Keynote
When the Rules Run Out
Making the call when there's no right answer to problems that don't stand still
Most strategy failures are failures of diagnosis: leaders treat a 'wicked', adaptive problem as a complex, technical one, and reach for a bigger spreadsheet or a bigger consultancy to manufacture a certainty that does not exist. Wicked problems have no right answer, only better or worse, and the job is to choose a defensible path rather than to keep hunting for proof.
Who it is for
Boards, executive teams and organisations navigating significant change, contested strategy, or high-stakes transitions.
What your audience takes away
- How to tell a problem with no right answer from a technical one
- How to decide with incomplete information and the clock running
- What "enough information" looks like, and when to stop looking
- Where human judgement matters when AI does the groundwork
Tom doesn't give the answers, he gives food for thought. It made me sit up and think.
Formats
Keynote address
45 to 60 minutes, with optional Q&A
Half-day workshop
Immersive session for leadership teams, up to 20 people
Bespoke keynote
A tailored address built around your organisation's specific decision-making challenges, leadership context or strategic moment
Panel Q&A
Moderated or open-floor panel discussions on leadership, decision-making and performance under pressure
Fireside chat
Informal, in-conversation format exploring the ideas and experiences behind the work
Podcasts and media
Available for podcast appearances, broadcast interviews and editorial contributions on leadership and high-stakes decision-making
Book this keynote
All enquiries are handled personally. Please include the event date, format and audience size.