How can leaders wade through decisions and choices in times like these?

At the Australian Institute of Company Directors Forum in South Australia on June 25, we attended to hear perspectives on geopolitics, advocacy, culture, risk and reputation.

The convergence of risks across the world requires organisations to move through them and act, despite there being no clear playbook for how to do so.

The deeply human instinct when faced with uncertainty is to seek certainty wherever we can. We wait, discern and hold to ensure we have the information we need to move forward with enough confidence.

It's everywhere, the waiting. It feels like prudence on the inside, but often looks more like paralysis from the outside.

The answer to this may be less about waiting and more about connection. Leaning on those we trust who can help make our choices clearer and more manageable. Those with the wisdom, expertise, judgment and understanding who have been through challenges before.

Connection may be an antidote, one we are leaning on less, but perhaps need more of.

A question was posed to the former Senator, the Hon. David Fawcett, in his keynote on geopolitical risk and advocacy.

"Why would anyone want to lead right now, given all that is going on in the world?"

The Former Senator replied,

"Because there has always been risk in life, but great things happen when we decide to act despite it. To find the courage, even when we know things can go wrong."

Courage doesn't come from knowing the answers. It's about having a clear sense of what matters and what you're willing to stand for. To find the balance between the risks and trade-offs and the conviction to still act.