How managers lead teams when innovation feels uncertain
Facing uncertainty in innovation leadership? Learn how managers can drive growth and results even when answers are unclear in this expert episode.
How can managers lead teams through innovation when nobody knows the right answer?

Also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Facing uncertainty in innovation is a challenge for managers and leaders. This episode of The High Performance Leader explores how you can lead teams through complex innovation problems, even when clear answers are lacking. Discover practical strategies to drive growth, build capability, and challenge conventional instincts for real results.
What you will learn
- Understand why innovation requires a different leadership approach
- Apply practical frameworks to manage uncertainty in teams
- Recognise counterintuitive methods that spark business growth
- Build confidence to navigate complexity and deliver results
This episode features Robyn Bolton, founder of MileZero consultancy, who brings deep expertise from roles at Procter & Gamble, BCG, and Innosight.
Episode highlights
- (0:00) Intro
- (1:00) Who is Robyn and her innovation expertise
- (4:14) Defining innovation as something new that creates value
- (7:38) The leadership paradox in innovation and challenges leaders face
- (17:31) Overview of the Cynefin framework for understanding different contexts
- (26:14) The dangers of leading in a chaotic style and the importance of avoiding crisis mode
- (29:58) The importance of innovation and challenges faced by leaders
- (30:29) Sources for staying updated on innovation
- (31:33) Key takeaway: Embrace counterintuitive instincts in innovation
- (32:17) Outro
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