Adaptive Leadership: How to Lead Through Change, Creativity, and Uncertainty with John Michael Schert

How do leaders create real change when the problem has no clear answer?In this episode, Ian Bergman and Layne Fawns sit down with John Michael Schert, founder of JMS & Company, to explore adaptive leadership, creativity, organizational change, and why the hardest part of innovation is often letting go of what used to work.John Michael brings a rare perspective shaped by professional ballet, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, Harvard-trained adaptive leadership, and years advising teams through complex change.This conversation breaks down why creativity is not just a soft skill, but a practical tool for founders, operators, and innovation leaders facing uncertainty.Key topics🎯 Why people are not afraid of change, they are afraid of loss🏔️ How success can become a trap for founders and organizations🧩 The difference between technical problems and adaptive challenges💡 Why creative choices are fragile before they can be proven🛡️ How leaders can protect teams while they work through uncertainty👂 Why listening and diagnosis matter before jumping to solutions🤝 How to build coalitions instead of trying to drive change alone🎭 What organizations can learn from artists without romanticizing creativity🔄 Why innovation often starts by letting go of the 10% that no longer serves the system📺🎧 Enjoying the conversation?Discover more stories of innovation and transformation at alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts — and explore how today’s leaders are shaping the future.