Many leaders feel stuck trying to predict the future and create perfect plans. But the most powerful move isn’t necessarily predicting or planning. It’s simply staying open–being willing to explore new and emerging opportunities.
As Gayle Lantz explains, “Sometimes the next opportunity is not in the direction that you assumed it would be. It’s in the direction that shows up once you’re already moving.”
Leaders often confuse their plan with their destiny, clinging to a predetermined path even when evidence suggests another route is forming. The truth is, you were never meant to have the whole thing figured out anyway.
In this episode, Gayle challenges the expectation that leaders must always know where things are going. She shares stories of clients whose best opportunities came from completely unexpected directions, new investors appearing out of nowhere, unexpected role changes, creative pursuits calling them in new directions.
The real clarity doesn’t come from perfect planning. It comes from movement, from taking action, from noticing what’s emerging.
Gayle offers practical approaches for staying open to possibility, including how to watch for signals, ask better questions, and avoid getting trapped by rigid expectations.
This episode covers:
- Why the “known path” can be overrated
- The difference between movement and achieving perfect outcomes
- How relationships open up unexpected opportunities
- Simple practices for staying open to new possibilities
- Why backtracking is still progress
- Questions to help you explore alternative paths
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated trying to get ahead of change, this episode invites you to shift your perspective and keep moving.
LINKS
Previous CEO On The Go Episodes:
Unmasking Fear – What’s Really Holding You Back as a Leader? #278
Transforming Health, Inspiring Change – Think Bigger with CEO Tim Organ #279