🌴 218. From VUCA to BANI
In today’s episode, I share a powerful acronym that captures the chaotic, unpredictable, and fog-filled world we’re navigating in 2025 and beyond.
You’ve probably heard of VUCA — Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous — a term that's been tossed around in leadership circles for decades. But a new framework, BANI, hit my radar recently (thanks, Yoke Van Dam!), and I think it paints a more accurate picture of the world we're actually leading, working, and living in.
BANI stands for:
- Brittle (systems feel fragile and ready to snap)
- Anxious (decision paralysis, AI disruption, uncertainty)
- Non-linear (no clear cause-and-effect anymore)
- Incomprehensible (some things just don’t make sense anymore)
In this episode, I unpack what each element means and how it shows up in business, leadership, tech, and life. I also riff on why seeking control isn’t the answer—and what to do instead.
And bonus tip: If you need to focus, try the same chill background music I play for my dogs... it works wonders.
Would love to know—does BANI resonate with you more than VUCA?
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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com
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