We are a global network of over 1000 thought leaders with a common desire to "make sense of this new world". We came together in response to the first shocks felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, to discuss the impact of the crisis and the road ahead for people, business and society.

In response to the first shocks we felt in the early days of the pandemic, a group of colleagues exchanged messages and posted our learnings online. Then, grassroots word of mouth spread on how we were organizing a global hive of thinkers attempting to collaboratively make sense of this new world.

In the first ten weeks, the Grey Swan Guild met, organized, collected 60 written points of view and conducted research around what was happening in our lives, workplaces and marketplaces from the effects of COVID-19. From this, our venture was born.

• March 13, 2020 – Our first conversations are borne out of the pandemic

• March 26, 2020 – We hold our first General Assembly meeting

• April 24, 2020 – A diverse group of committed people starts to take shape

• May 11, 2020 – We are named the “Grey Swan Guild”

• May 25, 2020 – We collect 60+ POVs from our members

• June 8, 2020 – We launch our first publication, Emergent Global Perspectives in the Wake of a Pandemic which can be downloaded here.

• June 29, 2020 – Our next wave starts

• August 03, 2020 - We launch our second publication with a focus on Leadership, Emergent Leadership Perspectives in the Wake of a Pandemic which can be downloaded here.

We formed the Grey Swan Guild to be a global early warning system of emerging societal shifts combined with multi-faceted response team to make sense of the change and provide practical guidance on what to do next. In sharing the perspectives of our members we hope to stimulate wider conversations and move the dial on our ultimate goal—to make sense of the current pandemic, and more importantly, future ‘Grey Swans’. Read more about the Grey Swan Guild.

Business leaders, policy makers, change agents and educators facing new challenges in a changed, uncertain world and seeking insights and diverse points of view to provide ideas and guidance.

• A Collaborative Community of Sensemakers

• A Global action-based thinktank

• Crafters of Emergent perspectives, content and productions

• An advisory organization for positive change

• An open forum for future challenges

• An expert bench of future-savvy talent

The Grey Swan Guild makes sense of particular societal, cultural, economic, marketplace and workplace challenges for business leaders, policy makers, educators and curious others. Read more about the Grey Swan Guild.

Our aim is to surface, inspire, and invite additional evidence-based observations, perspectives, contributions and opportunities from those who are committed to affect and influence positive change. Read more about the Grey Swan Guild.

We are:

• Collaborative - committed to the collective good

• Purposeful - evidence-based, policy, humanity

• Curious - critical, rational, optimistic, aware

• Aspirational - can-do spirit, non-ordinary/innovative

Read more about the Grey Swan Guild.

A “grey swan” is a term used to describe a potentially very significant event that is considered unlikely to happen but still possible. As there is a slight chance the event will occur, it should be anticipated, particularly as it could shake up civilization, the world economy, culture, marketplaces, workplaces and life.

A “guild” is an organization of persons with related interests, goals etc. especially one formed for mutual aid or protection. Read more about the Grey Swan Guild.

• We are structured as an open collective of leaders without any political or commercial affiliation

• We are a collaborative hive of thinkers – we start, contribute and produce together

• We attempt to get ahead of the future, not just report what is happening now

• We focus on positive change to help business, policy and humanity

No, we are not political in nature. canvassing and involving many different viewpoints. However one of our distinctive reasons for being is to have a positive effect on business, policy and humanity. We do accept sponsorship and partnerships but we do not target one industry or type of company and we are clear about the separation of these relationships and editorial.

We currently have members from around the world and are actively seeking to expand our membership to include representation from every country.

Absolutely. The more diverse and inclusive we can be the better!