Leading Through Uncertainty: Why Great Leaders Don’t Wait for Clarity

I’ll admit it—I’ve been swept up in the whirlwind of news cycles, market volatility, and global business shifts. The past few months have felt like economic whiplash. You’d think that in my line of work—helping companies bridge executive leadership gaps—chaos would be good for business. But often, uncertainty doesn’t spark action. It paralyzes it.

That’s where I was wrong.

While we’re no longer in the throes of a global pandemic, we are navigating a different kind of turbulence—economic, geopolitical, and organizational. And the best leaders? They’re not waiting for the storm to pass. They’re steering through it. They lead. Actively. Intentionally. Boldly.

Leadership, in this moment, is not a title. It’s a verb.

Uncertainty Isn’t New - But Our Response Can Be

The word “uncertainty” has crept into every boardroom conversation. It’s on every SWOT analysis. But let’s be honest—it was always there. What’s changed is how leaders are choosing to respond.

Back in 2022, we published a white paper on the Leadership Confidence Index. It showed that leadership confidence had doubled over two years—during the height of the COVID crisis—yet still remained below 50%. Our theory then:

“When there is no crisis, leaders are like ship captains sailing calm waters. Not much to admire. But in rough waters, they show why they’re there.”

We may be back in rough waters—not due to a health crisis, but because of a reordering of global trade, power dynamics, and macroeconomic complexity. And once again, leaders have a chance to rise.

What Are Leaders Saying Today?

In March, we convened a group of CEOs and board directors to discuss the economic and regulatory landscape. One board chair shared that their team had modelled every conceivable tariff scenario—but took no action until clarity emerged. Their strategy? Prepare for everything. Act swiftly when the signal is clear.

Others are leaning into uncertainty with discipline, transparency, and courage. Here’s what some of today’s top leaders are saying:

• “Recessions pose significant hurdles for entrepreneurs, but they also instill critical business discipline.”
  — Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb 
• “True leadership isn’t tested when things are going well—it’s forged under the pressure of uncertainty... focus on the present, solving problems in real time while relentlessly pursuing excellence.”
  — Brian Melka, CEO of Rehlko 
• “There is nobody to complain to… every decision is ultimately up to the individual and carries full accountability.”
  — Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase 
• “Instead of staying silent or downplaying challenges, I choose to be transparent and bring audiences along on the journey so that the broader community feels informed.”
  — Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes 
• “The most important leadership message for 2025? Get radically honest, fast... Be brave enough to name the real problem, curious enough to invite new solutions.”
  — Frankie Russo, Founder of 8X Inc. 500 

These aren’t just soundbites. They’re reminders that leadership is about action in ambiguity. Some leaders prepare scenarios. Others increase transparency. Some wait for the signal. But all of them choose to lead when others freeze.

The Bottom Line

In a world where uncertainty is certain, the best leaders aren’t waiting for clarity.

They’re creating it.

And because of that, their teams, businesses, and communities will thrive.