Have you ever wondered why your organisation feels stuck, even when you’re following all the “right” processes? Are you frustrated by the barriers that seem impossible to break down, or by failures that feel more like dead ends than learning opportunities?

This talk is for those wrestling with these questions and struggling to make real progress in their organisations. Supported by a fictitious (but all-too-familiar) case study of Magnum Opus, 'Deceiving Ourselves' explores ten lies that organisations tell themselves—lies that masquerade as wisdom and received knowledge, but often lead to stagnation, frustration, and failure.

Through humour, empathy, and audience participation, we'll unpack these common pitfalls, illustrating how they stifle growth and prevent meaningful change. From the myth that “process equals progress” to the belief that “failure is the enemy,” I’ll expose the flawed thinking that holds organisations back.

But it isn’t a doom-and-gloom session. By recognising these lies and reframing them as opportunities, the talk will demonstrate how organisations can break free from the status quo. This is a ‘troublemaker’ session designed to disrupt conventional thinking and spark fresh ideas. Together, we’ll explore how embracing the right kinds of failures can unlock genuine growth and create more dynamic, adaptive systems.