The Truth APM, 21 February 2013
Karen Miller (Kelly Buttermore)
has been singled out for promotion from a middle-ranking job into a leadership role. Obviously flattered by her boss
Diane's (Amy Warren's) interest in her, she agrees to participate in a leadership course in Baltimore.
Once she arrives, however, Karen discovers that there is more to leadership than she
had previously anticipated. Not only has she to refrain from using particular terms ("thank you") or asking questions
in role-play exercises, but she has to speak about a life-changing moment in her past life that encouraged
her to become a leader. Unable to think of anything truly appropriate, she comes up with a tale about when
she worked behind a bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which focuses more on the idea of mutual support rather than leadership.
Needless to say Karen ends up by being criticized by the course-leader for her supposed lack of assertiveness.
The experience of the course prompts her into making a momentous decision, which is not quite
what anyone - not least Diane - expects.
It's Going to Change Your Life explores the seamy underbelly of office politics,
proving beyond doubt that individuals should be encouraged to act according to their instincts rather than trying to fulfil
the goals set by their superiors. Buttermore's characterization of Karen - who manages to overcome her insecurities
by the end - was particularly memorable.