In a world full of noise, The Gathering offers something rare: a pause. Not a keynote. Not a panel. A space between what has been—and what could be.
Right now, the economy looks deceptively strong: unemployment is low, markets are resilient. But under the surface, there’s caution. Capital is tight, decisions are slow, and people are tired. As we head into another deeply polarized political season, uncertainty is seeping into culture, teams, and leadership itself.
The Gathering is our response to that moment. Co-hosted by yours truly, Paul June, and Eric Ludwig of Ludwig APC, we’re big believers in “when you gather the right group, anything can happen!” The Gathering is not about titles or talking points. It’s about people. We’re leaders coming together over food and drink, not to impress but to connect—sharing stories, sparking new ones, and tracing their echoes across the walls of possibility.
So what’s a leader to do?
The Trap of Problem-Solving
As leaders, we’re wired—and rewarded—for solving problems. But solving isn’t the same as changing.
Problem-solving protects the current system. Real change asks for a leap. It’s riskier. It doesn’t guarantee success. And most of us weren’t trained for it.
For example, have you ever solved a problem, only to see it return in a new form? That’s not failure. That’s a signal: you’re ready for something deeper.
Survival vs. Sage Mindset
According to Positive Intelligence, we operate in two mental worlds:
- The survival mind – logical, reactive, cautious
- The sage mind – curious, imaginative, bold.
When times are uncertain, most leaders default to logic. But real transformation? It begins with imagination.
Many of the most impactful decisions don’t make sense on paper. They’re gut-led. Intuitive. And they change everything.
That’s not luck. That’s leadership.
Why Change Feels So Hard
Even when we want it, change triggers resistance.
Enter the SCARF Model, developed by David Rock. It identifies five psychological triggers that shape how we respond to change:
- Status – Do I still matter?
- Certainty – Do I know what’s coming?
- Autonomy – Am I still in control?
- Relatedness – Do I still belong?
- Fairness – Am I being treated justly?
When change threatens any of these, the brain resists—even if the change is good. That’s human. And that’s why empathy is key in times of transition.
From What’s Broken to What’s Possible
In her book Pivot, Tenny Poole poses three simple questions that spark transformation:
- What’s important now?
- What’s working?
- What’s your dream?
These questions redirect us from survival to possibility. They invite creativity, resilience, and vision.
What’s working in your world right now? What’s a dream you’ve been holding back?
The Next Move: Act from the Future
Now the final question: If change wasn’t so scary, what would you do next?
Not what’s realistic. What’s true to what you know in your gut is calling you.
We often think change starts with strategy. It doesn’t. It starts with imagination. Then courage. Then action.
The Invitation
At The Gathering, we believe leadership is not about having answers—it’s about remembering the questions that matter.
So next time you’re solving a problem, pause and ask yourself:
“Is this just survival? Or is this the beginning of something new?”
Because in moments like this, real leadership isn’t about reacting to noise. It’s about making space—for change, for courage, for what’s next.
Let’s Get Started
If you’re not already part of the Barrel O’Monkeyz mailing list, now is the perfect time to join so you don’t miss out on future updates and exclusive invitations to upcoming events like The Gathering. If you’d rather reach out to discuss what’s next for you and your business, feel free to contact Barrel O’Monkeyz today by phone or email to arrange a free consultation. Together, we’ll explore your goals, develop a plan, finalize the details, and hit the ground running to turn ideas into action.
