CIRCA vs. VUCA: Meeting the Unique Challenges of Modern Disruption

For decades, the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) framework has helped leaders make sense of a turbulent world. But as disruption becomes more relentless and the human impact of change more pronounced, organizations need more than just a way to describe the storm. They need a way to navigate it. Enter the CIRCA model: Complex, Insecure, Rapid, … Read more

Unlocking Leadership Resilience: Sharing CIRCA Under a Creative Commons License

For years, the belief that shared knowledge can be a powerful catalyst for progress has been a driving force in my work. Whether through volunteer efforts or simply sharing insights, I’ve witnessed firsthand how open access empowers individuals and communities to tackle complex challenges with greater ingenuity and collective strength. Today, I’m thrilled to announce … Read more

The Indonesian Throughflow: Where a Metric Found Its Name

My wife and I don’t do package holidays. We prefer the unpredictable, where adaptability isn’t optional, it’s essential. Indonesia keeps drawing us back. On a 2016 trip, we set sail from Flores on a traditional fishing boat in the early hours. During the next 24 hours, somewhere between the swells and the stars, I discovered … Read more

Above and Beyond VUCA: The Rise of BANI, RUPT, TUNA. And Why CIRCA Is Different

In the ever-shifting landscape of business and leadership, frameworks like VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) have long helped us make sense of turbulence. But as disruption intensifies and new challenges emerge, fresh acronyms-BANI, RUPT, and TUNA-have entered the scene, each promising a more nuanced lens. Yet, as these models proliferate, leaders are left asking: Do … Read more

Autonomy: The Cornerstone of Agility

So very true, Daniel Pink. When leaders see autonomy as a core part of their strategy—not just a “nice to have”—they unlock higher engagement, better results, and a thriving culture. Over the last three decades, I’ve come to view autonomy as essential to business agility. It’s a direct influence on how effectively teams and organizations … Read more

Beware the Butterfly Syndrome: A Reality Check on Agile Transformation

Just over a decade ago, I wrote a post Agile Transformation: Not a Caterpillar Turning Into a Butterfly based on the observations of “Agile transformations” being less like caterpillars—destined to transform into beautiful butterflies. I sought to dispel the myth of the effortless metamorphosis and embrace the art—and science—of transformation. In my last post, I … Read more