Irresistible Change

Join us at Salotto for an evening exploring what it takes to truly transform an organization from the inside out, through design.

We’re thrilled to welcome Phil Gilbert, former General Manager of Design at IBM and one of the key figures behind one of the most ambitious corporate reinventions in recent history. In his new book, Irresistible Change, Phil offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how IBM redesigned the very way its 400,000+ employees work—making the company more agile, entrepreneurial, and human-centered.

Part storytelling, part strategy guide, Irresistible Change resonates deeply with many of the topics we at Salotto have championed over the past two years: design as a catalyst for cultural evolution, the role of leadership in shaping creative ecosystems, and the importance of building organizations that are both resilient and radically empathetic.

To unpack these ideas, Phil will be in conversation with distinguished IBMers Joni Saylor and Seth Johnson. Together, they’ll reflect on what meaningful transformation looks like today—not just in Fortune 500 boardrooms, but in design studios, institutions, and communities navigating change at every level.

Expect a pragmatic, candid conversation about creativity, complexity, and how to make change not just manageable—but magnetic.

Phil Gilbert, as the former General Manager of Design at IBM, revitalized the company's design program in 2012. He integrated designers and reskilled thousands in design thinking, establishing a global standard for design in business, featured in The New York Times, Fortune, and The Loop documentary.

Joni Saylor leads Platform Design and Growth for IBM Software, enhancing AI-enabled product experiences. Her team drives systems and culture for exceptional user experiences, overseeing IBM’s Carbon Design System and Accessibility programs. She previously scaled IBM’s Enterprise Design Thinking practice.

Seth Johnson leads the design practice in IBM’s Chief Data Office, focusing on AI-first enterprise data transformation. A former AIGA chapter president and adjunct faculty at Parsons School of Design, he founded an award-winning consultancy for chronic illness patients. He is recognized for design-led enterprise change.

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