Leading in the Unknown: Lessons from the Arctic

What does it take to lead when you’re navigating shifting ice, unpredictable weather, and a team under pressure?

In this powerful conversation, Eoin Walker is joined by Arctic expedition leader Kasper Jæger to explore what leadership really looks like when conditions are extreme, resources are limited, and uncertainty is part of the job. Drawing on years of experience guiding in polar regions, Kasper shares stories and strategies from the field—unpacking what makes a team function, how leaders make decisions under stress, and why small details can make or break a mission.

Topics include:

Trust-building and communication in isolated environments
Decision-making under pressure and when to pivot
The balance between morale, comfort, and safety
Group dynamics, personal resilience, and how leadership evolves with experience
What polar expeditions can teach us about leadership anywhere

Whether you’re working in healthcare, education, outdoor leadership, or business—this session offers hard-won insight into leading with clarity in high-stakes settings.

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Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Understand how to build trust and psychological safety in high-pressure team environments.
Apply techniques for making clear, timely decisions in complex and uncertain conditions.
Recognise how small details (from comfort to morale) impact long-term group performance.
Identify when to push, when to pivot, and how to assess group fatigue or risk tolerance.
Reflect on how Arctic leadership strategies translate across sectors and disciplines.