Off script, on point

“Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.
But certainty is an absurd one.”
– Voltaire

Rob Cordova hadn’t planned to say it. But standing in front of 200+ HR leaders in Boston last week—after a surprise schedule change, no breakfast, and a whirlwind of life’s curveballs—it just came out:

“Uncertainty is where the magic happens.”

In talent development, we often strive to reduce ambiguity. We script success paths, forecast capability gaps, and crave clarity. But Rob’s story — which he shared on LinkedIn — reminds us that uncertainty isn’t just a challenge—it’s also a catalyst.

It was a moment born from unpredictability, and it struck a chord. What could have been a disaster turned into one of Rob’s most powerful sessions yet—authentic, energizing, and exactly what the audience needed. The CEO of the event even reached out the next day to say those 6 words became her new mantra.

An Advantage thought leader partner, Rob teaches this firsthand in his leadership workshop, Leading Through Uncertainty: Innovation as a Way Forward. It’s a high-energy, hands-on experience where leaders learn to reframe uncertainty as a creative advantage, generate breakthrough ideas, and use storytelling to fuel change. Because as he says: Uncertainty isn’t the enemy—it’s the environment. And great leaders don’t just survive it—they multiply from it. 

In a world where the script keeps changing,  we’re proud to know someone like Rob, who walks his talk and reminds us that great leaders show up, adapt, and give every day their very best effort, even those challenging ones where nothing seems to go right.

These are challenging times. Make way for the magic!

One great thing for 04.15.25 –  Rebooting Leadership – 8 practical courses leaders want with Rob Cordova