At Sutton’s Thriving in Uncertainty event on June 10, 2025, we brought together some of Canada’s most respected voices in leadership, wellness, and workplace strategy. What followed was a day of powerful storytelling, practical tools, and deeply human insights—designed to help employers lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence in a world that’s constantly shifting.
We created The Insight Series—a four-part recap capturing the most impactful lessons from our speakers. Whether you joined us in person or are just catching up now, these summaries are designed to spark reflection, conversation, and action.
The Insight Series Part 1: Jim Brayshaw on Softening the Force of Uncertainty
At Sutton’s live event, Thriving in Uncertainty: Insights for Employers on Culture, Leadership, and Employee Wellness, keynote speaker Jim Brayshaw delivered a powerful and timely message: uncertainty isn’t just a challenge—it’s a force. And with the right tools, we can soften its impact and lead with greater clarity, empathy, and resilience.
A respected voice in leadership and workplace wellness, Jim brought both credibility and compassion to the stage. His keynote, “Softening the Force of Uncertainty,” offered practical strategies for navigating the unknown.
Understanding the Force
Jim reframed uncertainty as more than a mental state—it’s a physiological and emotional experience that narrows focus, triggers stress, and erodes trust. With 70% of employees reporting uncertainty about their psychological safety and job stability, the need for intentional leadership has never been greater,
The F3 Framework: Face It. Feel It. Move Forward.
Jim introduced the F3 Framework, a simple yet powerful tool to help individuals and teams navigate uncertainty:
- Face It – Acknowledge what’s unknown.
- Feel It – Tune into your body’s response.
- Move Forward – Take small, intentional steps to regain control.
This framework helps reduce the threat response and restore a sense of agency and calm.
Words Create Chemistry
Jim reminded us that words don’t just communicate—they create chemistry. A single word can trigger stress or soothe it. Practising the “power of the pause” before speaking helps leaders choose language that builds trust and psychological safety.
Trust and Uncertainty: Intertwined
When trust is low, uncertainty thrives. But trust can be rebuilt—one small step at a time. Jim introduced the concept of strength-based trust building, encouraging leaders to identify even one thing they can trust in a person or system to begin rewiring the brain for confidence and connection.
Final Thought: Be a Certainty Broker
Jim’s final call to action was clear: in a world full of unknowns, we all have the opportunity to be certainty brokers. Whether through a kind word, a clear expectation, or a moment of empathy, we can create pockets of stability that ripple outward.
Because when we face uncertainty with intention, we don’t just survive—we grow.
Watch for Part 2, Tim Hansen on Financial Wellness & the Psychology of Money
…Tim reminds us that financial wellness is emotional wellness. Through humour and practical tools, he helps us understand our money mindset and take small, intentional steps toward financial clarity and confidence.
