (objective, audience, format, duration, constraints). We can help you match with the right speaker on change management.
For a detailed shortlist with biographies, see also our selection of speakers on change management.