Finding Possibility in Uncertainty with Susanna and Nathan Furr
Sep 28, 2022
auto_awesome
Entrepreneur Susanna and Innovation Professor Nathan Furr discuss reframing uncertainty as a possibility. They share their personal experiences, a Eurostar case study, the importance of embracing uncertainty, finding opportunities, understanding risks, and taking action in the face of uncertainty.
Uncertainty can be reframed as possibility, encouraging growth and innovation for individuals and organizations.
Preparation and risk analysis, along with rituals and routines, help navigate uncertainty and provide stability.
Deep dives
Reframing uncertainty as possibility
In this episode, Imsead Professor Nathan Farr and entrepreneur Susanna Farr discuss the concept of reframing uncertainty as possibility. They emphasize that uncertainty and possibility are two sides of the same coin and encourage individuals and organizations to view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and innovation. They provide examples of leaders who have successfully reframed uncertainty, such as Brian Chesky of Airbnb, who saw the pandemic as an opportunity to show the company's resilience and greatness. The episode explores reframing as a tool to shift perspectives and embrace uncertainty for personal and organizational development.
Preparation and risk analysis
The podcast highlights the importance of preparation and risk analysis in navigating uncertainty. Nathan and Susanna emphasize the need to prime oneself and organizations for uncertainty by identifying risks and understanding one's risk profile. They discuss the concept of the 'uncertainty balancers,' which are rituals and routines that provide a sense of comfort and stability in the face of uncertainty. They also introduce the idea of a 'riskometer,' a tool that helps individuals and teams assess their affinity for different types of risks and collaborate effectively to mitigate uncertainties.
Action-oriented approach to uncertainty
Taking action is a key component of dealing with uncertainty. The podcast discusses the importance of embracing small steps and experiments to navigate unknown territories. It emphasizes the value of cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals and organizations to trust themselves while being open to different perspectives and updating their views based on evidence. The episode features examples of successful action-taking in uncertainty, including the story of firefighters facing a forest fire and the need to drop their tools and trust their leader's guidance. The podcast encourages individuals and leaders to embrace uncertainty, take measured risks, and engage in continuous learning and adaptation.
Sustaining through uncertainty
Sustaining oneself and organizations through uncertainty is essential for long-term success. The podcast introduces tools for emotional hygiene, encouraging individuals to take care of their emotions in challenging times. It emphasizes the importance of reality checks, acknowledging failures as learning opportunities, and finding the positives amidst setbacks. The concept of 'magic' is discussed as moments of serendipity and insight that can fuel perseverance in the face of uncertainty. The episode emphasizes the need for individuals and organizations to find ways to reground themselves, stay motivated, and maintain a sense of purpose and direction even in the midst of uncertainty.
This is "Exploring Leaders" episode 26, with Professor Nathan Furr and entrepreneur Susanna Furr.
Nathan and Susanna will share their stories and how they found the upside of uncertainty. Nathan is an Innovation Professor at INSEAD and Susannah an exprienced entrepreneur.
They have researched, invented a framework, identified usable tools and written a book called "The Upside of Uncertainty- A guide to finding possibility in the unknown". They are passionate about supporting companies and leaders to become more entreprenurial and see the opportunites on the back of uncertainties.
This episode focuses on their journey, and insights and approaches they find useful for the top companies, leaders and boards
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode