At a pivotal point of human evolution, many believe people are living in a VUCA – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous – world. While the fear of the unknown is a justified response, Carol Ann Langford believes that, especially on the cusp of a breakthrough, what society needs is collective attention, curiosity, imagination, and willingness to learn and grow. As the Founder and CEO of Langford Leadership and experienced executive coach, she transforms the mindsets of business and nonprofit leaders, empowering them to tolerate and—ideally—embrace the discomfort of uncertainty.
Author Frederick Buechner once said: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” The stakes are high, calling for not only innovation but also a profound paradigm shift in how humanity thinks, leads, and communicates. For Carol, that greatest need – Buechner’s ‘deep hunger’ – is centered around wholehearted, mutually appreciative, and respectful relationships. This kind of connection drives progress and joy, illuminating a path forward even amidst the most volatile times.
As reality continues to transform, Carol stresses that the way people communicate should evolve along with it. Through her educational, outcome-driven work, this leadership expert has collaborated with some of the most influential, powerful individuals, always bringing one question to the forefront: What do we do now?
“The key lies in encouraging people – leaders, employees, problem-solvers, artists, and everyone in between – to step forward and carry a whisper of hope through collaboration, empathy, and understanding,” she reflects. “Is it possible to fix everything that’s going wrong? Probably not; but, together, the least we can do is work toward something positive.”
The foundation of Carol’s efforts is rooted in the belief that unpredictable change and unpredictable outcomes lead to unpredictable opportunities—opportunities that forward-thinking leaders can, and should, harness. “This applies to everyone but especially those with great influence. If the people in power replace complacency with intentional actions, the outcomes will be predictably positive,” she stresses. “We need to ask ourselves: What kind of aligned direction can we create, and how do we keep the best interest of humanity at its heart?”
Carol muses this and more questions in the Celebrating the Passionate and Purpose-Driven Leader chapter of the co-authored Cracking the Rich Code, Vol. 15. Here, she focuses on the responsibility leaders have in co-creating the value that enhances the human experience and the vitality and meaning of the world. By igniting reflection about businesses’ and nonprofits’ place and mission in society, this passionate coach helps readers become agents of positive transformation who lead others by example, fostering a supportive world where future generations will thrive.
For those who find themselves stuck in the vicious ‘object-disagree, disagree-object’ cycle, Carol’s philosophy of embracing communication patterns focused on understanding and attention can become a lifeline. “We need to move beyond these limiting circles of discussion. We’ve had enough of finger-pointing, dictating what has to happen, and arguing,” she adds. “The next era is all about coming together, connecting with each other, and working toward the collective objective of the human species—a world driven by genuine relationships and positivity.”
Central to Langford Leadership is an ethos of nurturing human enterprise for optimum global impact. Though the research Carol leverages in her work is complex and scientific, the overarching message is simple: it’s all about how we interact with others. “Conflict comes when there’s limited listening. That leads to misunderstandings, misinterpretation, and frustration,” Carol elucidates. “On the other hand, respectful, open, and appreciative listening organically leads two individuals or opposing groups to find common ground.”
Having worked with over 20,000 leaders, Carol remains hopeful, time after time finding herself impressed by the intelligence, imagination, and bravery of the human mind. For her, people are the most vital asset that can lead the world in a more positive direction, their hearts and imagination essential to propelling humanity forward. “There’s an old saying I always go back to: Less effective leaders don’t really listen; they just wait to talk,” she says. That mindset encapsulates Carol’s philosophy, highlighting that through intentional listening and profound understanding, real, tangible change can happen.
Humanity has evolved since the dawn of time, with change woven into the very fabric of the universe. Uncertainty is scary, but the idea of societal stagnation should evoke even more concern. Fighting the natural cycle of the world isn’t a solution; instead, executive coach Carol Ann Langford reframes the context, viewing the unknown as a boundless realm of unpredictable opportunity.
“We are at a pivotal point in history. As worrying as it may be, it also forces us to reflect and ask the questions that matter the most: What is the substance of the world? What is our substance as an organization? Does our mindset fuel progress and positivity?” she ruminates. “The future is in our hands–or rather, minds and voices–determining what that evolution will look like. And with mutual understanding and communication patterns focused on collaboration, we can elevate the daily human experience together.”
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