Margaret Heffernan: How Artists Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity

We’re thrilled to welcome back Margaret Heffernan to the podcast, a guest whose erudition and insight left us in awe last time!

Margaret is one of the most remarkable people we’ve had on the show—an entrepreneur, former CEO, acclaimed author, and thought leader whose uncommon education and thirst for knowledge imbue her work with extraordinary depth.

Her TED Talk, “Why it’s time to forget the pecking order at work,” viewed over 15 million times, challenges hierarchical thinking and champions collaboration, showcasing her ability to reshape leadership.

Her new book, Embracing Uncertainty: How Writers, Musicians, and Artists Thrive in an Unpredictable World, explores how to transform uncertainty into a source of creativity. It’s the subject of our conversation — essential for leaders eager to navigate today’s unpredictable world with courage and creativity. 

In our conversation, we explore how artists embrace the unknown as a vital part of their creative process, and what leaders can learn from their courage. We dive into why controlling outcomes often stifles innovation, and how practices like walking spark transformative ideas. Margaret shares stories of artists who lean into uncertainty to create extraordinary work, offering lessons for leaders to shape the future. We also discuss how to empower those feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty to thrive in turbulent times.

Margaret’s well-read perspective and intellectual curiosity shine through, delivered with a mentor’s warmth. Her insights inspire us to rethink how we lead and innovate, leaving us with actionable ideas to foster creativity and resilience. It’s an honor to have her back with us and to learn from her truly uncommon intellect — and heart.