Meet Christie Cooper and Her Passion for Guiding Change

Aloha Reader,

Last week, we introduced you to Bryan Banta. Today, it’s time to meet another remarkable member of our Aloha Publishing ‘ohana, Dr. Christie Cooper.

Christie didn’t set out to become an authority on organizational change. She began her career in sales at one of the largest family-owned pet food companies in the U.S., climbing the ladder with optimism and grit. But every 18 to 24 months, the company would go through what they called a “revitalization”. This was essentially a reorganization that left entire teams uprooted, anxious, and uncertain.

She saw colleagues relocated across the country on a week’s notice. Others who were talented and loyal people were suddenly let go. Trust eroded. Survivor’s guilt crept in. And Christie herself felt the strain of navigating constant upheaval.

That experience lit a fire in her: why does change so often fail, and what could leaders do differently?

While juggling a demanding corporate role, Christie pursued her doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine. She started studying change not as a spreadsheet exercise, but as a deeply human process. Her research explored the intersection of behavior, psychology, and leadership, especially how our DISC personality styles shape the way we respond to change.

The result of that journey is her new book, Guiding Change: How to Artfully Inspire, Influence, and Drive Lasting Change. With warmth and clarity, Christie offers leaders the tools to move beyond checklists and into connection, helping teams not just endure change but grow through it.

We’d love for you to meet Christie in person! She’ll be joining Bryan Banta at our upcoming celebration:

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 (yes, today!)• 4:00 PM
Aloha Media Studio
839 E Winding Creek, Second Floor
Eagle, ID 83616

Mahalo for being part of our Aloha Publishing ‘ohana.

Heather Goetter,
COO and Ghostwriter

P.S. The first 25 people to arrive at the event will get a free copy of Guiding Change!