Navigating Change: A New Playbook for Business Leaders in Disruptive Times

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and unexpected disruptions, effective leadership has never been more crucial. The recently released book, Strategy and Change: Finding Opportunity in Disruption Through Insight, Choice, and Risk, addresses this need by offering a comprehensive roadmap for executives and decision-makers looking to thrive amidst uncertainty. Set to be published by Wiley on September 23, 2025, the book is authored by a highly experienced team comprising Aaron Olson, Ward Ching, Richard Waterer, and Dr. B. Keith Simerson, who collectively bring years of expertise in strategy, risk management, and leadership.

As we face an increasingly volatile business environment—from the AI revolution to geopolitical shifts—this book serves as a timely guide. It challenges leaders to not only reassess their approaches to decision-making but also provides them with the necessary tools and frameworks to navigate challenges with clarity and discipline. According to Bruce Carnegie-Brown, the former chair of Lloyd's of London, the insights shared in this book are essential for contemporary leaders.

Key Concepts Explored

At the heart of Strategy and Change are three core lenses that the authors encourage leaders to adopt:
1. Insight: This lens emphasizes the importance of interpreting data, experiences, and relationships in innovative ways. By adopting fresh perspectives, leaders can make informed decisions that align with their organization’s goals.
2. Choice: The book underscores the significance of making deliberate, impactful strategic and operational decisions. Leaders are urged to weigh their options carefully to maximize the potential for success while minimizing risks.
3. Risk: Understanding that uncertainty can pose both threats and opportunities, the authors guide leaders on how to evaluate risks effectively. Recognizing volatility as a resource for growth can empower organizations to leverage challenges to their advantage.

Drawing on lessons from successful organizations such as Disney, GE, and 3M, as well as the South African government, Strategy and Change equips leaders with the knowledge needed to handle disruption effectively. This approach meets an urgent demand for innovative strategic methodologies that can address the rapid technological changes reshaping the current landscape.

A Resource for Today’s Business Climate

With disruption becoming the new normal, the insights provided by the authors promise to foster organizational resilience and growth. This book is particularly aimed at executives, board members, and strategy professionals tasked with making critical choices in unstable conditions. By focusing on the practical application of the frameworks presented, leaders can enhance their ability to cope with and capitalize on the challenges ahead.

The authors are well-respected figures in their fields. Aaron Olson serves as Executive Vice President at Aon and teaches at Northwestern University, while Ward Ching leads risk strategy for Aon and shares his expertise at USC Marshall. Richard Waterer directs Aon’s Global Risk Consulting, and Dr. B. Keith Simerson combines his consulting prowess with teaching roles at Northwestern University.

For those inspired by foundational leadership concepts, Strategy and Change offers an invaluable resource. Early insights into this work are already generating buzz among industry experts and educators alike, who recognize the necessity of fresh strategic thinking in today’s unpredictable market.

To learn more about the authors or access additional resources like media kits and book excerpts, visit www.strategyandchange.net. For interviews or speaking engagements, Dr. B. Keith Simerson can be reached at his contact number.

As organizations worldwide navigate the complexities of change, this book encourages a proactive stance, providing the clarity and tools leaders need to steer toward more prosperous futures.