Screams are still reverberating around the globe after Taylor and Travis’ big engagement announcement last week.  

Navigating the uncertainties of life can be challenging, especially for young adults in their twenties. In her song, “22”, Taylor captures how this time in life is filled with mixed emotions and endless possibilities. The lyrics, "We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time," perfectly encapsulate the range of experiences that come with this stage of life. My husband and I have five children in their twenties, each exploring different scenarios for their futures. From new jobs and moves to new cities to navigating personal relationships, they are always imagining the possibilities.

Sometimes it is hard to gain clarity about the best path forward when imagining potential future scenarios.

Many of the organizations we work with at Armstrong McGuire also face uncertainties about the future. During times of change and uncertainty, a strategy that is especially valuable for both our twenty-somethings and for our clients is Scenario Planning. Scenario Thinking is a deliberate forward-thinking process for anticipating possible futures and shaping strategies to navigate them well.  

Recently, I joined Armstrong McGuire Senior Advisor, Staci Barfield, on a trip to Staunton, Virginia. Staci led a session called Scenario Thinking for Strategic Clarity for one of the Virginia Funders Network’s Regional Gatherings. Staci inspired a group of 25 philanthropic leaders to look forward and explore multiple plausible futures for their foundations.  

Many times, when we think of scenario planning, we immediately go to worst-case scenarios:  

• Weather related disasters – what if we experience a series of climate-related disasters shifting community needs?

• Global Health – what if a new pandemic emerges, with prolonged disruptions to education, workforce participation, and mental health in your community?  

• Policy Shifts – what if new legislation changes tax incentives and there’s a drastic decline in donations?  

Staci encouraged the group to also consider positive possibilities:

• What if new legislation significantly increases tax incentives for charitable giving, leading to a surge in donations to nonprofits in your community?

• What if your region experiences a prolonged period without major natural disasters, allowing stability for long-term community development work?  

• What if the historic transfer of wealth from baby boomers dramatically increases your role as a central community convener?  

Having a methodology and a plan for how to face both positive and negative uncertainties both personally and professionally makes us more adaptable and resilient. Scenario Thinking helps organizations anticipate disruption, align around shared priorities, and make decisions that preserve both impact and identity—no matter what lies ahead.  

By embracing uncertainties and planning for multiple scenarios, both individuals and organizations can become more adaptable and resilient. Just as Taylor Swift encourages us to enjoy the moment and embrace the uncertainties of being 22, scenario planning helps us navigate the complexities of life and work with a sense of preparedness and optimism. Even in our wildest dreams, we couldn’t have imagined that Taylor would be headed down the aisle to marry Travis Kelce.  

At Armstrong McGuire, we welcome the opportunity to partner with clients to think strategically about a variety of future scenarios and walk alongside them to develop plans that are adaptable and nimble.  

Staci will deliver a version of the Scenario Planning workshop mentioned above at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Fall Day of Learning on October 16^th in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Learn more.

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Julie Campbell is the Director of Partnership Engagement for Armstrong McGuire. Learn more about Julie and check out her other musings in her bio.