New Book, Brilliant Doubt, Reveals How to Harness Doubt as a Strategic Advantage

New leadership book argues doubt, not certainty, is the skill leaders need to thrive in an unpredictable world.

In a society that rewards confidence, speed, and decisiveness, doubt is often treated as leadership’s enemy. One that is best dismissed and avoided.

That instinct is amplified in today’s ever-swirling business climate. An era defined by complexity, relentless transformation, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. In response, leaders cling to certainty. Yet this becomes a mask, a defence against the discomfort of not knowing. What leaders need isn’t more certainty. They need a deeper relationship with doubt.

For leading Executive and Systemic Team Coach, Jenny Williams, doubt is a leader’s greatest untapped asset. This is the galvanising call-to-action of her new book, Brilliant Doubt: Harnessing uncertainty to lead with impact (Practical Inspiration Publishing). When leaders learn to work with doubt, not hide it, they make wiser decisions, collaborate more effectively, and navigate the unknown with increased clarity.

Brilliant Doubt examines why doubt is needed now more than ever in organisations and leadership. Williams explores what she defines as ‘Professional Doubt’, with its three distinct, yet interconnected forms: self-doubt (internal dialogue about one’s abilities and value), situational doubt (a specific and tangible doubt that sits outside of a person, such as questioning data or relationship dynamics), and systemic doubt (a more intangible doubt that arises from the values, behaviours and invisible architecture that shapes what is seen, said, and done). She unpacks each in turn before showing how to transform them into useful insights.

Central to the book is the concept of Active Doubt: doubt that is no longer paralysing but purposeful. Through practical reflection and proven frameworks, Williams guides leaders to find the ‘do’ in doubt, surfacing what’s been overlooked and moving readers from doubtful to doubt-fuelled. This rich, intentional leadership practice is a source of personal energy, team innovation, and operational growth.

Brilliant Doubt is for leaders who have ever questioned themselves, their choices, or the systems they operate within. When harnessed positively, doubt opens the door to possibility – a place for progression, creativity, and courage. Written by a fellow doubter, Williams provides both a challenge and an invitation: to stop silencing doubt and start using it as a strategic advantage.

Because all change starts with a doubt.