Building Thriving Teams Who Are Supported by Technology with Sam Jenkins from Punchcard Systems (Episode 5)
Join host Trina McCarroll as she sits down with Sam Jenkins, Managing Partner at Punchcard Systems, to explore how to create high-performing team cultures that are strengthened by technology. Sam shares insights into Punchcard’s human-centered approach to innovation—one that values alignment, iterative learning, and thriving teams over rigid plans and outputs. Together, they discuss how organizations succeed with intentional leadership, the power of small experiments to spark meaningful change, and how organizations can balance technological adoption with human needs to navigate today’s complex environments.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Digital transformation is about building teams, not just technology.
Alignment within teams is crucial for successful transformation.
Culture serves as the foundation for effective change management.
Small experiments can lead to significant organizational change.
Human-centered design is essential in technology implementation.
Iteration allows organizations to adapt and learn over time.
Leaders must balance the demands of change with employee well-being.
Saying no is just as important as saying yes to help focus on the most crucial key priorities.
Technology should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
Continuous learning and curiosity are vital in modern organizations.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation and Strategy
02:38 Building Thriving Teams for Transformation
04:46 Linking Strategy to Measurable Outcomes
07:47 The Importance of Human-Centered Design
09:57 Radical Experimentation in Technology Projects
12:46 The Power of Iteration in Change Management
15:17 Navigating Complexity in Modern Organizations
18:41 Balancing Human Needs and Organizational Demands
22:26 Embracing Digital Transformation with Culture in Mind
25:54 Starting Small: The Key to Successful Change
26:46 Overcoming the Fear of Falling Behind in Technology Adoption
ABOUT SAM JENKINS:
Sam Jenkins is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Punchcard Systems, an Edmonton-born digital product and innovation studio with staff in communities across Canada. Guided by his personal mantra of “Let’s Build What’s Next,” he leads senior, AI-enabled teams that help organizations across North America design, ship, and scale modern technology platforms. Rooted locally, Sam serves as Board Chair of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Winspear Centre for Music, where he’s championing the expansion to add a new concert hall—building civic capacity while growing global reach.
Curious to find out more about technology adoption or Punchcard Systems? Check out their website or connect with Sam on Linked In.
ABOUT TRINA MCCARROLL:
Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR helps leaders build thriving, high-performing teams through strategic planning, culture building, and transformation journeys. The team at McCarroll Consulting specializes in supporting municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and purpose-driven organizations across Alberta. Drawing on years of experience in facilitation and organizational transformation, Trina brings practical insight, curiosity, and courage to every conversation.
Learn more about McCarroll Consulting at www.mccarrollconsulting.com or connect with Trina on Linked In.
ABOUT STRATEGY & CULTURE CONVERSATIONS:
Strategy and Culture Conversations explores how senior leaders across Alberta navigate complexity, make intentional choices, and create teams where people can contribute their best work towards organizational success.
