Leading Through Change and Uncertainty with Faisal Hoque

In a time of disruption, transformation, and unpredictability, many leaders are wondering how to stay grounded while guiding their teams forward. In this episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, host Jenn DeWall sits down with renowned entrepreneur, author, and futurist Faisal Hoque to discuss what it truly takes to lead through change and uncertainty and why now is the time to embrace opportunity rather than fear.

Meet Faisal Hoque

Faisal Hoque is a globally recognized thought leader, best-selling author, and entrepreneur who has spent decades at the intersection of technology, business, and human potential. Originally from Bangladesh, Faisal moved to the U.S. at 18 to study. 

Today, Faisal is a highly sought-after partner for innovation and transformation in digital and AI, business, and organizational settings, serving both public and private sector organizations, and is recognized as one of the world’s leading management thinkers and technologists. 

As the founder and CEO of multiple companies, Faisal has won the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 awards three times. He is a contributor to MIT’s IDEAS Social Innovation program, Thinkers50, and the Swiss business school IMD. His work has appeared in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, MIT Sloan Management Review, The Financial Times, Psychology Today, BIG Think, Business Insider, Fortune, Inc., Kiplinger, Yahoo Finance, Fox, ABC, CBS, and others. 

His latest book, Transcend, explores how leaders can maintain human agency and unlock innovation amid rapid technological shifts. 

How to Lead Amid Uncertainty: Insights from the Conversation

Jenn and Faisal begin their conversation by naming what many leaders are feeling but may not be saying: the world is in a prolonged state of disruption. Faisal outlines a “trifecta” of uncertainty—geopolitical unrest, economic instability, and digital disruption—that today’s leaders must learn to navigate.

“We’ve never seen such a dramatic shift in technology,” Faisal shares. “But uncertainty is nothing new. What’s new is the pace and psychological impact it’s having on people and organizations.”

Staying Grounded in the Storm

Leadership in uncertain times doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means having the right mindset. Faisal urges leaders to avoid panic, remain calm, and stay grounded in their purpose.

“Don’t shut down or retreat. Regenerative leaders look for ways to create, not just repeat,” he says. “Great companies and careers are often born in crisis.”

Jenn echoes this sentiment, highlighting how fear-based decisions, such as mass layoffs or cutting innovation budgets, often backfire. “If you panic, your team panics,” she says. “Fear is contagious—but so is calm.”

Embrace Innovation, Don’t Fear It

Faisal emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve. When it comes to AI and other new technologies, he has some advice. Don’t sit back and wait—engage with the tools and people who understand them.

“Go to your younger employees,” he suggests. “They’re often the most comfortable with tech trends and can be great teachers. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.”

Focus on Value, Not Just Revenue

Another common pitfall during times of uncertainty is prioritizing short-term gains over long-term value. Instead of immediately cutting costs or raising prices, Faisal encourages leaders to focus on serving existing customers more effectively.

“Empathy is a business strategy,” he notes. “When you truly understand your customer’s challenges, you create lasting value. And value leads to revenue.”

This approach to leading through uncertainty centers on emotional intelligence, resilience, and a continuous willingness to learn and adapt.

Redefine Success with a Regenerative Mindset

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the episode is the importance of adopting a regenerative leadership mindset—one rooted in service, learning, and continuous growth.

“Know your value. Give first. Ask later,” Faisal says. “That’s how you build trust and create momentum during difficult times.”

Jenn sums it up perfectly: “Repeat what you’ve always done, and you’ll get what you’ve always got. The challenges are different now—your leadership must be, too.”

Learn More from Faisal Hoque

• Visit FaisalHoque.com for resources and insights.
• Find Transcend and other books on Amazon or wherever books are sold—all proceeds support cancer research.
• Follow Faisal on LinkedIn for daily leadership tips and micro-learnings.

Ready to Lead with Confidence?

Navigating disruption is easier with the right tools. Discover how to build effective leadership skills that last with Crestcom’s complimentary leadership skills workshop. In just two hours, you’ll learn practical strategies to lead effectively through change, build trust, and inspire your team.

🔗 Request your free workshop today at www.crestcom.com/freeworkshop

 

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