Join us in conversation with two distinguished thinkers who have dedicated their lives to understanding and navigating complex human systems.
Dave Snowden is the creator of the Cynefin framework and a pioneer in complex systems thinking, whose work has revolutionized how organizations approach uncertainty and emergence. Joining him is Adam Kahane, author of the bestselling book "Communicating with the Enemy" and renowned facilitator of transformative dialogue in some of the world's most intractable conflicts.
Adam's groundbreaking work explores the essential art of bridging divides and finding common ground even with those we fundamentally disagree with: whether in business, politics, or personal relationships. In this conversation, we'll dive into the core principles from his book, examining why effective communication across ideological divides isn't just possible but crucial for our collective future. Dave and Adam will explore the practical frameworks, psychological insights, and real-world examples that can help us turn conversations from battlegrounds into bridges.
Practical Details
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 5-7 PM BST (check your local time)
Cost:
General Admission: £10
Concession (for those on employment benefits or from underprivileged regions): £5
About the Panelists
Dave Snowden is a distinguished researcher and practitioner in the field of complexity science, renowned as the creator of the Cynefin framework—a groundbreaking approach to sensemaking and decision-making in complex environments. As the founder of Cognitive Edge, Snowden has spent over three decades working with organizations across government, military, corporate, and NGO sectors to help them navigate uncertainty and emergence. His work challenges traditional management approaches and provides practical tools for dealing with situations where cause and effect can only be determined in retrospect. A former senior executive at IBM and visiting professor at several leading universities, Snowden's research has been widely published and applied in contexts ranging from counterinsurgency operations to corporate strategy. He is recognized globally for his ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into actionable methodologies that help organizations thrive in unpredictable environments.
Adam Kahane is a leading practitioner and thinker in the field of collaborative change, best known for his bestselling book "Communicating with the Enemy" and his pioneering work on transformative dialogue processes. As a partner with Reos Partners, Kahane has facilitated complex breakthroughs in some of the world's most challenging situations—from post-apartheid South Africa to peace processes in Colombia and resource conflicts in Canada. A former strategy facilitator at Royal Dutch Shell and associate fellow at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Kahane combines deep practical experience with rigorous academic grounding. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, and he has consulted with organizations ranging from the World Bank to local community groups. Kahane's unique approach bridges the gap between personal transformation and systemic change, helping diverse stakeholders find common ground and create breakthrough solutions when traditional approaches fail.