The Surprising Power of Not Knowing What to Do: Discovering Creativity and Compassion in a Time of Chaos

"The Surprising Power of Not Knowing What to Do" is like a fitness regimen for your mind. The book explores the counterintuitive idea that being at a loss for what to do is an opportunity, not a problem. You will learn how to develop the mental stamina to deal with your most daunting challenges. You will discover strategies for accessing insights and options when you feel stuck. Most importantly, you will gain renewed faith in the possibility of a more creative and compassionate future.

Jay Gordon Cone teaches people how to think together and solve problems together. Jay has spent the past 35 years supporting leadership development and organizational change. He has worked with leaders and organizations around the world.

Jay is a founding partner of Unstuck Minds, a firm focused on helping people access creativity and compassion when they feel stuck. Before starting Unstuck Minds with his business partner, Lisa Weaver, Jay spent 20 years as a senior consultant for Interaction Associates. Before joining Interaction Associates, Jay held a number of talent development, human resources, and organizational development roles in the food service industry.

Jay served for five years as adjunct faculty for the Executive MBA program at The University of Texas at Dallas. He has written extensively about organizational leadership and strategy. His articles have appeared in Training Magazine, The Training & Development Journal, and The Journal of Global Business and Organizational Excellence. Jay authored the chapter, "Authentic Accountability" appearing in the 2011 International Leadership Association's collection: Leadership for Transformation. His article, "How to Cultivate an Unstuck Mind" was featured in the Fall 2019 issue of Rotman Management Magazine.

His current and past clients include: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dell Technologies, Exelon, GE, Nokia, Fluor Corporation, The TJX Companies, and W.L. Gore and Associates.

Jay and his wife Katherine live in Dallas, Texas. He and Katherine have three adult daughters: Abby, Hannah, and Bekah.