Patrick Lagadec

About Patrick Lagadec

Patrick Lagadec is a research director at École polytechnique. A former student of ESSEC, he holds a State Doctorate in political science, a doctorate in geography, a diploma from the École Pratique des Hautes Études, and was the 1999 Laureate of the Engelberg Forum Prize. The central theme of his theoretical and operational work is the management of complex societies in highly turbulent environments, combining major crises and chaotic contexts. We must face crises increasingly marked by mega shocks and the risk of systemic breakdowns. The crisis management models developed in the 1980s are no longer relevant.

Drawing on his work in various fields, numerous direct testimonies from top experts and decision-makers internationally (which have resulted in many particularly rich personal videos), Patrick Lagadec speaks at conferences, exercises, seminars, or directly in situations, to help organizations and their leaders qualify the issues now undergoing full transformation, identify and avoid the pitfalls that threaten whenever entering these volatile and chaotic territories for which our models and tools have not been configured. He especially shares the idea of inventing, charting, and building pathways to positive outcomes in all our difficult situations.

Every crisis, as is often said, combines danger and opportunity: but only trained organizations and leaders can effectively find material for invention and positive realization. Patrick Lagadec intervenes precisely, in various ways, to aid in acquiring new paradigms and strategic skills, both in strategic capacities and operational implementations. This direct experience with the field, anchored in theoretical work conducted internationally, enriches his multiple interventions in conferences and seminars, both in France and abroad.

His latest publication traces his journey: Patrick Lagadec: “Navigating in Unknown Territories”, Kit No. 1, Collection “Les Kits de Préventique”, Préventique, Bordeaux, May 2013, 24 pages.