Leading Through Uncertainty: Why DuPont’s CEO Gave Us the Quote of the Year—Before 2013 Even Began
“We need to have certainty so that we can plan.”
— Ellen Kullman, CEO, DuPont Co.
A Quote That Sparked a Bigger Conversation
As 2013 approached, DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman made a remark that quickly gained traction in executive circles. Speaking at a National Association of Corporate Directors meeting—just as concerns about fiscal policy and new regulations were mounting—Kullman offered a candid observation that appeared in The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal on December 11, 2012:
“We need to have certainty so that we can plan.”
It was a sentiment many business leaders echoed. After all, strategic planning thrives on predictability. But her words also raise a critical question: Is certainty really something we can afford to wait for?
Has Certainty Ever Truly Existed?
If you find yourself nodding in agreement with Kullman’s quote, you’re not alone. Yet it’s worth reflecting: when, in the history of business, was certainty ever guaranteed?
Was it during the booming ‘90s tech era? The post-WWII manufacturing surge? Perhaps the Roaring Twenties? The truth is, certainty has always been elusive. Markets shift, regulations evolve, global events disrupt. And yet, businesses press on.
Kullman was referring to the fiscal cliff crisis at the time—but the quote strikes a chord far beyond that context. It underscores just how deeply uncertainty now shapes leadership mindsets. But should it?
Fear is Not a Strategy
Today’s leaders are under pressure, no doubt. But fear and frustration cannot become the foundation of decision-making. Too often, leaders get caught up in narratives of over-regulation, high taxes, and policy unpredictability—without adapting to meet those realities with resilience and forward-thinking.
Leadership is not about waiting for the conditions to be right. It’s about steering with confidence when they’re not.
The Real Call to Action for Today’s Leaders
To the CEOs, directors, and future executives reading this: if you find yourself saying the same things this time next year—complaining about regulations, taxes, or a lack of clarity—it may be time to reconsider what leadership really means in your role.
Because leadership is not a title or a reaction. It’s a mindset. And it’s most evident when the path forward is anything but certain.