Embracing the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Myths and the Hero’s Journey

Why Getting Lost Can Be the Key to Finding New Paths for Success in Uncertain Times

In today’s rapidly changing world, where unpredictability and complexity reign, one of the most powerful leadership lessons comes from the unexpected: getting lost. Drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” and the modern myth of Moana, we uncover why leaders must embrace the unknown to navigate turbulent times.

Joseph Campbell’s theory of the hero’s journey teaches that true transformation and discovery come not from certainty, but from venturing into uncharted territory. Similarly, in the well-told myth of Moana, the titular heroine, guided by Matangi (Crazy Bat Woman), learns a crucial lesson for leaders: in order to achieve great feats and unite people, one must first be willing to get lost. This metaphor is vital for today’s CEOs, boards, and decision-makers, as the world continues to change in unexpected and often overwhelming ways.

The message from Moana and Matangi’s song “Get Lost” urges leaders to let go of old maps and comfort zones, challenging them to “live dangerously” and embrace the thrill of uncertainty. In an era marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), this willingness to get lost and rethink traditional approaches becomes more than just an option – it’s essential for survival. The shifting global political landscape, rapid advancements in technology like AI, and the rise of cryptocurrencies all contribute to the ever-changing nature of the modern world, requiring a shift in mindset for leaders.

Peter Zeihan’s The End of the World is Just the Beginning paints a vivid picture of the world in turmoil, highlighting the interconnected challenges of geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and disruptive technologies. But, as Otto Scharmer’s Theory U reminds us, true leadership and innovation emerge not from fear or clinging to old solutions, but from a place of “presencing”—the act of letting go of past assumptions and opening up to new possibilities.

The Theory U model emphasizes that to create a meaningful future, leaders must shed their old ways of thinking, open their hearts, minds, and will, and embrace the unknown with courage. This process, as Scharmer explains, involves moving through the bottom of the U curve, where leaders and organizations face uncertainty, vulnerability, and emptiness—a place where the only way forward is to trust the process and prototype new approaches.

The transformational journeys of the leaders I’ve worked with reflect this ethos. Whether it’s turning around an industrial site riddled with unrest, reviving corporations to generate billions in shareholder value, or expanding a company across Asia with a focus on humane culture, each of these leaders dared to venture into unfamiliar territory, challenge conventional thinking, and embrace a future that was not yet fully visible.

For leaders today, embracing the unknown and trusting in the journey might seem daunting, but as Matangi’s song says, “There ain’t no fun in holdin’ back, babe.” Living boldly and embracing the discomfort of getting lost may be the very thing that unlocks new opportunities, fosters innovation, and guides organizations to greater success in an unpredictable world.

Ultimately, navigating a VUCA world requires more than strategy—it demands a willingness to get lost, trust the unfolding process, and create new paths. By embracing this challenge, leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity, leading with courage, vision, and adaptability. So, to leaders across the globe: It’s time to get lost—because that’s where the future awaits.