Thriving in Uncertainty: Leadership, Learning, and Performance Science with Dr. Carla Fowler

In an unpredictable world, leaders and professionals need more than strategies—they need resilience, adaptability, and insight. In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dr. Carla Fowler, Founder and Managing Director of THAXA®, to explore how high performance, deliberate learning, and science-backed leadership approaches can help individuals not just survive, but thrive in uncertainty.

Mastering Learning and Leadership in Uncertainty

Dr. Carla Fowler brings a unique perspective, combining human biology, immunology, medicine, and over a decade of executive coaching to offer a research-backed approach to performance and learning. She emphasizes that adult skill acquisition is a marathon requiring both engagement and rigor, with fun and motivation playing a crucial role in long-term success. Leaders must balance immersive, playful learning with targeted, high-impact methods for urgent challenges.

Equally important is reframing uncertainty as a source of opportunity rather than stress. Dr. Fowler explains that while uncertainty is inevitable, our perception and response define the outcome. By carving out time for continuous learning and deliberately shifting from reactive to proactive thinking, leaders can leverage ambiguity to drive growth and innovation.

Finally, deliberate thinking and internal control are essential for effective leadership. Dr. Fowler underscores the importance of creating intentional moments for reflection, practicing self-awareness, and reclaiming control over one’s decisions and priorities. This allows leaders to operate from a proactive mindset, rather than being driven by external pressures or constant mental chatter.

About Dr. Carla Fowler

Dr. Carla Fowler is the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA®, combining expertise in human biology, immunology, and medicine with over ten years of executive coaching experience. She helps leaders and professionals apply performance science to thrive under uncertainty, fostering both personal and organizational growth.

About THAXA®

THAXA® is a performance science and executive coaching firm dedicated to helping leaders develop practical skills, resilience, and self-awareness. The company provides research-backed strategies to improve decision-making, learning, and leadership effectiveness in complex and unpredictable environments.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• THAXA® Website
• Dr. Carla Fowler on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

Dr. Fowler emphasizes the importance of balancing fun and rigor in learning, embracing uncertainty as a growth opportunity, practicing deliberate reflection, and reclaiming internal control to lead effectively. Leaders can apply these insights immediately by scheduling focused learning, prioritizing tasks aligned with their goals, and developing skills to transform ambiguity into advantage.

Conclusion

Navigating uncertainty requires more than reactive strategies—it demands intentional learning, self-awareness, and proactive leadership. Dr. Carla Fowler’s insights provide a roadmap for leaders to cultivate resilience, improve decision-making, and harness the power of performance science for both personal and professional growth.

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