From Reacting to Reframing: How CIRCA Helps Organizations Partner With Complexity

“In complexity, the goal is not to predict and control the future – it’s to become increasingly fit for it.” That statement has never been truer than it is today. We’ve spent the last few decades building organizations for efficiency, predictability, and scale. But those assumptions no longer hold up in the face of volatility, … Read more

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

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

Thriving in Turbulent Times: Principles of Agility for Uncertain Worlds

In a world marked by relentless turbulence and uncertainty, organizations must adapt, innovate, and evolve. The pace of change isn’t slowing—if anything, it’s accelerating. To respond effectively, being “agile” is helpful, but it’s not sufficient for true success. We must embed the principles of agility into the very DNA of our organization. In a conversation … Read more

From VUCA to CIRCA: A Leadership Lens Grounded in Lived Complexity

In recent years, acronyms like VUCA, BANI, TUNA, and RUPT* have gained traction as shorthand for the turbulent world we live and work in. They give shape to the storm — volatility, brittleness, unpredictability, and anxiety — helping leaders name the forces around them. But after a decade of working with organizations on the ground, … Read more