In the latest episode of the Always Learning podcast, Jeremy Berman, co-founder of Dream See Do, sits down with Julie Jungalwala, founder of the Institute for the Future of Learning. Julie, a thought leader in educational transformation and the author of The Human Side of Changing Education, shares her perspective on navigating change, fostering personal growth, and redefining the future of learning.
With over two decades of experience guiding schools, leaders, and organizations through profound transitions, Julie’s work centers on unlocking human potential. Her insights remind us that, while change can often feel overwhelming, it also holds incredible possibilities for those willing to embrace the unknown.
The Human Possibility Framework: A Roadmap for Growth
At the heart of Julie’s approach is the Human Possibility Framework, a model designed to help individuals and organizations navigate change by encouraging them to embrace their full potential. “It’s about creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best,” she explains. This framework is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, where individuals are often required to adapt to new circumstances rapidly.
Julie’s framework emphasizes the importance of human connection, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are often overlooked in traditional educational systems. Her work challenges the conventional “one-size-fits-all” approach to education, advocating instead for models that support personal growth and development in ways that are tailored to individual needs. In her words, “Education should not just be about acquiring knowledge, but about developing the skills and mindset to navigate life’s complexities.”
This human-centered approach offers a fresh perspective for organizations and leaders aiming to create lasting, meaningful change.
The Three Phases of Evolving Change: Not Knowing, Exploring, and Gathering
One of the most powerful concepts Julie introduces in the podcast is the Three Phases of Evolving Change: Not Knowing, Exploring, and Gathering. According to Julie, these phases form the foundation for understanding and navigating periods of transition.
“The Not Knowing phase,” Julie explains, “is often the most uncomfortable, but it’s also where the most possibility lies.” This phase is characterized by uncertainty and a lack of clear direction, yet it offers a unique opportunity to remain open to new ideas and possibilities. “It’s a space where curiosity can thrive,” she continues, “because you’re not tied to any preconceptions or fixed outcomes.”
As individuals move through the Not Knowing phase, they begin to enter the Exploring phase, where they actively seek out new experiences, information, and opportunities. This is the phase where ideas are tested and explored without fear of failure. “Exploration allows us to see what’s possible,” says Julie, “and it’s a critical step toward growth.”
Finally, the Gathering phase brings together the insights and experiences gained during exploration. In this phase, individuals synthesize what they’ve learned and begin to take actionable steps toward their goals. “Gathering is where everything comes together,” Julie notes, “and it’s where real progress is made.”
Julie emphasizes that growth is not a linear process. Each of these phases plays a vital role in personal and professional development, and the key to success lies in embracing each phase fully—particularly the uncertainty of Not Knowing. “The unknown isn’t something to fear,” she says. “It’s where the greatest potential for growth often begins.” Having gone through a recent period of ‘unknown’, Jeremy shares, “In that unknown space, where things felt really uncertain, we found that by leaning in—despite the discomfort—new opportunities started to emerge. It gave us a chance to reimagine what we were doing and to explore paths we hadn’t considered before.
Leaning Into Uncertainty: The Power of Vulnerability
Throughout their conversation, Jeremy and Julie discuss the power of vulnerability when it comes to navigating change. “There’s often a lot of pressure to have all the answers,” Jeremy observes, “but sometimes it’s more important to give ourselves the space to explore.” Julie agrees, noting that vulnerability is a key part of the growth process.
Rather than seeing uncertainty as a barrier, Julie views it as an opportunity for experimentation and discovery. “It’s not about getting everything right on the first try—it’s about being open to trying, failing, and learning along the way,” she shares. This mindset encourages individuals to embrace failure as a natural part of the growth journey, rather than something to be avoided.
Julie’s work champions the idea that, by leaning into uncertainty and being willing to take risks, individuals can unlock new possibilities and achieve meaningful change in both their personal and professional lives. This also highlights the emotional intelligence element of ‘adaptability’. As he reviewed the recording of this episode, Jeremy reflected that many of the topics of this conversation reminded him of key areas of emotional intelligence, like the great work from Daniel Goleman, whose research and teachings are featured globally as a client-partner on DSD.
Reimagining Work and Learning in a Post-Pandemic World
As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, both Jeremy and Julie reflect on the significant changes that have reshaped the way we work and learn. Julie highlights how the pandemic has forced many people to reassess their priorities, whether it’s finding deeper connections with others or discovering a greater sense of purpose in their work.
“People are rethinking what really matters,” Julie explains, “and there’s a growing recognition that personal and professional growth are deeply intertwined.” This shift in perspective has created new opportunities for both individuals and organizations to reimagine how they approach learning, work, and personal development.
For Julie, the key to navigating this new landscape lies in fostering environments that support human connection, adaptability, and resilience. Jeremy adds that having a strong support system—whether through mentors, teams, or communities—is essential for anyone looking to thrive in times of change.
Final Thoughts: The Journey of Growth and Discovery
As the conversation draws to a close, Julie reflects on the importance of staying open to new possibilities and embracing the unknown as a source of potential. “Each phase—Not Knowing, Exploring, and Gathering—offers its own lessons,” she says. “And it’s often in those moments of uncertainty where we find the greatest opportunities for growth.”
Her message is clear: by staying curious, connected, and willing to explore, we can all navigate life’s changes and challenges with greater confidence and purpose. In a world that often feels unpredictable, Julie’s insights serve as a reminder that the path to growth is not about having all the answers—it’s about being open to (and embracing) the journey itself.