#USA #Menlo Park, California #Lisa Kay Solomon #How We Future #Rae Ringel

Exploring Leadership in Uncertain Times

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a sense of calm and clarity can feel nearly impossible, particularly when everything around us seems to be in constant flux. Recognizing the need for guidance during these trying times, the new podcast How We Future with Lisa Kay Solomon has launched, featuring a rich conversation with leadership coach Rae Ringel.

Embracing Uncertainty

In the debut episode, Ringel explores the concept of living in what she refers to as “swirly times” — periods characterized by overwhelming change and uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself amid chaos. “What does it take to stay centered when the world is in turmoil?” is a guiding question that resonates throughout the episode as she shares three critical tools for leaders who seek to navigate these turbulent waters effectively.

1. Understanding Fear

Ringel kicks off her insights by addressing fear, a common emotion during uncertain times. She explains that fear is often a projection of potential loss and rarely about the present moment. “The first step is to discern between your current reality and future projections,” she advises. This step encourages listeners to acknowledge their present circumstances without letting anticipated fears dictate their actions.

2. Training Thought Habits

Next, Ringel introduces her widely-used coaching framework known as the Critical Thinking Path. This approach enables leaders to recognize the underlying thoughts that drive their emotions and behaviors. Rather than adhering to the outdated notion of “fake it till you make it,” she proposes a more authentic strategy: “Think it till you become it, speak it till you become it.” This shift emphasizes the transformative power of mindful thinking and communication.

3. The Power of Reframing

The final key to effective leadership in uncertain environments involves reframing complaints into actionable requests. For instance, transforming irritation about an ambulance siren into a compassionate thought, such as wishing that the ambulance gets to its destination safely, fosters a sense of connection and relief. “Clarity is kindness,” Ringel reminds audiences, illustrating how shifting our perspectives can yield positive outcomes both personally and professionally.

A Vision for the Future

Throughout the conversation, Ringel aligns her insights with the essence of How We Future — a podcast dedicated to the belief that the future is not predetermined but something we actively shape through our attention and decisions. Host Lisa Kay Solomon reinforces this idea, asserting, “Often, we view the future as something that happens to us, rather than something we can influence.” This perspective compels listeners to consider how each conversation and choice can contribute to a better tomorrow.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural episode sets a hopeful tone for the How We Future podcast. Future installments will welcome various thought leaders, including Ahmed Best, Dan Klein, John Tanner, and Jeffrey Rogers, who are set to share their insights on creativity, leadership, and finding courage amidst uncertainty.

Rae Ringel serves as the President and Founder of The Ringel Group, which specializes in executive coaching and training. With a rich background including a role at Georgetown University and contributions to Harvard Business Review, she offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise that listeners can benefit from.

How We Future invites us all to engage thoughtfully with our futures, to be proactive in our responses to change, and to cultivate the presence needed to lead effectively during turbulent times. For the full experience, listen to Episode 1 and join this vital conversation that encourages reflection and action.

Listen Here and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future with optimism and purpose.