How to Lead Through Change, Growth & Uncertainty
We all know how challenging it is to work amidst constant change. Many of those VUCA elements (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) are present and our brains simply don’t like these!
It may be me, and whilst this has become cliched it seems that the pace of change has definitely accelerated since the emergence of AI tools such as ChatGPT. I follow this topic quite closely and I sense that this presents many new challenges for leaders.
Regardless, the workplace is changing fast, and the best leaders aren’t just reacting. They’re preparing. Whether you're guiding a team through transformation or simply trying to keep up with competing priorities, your ability to shape the future depends a lot on how you lead today.
In this edition of The Leading Edge, I’m drawing on insights from three recent conversations on the Leading People podcast. My guests — Anna Mitelman, Eva Maurer, and Perry Timms — each offered perspectives on how to lead effectively into the unknown.
The guests featured here share their full stories on Leading People - tune in for even more insights: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com
In each example, I provide a tip you can test out immediately.
1. Build a Culture of Learning
Anna Mitelman, Head of the European School of Administration at the European Union, highlights that future-ready leaders prepare their people for challenges that don’t yet exist.
One way to do this?
Embed lifelong learning into the everyday workplace. Anna shared how job shadowing and cross-functional experiences can help employees broaden their perspective, build networks, and develop the agility to thrive in complex environments.
Test this out: Arrange for someone on your team to shadow a colleague in another department. Afterwards, ask them:
"What surprised you, what insights did you gain about our organisation as a whole and what new skills did you acquire?"
🎧 Listen to Anna’s episode: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/16232766-job-shadowing-and-beyond-anna-mitelman-on-transforming-leadership-at-the-eu
2. Turn Resistance into Readiness
Eva Maurer, an expert in organizational development and transformation, reminds us that resistance isn’t the enemy — it’s a signal. When leaders invite meaningful participation in shaping change, resistance often gives way to insight and engagement.
Test this out: Pick a current change initiative you’re leading or supporting. Ask your team:
“What are we not seeing that could make this easier, smarter, or more sustainable?”
Then listen — deeply.
🎧 Listen to Eva’s episode: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/14750137-eva-maurer-on-how-to-adapt-to-challenges-in-change-management-and-leadership-development
3. Energize with Purpose
Perry Timms, founder of PTHR, believes that the most future-ready leaders manage energy — not just tasks. In complex times, our ability to protect and renew our energy — individually and collectively — makes the difference between burnout and brilliance.
Test this out: Take 2 minutes today to reflect:
“What’s one action I could take this week to bring more energy into my team’s day?”
Then do it — whether it’s a walk, a laugh, or a moment of shared purpose together.
🎧 Listen to Perry’s episode: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/9526300-how-dispersed-leadership-can-transform-your-workplace
Quick Wins This Week
- Offer a cross-functional learning opportunity
- Invite honest input on a current change initiative
- Do one thing to recharge your team’s energy
Small actions today can shape a better workplace tomorrow.
Are your leaders prepared?
At Wide Circle, we help leaders and teams prepare for the future through coaching-rich programs like Team Leader Essentials, the Performance Accelerator and Radical Collaboration.
Discover our programs: https://www.widecircle.eu/our-services
Whether you're building a culture of learning, navigating change, or sustaining team energy — there’s a next step for you.
🎧 Explore the Leading People podcast: https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com
Let’s Start a Conversation
Which of these tips do you find most useful? Feel free to share your thoughts — or message me directly if something resonated.
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Share this edition with someone who’s going through change.
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