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Leading Without a Map: Governance, Risk & Decision-Making in Uncertain Times β€” with Darlene Hyde


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We’re living through a moment of real uncertainty β€” geopolitically, economically, and technologically. The old playbooks are breaking down. The rules are shifting. And leaders are being asked to make high-stakes decisions without a clear map.

In this episode, I sit down with veteran executive and board leader Darlene Hyde to explore how governance, leadership, and decision-making must evolve in times of disruption.

Drawing on decades of experience across major institutions and sectors β€” including housing, finance, transit, telecommunications, and public interest governance β€” Darlene shares practical insight on how boards and executives can move beyond traditional oversight toward foresight and insight.

We discuss:

β€’ Why today’s leaders must β€œread the world,” not just the room
β€’ Governance in a period of geopolitical and economic rupture
β€’ How boards should think about risk when uncertainty is the baseline
β€’ Why silence and over-compliance can create hidden danger
β€’ The growing importance of diverse and non-homogeneous boards
β€’ Speaking up at the board table β€” especially for newer directors
β€’ Technology and AI literacy as a shared responsibility β€” not a specialist silo
β€’ Calculated risk vs. inaction risk
β€’ Housing, infrastructure, and transit as long-term economic multipliers
β€’ Where Darlene sees opportunity β€” and why she remains optimistic about the next generation of leaders

This is a timely, big-picture conversation about leadership under pressure β€” and how organizations can stay principled, pragmatic, and forward-looking when the environment is shifting fast.

Connect with Darlene Hyde on LinkedIn (link in show notes and feature article).

If you value thoughtful, future-focused conversations about leadership and decision-making, follow and share the show.

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Canada NowBy Ashley Smith