How to Lead When Everything Feels Uncertain

How to Lead When Everything Feels Uncertain

From The LeanScaper Podcast by LeanScaper

March 10, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 37

About this episode

Eric Termuende joins Benji Carlson to discuss leadership strategies in uncertain times and the pitfalls of making big strategic bets.

To Register for The People Intensive in Chicago Click Here: https://leanscaper.com/events/people-intensive Is trying to out-plan volatility the biggest mistake leaders are making right now? In this episode, Eric Termuende joins Benji Carlson to unpack why making “big bets” in uncertain times might be the wrong strategy — and what leaders should do instead. They dive into: Why most strategic bets are probably wrong The difference between 1% better and 1-degree shifts How to build teams that thrive in turbulence Why fragility — not AI — is the real threat How to manage your mindset when the future feels overwhelming If you’re leading in today’s rapidly changing world, this conversation will fundamentally shift how you think about risk, innovation, and team building. 00:00 – The tidal wave of change leaders are feeling 03:44 – The “lily pad” strategy for uncertainty 08:50 – “We train a Toyota and a Ferrari leaves” 10:13 – Forget 1% better. Think 1 degree. 17:08 – “You’re wrong.” Why big strategic bets fail 23:36 – Why better questions unlock better ideas 35:30 – The 3-circle framework for anxiety 38:14 – Leadership during turbulence 39:25 – The wrong question about the future

People in this episode

Host: Benji Carlson

Guest: Eric Termuende

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • uncertainty
  • strategic planning
  • team building
  • risk management
  • innovation

Keywords

  • leadership
  • uncertainty
  • strategic bets
  • team dynamics
  • risk
  • innovation
  • mindset
  • fragility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LeanScaper

Places: Chicago

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