Leading with Intent in Uncertain Times
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that change is constant—and how we respond to it determines everything. Whether in business, leadership, or personal growth, we can either get swept up in fear-based decision-making or choose to lead with intent by creating intentional spaces for clarity, connection, and solutions.
Navigating the Noise in Uncertain Times
Our brains are wired for survival, which means we are naturally drawn to fear-driven narratives. The constant influx of alarming news, economic shifts, and market uncertainty can easily lead to reactionary decision-making—especially in business.
Psychologists argue that fear is one of the strongest motivators. However, as author Frank Herbert wrote:
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer… I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
While fear is a natural response, it doesn’t have to dictate our decisions. Taking a moment to pause before reacting can make all the difference in leading with intent through uncertainty.
How Economic Shifts Impact Business and Leadership
Recently, I had two conversations—one with a corporate leader looking to host a wellness retreat for their team, and another with a fellow travel professional discussing the potential impacts of economic uncertainty on the travel industry. Both conversations centered around leading with intent despite external challenges.
Economic shifts influence industries in real ways—cost fluctuations, market unpredictability, and new operational challenges. But beyond logistics, leaders set the emotional tone for how their teams, clients, and communities respond.
At its core, business is about people helping people—and when uncertainty strikes, leaders have a choice:
React out of fear and scarcity Pause, assess, and create solutions that serve
Understanding Instinctive Reactions with the Enneagram
One of the tools I use to understand decision-making under stress is the Enneagram—not just for personality types, but for instinctual subtypes, which shape how we react to uncertainty in leadership.
- Self-Preservation Subtype → Prioritizes security, planning, and preparedness. Focuses on: “How can I protect myself and those I care about?”
- Social Subtype → Finds stability in community and group alignment. Tends to seek external validation or collective action.
- One-to-One Subtype (Sexual Subtype) → Draws security from deep personal relationships and intense focus. Can be magnetic when at their best or reactive when struggling.
Understanding these instincts can help leaders recognize their default responses to uncertainty—and give them the ability to shift from reaction to intention.
Creating Intentional Spaces for Clarity and Growth
In moments of uncertainty, one of the most effective leadership tools is creating intentional space—space to breathe, think, and find clarity.
Robert Bruce, author of The Way of the Enneagram, encourages leaders to “sit on the steps”—to take a step back before making decisions, allowing time to process rather than react.
This is where retreats become powerful. Whether for personal renewal or corporate leadership, wellness retreats and leadership retreats provide:
Space for deep thinking and collaboration A reset from reactionary stress Clarity and creative problem-solving
A well-designed retreat isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about creating the conditions for growth, resilience, and connection.
Leading with Intent in 2025: What’s Next?
As we move into another year of economic changes and evolving business landscapes, the best thing leaders can do is anchor themselves in intentional action.
I’m choosing to focus on creating spaces that bring people together—not just to talk, but to heal, collaborate, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
You may not be able to solve every challenge overnight. But just like the well-known story of the starfish on the beach:
“We may not save every starfish stranded on the shore, but for each one we toss back into the ocean—it mattered to that one.”
Whether for yourself, your team, or your clients—how will you create space for clarity, connection, and growth this year?
Considering a Retreat? Let’s Talk!
If you’ve been drawn to the idea of hosting a corporate off-site retreat, wellness experience, or leadership event, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s create the space your team needs to reset, refocus, and step into the next season with intention.
Let’s start the conversation.
