BWA Podcast Show: The Role of Middle Managers in Change Leadership with Tracy Cooper
What makes organisational change succeed, or quietly fail? More often than not, the answer lies with middle managers.
In this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast Show, Lyn Hawkins speaks with Change Specialist Tracy Cooper about one of the most overlooked, yet critical drivers of successful organisational transformation: middle managers.
Attention is often placed on the C-suite during times of change, middle leaders are the ones who must translate strategy into action, influence culture on the ground, and help teams navigate uncertainty day to day. Tracy shares why middle managers are the vital link between executive vision and operational reality.
Learn why and how organisations better equip and support middle managers during periods of transition.
Together, Lyn and Tracy explore the capabilities modern middle leaders need in order to become effective change leaders, not only as communicators but in their ability to create psychological safety within teams. Hear about the inner work required when operating under pressure.
This conversation offers valuable insights for the C suite, senior executives, people leaders, HR professionals, and aspiring leaders wanting to strengthen organisational resilience and lead change more consciously and effectively. Take away very practical steps that can be adopted m immediately to become stronger, more effective champions of change.
Don’t miss this conversation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAbjW8toWoY
Meet Tracy Cooper
Tracy Cooper is a highly regarded Change Specialist, known for her expertise in leading organisational change. She has worked extensively with boards, executives, and teams to navigate complex change, enhance culture, and unlock performance. Tracy is a coach, facilitator, and speaker, with a passion for supporting women in leadership to pause, reflect, and realign their professional and personal lives for greater impact. She brings warmth, insight, and practical wisdom to every conversation she leads. Tracy is a Leader member of Business Women Australia and a regular guest on the Business Women Australia Podcast Show.
About Lyn Hawkins
Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, philanthropy, marketing, and business development.
Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in leadership, helping women elevate their brands, careers, businesses, and influence. Lyn also works with the Peel Community Foundation.
About Business Women Australia
Business Women Australia (BWA) is a conscious leadership ecosystem—designed to develop, connect, and elevate women at every stage of their leadership journey.
We bring together a dynamic national community of:
Business owners and entrepreneurs
Executives and managers
Professionals and women on boards
Emerging and aspiring leaders
BWA is built on the belief that every woman can enter and grow in leadership in her own way, whether she is seeking clarity, building capability, or expanding her influence.
A different approach to leadership
Our work is grounded in the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), developing the human capabilities needed to lead in a complex world and contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We focus on building capacity across:
Being – self-awareness and presence
Thinking – clarity, insight, and decision-making
Relating – communication, empathy, and connection
Collaborating – working effectively with others
Acting – purposeful, responsible leadership
How we support women to grow as leaders
Through practical, real-world experiences, BWA enables women to:
Develop awareness and capability
Practise leadership in action
Express their voice and influence
Nurture sustainable growth and impact
Why Business Women Australia?
Because leadership is not a position – it is how we think, relate, and act.
BWA exists to build a connected ecosystem of women who are not only advancing in business but contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and conscious future.
Join Business Women Australia and grow as part of a community of leaders shaping business, community, and society.
Join our community today. businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership