The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown
Authors: Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr
Publisher: Harvard Business School Publishing
Date: July 19, 2022
A science-backed guide for navigating and thriving through uncertainty—based on interviews and insights from world-renowned leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives.
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Whether you’re searching for 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 behavioral 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.
Reviews
Reviews from Amazon
“This book provides an excellent, science based perspective on how we can make the best out of uncertainty. Rigorous research; engaging writing; great examples; tangible practices and tools. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to everyone who wants to turn uncertainty from a threat into an ally.”
“I’m not exaggerating when I say Nathan Furr made my decision to get an MBA worth it. His intellectual curiousity and diligent research around startup success resulted in Nail It then Scale It, his first book/strategy guide co-written with Paul Ahlstrom. That book is a must read for any would be innovator in my mind.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to go through a series of weekend workshops covering the principles found in this book with wonderful entrepreneurs from all over the world. I can wholeheartedly vouch for the material. The amount of research and scientific exploration that has gone into this is immediately evident, yet it’s not meant to be informative alone – the Furrs include personal invitations to apply these principles and tools they share so their findings might also be transformative. You’ll definitely be marking up your copy of this book and making a ton of notes as you read!
As a first time founder dealing with decision anxiety, I’m honestly grateful for the mission Nathan and Susannah are on to help others. I’m excited to unlock the upside of uncertainty in my own life!!”
“Everyone fears the uncertain, but very few know how to embrace it successfully and harness its power to their favor. For the first time the Authors present a balanced, hands-on, practical framework with real tools that you can effectively use to thrive amid uncertainty. Absolutely must read, you will be thankful.”
“By far, one of the best books I have read this year. It is a 3-dimension book where theory and real life mirror each other. It is a practical handbook not only to overcome uncertainty but to capitalize on it.”