Leading with ACT in a VUCA World

Hello there!
An infrequent enlightening newsletter to keep you updated on all things thinking.
In this newsletter:
- LinkedIn Insights
- Podcast guests
- Product Update
- Upcoming ACT Workshops
As we enter the final stretch of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we’ve all faced – and those still ahead. Leadership in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world calls for a different mindset and approach, one that prioritises adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate complexity – one that requires a new way of thinking. Here at Effective Direction, we’re dedicated to equipping leaders, teams, and organisations with these skills through our 3 core capabilities – Applied Critical Thinking (ACT), Adaptive Leadership Development, and Team Dynamics – helping you unlock human potential and drive meaningful results.
Our ACT workshops and training programmes are grounded in this commitment. Applied Critical Thinking isn’t just a toolkit; it’s a transformative way of thinking that empowers individuals to challenge assumptions, make informed decisions, and take intentional actions. In today’s fast-paced environment, these skills are essential for leaders at all levels to guide their teams and drive sustained success.
Insights from Marcus Dimbleby: Real Talk on LinkedIn
If you’re following Marcus on LinkedIn, you know he’s never shy about sharing hard-hitting insights on leadership and critical thinking. This past month, Marcus has tackled key issues including the importance of straightforward leadership and cutting through complexity. Here are some highlights from his recent posts:
“Challenge Assumptions, Embrace Reality”: Marcus emphasises that successful leaders don’t just follow the status quo – they actively question and seek better solutions, even when it’s uncomfortable. In a VUCA world, embracing reality means staying grounded, adaptable, and ready to pivot as new information emerges.
“Leadership Isn’t About Titles – It’s About Mindset”: As Marcus shares, real leaders foster trust, empower their people, and focus on impact. Titles don’t define leadership; the right mindset does. We’re proud to support these principles in our ACT programmes and workshops.
“Stay Authentic, Stay Effective”: In a world full of jargon, Marcus stresses the importance of straight-talking and transparency. It’s about clarity, no fluff—exactly what we stand for here at Effective Direction.
We encourage you to follow Marcus on LinkedIn for more practical, no-nonsense insights that will challenge and inspire you to lead more effectively.
If you’re not connected with Marcus on LinkedIn then follow him here and feel free to connect and click the bell so you keep updated.
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Big Things F@$t: Podcast Guests – Marcus & Jose
Marcus & Jose were on the most excellent No Way Out podcast with Ponch Rivera discussing why organsiations shouldn’t outsource thinking, the Chief of Staff role, and what’s gone wrong with Agile! A great listen with the usual golden nuggets of how to operate in a VUCA world. Watch on YouTube below or listen on Spotify or Apple.
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Product Spotlight: Equip Your Teams for the Future
Effective Direction’s core offerings are designed to help you, your people and your organisation adapt and excel in any environment. Here are just a few of the ways we’re supporting leaders and teams this season:
ACT ENGAGE – Applied Critical Thinking Workshops: Our flagship workshops provide hands-on training in ACT, enabling participants to develop critical analysis skills that are essential for problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations.
RED TEAM GLOBAL® - Deliberate Disruption and Challenge: Bringing the direct application of ACT to enable deliberate challenge of your strategy, plans and problems, allowing teams to anticipate risks and prepare for the unexpected. This product fosters a culture of readiness, ensuring your team is equipped to respond to challenges with resilience and insight.
CONTRIBUTION COMPASS – Powerful Profiling: A powerful personal and team profiling tool enabling effective Team Dynamics. The results are “scarily accurate”, and based on the principles and teachings from the iChing.

Upcoming Events & Workshops
Don’t miss out on our upcoming ACT Fundamentals Workshop! These sessions provide a rapid 90-minute deep dive into our unique tools and techniques and are designed for leaders and teams eager to transform their thinking and drive real results. Register here for the workshops next week, or get on the waitlist - running every 2 months Use code ACT for your community discount.
Stay Connected
As always, we love hearing from you! Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates, or reach out to our team directly to discuss how we can support you in achieving big things, fast. We can be reached at [email protected]
Thank you for being part of the Effective Direction community. Here’s to a future of growth, reflection, and bold thinking!
And remember... Who Dares Thinks!
Effective Direction™ Newsletter 
- November 2024

Empowering Critical Thinkers, Leaders, and Teams to Drive Impact in a Complex World


