Living in a VUCA World: V is for Volatility (Part 1 of 4)

As a surfer and sailor, I’ve spent thousands of hours in the ocean, watching its energy shift and change. The ocean is always moving. Some days, it’s calm and predictable—and then all of a sudden, the environment rapidly changes.?

Leadership and entrepreneurship today feel a lot like being out at sea. The waters of business, technology, and global markets are changing faster than ever, and many of my clients find themselves navigating unfamiliar, choppy conditions.

We’re living in a VUCA world—one defined by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.

VUCA isn’t just one challenge with one solution. It’s a framework that describes four distinct forces, each requiring a different approach.

In this four-part series, we’ll explore each of these four forces and how to work with them, starting with Volatility—the rapid, unpredictable changes that can shake even the steadiest of ships.

What Is Volatility?

Volatility is when the weather shifts suddenly from a bright, sunny day to a raging storm. It’s when the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay Area transforms overnight with the advent of AI, or when 30,000 federal employees are laid off in one month. It’s when a person’s, team’s, or company’s best-laid plans are suddenly upended by forces beyond its control.

Volatility is the sudden, unexpected shift.

Pause and ask yourself: What in my life feels volatile right now?

How Do We Work With Volatility?

When the waters are rough, our instincts might tell us to freeze or fight against the current—but neither works. Instead, leaders who thrive in volatile times learn to navigate change.

1. Maintain Strategic Buffers

Allocating resource reserves—whether in time, capital, emotional or mental energy, inventory, or personnel—creates a buffer against sudden disruptions.

In my last business, we kept at least three months’ worth of operating capital in reserve, even though our sales had been steady for six years straight. When COVID hit, that buffer saved us.

In my current work as an executive coach, I aim to schedule no more than 80% of my day because I know surprises will come. That margin gives me the mental and emotional capacity to navigate the daily changes.

Ask yourself: Where do I need to build strategic buffers?

2. Know Your Vision

In volatile times, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, reacting to every wave as it comes. But skilled navigators don’t just focus on the waves in front of them—they look ahead.

A well-defined vision provides stability amid rapid change. It helps individuals, leaders, and teams stay focused on long-term objectives, reducing the impact of short-term disruptions.

Ask yourself: What is my desired future state?

3. Adjust Your Course, Not Your Destination

In shifting waters, a rigid plan can become a liability. Rigid systems eventually break. The best captains don’t cling to a single route—they adapt as conditions change while keeping their destination in sight.

Ask yourself: How do we adapt while staying true to our purpose?

A Mindset Shift for Volatile Times

Volatility isn’t a temporary storm—it’s part of the world we live in. The storms may change shape, but they will keep coming. The best leaders aren’t those who try to avoid them, but those who develop the skills to move through them.

The real question isn’t How do I avoid the storm? but How do I navigate this?

Next Up: The U in VUCA is for Uncertainty

In the next part of this series, we’ll explore Uncertainty—how to lead when you don’t have all the answers.

Until then, here’s something to reflect on:

?? Where in my work or life are the waters feeling volatile right now?

?? Where do I need to build strategic buffers?

?? What is my desired future state?

?? How can I adapt while staying true to my purpose?

Let’s chart a course forward—together.

—Alex

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Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Are you experiencing VUCA in your work these days? If so, DM me, let’s connect. I love supporting leaders and business owners navigate their VUCA lives with calm and ease.?