Beyond Certainty: The Practice of Existing in Ambiguity

Beyond Certainty: The Practice of Existing in Ambiguity

Navigating uncertainty is an inevitable challenge, yet developing comfort with ambiguity can be a transformative skill. In an era of rapid change and complexity, it can be helpful to cultivate a mindset that embraces the unknown rather than resists it. The ability to operate within uncertainty not only enhances personal resilience but also strengthens decision-making, innovation, and adaptability within professional environments.

For CEOs and organizational leaders, ambiguity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The ability to guide teams through uncertainty, manage responses to change, and foster a culture of adaptability is critical for long-term success. As businesses face evolving market demands, workforce expectations, and strategic pivots, leaders who can navigate complexity with confidence will drive innovation and maintain organizational stability.

Join us for an in-person conversation with Dr. Mary Jo Finney, who will explore the mental practice of existing in ambiguity as a pathway to personal and organizational growth. This session will offer insights into how ambiguity, when approached with intention, can foster clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Through the lens of organizational effectiveness and development, we will discuss how professionals can navigate group dynamics, influence positive change, and build adaptive strategies that align with long-term success. Whether you are a leader, an HR professional, or someone seeking to cultivate a more flexible and open mindset, this event will provide valuable perspectives on thriving amidst uncertainty.

This session will explore:

• The psychological and organizational benefits of existing in ambiguity
  
• How ambiguity strengthens resilience, decision-making, and creativity
  
• Practical approaches for fostering adaptability in both personal and professional spaces

Embracing ambiguity is not about accepting chaos, it’s about learning to move through complexity with confidence and clarity. Join us for this engaging discussion and walk away with actionable strategies to apply in your life and workplace.

Date: April 14, 2025

Location: BP Energy Center (BPEC), 1014 Energy Ct Anchorage, AK  99508 United States

Networking begins at 11:30 AM – Share announcements, opportunities, and insights with fellow professionals.

Program begins at 11:45 AM – ASHRM updates and information.

Speaker presentation at 12:00 PM – Guest Speaker will deliver a one-hour session, followed by closing remarks from the ASHRM President.

Objectives:

1. Critically analyze the psychological and organizational benefits of existing in ambiguity, assessing its impact on individual and team effectiveness.

2. Evaluate and synthesize strategies that leverage ambiguity to strengthen resilience, enhance decision-making, and drive creativity.

3. Apply at least one evidence-based approach to foster adaptability and navigate uncertainty in personal and professional settings.

Bio for Mary Jo Finney, Ph.D.

Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Education, provides leadership in graduate education through advocacy, partnerships, grants, and collaborative curriculum development with direct responsibility for all graduate-level interdisciplinary degrees. Her Ph.D. in Reading and Language Arts centers on psycholinguistics, literacy, and comprehension psycholinguistics across the lifespan undergirds her research focused on literacy among struggling readers of all ages. With over 20 years of teaching faculty, doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate students, Mary Jo has taught courses in leadership, literacy, assessment, research methodologies, nursing education, and interdisciplinary learning. She established international and intercultural teacher identity exchange programs in Prague, Czech Republic and Beijing, China. Her administrative roles include serving as an academic dean, director of faculty development, department chair, and director of a clinically-based, urban master’s degree program serving urban, rural, international, and rural Alaskan schools. 

Continuing education credit (Pending Approval): 1 PDC