Partner Research
Synthesize, Activate, Empower: Managing Change
By: Shonda Jaquez: Head of Leadership & Culture, Synfinii
Executive Summary
Organizational transformation succeeds when it addresses both the technical and human dimensions of change. In this article, Shonda Jaquez, Head of Leadership & Culture at Synfinii, draws on more than two decades of experience guiding cross-functional teams and modernizing data platforms to explain why empathy, communication, and accountability are essential to navigating meaningful change.
At Synfinii, transformation is rooted in the organization’s core values—ingenuity, accountability, thrive, impact, and teamwork. These principles shape how teams communicate, collaborate, and respond to uncertainty. Shonda emphasizes that effective change management requires transparent, consistent communication that meets people where they are, acknowledges diverse responses to transformation, and builds trust through clarity.
One of the article’s central insights is that resistance is not an obstacle but meaningful feedback. When leaders seek to understand the motivations behind resistance, they unlock opportunities for alignment, resilience, and shared ownership. Empowerment, as described by Shonda, extends beyond granting permission—it involves equipping teams with the support, resources, and recognition required to grow through change.
Ultimately, she underscores that transformation is not linear but a collective journey shaped by people. By creating space for honest dialogue, listening with intention, and embracing both discomfort and growth, organizations can achieve lasting impact and build cultures capable of thriving through continuous change.
Shonda Jaquez
Head of Leadership & Culture, Synfinii
As Head of Leadership & Culture at Synfinii, Shonda drives leadership growth, team effectiveness, and organizational health across the company. Partnering closely with the CEO and executive team, she integrates people and culture priorities into every level of leadership—ensuring that belonging, growth, and performance move forward together.
With over 25 years of experience in support of organizational transformation and diversity initiatives, Shonda equips leaders to thrive with clarity, empathy, and courage. Before joining Synfinii, she spent over two decades at OppenheimerFunds, where she guided teams through growth and change, led strategic business initiatives, and championed diversity as a core organizational value.
Passionate about fostering inclusion and accountability, Shonda builds systems that help people do their best work while feeling connected and supported. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering with Project C.U.R.E. and the Denver Rescue Mission.