Leading Authentic Progress in an Age of Insularity

As change-maker leaders, our goal is to navigate the "Rupture" of the old world order to build systemic, regenerative transformation.

So what are we supposed to think after the strategic shifts presented at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) by Mark Carney and Donald Trump, integrated with the key findings of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, and through the lens of our Authentic Progress Framework?

The Context: A World in Rupture

The 2026 Davos speeches confirm a fundamental "Rupture." We are no longer in a transition; we are in a new reality defined by:

• Geopolitical Fragmentation: The rules-based order has faded (Carney).

• Economic Nationalism: Domestic strength and "fortress" economies are the new priority (Trump).

• The Trust Crisis: 70% of the population is trapped in an "insular mindset," refusing to trust those with different values (Edelman).

Decoding the Two Paths of Leadership

To drive authentic progress, we must recognize the two competing leadership paradigms emerging in 2026:

Our Learning: Authentic progress requires us to bridge these two. We need the integrity of the Carney model with the decisiveness and domestic focus of the Trump model.

The Leader as "Trust Broker"

The Edelman report highlights that business is the most trusted institution, but also warns of a "mass-class divide." As change-makers, we must act as Trust Brokers.

Actionable Strategies for Trust Brokering:

• Move to a "Polynational" Model: Invest in deep local relationships to combat insularity. Don't be a "globalist" outsider; be a local partner.

• Transparency in Progress: Authentically share your own concerns. If you aren't 100% on board with a change, your team will see through the "sign in the window".

• Prioritize Humanity: In a world of "100x more powerful" battleships and AI, the human being is the most important aspect of work.

Applying the Authentic Progress Framework

Based on the Changemaker Progression Framework, here is how we should act to drive progress in 2026:

Phase I: Awakening (Levels 0–2)

• Stop "Living within a Lie": As Carney noted via Havel, we must take the "signs out of the window." Stop pretending the old order is coming back. Authenticity starts with naming the reality of the rupture.

Phase II: Activation (Levels 3–5)

• Build Local Resilience: Trump’s focus on energy and food security is a valid Level 5 (Solution Innovation) move. We must prototype local systems (energy, supply chains) that make our communities less vulnerable to global coercion.

• Courageous Communication: Use your platform to challenge the "insular mindset" of your peers.

Phase III: Systemic Impact (Levels 6–9)

• Form "Variable Geometry" Coalitions: Don't wait for the UN or WTO. Form small, high-integrity groups to solve specific problems (e.g., a "Buyers Club" for critical minerals or ethical AI).

• Lead with Integrity: Ensure your "words match your actions" (congruence). If you claim to value sustainability (Carney), you cannot compromise for a "quick fix" (Trump's fossil fuel expansion) without losing your mandate to lead.

Summary Checklist for the 2026 Change-maker

• Audit for Insularity: Is your organization/team stuck in a "filter bubble"? Hire for "value-diversity" to bridge the Edelman trust gap.

• Define Your "Strategic Autonomy": What are the 3 things your project/company cannot afford to lose if global trade snaps? (e.g., Talent, Energy, Data).

• Embrace "Humanity & Respect": Use coaching to help your leaders develop the Empathy needed to navigate the polarized "Dome" vs. "Rules" debate.

• Name the Truth: In your next Town Hall, be honest about the "Rupture." Honesty is the foundation of authentic leadership.