Upstream Thinking: Seizing Opportunity while Managing Risk

​Seizing Opportunity while Managing Risk.

​I used to take pride in my ability to respond to crises and avoid the worst outcomes. Crisis management almost feels heroic. I learned, however, that crisis management is a losing proposition. Even gaining the best outcomes from a crisis entails substantial opportunity costs.

​You are better off placing yourself and your company in a strong position that reduces the probability of a crisis and increases your ability to see and seize opportunities. You need a mental model for upstream (anticipatory) thinking.

​In a survey by PwC, 76% of CEOs cited market volatility as their top concern, with many feeling unprepared to seize fleeting opportunities or mitigate chronic risks. Consider the case of a tech startup that thrived by investing in hard trends and employing upstream thinking. By anticipating market shifts and proactively managing risks, the company grew its market share by 40% during significant volatility. This session will equip you with the tools to survive and thrive in a dynamic marketplace. In this session, you’ll gain:

• ​How to differentiate the hard and soft trends so you shape the future with greater certainty.

• ​A problem-solving tool that helps you move from reactive, downstream thinking to anticipatory, upstream thinking.

• ​A simple process for assessing and managing risk.