The Upside of Uncertainty

Whether you're searching for the courage to start a new project, change careers, launch a business, develop an idea, or reinvent yourself after a disappointment or life change, you will face uncertainty—that ambiguous and uncomfortable state that often makes us feel confused, anxious, and afraid to act. Though these moments are difficult, they offer opportunities for personal growth, innovation, and creativity.

In The Upside of Uncertainty, INSEAD professor Nathan Furr and entrepreneur Susannah Harmon Furr provide a sweeping guide to embracing uncertainty and transforming it into a force for good. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, along with pioneering research in psychology, innovation, and behavioural economics, Nathan and Susannah provide dozens of tools—including mental models, techniques, and reflections—for seeing the upside of uncertainty, developing a vision for what to do next, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities.

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, uncertainty is on the rise. We face it every day. But few of us have been taught the techniques to navigate it well. The Upside of Uncertainty provides the inspiration, tools, and strategies you need to thrive through the inevitable plot twists in your life and career.

Advance Praise for The Upside of Uncertainty:

...a sophisticated yet accessible guide to turning uncertainty into a force for creativity, positive action and good. - Developing Leaders

The Upside of Uncertainty is packed with insights into how we make life's most important decisions. It will most certainly change the trajectory of your career. It may even change your life. - Erin Meyer, professor, INSEAD; New York Times bestselling coauthor, No Rules Rules

Uncertainty is the very lifeblood of entrepreneurship. Great entrepreneurs not only cope with that uncertainty, they thrive in it. The Upside of Uncertainty should be required reading for anyone getting ready to dive into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. - David Hornik, founding partner, Lobby Capital

The Upside of Uncertainty beautifully demonstrates that uncertainty is the essence of life—an engine that drives us forward and that leads to opportunities. Nothing could be more important! - Tina Seelig, Executive Director, Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program; Professor of the Practice, Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University

The Upside of Uncertainty is a vigorously optimistic book! - Piet Coelewij, Chairman, PMM Public Mediamarkt; Nonexecutive Director, Sonion; and guest lecturer, INSEAD

The next generation of great leaders must learn to embrace uncertainty and leverage it for themselves and their organisations. The Upside of Uncertainty shows them the way. - Sam Yagan, Managing Director, Corazon Capital; cofounder, SparkNotes and OkCupid; and former CEO, Match.com

Having worked with world leaders, it is clear to me that mastery in the face of uncertainty separates the good from the great. The Upside of Uncertainty is required for all who aspire to make an impact in today's world. - Saj-nicole Joni, CEO, Cambridge International Group

Uncertainty is here to stay. The Upside of Uncertainty will help you learn to take advantage of it instead of fear it. - Alex Osterwalder, cofounder, Strategyzer