Leading Through the Storm: Why VUCA Demands Inclusive Leadership and Resilience

If you're leading a team or a business right now, you don't need me to tell you that things feel... off.

This past week, I've been glued to CNBC and other business outlets, and two words keep popping up: "volatility and uncertainty." It's a reflection of the global economic uncertainty we're all experiencing.

I couldn't help but think about VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. That term isn't new, for sure, but it feels like it's on steroids. There's uncertainty in every direction—markets, politics, employee expectations, even AI. What once felt stable now feels shaky. It's disorienting. It's exhausting.

So, the real question is: how do we lead through it?

I've been leading for over 30 years—learning, unlearning, and adjusting through wave after wave of change (and what has felt like VUCA that whole time). I was taught the old ways of leading: control, command, and stay in your lane. And for decades, I've worked to lead differently—to lead with people instead of at them. To lead more INCLUSIVELY. Because in a VUCA world, no one person has the whole picture. No one leader can single-handedly predict the future or find the perfect answer.

What leaders need now is the courage to lead with others.

That's where DEI comes in. Yes, I said it—and I'll keep saying it. I believe in DEI because I've seen it work time and time again. When I talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion, I mean building a culture where every voice matters. Where ideas can come from anywhere. Where different perspectives aren't just invited—they're expected.

The leaders and organizations that thrive don't shy away from DEI or treat it as a checkbox. They see it as a strategic necessity. Because right now, we need everyone. We need people who challenge assumptions, think differently, and can see what others miss. But that only happens when there's trust—when people feel safe enough to show up, to disagree, to try, to fail, and to try again.

And that's where resilience comes in. (I wrote more about this in my last post.)

It's not about the grit-your-teeth kind of resilience. It's about the kind rooted in connection, adaptability, and shared purpose—the kind that says: "We may not know what's coming, but we'll figure it out—together. This kind of resilience is a shared practice—one that connects us and equips us to face the unknown together.

And it starts with leaders who are willing to look inward and ask:

- Am I open to being challenged?

- Do I create space for voices that are unlike my own?

- Am I willing to shift my perspective?

Because let's be honest: sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't the complexity around us—it's the rigidity within us.

So, if things feel hard right now, you're not alone. The pressure is real. But within every challenge lies an opportunity—to grow, to innovate, and to lead differently. This is a moment of hope, a chance to shape the future with our resilience and ingenuity.

This moment is calling us to evolve— to lead more inclusively, build more resilient teams, and show up more human. That's not weakness. That's wisdom—and it's how we'll adapt and thrive in the face of VUCA.

If you're ready to explore how inclusive leadership and resilience can help you meet this VUCA moment, let's talk.

Schedule a free 30-minute call here.