Revolutionizing Personal Change Management with Scared So What
In a world where change is constant and inevitable, Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich has pioneered a revolutionary approach to personal transformation. As the founder of Scared So What Limited, a London-based organization, he has bridged the gap between individual and organizational change management. His groundbreaking Personal Change Management (PCM)model is reshaping how people approach change—making it a structured, sustainable, and people-first process.
Early Life: From Small-Town Kansas to the U.S. Navy
Born in 1971, Grant Van Ulbrich grew up in the close-knit communities of Burden and Winfield, Kansas. Life in these small townships was simple—neighbors looked out for each other, church was a cornerstone, and doors were left unlocked.
Inspired by his family’s military background, Grant joined the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson (CVN 70). However, his service was cut short after over three and a half years overseas when he was expelled under discriminatory policies for being gay. Facing homelessness, Grant refused to succumb to adversity. Instead, he chose resilience—turning his challenges into stepping stones toward success.
From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Personal Change
Following his military service, Grant transitioned into residential sales leadership and homeownership. Just as his career was soaring, another tragedy struck—a severe skiing accident led to multiple surgeries, a year-long recovery, and financial devastation. Once again, he found himself homeless and facing bankruptcy due to overwhelming medical expenses.
Yet, his unbreakable spirit pushed him forward. Determined to reclaim his success, he entered the cruise industry, where he spent over two decades excelling in revenue, sales, operations, and guest services worldwide. His leadership skills propelled him into managing global port operations and later specializing in sales transformation and education.
In 2018, Grant made a pivotal decision—to pursue an academic journey at Consalia Sales Business School & Middlesex University of London. This research-driven mission led to the development of Scared So What, the first structured Personal Change Management methodology. His groundbreaking work earned him the title of Doctor in Public Works with a focus on Sales and Transformation.
Revolutionizing Change Management: The Missing Link
For nearly a century, Organizational Change Management (OCM) has focused on overcoming resistance to change within companies. However, Dr. Van Ulbrich’s research identified a critical gap—individuals were never taught how to manage personal change for themselves.
“We should be teaching individuals critical reflection skills to move beyond fear and assumption,” he explains. “Only then can organizations implement structured methodologies that ensure inclusive, sustainable transformation.”
His Scared So What model places personal reflection at the forefront, ensuring that individuals understand their emotions, fears, and assumptions before organizational change strategies are applied. This people-first approach transforms traditional change management into a more inclusive and sustainable practice.
A Lasting Impact on Leadership and Education
In just seven years, Dr. Van Ulbrich has redefined how organizations approach transformation. His model proves that successful organizational change starts with the individual.
A distinguished Fellow of Cranfield University’s School of Management and the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning, he is also a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals. Through his continued efforts, PCM is now being integrated into major organizations and universities, preparing the next generation of change-inclusive leaders.
Shaping the Future of Transformation
Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich is not just redefining change management—he is empowering individuals and organizations to navigate change with confidence, resilience, and personal growth. His mission ensures that transformation is not just about systems and processes but about people.
To learn more about his groundbreaking work, visit www.ScaredSoWhat.com.
