People Are Paid to Think but Cannot Think Clearly to Make Decisions at Work - Julian Chapman

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, Host Steve Miksta sits down with Julian Chapman, President of Forrest & Company Limited and Managing Director of SIRA International Risk Advisors, to discuss skillful thinking, leadership, and the future of work. Together, they explore how Julian moved from military leadership into business consulting, how thinking frameworks help people make better decisions, and why clear roles, shared language, and intentional use of AI are essential for building stronger teams and more effective organizations. Julian shares his journey from joining the Army Reserve at 17 to leading Forrest & Company as a business consultant. He explains how thinking frameworks help people make better decisions, why role clarity and a shared language improve teamwork, and how leaders can create stronger organizations by combining skillful thinking, accountability, and the intentional use of AI. ### **Key Takeaways** - How thinking frameworks help people make better decisions by using a clear and repeatable process instead of relying on personal habits. - Why role clarity, accountability, and decision authority are essential for improving teamwork and organizational performance. - The value of using a shared language for thinking so teams can communicate better, solve problems faster, and build trust. - How balancing facts, what should be done, and new possibilities leads to stronger decisions and avoids common thinking mistakes. - Why leaders should use AI with clear intent, asking better questions and staying accountable for the results it produces. - The importance of skillful thinking, strong leadership, and continuous learning as organizations prepare for the future of work. ### **Episode Timestamps** \[00:00] - Teaser \[00:05] - Introduction to Julian Chapman \[00:35] - Julian’s 34-year military journey and transition into corporate training and leadership consulting \[03:13] - Universities teach what to think, not how to think - introducing decision-making frameworks \[07:33] - Thinking is the ultimate diversity; no two people share the same thinking profile \[09:44] - Phillips' innovation challenge and how new ideas hit organizational walls \[14:09] - Three directions of intentionality: Right (should be), True (is), and New (could be) \[18:40] - Intent becomes critical as execution gets automated; AI is a tool, not a replacement \[22:19] - Intent becomes critical as execution gets automated; AI is a tool, not a replacement \[25:25] - Human accountability for AI outputs; role clarity and consequences drive performance \[28:50] - Thinking tools drive efficiency; profiling builds trust \[31:13] - Serving C-suite and mid-management; where to find Julian and his book Get **Julian Chapman**'s book **Managerial Leadership Journey: An Unconventional Business Pursuit** on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Managerial-Leadership-Journey-Unconventional-Business/dp/1642253316 🔗 **Connect with the Guest Julian Chapman:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-c-chapman/ 🔗 **Connect with the Guest Companies:** 👉 LinkedIn - Forrest & Company Limited: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forrest-&-company/ 👉 Website - Forrest & Company Limited: https://www.forrestandco.com/ 👉 LinkedIn - SIRA International Risk Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sira-international-risk-advisors/ 👉 Website - SIRA International Risk Advisors: https://www.sirainc.com/ 🔗**Follow the podcast:** 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8 👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222 🔗 **Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/ 🔗 **Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:** 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/ 👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/