Welcome back to ‘Leading Voices – Thinkers Shaping Tomorrow’s Organizations’ podcast series!
In this new episode, we dive deep into the upside of uncertainty with our favorite dynamic duo: Nathan and Susannah Furr.
Nathan, a mastermind of strategy and innovation at INSEAD, and Susannah, a designer, art historian, and sustainability champion, are redefining how we approach the unknown.
Together, they have partnered with CrossKnowledge to create ‘Leading in Uncertainty’, a program designed to help organizations empower managers and employees to thrive in uncertain times.
Join us as we delve into their groundbreaking work.
4 key insights from Susannah and Nathan Furr
Navigating uncertainty with confidence
In their program, Nathan and Susannah Furr aim to equip professionals and organizations with the tools and insights needed to confidently navigate uncertain grounds. By acknowledging the stress inherent in uncertainty and reframing it as a catalyst for growth, participants will learn to embrace uncertainty as a natural part of the process.
Reframing uncertainty as opportunity
While uncertainty is often perceived negatively, Susannah and Nathan shed light on its potential as a catalyst for opportunities. They emphasize that many groundbreaking innovations emerge from uncertain situations. By embracing the unknown, individuals and organizations can foster innovation and growth.
Values over goals
In times of uncertainty, focusing on achieving specific goals can generate stress and frustration. Susannah and Nathan propose an alternative approach: prioritizing values over goals. Aligning actions with core values provides a more stable and meaningful guide for navigating the unknown. This values-driven approach fosters resilience and a sense of purpose, enabling individuals to stay true to themselves and their principles amidst uncertainty.
Cultivating “transilience”
Susannah and Nathan introduce the powerful concept of transilience, a proactive approach to uncertainty that surpasses mere resilience. Individuals and organizations must move swiftly and decisively in uncertain environments, embracing change and actively seeking opportunities for growth. By sharing practical examples and tools, such as uncertainty balancers and reframing techniques, they empower professionals to navigate uncertainty with agility, creativity, and a sense of possibility.
Resources
- Discover Leading in Uncertainty developed with Susannah and Nathan Furr to empower your organization to thrive in uncertain times.
- Explore Achieve Breakthroughs with Innovation Courses by Nathan Furr to gain insights and strategies to foster innovation in your organization.
- Leverage our Skill Paths on Complex Problem Solving to empower your workforce with essential problem-solving skills.
Show notes
(00:17) Introduction to “Leading Voices: Thinkers Shaping Tomorrow’s Organizations” series
(00:40) Meet Susannah and Nathan Furr, pioneers in innovation and uncertainty
(02:24) The concept of uncertainty
(10:35) Susannah and Nathan’s unique approach to uncertainty
(15:10) Prioritizing values over goals
(19:15) Discover ‘Leading in Uncertainty’ program developed with Susannah and Nathan Furr
(26:06) Conclusion of the podcast
Susannah Harmon Furr is a designer, art historian and founder of a women’s clothing line. In addition to teaching individuals and organizations about uncertainty, she has recently started a bio-intensive garden in Normandy that focuses on regenerative ecosystems. With Nathan Furr, she is the co-author of The Upside of Uncertainty. Together, they started the UP (Uncertainty Possibility) School, a center of learning and community designed to help participants find meaningful possibilities and transformation in their lives and careers.
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Nathan Furr is Professor of Strategy and Innovation at INSEAD and a recognized expert in the fields of innovation and technology strategy. Professor Furr earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University where he studied how innovators commercialize their ideas. His bestselling books include The Innovator’s Method, Leading Transformation, Innovation Capital and The Upside of Uncertainty, all published by Harvard Business Review Press. He has published broadly in Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Forbes, Inc. and academic journals. He is an Innosight Fellow, has been nominated for the Thinkers 50 Innovation Award and works with leading companies including Google, Microsoft, Citi, ING, Philips, Solvay and many more.
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Renan dos Santos boasts a decade of experience in the eworld of L&D. He’s been a key player at CrossKnowledge, proudly wearing many hats as a marketer. Renan’s journey has taken him through the vibrant realms of two different countries, where he’s contributed to shaping CrossKnowledge’s narrative in the dynamic landscape of upskilling. He’s passionate about education and a firm believer in the transformative power of learning.
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