In this episode of Leaders Talk, Karsten speaks with Anne Caspari – coach, specialist for complexity and partner at Leadership Choices.

At the heart of the conversation is the Cynefin Framework developed by Dave Snowden. Anne explains how it helps leaders distinguish between ordered, complex, and chaotic contexts – and why many organizational challenges fail when they are approached with linear logic. She introduces concepts such as emergence, weak signals, and sensemaking, andcontrasts them with traditional tools like surveys that often strip context away.

Anne shares how narrative-based approaches, such asSenseMaker®, enable organizations to work with real stories rather than predefined hypotheses, making the “unknown unknowns” visible. The episode offers deep insights into culture change, values, and what organizations need to learn in order to act wisely in complex environments.

Topics in this episode:

· Anne’s path into complexity work (2:20)

· The Cynefin Framework and decision-making in complexity (3:50)

· Emergent systems and weak signals (11:00)

· Why surveys often fail in complex contexts (21:40)

· Working with unknown unknowns (40:40)

· Values, sensemaking tools, and practical examples (47:20)

· Staying optimistic in uncertain times (1:21:00)

Further links:https://www.leadership-choices.com/https://thecynefin.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annecaspari/?originalSubdomain=de

What are your thoughts? Share your reflections in thecomments. If you have suggestions for inspiring guests for Leaders Talk, feel free to write to ⁠⁠leaderstalk@leadership-choices.com⁠⁠.

Guest: Anne CaspariHost: Karsten DrathProduction & Editing: Hannah Jandl & Konradin SchuchterResearch & Preparation: Lena Wokurka & Antonia Kaiser

In this episode of Leaders Talk, Karsten speaks with Prof. Dr. Lutz Johanning, Associate Dean at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and Professor of Empirical CapitalMarket Research. The conversation centers on the ongoing transformation of WHU and the question of how organizational change can move beyond concepts and initiatives to become truly embedded in everyday practice.

Lutz Johanning shares how WHU is shifting from a traditionally dean-centered model toward a more collective leadership approach under the guiding idea of Leading Together. He reflects on what it takes to anchor transformation in structures, behaviors and mindsets. He also discusses Emotional Finance, reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, and explains why heenjoys creating stages for others.

Topics in this episode:• Introduction and role at WHU (2:15)• Emotional Finance (2:55)• Responsibilities as Associate Dean (6:50)• WHU’s vision and mission (8:35)• The WHU transformation and the idea of Leading Together (14:55)• Biography and formative experiences (34:30)• Entrepreneurship and teaching (43:15)• How to stay positive in these times (55:35)

Further Links:https://ee.whu.edu/open-programs/the-essence-of-coaching-for-senior-leaders/https://www.whu.edu/de/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutz-johanning/

What are your thoughts? Share your reflections in thecomments. If you have suggestions for inspiring guests for Leaders Talk, feel free to contact us at ⁠⁠leaderstalk@leadership-choices.com⁠⁠.

Guest: Prof. Dr. Lutz JohanningHost: Karsten DrathProduction & Editorial: Hannah Jandl & Konradin SchuchterResearch & Preparation: Lena Wokurka & Antonia Kaiser

In dieser Episode von Leaders Talk spricht Karsten mit Alexandra Büßer, Head of HR Germany bei Unilever, die ihre Rolle in einem Job-Sharing-Modell ausübt. Unilever ist einer der weltweit größten Konsumgüterkonzerne mit einem breiten Portfolio an Marken in den Bereichen Lebensmittel, Körperpflege und Haushaltsprodukte.

Im Gespräch geht es um Führung und Kultur in komplexen Organisationen und um die konkrete Praxis von Job-Sharing auf Top-Management-Ebene. Alexandra beschreibt, wie Entscheidungen im Tandem getroffen werden, wie mit Konflikten umgegangen wird und warum Dialog, Vertrauen und das Zurückstellen des eigenen Egos zentrale Voraussetzungen für gemeinschaftliche Führung sind. Außerdem sprichtsie darüber, wie menschenorientierte Führung auch in Restrukturierungsprozessen gelingen kann und was Selbstwirksamkeit für sie bedeutet.

Themen im Gespräch:

· Alexandra stellt sich vor (2:15)

· Unilever in Deutschland (2:30)

· Führung im Job-Sharing (9:30)

· Führung in Restrukturierungsphasen (28:45)

· Nachhaltigkeit und Verantwortung im Konzern (32:20)

· Biografische Prägungen (39:00)

· Zuversicht und Selbstwirksamkeit (1:04:00)

Weiterführende Links:https://www.unilever.de/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-b%C3%BC%C3%9Fer-0155238a/?originalSubdomain=de

Was sind Ihre Gedanken? Lassen Sie uns Ihre Überlegungen in den Kommentaren wissen. Wenn Sie Vorschläge für inspirierende Gäste bei Leaders Talk haben, schreiben Sie uns gerne an ⁠⁠leaderstalk@leadership-choices.com⁠⁠.

Gast: Alexandra BüßerModeration: Karsten DrathProduktion & Redaktion: Hannah Jandl & Konradin SchuchterRecherche & Vorbereitung: Lena Wokurka & Antonia Kaiser