Navigating change has become one of the most urgent leadership skills as organizations face economic uncertainty, rapid AI adoption, and shifting workforce norms. At the 2025 World Business Forum in New York City, top thinkers—including Adam Grant, James Clear, Brené Brown, Scott Galloway, and Simone Biles—shared research-backed insights on how leaders can adapt, stay resilient, and guide teams through continuous disruption. The event underscored a growing search trend: what strategies actually help leaders thrive amid change?

How Do Positive Disruptors Excel at Navigating Change?

Authors James Patterson and Dr. Patrick Leddin explained that navigating change effectively starts with embracing disruption rather than resisting it. Their new book, Disrupt Everything—and Win, highlights 16 behaviors of “positive disruptors,” people who turn uncertainty into opportunity through courage, creativity, and strong relationships. They emphasized that fulfillment—and even identity—often depends on how we respond to disruption, not the disruption itself.

Why Do Strong Relationships Matter When Navigating Change?

One of the most practical lessons from the forum was the power of relationships in navigating change. Leddin described relationships as either “tailwinds” that lift us or “headwinds” that hold us back. Their research encourages leaders to audit key relationships and intentionally nurture the ones that fuel growth, collaboration, and resilience. Strong, supportive connections create the emotional stability leaders need to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

How Can Better Habits Improve Navigating Change at Work?

James Clear reinforced that the foundation of navigating change is identity-driven behavior. Small actions, he explained, become “votes” for the person and leader we want to become. Sustainable progress comes not from motivation but from systems that reinforce our chosen identity. Combined with Adam Grant’s advice to turn critics into coaches by asking for advice instead of feedback, leaders gain practical tools for staying grounded, focused, and adaptable in times of disruption.