Navigating Chaos With Clarity

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." – an African proverb that I keep at the forefront of my mind when setting my sails, literally (pictured above) and figuratively on my career journey. While I prefer smooth seas, I learn the most as an amateur sailor when navigating choppy waters. It may not be a pleasant experience, but it’s incredibly rich with the kind of life skills that can’t be taught in a classroom, by reading, or any other non-real world, immersive experience.

Current Chaos in the Public Sector

For much of my career, the public sector has been defined by slow-moving bureaucracy and predictable processes. However, recent changes within the federal government have resulted in unexpected uncertainty - a feeling that ripples through nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and the private sector.

The sweeping changes in the federal workforce, the cancellation of government contracts, and shifting agency priorities have left many professionals in a state of limbo. Jobs once considered stable are suddenly on the chopping block, nonprofits that rely on government funding are scrambling to fill financial gaps, and businesses that once thrived on federal partnerships are filing for bankruptcy.

The anxiety is palpable, and for those of us whose careers are intertwined with public service, the question looms large: How do we adapt when it feels as if the foundation beneath us is shifting?

The Human Response to Change

Rapid, unexpected change rarely sits well with humans. While we might enjoy action-packed thrillers on screen, we crave stability in our own lives. When disruption strikes, panic sets in. We lash out, fall into scarcity mindsets, and seek short-term relief through distractions—none of which solve the problem at hand.

Instead, we need to ground ourselves, regain clarity, and take proactive steps to navigate uncertainty. The key to navigating chaos isn’t avoidance—it’s adaptation.

Here are three ways to tighten your rigging and sail through uncertain waters:

Refocus on Your Mission

During uncertain times, reconnecting with your mission is crucial. No one can define it for you; it’s something you must cultivate yourself. A strong sense of purpose provides direction and resilience amid instability.

For me, the turmoil in the public sector isn’t just a headline—it’s personal. It affects military families, veterans, and public servants, communities I’ve spent my career supporting. Losing a loved one in uniform reinforced my commitment to this mission, and it has guided my work in cyberwarfare, defense fellowships, and government contracting. While circumstances may change, my mission remains the same—I adjust my approach to fulfill it.

The Power of Collaboration

In chaotic times, isolation is a trap. Too often, people adopt a survivalist, every-person-for-themselves mentality, leading to unethical behavior, lost opportunities, and burnout.

Real, sustainable success requires teamwork. Building strong professional relationships, investing in others, and supporting community initiatives create opportunities that would never exist in isolation. Instead of hoarding resources or treating collaboration as a zero-sum game, embrace the principle that rising tides raise all ships.

This means checking in with colleagues, connecting with mentors, and finding ways to support others. It means advocating for better policies, helping peers find jobs, and working together to strengthen our communities.

In times of uncertainty, the ability to work together isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

Connection and Responsibility Are Critical

Convenience has become a double-edged sword. Technology has made life easier in many ways, but it has also diminished our tolerance for effort and problem-solving. Instead of taking action, we default to passive outrage, endless scrolling, or waiting for someone else to fix the problem.

The truth is, no one is coming to save us. If we want change, we have to create it. That means putting in the work—whether it’s starting a business, advocating for new policies and legislation, or launching initiatives that solve real problems. Effort and ingenuity aren’t burdens; they’re the tools that build resilience and long-term success.

As you chart a new course, invest in other people. Be the person you wish you had in terms of helping others navigate uncertainty. To solve problems, you have to take responsibility for finding an effective solution - even if you did not create the problem. All too often, people react to encountering difficulty by blaming others and refusing to be the leader who steps up to the plate, assumes responsibility, and innovatively addresses the challenge. 

Take the initiative to connect with people who can help you navigate uncertainty. The key mentors and sponsors that truly made a difference in my career didn’t necessarily always have all the answers; however, when I felt I’d sailed into stormy waters, and provided reassurance and encouragement that I would find solutions to the challenges I was facing. Their faith in my abilities made all the difference. 

Realize Opportunities Lie in Periods of Change

Change is inevitable. Today, it’s upheaval in the public sector. Yesterday, it was a pandemic. Tomorrow, it will be something else. The key is recognizing that within every period of disruption lies opportunity. New businesses, industries, and innovations emerge from uncertainty.

The question is: Will you be ready to seize them?

Perhaps the crossroads you find yourself in is a good place to explore other career opportunities, new business offerings, or additional goals. Sure, embarking on these new things may require adjustment in your lifestyle; however, that can bring a wealth of opportunity. You do have to be able to recognize opportunities, and also be positioned - personally and professionally - to pursue them. 

Navigating the chaos can feel overwhelming, and you may have moments of feeling like you’re drowning in anxiety and worry. The world may change, but we don’t have to be swept away by it. We humans can adapt, we can collaborate, and we can use the disruption to drive us forward. Embracing change, rather than resisting it, allows us to thrive, not just survive, in turbulent times.

Ultimately, it’s through these challenges that we can find new paths to success, meaning, and fulfillment.