Episode 22: Thriving in Chaos & Uncertainty with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in Getting Work to Work Podcast by Chris Martin

Reinvention: The Ultimate Freedom

In this energizing episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins host Chris Martin to explore the concept of reinvention—not as a one-time crisis response, but as a lifelong capability. From growing up in the Soviet Union to advising global companies on transformation, Dr. Nadya shares how personal history, scientific insight, and global trends shape her view of constant reinvention. This episode is a powerful reminder that change is not our enemy—it’s a chance to become a better version of ourselves.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why every company must reinvent itself every 3 years—or faster—to survive, and how to make that process intentional and systematic. Dr. Nadya breaks down the difference between reacting to disruption and designing a reinvention-ready organization. She also shares how to identify what should change and what must remain, and how to create peak performance not through perfection, but by embracing chaos as a system of multiple orders.

Who This Is For

• Business leaders and founders seeking a clear reinvention strategy
• Teams navigating disruption and uncertain markets
• Creatives and entrepreneurs aiming to stay relevant over time
• Coaches and consultants guiding clients through change
• Anyone curious about how to thrive—not just survive—in a world of rapid transformation

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Must Be a System, Not a Project

Reinvention is no longer something you do once every decade—it’s a system you build into how you think, plan, and operate. Every 3 years or less, companies must evolve to stay alive. Without a system in place, change will feel chaotic and overwhelming.

2. You Can’t Fix Emotional Problems with Rational Tools

The biggest resistance to change isn’t logic—it’s fear and fatigue. Reinvention fails not because of bad data, but because of emotional overwhelm. That’s why leaders must first shift emotions—through belonging, purpose, or curiosity—before they shift behavior.

3. Chaos Is Not the Absence of Order—It’s the Presence of Many

Dr. Nadya redefines chaos as a system with multiple overlapping orders. Learning to navigate that space gives you more options, more creativity, and more freedom. Reinvention isn’t about control—it’s about learning to flow within complexity.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Trendwatching.com (for tracking reinvention signals)
• The global Reinvention community founded by Dr. Nadya