In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with David Ross, VUCA strategist and author of Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty. David is a renowned expert on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environments and has spent his career advising organizations on how to thrive amidst complexity and disruption. With a background as an ecologist, David brings a unique perspective to leadership—one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the issues facing businesses and society today. His deep understanding of wicked problems, those challenges with no straightforward solutions, forms the backbone of this engaging conversation.

The discussion centers around how leaders must adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, where traditional approaches no longer work. David argues that the old leadership models—based on control and linear thinking—are ill-suited for the challenges we face today. Instead, he advocates for a more collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and resilient leadership style, one that embraces uncertainty rather than fighting it. He explains how technology, climate change, and societal shifts are creating a world that’s more BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Throughout the episode, David draws on his extensive experience advising CEOs and leadership teams, offering practical insights into how organizations can navigate the unpredictability of today’s environment. He also delves into the importance of hope and optimism, even in times of crisis, and how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why traditional leadership models based on control and linear thinking are no longer effective in today's VUCA world—and what you need to replace them with.
• Hear how embracing uncertainty and fostering resilience can transform how your organization responds to crises and wicked problems.
• Discover the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and why listening is just as important as speaking in today’s collaborative environments.
• Find out what David means by a BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) and how leaders can adapt to thrive in these unpredictable times.
• Explore the importance of hope and optimism in leadership and how turning crises into opportunities is key to long-term success.
• Understand why future literacy and foresight are critical tools for leaders looking to anticipate change and guide their organizations through complexity.
• Learn why David believes that normalcy has left the building and how leaders must evolve to lead effectively in this new reality.
• Hear David's insights on why collaboration—not isolation—is the future of leadership and how diverse perspectives fuel innovation.
• Gain insight into why scenario planning is a powerful tool for leaders to prepare for multiple futures and make better strategic decisions.

Connect with David Ross

David Ross Website 

Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty

David Ross LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website