A hike, a system implementation and a lesson in Leading for Change
I’ve just finished reading The Hiker’s Guide to System Implementation in Clinical Trials by Kasia Kurowska, MBA — and I really enjoyed it.
What struck me most was how closely Kasia’s practical approach to implementation connects with the principles I explore in Leading for Change.
I loved that she starts with “why”. In an environment of continuous change, I believe this is more important than ever. People need to understand why the change matters, what it means for them and what they need to do differently.
Kasia’s nine steps provide a practical roadmap, but the book goes beyond simply implementing a system. It recognises that change is about people.
Her stakeholder mapping, involvement checklist and discussion of different training approaches all reinforce something I strongly believe: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to change. We need to understand where people are, involve them in the journey and customise our approach accordingly.
I also particularly liked her focus on milestones and KPIs — not simply to measure, but to pause, reflect, acknowledge progress and communicate success. This is a powerful way to create momentum, especially when the journey is uncertain.
One phrase really stayed with me: “Value is your why in action.”
For me, that captures an important part of Leading for Change: having a clear purpose is only the beginning. We create value when we translate that purpose into action, learn from feedback and keep moving forward.
And then there’s the hiking metaphor! 🥾 It makes implementation feel like a journey rather than a destination — with preparation, unexpected obstacles, course corrections and, importantly, other people alongside you.
I particularly enjoyed reaching the end and discovering Kasia’s own story of hiking through Italy. It brought the metaphor to life beautifully.
A practical, thoughtful and enjoyable read — and one I’d recommend to anyone involved in system implementation, clinical trials or leading change in uncertain times.
Thank you, Kasia, for the journey!