Driving Change as a Solopreneur
Here’s a breakdown and the insights from “How to Successfully Drive Change When Everything Is Uncertain” (Kerrissey & DiBenigno, HBR) translated into practical lessons and impacts for solopreneurs.
Key Ideas from the Article (Brief)
The article argues that in turbulent times, traditional change-management methods (e.g. slow pilots, coalition building, incremental “small wins”) may not suffice. Leaders should lean into more opportunistic, decisive, and expansive tactics to drive change. (Harvard Business Review)
The authors propose three core moves that tend to work better in uncertain environments:
Select a “shovel-ready idea” and reframe it as solving both present and future problems. (Harvard Business Review Store)
Act quickly to take advantage of “windows” when stakeholders are more open to change. (Harvard Business Review Store)
Think expansively about what’s possible—don’t get locked into narrow, incremental changes. (Harvard Business Review Store)
Impacts & Strategic Implications for Solopreneurs
Below are how those ideas reshape what a solopreneur should do, what they risk, and how they can adapt. Items in bold are the changes supported to navigate with clear risks and advantages outlined.
Pivot from “safe incrementalism” to bold action
Impact / Risk for Solopreneurs: Solopreneurs who cling to small, “safe” tweaks may miss bigger shifts in the market or let competitors move ahead.
Strategic Response & Advantage: Identify a “shovel-ready” change you can execute now (e.g. a new service, partnership, or product line) and present it as a solution not just for now but for where your customers will need to go.
Seize windows of change and openness
Client willingness to change is often episodic (e.g., after a crisis, budget shift, or regulatory change). Missing the moment means losing momentum.
Stay attuned to external triggers (industry news, regulation, funding cycles) and be ready to propose your new idea when clients are most receptive.
Reframing the narrative
When you pitch new services or shifts, clients may resist if they see it as a “luxury” or “extra.”
Reframe your offer as solving an urgent or emergent problem and building future resilience. Use language that connects present pain to future gain.
Speed over consensus
As a solo or very small operation, you don’t have large layers of approval — but you may overthink or hesitate. That delay can cost you an advantage.
Use your agility as a competitive edge. Prototype quickly, iterate, and adjust. Don’t wait for perfect alignment.
Stretch imagination & vision
It’s easy as a solopreneur to stay rooted in “what I’m already doing,” limiting your growth.
Think expansively—ask “What new needs could I meet next?” or “What if I combine services differently?”—rather than only optimizing what you already do.
Increased risk (but higher upside)
Bold change invites more failure risk—misjudged offers, financial stress, customer pushback.
Mitigate risk by staging experimentation (e.g., beta clients, limited launches), validating early with feedback before full rollout.
Establish thought leadership & credibility
When you lead change rather than follow it, you position yourself as a visionary and trusted guide in your niche.
Use your change moves as stories — case studies, client successes, lessons learned. This builds trust, which is especially important when offering novel services.
Example Scenarios
A solopreneur coach might pivot from “productivity coaching” to “AI-augmented workflow design” (a bold change). They frame this as solving both today’s inefficiencies and preparing clients for AI-era demands.
A freelance content strategist might notice a regulatory change in a client’s industry and introduce a new compliance content service—launched quickly when the client is most receptive.
A digital consultant might prototype a small paid beta of a tool or template, iterate fast based on feedback, then scale it—rather than waiting months to build a “perfect” product.
About Charissa
Charissa Gant, Change Strategist with over 30 years of experience driving change for Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, a Principal Director at one of the largest consulting firms. Leading change with empathy. Unlocking leadership potential. Owner and Founder of BoldLEAP Collective, a community for courageous solopreneurs. Charissa@boldleapcollective.com