The Evolving Leader

In this episode of The Evolving Leader podcast, co-hosts Scott Allender [Social: Instagram @evolvingleader LinkedIn The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter @Evolving_Leader Bluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube @evolvingleader The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.] and Sara Deschamps [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#SaraDeschamps] sit down with Dr. Gabriele Rizzo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielerizzo/?originalSubdomain=it], a global authority on strategic foresight who has advised NATO, the US Space Force and major government institutions. The conversation explores how leaders can shift their relationship with the future, moving from prediction and short-termism to building resilience and long-term value. Gabriele shares the laws of foresight, why multiple futures matter, and how to use practical tools like scenario planning and futures wheels to unlock new thinking in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a guide to making space for future relevance. Gabriele Rizzo challenges the listener to see the unknown not as danger but as potential, and to build organisations capable of disruptive innovation rather than defending the status quo. Whether you’re leading through transformation, wrestling with the implications of AI, or seeking to balance immediate performance with long-term impact, this conversation offers practical and thought-provoking insights into how foresight can become a critical leadership advantage. Further materials from Gabriele Rizzo Longviews.ai [longviews.ai]  Foresight Kitchen [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gabrielerizzo_foresight-education-strategy-activity-7249328271698382850-OpUg/] HR Futures 2030: A Design for Future-Ready Human Resources [https://www.amazon.co.uk/HR-Futures-2030-Future-Ready-Resources/dp/1032001089]   Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/jean-gomes] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/phil-kerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] talk to Sir David Spiegelhalter [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Spiegelhalter], one of the world’s foremost authorities on risk and probability. David explains why embracing uncertainty, rather than trying to eliminate it is essential for leaders who want to build resilience and make better judgments in complex times. Drawing from his latest book “The Art of Uncertainty”, David shares stories that bring statistics to life, from forecasting failures to the importance of imagination and red-team thinking. This conversation offers both a challenge and a toolkit: how to hold authority while admitting doubt, how to communicate risk with clarity, and how to lead teams toward what he calls ‘safe uncertainty’.   Further materials from David Spiegelhalter: Five Rules For Evidence Communication [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fprofile%2FSander-Van-Der-Linden%2Fpublication%2F345999871_Five_rules_for_evidence_communication%2Flinks%2F5fb515dd299bf10c368a08e8%2FFive-rules-for-evidence-communication.pdf%3F__cf_chl_tk%3Dd8.HjQ6XBqwZ9CSr_HE2q.zOmO_e9NIdEpJVHZPkVLw-1747410504-1.0.1.1-Jf74PRmVt97dUh4bRiY0Dd7TT4Wm6ABbN3CAEfduZG0&data=05%7C02%7Cphil%40weareoutside.com%7C92148c7f243144f268be08dd949152bc%7C0b6659abc89d4f45988053d6a4496c0a%7C0%7C0%7C638830074397126443%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O9BZieTyBtqVzKLZjUt31cVHEgoizMMUtC%2FwgewTky8%3D&reserved=0] The art and science of uncertainty - with David Spiegelhalter [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T86Xl1IhlgI] (recorded at the Royal Institution, 30 January 2025)  Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender:  Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/phil-kerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] and Emma Sinclair [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#EmmaSinclair] sit down with Icelandic author, sustainability leader and entrepreneur Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/] to explore how intuition can guide leaders through times of uncertainty and noise. Drawing from her book INSÆI: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times [https://www.amazon.co.uk/InnSaei-Icelandic-wisdom-turbulent-times/dp/1785124196/ref=asc_df_1785124196?mcid=5d2825db550f3e5eacc5c45163addd95&th=1&psc=1&hvocijid=76611033619887167-1785124196-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=76611033619887167&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045834&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&psc=1&gad_source=1] and her acclaimed documentary InnSæi: The Power of Intuition [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leFCIThHaOs], Hrund shares how reconnecting with our inner compass helps us balance rational analysis with intuitive insight, creativity and emotional intelligence. From her own experience of burnout to lessons on presence, journaling, and attention, she reveals how leaders can cultivate deeper self-awareness and resilience. This conversation goes beyond abstract theory, showing how intuition plays a vital role in decision-making, relationships, and leadership culture. Hrund explains how being present allows us to listen more fully, connect with others, and sense opportunities we might otherwise miss. If you are navigating complexity, seeking clarity in uncertainty, or wanting to integrate wisdom and creativity into your leadership practice, this episode offers practical tools and profound inspiration. Further references “Listen to Your Intuition — It Can Help You Navigate the Future” https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future [https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future]   “How to tap into your intuition: a live meditation with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir” https://tedxlondon.com/podcasts/how-to-tap-into-your-intuition-a-live-meditation-with-hrund-gunnsteinsdottir/ [https://tedxlondon.com/podcasts/how-to-tap-into-your-intuition-a-live-meditation-with-hrund-gunnsteinsdottir/]   Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/jean-gomes] and https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-417 Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

What does it really mean to be a great decision-maker, and why is this skill so often left to chance? In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] sit down in person with Jon Bircher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbircher/], decision coach and former strategy consultant, to explore why decision-making is rarely taught, and how we can do it better. Jon shares insights from his coaching work with senior leaders who often feel confident in solo decisions, but struggle in collaborative settings. We talk about why so many decisions get stuck in ambiguity, how emotion and gut feeling play a role, and how leaders can build conditions for more thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective decision-making. This is a conversation about slowing down to ask better questions, experimenting with new ways of thinking, and developing a decision-making practice that’s fit for the complexity of leadership today. Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader   The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/phil-kerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes is joined by Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School and one of the world’s leading experts on judgment. Drawing from decades of research across business, government, medicine, and the military, Andrew breaks down what judgment really is: the combination of personal qualities, relevant knowledge, and lived experience applied to a particular decision. Together, they explore: ·       Why judgment is not the same as intelligence or expertise ·       The six components that shape every decision ·       How to spot (and avoid) bad judgment ·       The rising importance of human judgment in the age of AI ·       Practical ways leaders can develop and embed better judgment in their teams Whether you're leading through uncertainty or navigating complex decisions, this episode offers essential insights into what makes judgment a critical (and trainable) human advantage. Referenced during this episode: ‘Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices’ (A Likierman, 2025) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judgement-Work-Making-Better-Choices/dp/1805223526] Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Non-Linear-Innovation-Leadership-Jean-Gomes/dp/1119672724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E3W0GTVZ3QX7&keywords=leading+in+a+nonlinear+world&qid=1698048316&sprefix=leading+in+a+non+linear+world%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1] The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enneagram-Emotional-Intelligence-Personal-Professional-ebook/dp/B0B6Q469ZZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TTFDCHXWSVZD&keywords=Allender+enneagram&qid=1698048262&sprefix=allender+enneagram%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1] Social: Instagram           @evolvingleader LinkedIn             The Evolving Leader Podcast Twitter               @Evolving_Leader Bluesky            @evolvingleader.bsky.social YouTube           @evolvingleader The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes [https://www.weareoutside.com/team] and Scott Allender [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-allender-4170465/] with production by Phil Kerby [https://www.weareoutside.com/team#PhilKerby]. It is an Outside [https://www.weareoutside.com/evolving-leader] production. Send a message to The Evolving Leader team [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1309339/open_sms]