Maggie Jackson is an award-winning author and journalist with a global reach. Her new book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, explores why we should seek not-knowing in an era of angst and flux.

In this episode, I talk with Maggie about the transformative power of uncertainty, challenging cultural assumptions about certainty and success. Maggie explains how embracing uncertainty fosters creativity, resilience, and well-being. Drawing from neuroscience and personal insights, we discuss strategies for tolerating and even thriving in the unknown. From the surprising role of ambivalence in leadership to daily practices that build confidence in uncertainty, we dive into practical wisdom for navigating life’s unpredictability with grace and curiosity.

In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:15) - Meet Maggie Jackson
(02:36) - Maggie's background and early life
(04:14) - Defining uncertainty
(06:49) - The importance of embracing uncertainty
(11:29) - Cultural and individual perspectives on certainty
(18:17) - The myth of certainty
(21:45) - The benefits of embracing uncertainty
(26:05) - Choosing thoughtfulness over fear
(28:59) - Curiosity and tolerating the stress of the unknown
(34:44) - Sitting with discomfort and using uncertainty as a tool
(36:51) - Applying uncertainty in decision-making
(40:47) - Personal reflections and final thoughts

Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money.

ABOUT MINDFUL MONEY:
Do you struggle with money? You’re not alone.

Money is a means, not an end. It’s a necessity of life for sure, but more money does not always guarantee a “good life”. Money enables many aspects of modern life, but as a dominant consideration, it becomes destructive.

The paradox is that more time and energy spent on personal finance does NOT create better outcomes. Unlike many other parts of life, we can’t create better outcomes by being smarter, spending more time, or putting in more effort.

Join Mindful Money author and experienced 40-year investor Jonathan DeYoe as he shares stories from artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and other advisors about how they mindfully minimize their need to think about money and get more out of life.

If you aren’t happy with your finances, feel like money takes more time than it should, or want to place your financial decisions into the broader context of your life, this show is for you.

Each episode will draw the line between the “enough” activities that the academics tell us are additive to family outcomes, and those “little bit more” efforts that take time and sap energy but do NOT improve outcomes.

CONNECT WITH MAGGIE:
Website: https://www.maggie-jackson.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiejackson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggie.jackson.books/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/maggie8jackson

MINDFUL MONEY RESOURCES:
Website: https://mindful.money
Jonathan DeYoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandeyoe
Mindful Money on X / Twitter: https://x.com/MindfulMoney_Ed
Mindful Money on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMoneyPlan
Mindful Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmoneyplan
Mindful Money on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney

🎙️Podcast Production by Turncast: https://turncast.com.