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Leading Through Uncertainty

A strategic roadmap for cultivating adaptability, agility, and confident leadership in the face of challenges and adversity.

In today’s rapidly changing world, businesses face uncertainty on multiple fronts—economic volatility, political shifts, technological disruptions, and unforeseen crises. To navigate these challenges and drive sustainable growth, organizations need strong, adaptable leaders who can think strategically and act decisively in the face of adversity as well as respond to crises effectively and efficiently.

This one-day immersive workshop is designed to equip leaders with the critical skills needed to navigate today’s fast-changing and unpredictable business landscape. The program will explore the principles of adaptive leadership, helping participants develop resilience and foster agility within their teams, and effectively manage volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, you will gain practical strategies to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions under pressure, and lead with confidence.

In addition, you’ll learn how to identify potential threats, create effective contingency plans, and establish strong crisis response protocols. By the end of the day, you will have a comprehensive toolkit for handling high-stakes situations, ensuring your organization remains resilient in the face of uncertainty.

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Course Details

Date(s): June 5, 2026

Course Fee:

The cost of the program is $995 and includes materials, continental breakfast and lunch, and is due in full at time of registration.

Wake Forest University alumni, faculty, and staff receive a 25% tuition discount. If multiple participants are interested in attending from your organization, please contact us for multi-attendee discount information. Please contact executivewake@wfu.edu for more details.

  • Format: In Person
  • Cost: $995
  • Program Length: 1-day program
  • Registration Deadline: May 28, 2026

Key Learnings

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:
Apply adaptive leadership techniques to build resilience in their teams
Strengthen your crisis preparedness, identify potential threats, create contingency plans, and practice flexible communication
Use structured methodologies to anticipate and mitigate risks
Analyze real world crisis management case studies and apply learnings to your own organization
Leading Through Uncertainty is one of several open enrollment leadership programs. Programs are presented on a rotating basis throughout the year with completion of four programs resulting in a Certificate in Leadership from Wake Forest Executive Education and the School of Business’ Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character. Interested participants are able to register for this program individually or combine it with 3 other programs in the series to earn the certificate.
Certificate in Leadership

Meet the Faculty

Sean Hannah Headshot
Sean Hannah, Ph.D.
J. Tylee Wilson Chair in Business Ethics; Professor of Management; Senior Research Associate, CLC, Wake Forest School of Business
Wake Forest University

Additional Information

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for mid- to senior-level leaders looking to strengthen their ability to build resilient, adaptable teams and guide their organizations through periods of crisis and change. Participants are welcome to attend individually or as part of a team for a shared learning experience.

Schedule

Sample Schedule: 8:00am- 4:15pm

  • 8:00– 8:20 Continental Breakfast
  • 8:20 – 8:30 Introductions and program overview
  • 8:30 – 10:15 Session 1 – Adaptive Leadership: Building resilience in your organization
    • Preparing the Organization for VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity)
    • Principles of Adaptive Leadership
    • Building Adaptive Capacity in your Team
  • 10:15 – 10:30 Break
  • 10:30 – 12:00 Session 2 – Leading Through a Crisis
    • Principles of Red teaming
    • Identifying Potential Threats and Opportunities
    • Creating Effective Contingency Plans
    • Establishing Information Demands and Decision-Points for Flexible Plans
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
  • 12:45 – 2:15 Session 3 – Crisis Management Case Study
    • Crisis Management Team (CMT) formation
    • Crisis management protocols and checklist
    • Crisis Management Case practice
  • 2:15 – 2:30 Break
  • 2:30 – 4:00 Session 4 – Tabletop Crisis Management Simulation Exercise
    • Conduct a tabletop crisis exercise
    • Apply principles and practices of effective crisis leadership
    • Providing clear leader intent during crises
    • Leader crisis communication strategies
  • 4:00 – 4:15 Review and group discussion
Materials

Course materials are included in the cost of tuition. Course materials will be provided in paper format during the class.

Refund & Cancellation Policies

Program Cancellation

This course is offered contingent upon sufficient enrollment. If a course must be cancelled, all registered participants will be notified at least five (5) calendar days before the course’s start date. All registered participants will receive a 100% tuition refund. No fees will be charged for cancelled courses.

Individual Cancellation – Refund Policy

Prospective participants who withdraw at least 10 days prior to the start of a course will receive a full refund of tuition paid.

Contact Us

For more information, or to speak with a program adviser, please send an email to executivewake@wfu.edu

Interested in Custom Programs?

With our custom programs, you’re able to build a stronger, smarter team—your way.

Learn more about custom programs