Rethinking Strategy in Radical Uncertainty: Lessons from Patagonia

What happens when a global brand famous for saving the planet from itself decides to challenge the very DNA of corporate leadership?

In this first episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Kate Adams speak with Charles Conn, Chair of Patagonia, co-founder of Monograph, and former senior partner at McKinsey. Together, they explore how conscious enterprises can thrive in a world of radical uncertainty — from geopolitical shocks to disruptive technologies — by rethinking the way leadership works.

Charles takes us inside Patagonia’s approach to leading with purpose, agility, and trust, showing why the old top-down, control-heavy playbook is no longer fit for a future that demands resilience, innovation, and courage. From breaking hierarchies to empowering frontline teams, he reveals how to build organizations that adapt fast and stay true to their values.

This is more than a conversation about business — it’s a blueprint for a new era of leadership. Charles shares stories and strategies from the boardroom to the trailhead, illustrating how authenticity, curiosity, and conscious capitalism can create lasting impact in both business and society.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• Why traditional leadership models are collapsing — and what’s replacing them
• Patagonia’s trust-first culture and how it fuels innovation
• How conscious capitalism drives agility in uncertain markets
• The role of curiosity in making better decisions
• Practical ways to shift from hierarchical control to empowered teams
• Balancing purpose with performance without losing momentum
• How leaders can thrive — not just survive — in disruptive times

Whether you’re a CEO looking to future-proof your organization, a startup founder hungry for agile growth, or a leader seeking to balance profit with purpose, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead consciously in the face of unprecedented change.

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For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com

This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.

Thank you for your support!

- Timothy & Kate

Time Stamps

02:02 Introduction to Summer Series
00:45 Understanding Radical Uncertainty
01:40 Introduction of Kate Adams
02:34 The Future of Conscious Enterprise
03:57 Introduction of Charles Conn
06:17 Rethinking Business Strategy
09:17 Organizational and Leadership Changes
13:19 Patagonia's Approach to Purpose and Strategy
21:08 Leading Through Disruption
27:57 Decision Making and Purpose
34:48 Leadership for the Future