Episode 21: How to Thrive in Chaos with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in The Innovation Show Podcast by Aidan McCullen

How to Thrive in Chaos

In this powerful episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva shares the personal and professional roots of her reinvention philosophy - born out of generational survival, refined through global research, and battle-tested inside boardrooms and startups alike. She reveals why our obsession with stability is outdated - and how leaders must shift their mindset from resisting disruption to thriving within it.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why “normal” is gone and why reinvention must become your default setting, not your emergency response. Dr. Nadya explains the generational trauma and resilience that shaped her reinvention work, why every disruption is a doorway to opportunity, and what’s really happening behind the shrinking life cycles of companies, careers, and leadership roles.

Whether you're navigating AI disruption, post-COVID turbulence, or the collapse of once-stable industries, this conversation reframes chaos as a catalyst—and gives you a practical path forward.

Who This Is For

• Founders, CEOs, and executives facing volatile markets
• Corporate professionals looking to stay relevant in shrinking life cycles
• Change leaders and reinvention coaches
• Anyone feeling stuck in outdated models of success and leadership

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Disruption Isn’t a Crisis - It’s the New Normal

Most leaders are still waiting for things to stabilize. Dr. Nadya makes it clear: stability is no longer the default. Reinvention must be.

2. Success Now Has a Shelf Life

From companies to careers to leadership tenure, lifespans are shrinking. What used to last 75 years now cycles every 3. Reinvention isn’t a strategy - it’s survival.

3. You Are Already a Reinventor

You don’t need permission to adapt. You’ve done it thousands of times. Dr. Nadya challenges us to own our reinvention identity - and lead from it.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook: How to Thrive in Chaos
• Learn2Reinvent.com – Free tools, cards, frameworks, and community
• Oxford study on the impact of automation 
• Reinvention Weekly Newsletter