I’m someone who likes exploring challenges that take us into the messy territory between what we know already, and the wider landscape of what else is possible. We find ourselves in those spaces a lot, whenever we are:

• Changing teams, organisations, strategies, structures, core technologies

• Launching new businesses, products, services or teams

• Changing ownership (eg. M&A)

• Adapting to changes outside our control (markets, conflicts, tariffs, COVID)

• Changing careers, countries, ambitions

In general, we land there anytime we want things to change, or we need to adapt to change, or, most likely, both, because the experience and skills that got us this far won’t be enough on their own.

Doing anything different gets messy because as humans we are built largely for certainty. We like to be able to categorise things as good/bad, useful/risky, opportunities/threats, and uncertainty means its hard to know either way. So we often get stuck between overthinking (analysis paralysis) and jumping to conclusions (action bias). The art of the messy is to balance the two – enough thinking to get into enough action to make progress and get more clarity. And then to repeat that cycle. As often as it takes to get through the mess to the other side.

Psychologists call this transition – the time it takes us to let go of old filters and habits, and make new sense of whatever is needed. I’m lucky that I’ve been through lots of change, disruption and uncertainty, and I’ve learned a lot about the best ways to shape and navigate transition well. How to feel more in control of your world and your response, rather than reacting to the many demands and things coming at you. Get in touch and find out how I can help you do the same in whatever changes you are handling right now, and discover what else is possible.