Into the Unknown: A Famous Expedition's Leadership Lessons for the Future

Futurist Jack Uldrich

Best-selling author Jack Uldrich spoke at the 2018 Director Leadership Conference today and shared lessons leaders can learn from Lewis and Clark's famous expedition

The story of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark is one of futurist Jack Uldrich's favorite historical accounts, and one that he believes is still highly relevant for today’s business leaders. Their story and its lessons for today's leaders were so compelling to him that in 2004, he decided to write a book about it: Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis & Clark’s Daring Westward Expedition

Uldrich shared a compelling keynote on that expedition and its relevance to navigating an uncertain future at FCC Services' 2018 Director Leadership Conference in Napa Valley this morning. His presentation, titled Into the Unknown, highlighted specific moments from their momentous journey and identified lessons to be learned from them. 

Tomorrow is going to be radically different than either yesterday or today. We need more leaders with the courage of Lewis and Clark. Leaders who are willing to unlearn their old ways and chart brave new courses into the unknown.

Jack Uldrich, Futurist & Founder of the School of Unlearning

What makes their expedition relevant today?

"Lewis and Clark took rational risks, hedged their bets and sometimes went backward to take stock. When they reached the headwaters of the Missouri, they fully expected to see a river that would lead them to the West Coast," said Uldrich. "All they saw were hundreds of miles of mountains. There will always be challenges and for those, the leadership lessons provided by Lewis and Clark are timeless."

He also shared how embracing paradox when forging ahead is a powerful technique, stating that wise leaders do in fact, look back before they move ahead. 

"From now on," Uldrich continued, "tomorrow is going to be radically different than either yesterday or today. We need more leaders with the courage of Lewis and Clark. Leaders who are willing to unlearn their old ways and chart brave new courses into the unknown."

Uldrich regularly speaks to a wide variety of groups including industry associations, health care professionals, corporate executives, government officials and manufacturers. He covers multiple topics, but his presentations and seminars always include trends and technologies that are transforming the future. These include machine learning, the internet of things, 5G wireless, nanotechnology, blockchain technology, wearable computing and additive manufacturing. In addition to specific trends, Uldrich also helps attendees "think like a futurist" to be better prepared for living in a future filled with rapid change.

Internationally recognized for his engaging presentations and his insights on the potential impacts of emerging technology, Uldrich speaks over 100 times each year and has presented his message to global leaders on five continents. His client list includes the National Association of Manufacturers, Verizon, IBM, Cisco, American Public Power Association, Siemens, Eaton, the European Association for International Education and Thrivent.

To learn more about Uldrich and his speaking availability, please visit JackUldrich.com.

FCC Services Board governance and leadership development have been cornerstones of their work from the start. Other programs and services they offer include board development, executive coaching, thought leadership/professional speakers, strategic talent management, facilitation and consulting. For more information on future "Into the Unknown" leadership experiences, FCC Services or their leadership and governance development programs, go to FCCServices.com.

Source: Jack Uldrich & The School of Unlearning

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