Listen "Leading in VUCA"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of the "Stand in the &" podcast, Heather Gates and Lisa Macon Harrison discuss the complexities of public health leadership in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. They explore the importance of communication, trust, and connection in navigating challenges, emphasizing the need for active hope and collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding both the external environment and internal team dynamics to foster effective leadership and community engagement.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner of Human-Centered Strategy, LLCGuest: Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, Health Director, Granville Vance Public HealthTakeaways•Public health professionals are navigating increased complexity & uncertainty•Active hope is essential for effective leadership in public health•Communication must be clear & frequent to build trust•Understanding team dynamics enhances collaboration & decision-making•Trust takes time & is built through consistent engagement•“VUCA Prime” offers a framework for addressing challenges (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, & Agility)•Leaders must balance processing & doing in their roles•Human connection is vital in an increasingly technological worldChapters•00:00 Introduction & Background•08:50 Navigating Complexity & Uncertainty in Public Health•17:43 VUCA: Understanding & Responding to Challenges•26:29 Collaboration & Leadership in Public Health•26:54 The Gift of Collaboration in Public Health•29:41 Self-Awareness & Team Dynamics•34:59 The Importance of Communication •49:08 Navigating Human Connection in a Tech-Driven WorldQuoted Resources & Tools in this Episode Moments of Impact by Chris Ertel & Lisa Kay Solomon VUCA Prime Framework by Robert JohanssonHymn for the Hurting by Amanda GormanEverything hurts,Our hearts shadowed and strange,Minds made muddied and mute.We carry tragedy, terrifying and true.And yet none of it is new;We knew it as home,As horror,As heritage.Even our childrenCannot be children,Cannot be.Everything hurts.It’s a hard time to be alive,And even harder to stay that way.We’re burdened to live out these days,While at the same time, blessed to outlive them.This alarm is how we knowWe must be altered —That we must differ or die,That we must triumph or try.Thus while hate cannot be terminated,It can be transformedInto a love that lets us live.May we not just grieve, but give:May we not just ache, but act;May our signed right to bear armsNever blind our sight from shared harm;May we choose our children over chaos.May another innocent never be lost.Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased
More episodes of the podcast Stand in the & with Heather Gates
The Art of Being 'Whelmed'
04/11/2025
Flailing & Flying
17/10/2025
Balancing Structure & Flexibility
20/08/2025
Navigating the Not Yet
28/07/2025
The Vision & Backstory
11/07/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.