05 Sep

When the lights went out: leading through chaos in a VUCA world

When TNT’s global network went dark during the NotPetya cyberattack, every system failed — but people didn’t. In this story, Jan Salomons shares how leadership, trust, and adaptability kept Europe’s largest logistics network running manually for days. It’s a story of crisis leadership in a VUCA world — where volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity tested every level of society,...
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22 Aug

A new formula for change

Change doesn’t fail because of poor plans — it fails because people haven’t made the psychological transition. In this article, Jan Salomons explores his formula for successful change, combining shared vision, urgency, leadership, learning, and capacity. Drawing on his decades of experience and his VUCA leadership approach, he explains how leaders can guide teams through endings, transitions, and new...
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01 Aug

When fear rules….. silence takes over: rebuilding trust and connection at work

Fear can quietly take over organizations — through silence, control, and pressure — until trust disappears and performance collapses. In this article, Jan Salomons explores how fear-based leadership emerges and what leaders can do to reverse it. He shares five practical ways to rebuild trust, including how to reframe control, invite openness, and restore team rhythm. In a VUCA...
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11 Jul

Finding the coaching in criticism: turning feedback into a growth advantage

Feedback is often misunderstood as something to endure rather than embrace. Yet in my years as an executive and leadership coach, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from giving the perfect feedback—it comes from receiving it well. When we move beyond defensiveness and see criticism as potential coaching, feedback turns from a threat into a tool for learning. The...
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07 Feb

VUCA defined (again, but more readable)

landscape with mountains and VUCA in front
VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—defines today’s fast-changing business world. Leaders face rapid change, unclear outcomes, and interconnected challenges daily. Recognizing VUCA in action helps leaders respond effectively. By understanding its components and adopting agile strategies, leaders can make better decisions, build clarity, and guide their teams through uncertainty with confidence.
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08 Nov

Reflecting on the first VUCA@Work event

On November 1, we hosted our first “VUCA@Work” web event, an engaging 90-minute session aimed at helping leaders navigate Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. The event featured real-world examples, interactive discussions, and essential coping strategies, such as scenario planning, data-driven decision-making, and fostering psychological safety. Attendees left with practical tools for emotional resilience, agile decision-making, and transparent communication. This...
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18 Oct

The power of vulnerability

Brené Brown’s TED Talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," is a powerful exploration of human connection, courage, and the discomfort we feel when we open ourselves up to others. Brown, a research professor, is known for her work on shame, courage, and vulnerability, and this talk is perhaps her most famous. Here’s a breakdown of its key ideas and why...
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20 Sep

Understanding and navigating VUCA in the Business World

Man in front of VUCA screen presenting opening slide of VUCA@Work web-event
In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders face constant Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). I offer tailored VUCA leadership workshops, drawing from two years of experience working with organizations like ASML. These workshops, ranging from 2 hours to full-day programs, help leaders build resilience, agility, and strategic vision to navigate challenges. Join an upcoming workshop or book a customized...
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