Unexpected Turns: How Do You Navigate Uncertainty?

Good day Curious Innovators,

It’s been a little while since the last edition, and I want to start by thanking you for your patience. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Marie Roker-Jones, and this is where we turn curiosity into connections and capital.

Juggling the demands of our professional and personal lives while trying to create valuable content can be challenging, and I'm sure many of you can relate.

Lately, I've felt like a few things have slipped through the cracks, and maybe you've been there too. But today, I want to get honest about something we all face as innovators: uncertainty.

Whether it's an unexpected market change, a rough economic patch, or navigating difficult conversations (like the debate last night), being a curious innovator means adapting constantly.

In this edition, I'm sharing how we can navigate these shifts and stay ahead, even when the ground feels unsteady.

Today's Big Question: When faced with challenges, do you take a step back to plan, or do you jump in and adapt as you go?

Why This Question Matters: How you handle challenges impacts your success. Reacting quickly can lead to mistakes, while planning allows for better decisions but can slow you down. Knowing your approach helps you find the right balance between fast action and thoughtful strategy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Share your approach in the comments below.????

Curiosity Challenges

Challenge #1: Which area of your business feels the most exposed to uncertainty? What’s one action you can take this week in that area?

Challenge #2: Reflect on a recent conversation where you felt challenged. How could you approach similar situations in the future with more control and confidence?

As you reflect on your challenges, let’s dive into how you can turn these moments into opportunities with clear strategies and practical steps.

Prepare for the Unexpected: Lessons from 9/11

Anticipate the Curveballs and Havie a Plan Ready

Today marks the anniversary of 9/11, and we're reminded of life's unpredictable nature and the importance of preparation. Dealing with uncertainty is part of the landscape for small business owners, startup founders, and entrepreneurs.

Being prepared isn’t just about having a backup plan. It’s about knowing that your business can survive and adjust when things go sideways. Women entrepreneurs know this better than anyone: whether it’s a sudden market change, an industry disruption, or a personal challenge, you need to have a plan to handle whatever comes next.

Example: Think about what would happen if your customers were to leave or a key supplier cuts you off. What’s your plan? It doesn’t need to be perfect, just realistic. Start by identifying the areas of your business that could be hit hardest by disruption and brainstorm two or three ways to handle those situations without panicking.

Tip:

1. Take 30 minutes to map out potential “what if” scenarios for your business.
2. Focus on your most vulnerable areas like losing a significant client or supplier.
3. For each scenario, jot down two quick, realistic actions to stay afloat.

This way, if something unexpected happens, you won’t be scrambling—you’ll already know your next move.

Master the Art of Reframing in Conversations

Take Control of the Conversation

Last night's debate underscored the importance of maintaining composure in tough conversations. For women entrepreneurs, these conversations are a regular part of the job whether it's negotiating with clients, addressing a problematic employee, or dealing with bias. The key is to stay calm, respond with clarity, and avoid letting anyone undermine your authority.

Example: When you’re hit with tough questions or bias, the secret weapon is reframing. Instead of getting defensive, use the objection as an opportunity to reinforce your value.

If a client says, “Why is this so expensive?” you don’t just justify the cost. Instead, say, “What specific results are you hoping to achieve with your budget?” or present them with your value, “Here’s why the price reflects the value we deliver”.

This puts you back in control, showing that you’re focused on delivering outcomes that matter to them, not just selling a service.

Facts beat emotions. Keep your eyes on the prize, focus on the outcome you want, not the disrespect you might feel.

Tip: One of the best strategies for handling tough conversations is to prepare for them in advance. Anticipate where you might face pushback and decide how you’ll handle it before it happens. This proactive approach will prevent you from being thrown off guard and keep the focus on what really matters your business. You’re not there to defend yourself, you’re there to remind them why you’re the expert.

Small Shifts Lead to Big Impact

Focus on What You Can Control

Business can feel overwhelming, especially with constant changes and demands. But you don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with small, manageable changes that can bring more flexibility and control. Simplify operations, improve how you communicate with clients, or cut down on repetitive tasks.

Example: Automating client scheduling or invoicing is a simple way to free up time and allow you to focus on bigger, more meaningful parts of your business—like nurturing partnerships or exploring new opportunities.

Tip: Look for one task that takes up too much time. Streamline or simplify it. These minor improvements free up your schedule and reduce mental strain, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Key Takeaway

Preparing for the unexpected, reframing challenges into opportunities, and making minor, continuous improvements help you stay in control, even in uncertain times. It’s about taking action and staying adaptable.

Action Steps

1. Identify the most vulnerable part of your business and create a simple contingency plan today.
2. Automate or streamline one repetitive task this week to free up time for more important work.
3. Practice reframing tough conversations by shifting the focus to the value you bring.The next time you face pushback, turn it into an opportunity to highlight your strengths.

Call to Action

September 11th reminds us how unpredictable life can be. Take a moment to focus on the things you can control. Whether it’s preparing for what might come, making small adjustments, or handling tough conversations differently, those small steps can make all the difference.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this edition. Life can get messy and unpredictable, but you don't have to figure it all out at once.

We're all figuring it out as we go.

Talk soon,

Marie