The COVID pandemic has highlighted how important it is to acknowledge and seeing past our biases - biases that may obscure risks. The diversity of professional backgrounds and lived experiences of decision-makers is increasingly recognized as an asset for organizations and businesses. The ability of people in leadership and decision-making roles to see past their biases and consider possibilities beyond each individual’s personal perspective and experience would enhance the effectiveness of risk management strategies and enable leaders to see the opportunities in front of them. Periods of uncertainty, like the one we are currently in, further highlight the benefits of comprehensive reflection and analysis of the risks we face, and the “success” of the decisions we make with incomplete information.

Identifying and seeing past biases is particularly relevant given current levels of economic uncertainty, combined with calls for significant and radical social change. In this fireside chat, our panelists will share their perspectives on some of the potential biases impacting our business and economic systems that in turn impact our activities and decisions.

What perspectives should entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors be considering right now?

What risks and uncertainties are keeping you up at night?

How are you approaching risk management and opportunity identification given current levels of economic uncertainty and social unrest?

How are our speakers incorporating these perspectives into their current work?

Bonnie Foley-Wong, Founder, Pique Ventures

Sara Wolfe, Director, Indigenous Innovation Initiative, Grand Challenges Canada

Candid Conversation: Decision-Making in a Time of Uncertainty