How do leaders create real change when the problem has no clear answer?

In this episode, Ian Bergman and Layne Fawns sit down with John Michael Schert, founder of JMS & Company, to explore adaptive leadership, creativity, organizational change, and why the hardest part of innovation is often letting go of what used to work.

John Michael brings a rare perspective shaped by professional ballet, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, Harvard-trained adaptive leadership, and years advising teams through complex change.

This conversation breaks down why creativity is not just a soft skill, but a practical tool for founders, operators, and innovation leaders facing uncertainty.

Key topics

🎯 Why people are not afraid of change, they are afraid of loss

🏔️ How success can become a trap for founders and organizations

🧩 The difference between technical problems and adaptive challenges

💡 Why creative choices are fragile before they can be proven

🛡️ How leaders can protect teams while they work through uncertainty

👂 Why listening and diagnosis matter before jumping to solutions

🤝 How to build coalitions instead of trying to drive change alone

🎭 What organizations can learn from artists without romanticizing creativity

🔄 Why innovation often starts by letting go of the 10% that no longer serves the system

📺🎧 Enjoying the conversation?

Discover more stories of innovation and transformation at alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts — and explore how today’s leaders are shaping the future.