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The podcast for future-oriented leadership in times of crisis
How can leaders remain effective in a world of constant change?
In Transformation Stories, we explore the challenges leaders face as they navigate uncertainty, crises, and transformation. Through insightful conversations, practical experiences, and proven leadership approaches, we examine what it takes to lead with confidence, resilience, and clarity in today's rapidly evolving environment.
What is Robust Leadership
The Robust Leadership Framework is the result of years of research and hands-on practical studies. It combines flexibility with stability, providing leaders with a clear sense of direction in times of uncertainty and change.
At its core, the framework focuses not only on the “what”—strategy, foresight, and decision-making—but also on the “how”: embedding these approaches within a strong values-based culture.
By aligning strategic thinking with shared principles and behaviors, Robust Leadership enables organizations to navigate complexity while remaining resilient, purpose-driven, and future-ready.
Book Release
We have dedicated our professional lives to one key question: How can organizations and leaders succeed in increasingly dynamic, complex, and uncertain environments? Our answer: Robust Leadership.
Robust Leadership offers orientation from two perspectives ― the what (strategy & foresight) and the how (culture & values). Leaders must define a clear direction for the future while remaining aware of environmental changes, interpreting them, and adapting proactively. At the same time, shared and lived values form the foundation for culture, change, and innovation, guiding how goals are achieved.
More than a concept, Robust Leadership is an essential guide that translates research and practice into action. Reflection exercises help leaders and teams strengthen their robustness, while the Robust Leadership Assessment enables them to evaluate their current state and identify opportunities for development.
About the Authors
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, IICM Consulting · Co-author of Robust Leadership · Executive Coach
Felix von Held works at the intersection of leadership, foresight, and transformation, strengthening future-oriented leadership. For over 20 years he has guided boards and top management teams in corporations and established mid-sized companies to shape change with self-efficacy and robustness under uncertainty — with a focus on impact, posture, and feasibility.
He developed the Robust Leadership Framework and the Robust Leadership Assessment with the Bavarian Foresight Institute, based on a study of around 500 leaders. His approach combines Robust Leadership and Foresight — today applied above all to the defining change of our time: AI. Under the term HI:AI (Human Intelligence + Artificial Intelligence), he shows how organizations connect people and AI effectively.
His path began in innovation and strategic change management at BMW Group. He holds a Dr. phil. in Education & Innovation (University of Regensburg), an M.Sc. in Organizational Psychology (London School of Economics), and is a certified executive coach (ICF). Since 2008 he has taught at universities and business schools including CDTM Munich, ESB Reutlingen, and the University of Zurich.
Research Professor of Strategic Foresight & Trend Analysis, Technical University of Ingolstadt · Founding Head, Bavarian Foresight Institute · Co-author of Robust Leadership
Jan Oliver Schwarz works at the intersection of strategic foresight, strategy, innovation, and leadership, strengthening organizations' ability to make robust decisions under uncertainty. For over 20 years he has guided a range of organizations in translating future readiness into concrete strategic decisions.
As Founding Head of the Bavarian Foresight Institute at the Technical University of Ingolstadt, he leads a research agenda spanning corporate foresight, robust leadership, and the use of generative AI in anticipatory decision-making.
His path began in strategy consulting and in group strategy at Allianz SE. He holds a Dr. phil. in Management and Foresight from Berlin University of the Arts, an MPhil in Futures Studies from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a degree (Diplom) in Business Administration from the University of Witten/Herdecke. He is the author of several books as well as numerous academic
articles.
Develop your leadership skills with Robust Leadership Templates
Register via our form to receive the Robust Leadership Templates.
After registration, we will send the templates to you by email so that you can reflect on and further develop your leadership capabilities in times of uncertainty.
Robust Leadership Assessment
Join Us - Take the first step toward robust leadership
How Robust Is Your Organization?
Assess the robustness of both your organization and your leadership approach.
Click the button to complete the free online Robust Leadership Assessment and reflect on your leadership capabilities in times of uncertainty.
You will also learn how to further strengthen and develop your leadership capabilities.
Take the Robust Leadership Assessment
Robust Leadership Workshops
Register for our cross-industry Robust Leadership Workshops.
Learn how to apply the principles of robust leadership within your organization.
Request a RLS Workshop
