Anna Lisa Torres
Change Manager - HR Systems & Culture Transformation
Vonage
Leadership Lessons from MLB’s Bold Transformation
What Baseball Can Teach About Leading Change.
For years, Major League Baseball (MLB) faced a significant dilemma: honoring tradition while reversing the unintended effects of the "Moneyball" era's efficient, plodding style of play. After years of delay, the league finally implemented bold rule changes to restore a brisker, more entertaining version of baseball. MLB successfully revitalized the on-field product, resulting in surging attendance, increased viewership, and a younger fan demographic. This is the story of the steps they took that improved an organization that previously struggled with resistance to change, and relatable lessons other leaders can learn from to drive successful transformations.
About the Author
Daniel R. Sullivan
Daniel R. Sullivan is an executive advisor in business transformation, communications, and human resources strategy who has helped organizations across multiple industries successfully navigate change and transform their businesses.
dan.sullivan@baseballtransformationbook.com
Book preview • Forthcoming 2027
⚾⚾⚾
Featured Insights from Business and Baseball
Perspectives from civilian and corporate executives, former players, and change management professionals featured throughout the book.
What you'll discover inside:
- Overcoming a change-resistant culture
- Identifying and empowering decision makers
- Testing ideas through data-driven pilots
- Leveraging trusted influencers as change champions
Bob Picone
Senior Director, Global Change Management Lead, Next Generation Transformation
Ralph Lauren
Collin Lee
Chief Innovation Officer
Omni Federal
Hugh McClelland III
Director of Agency Services (retired)
GEICO
Jeff Lipschultz
Former AVP, Value Engineering
BNSF
Keith Cox, PhD
Director, Performance Development, Talent & Culture
KPMG
Klint Kendrick, PhD
Founder
Master Your Merger (HR M&A community/platform)
Lana Moss
Interim CHRO, Fractional HR Leader
Lana Moss Consulting
L. David Kingsley
Chief People Officer
Illumio
Mac Engel
Sports Columnist
Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Mark Smith
Transformation Leader
Dominion Energy
Paula Nathwani
Director, Organization Design
EQ Bank
Scott Livingstone
8-Year MLB Player (retired)
Current Host, Ball5 Podcast