Sam Sivarajan joins Dr. Angela J. Buckley to discuss navigating genuine uncertainty in leadership and life. As a corporate lawyer, investment banker, and former wealth management executive who was restructured out at the height of his career, Sam brings hard-won wisdom about preparing for what we cannot predict. Author of The Uncertainty Edge, Sam shares practical frameworks for building resilience before crisis strikes and adapting effectively when uncertainty hits.

Sam Sivarajan is a corporate lawyer, former investment banker, and wealth management executive who has led teams across multiple countries and industries. After being restructured out of his position following his best years of performance, Sam channeled his experience into researching and writing about uncertainty, leadership, and behavioral finance. He holds a doctorate in behavioral finance and brings together stoic philosophy and practical business experience in his work.

The Million Job Problem

• Over one million white-collar jobs lost in the US last year
• The looming AI bubble and its potential broader economic impact
• Why traditional career planning tools no longer work

Risk vs. Uncertainty: A Critical Distinction

• Risk: Calculable probabilities (retirement planning, chess, dice)
• Uncertainty: Unknown outcomes you can't even map (pandemics, infrastructure failures, AI disruption)
• Why we need different tools for each

The EDGE Framework

Establish (Build Your Foundation)

• Control
• Align
• Span
• Track

Diagnose

• Cut through noise and bias to assess situations objectively

Go

• Move smartly—avoiding both blind rushing and paralysis

Evolve

• Adapt continuously as circumstances change

Leadership Through a Human Lens

• Why technology will never replace genuine human connection
• The power of bringing your whole self to leadership

The Barbell Strategy

• Balancing extreme safety (steady income, secure foundations) with calculated risk-taking
• How to maintain stability while pursuing innovation
• Practical applications for individuals and organizations

Sam honored two influential mentors:

Mike: His first manager who taught him to bring his whole self to work, leading to five consecutive years as #1 in their segment nationwide. Mike demonstrated authentic, heart-first leadership and transparent communication.

Rick: A leader who profoundly invested in people as individuals, building trust through genuine relationships. Rick's leadership style—spending significant time discussing shared passions like biking before addressing business—created the foundation for solving contentious issues efficiently and amicably.

”We use the terms risk and uncertainty interchangeably, but there's a critical difference between the two.”

”Measure what you value, not what's easy to measure.”

1. Assess Your Foundation: Use the Establish framework to evaluate whether your actions align with your stated priorities
2. Identify Your Controllables: Make a list of what's truly within your control vs. external uncertainty
3. Practice Authentic Connection: Take time in your next one-on-one to discuss something personal before diving into business
4. Implement the Barbell Strategy: Evaluate how you're balancing stability with calculated risk-taking
5. Acknowledge a Mentor: Use the SPIRIT method to thank someone who's shaped your leadership journey

• Book: The Uncertainty Edge by Sam Sivarajan
• The Good Human Practice (launching January) – combining stoic philosophy and behavioral finance
• Sam's newsletter: The Uncertainty Edge

• Website: samsivarajan.com
• The Good Human Practice: thegoodhumanpractice.com
• LinkedIn: Sam Sivarajan

Voices in Leadership is hosted by Dr. Angela J. Buckley, where leaders who connect, inspire, and grow share their stories.

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