Background:

Behavioural science, psychology, and creativity are crucial in addressing complex problems and business challenges. While we've been conditioned to rely on linear thinking, basic metrics, and technology, we've lost sight of creativity, reframing, and exploring uncertainty. We need individuals who can think differently, ask the right questions, and generate unexpected answers, especially when faced with challenges lacking clear solutions. As many of the most valuable and largest companies and organisations have shown us, you cannot win big through the lenses of finance, traditional strategy consulting, product engineering or technology architecture. Every proposition, innovation and great idea requires framing and positioning to extract its true value. Given the significant challenges and 'wicked' problems society and organisations face, we need a culture and voices that promote thinking differently, ask the right questions and generate the transformative, unexpected answers - especially where there are no clear solutions. This is further mired by the fact that we increasingly live in a data and algorithm driven world - where we miss the art of 'so what' and the 'magic' of marrying the algorithm, with interpretation and creative positioning. This talk will provide practical examples and case studies demonstrating how reframing can lead to unexpected solutions and transformative outcomes.

Speaker:

Dowshan Humzah is an independent board director and strategic advisor with a track record of delivering transformative growth and digital innovation. His executive experience spans RSA Insurance, Virgin Media, Orange, Procter & Gamble, and four digital startups. He holds several board positions, including Member of Council at Gresham College and Chair of Overcoming MS. His advisory work focuses on enhancing customer and commercial outcomes through creative thinking, combining traditional frameworks with innovative approaches.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to serve, Humzah champions diversity and opportunity for underrepresented groups. He developed the concept of POETS diversity (Perspective, Outlook, Experience, Thought, Sector, and Social Background) as a business imperative. Educated at the London School of Economics and with executive education from London Business School, he holds professional qualifications including Chartered Marketer and Fellowships with several institutions.

An avid traveller and member of the Travellers' Century Club, Humzah has visited over 100 countries. He is also a qualified fitness instructor specializing in Boxercise and kettlebells. He recently co-authored "Uncertainty Deconstructed," published by Springer.