Innovating Without a Map: Why Courage Is a Strategy

Some of the boldest things I’ve done, whether that’s switching industries, launching new programs, or even planning a wedding, started without a full plan. But I began anyway. This ‘curiosity over certainty’ mindset is core to how we operate at Energised Futures, and how we’re accelerating a new energy future.

Our team is here to build what doesn’t yet exist. That means operating in ambiguity. As Brené Brown puts it,  “Courage is not about being fearless. It’s about showing up when you can’t predict the outcome.” That’s exactly what innovation demands.

That’s also where my role comes in. As Program Operations & Controls Lead I’m helping to shape how bold ideas turn into credible execution, by building a PMO that’s a strategic enabler. Our project management and delivery frameworks are lightweight but intentional, allowing teams to move fast, make smarter bets, and mitigate risk.

From project delivery, risk management, financial oversight, to process design, we’re putting the foundations in place to scale innovation responsibly. We’re building tools that provide an overview of projects, funding, prioritisation methodologies, timelines, and capacity– enabling decision-making that’s grounded in data, not assumptions.

We’re also embedding an innovation management mindset. We apply design thinking, discovery-driven planning, and continuous feedback loops that let us test, learn, and pivot quickly. Our team charter, co-developed with the team in a recent session in our Antwerp office, is guiding us to work with courage, care, and accountability, both with each other and our partners.

Sometimes we build knowledge and sometimes we build capabilities. As a team focused on delivering real-world solutions we are also bringing a commercial lens to what we do – exploring business model design, validating real-world applications, and shaping scalable pathways to impact. Because for innovation to drive change it needs to be both visionary and viable.

The energy transition is no solo endeavour. Instead of building in silos we’re building bridges that are helping us work in partnership with academia, ventures, policymakers, and industry peers.

Our work is not about having all the answers. It’s about building systems that help us move forward, fast, even when the path is unclear. Because if you wait for the perfect map, no doubt the landscape will have changed when you take your first step. And so, powered by our team’s expertise and passion, we’re starting anyway, with courage and with control.