Discussions about transformation are everywhere at the moment as many are interested in taking concrete actions that will move societies towards more sustainable and just futures. The growing popularity is promising and this presentation focuses on three key aspects that need to be part on any theory of change for transformation and that need to be addressed in order to achieve transformations: 1) how to distinguish transformative change efforts from other types of change, including adaptation and mitigation, 2) the role of crisis and disturbances in transformation dynamics, and 3) the capabilities and capacities that are needed to navigate transformations.