Edge of Government Series
Turning Pushback Into Progress For New Ideas
In partnership with the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation
Tuesday, Dec 8, 2026
Time is displayed in your local time zone
At this event, you’ll learn:
- How to respond to resistance with empathy and clear boundaries
- How to build psychological safety so teams can take smart risks
- Ways to spot innovation fads and stay focused on outcomes
Working at the edge can feel like holding two truths at once: you are excited by what might be possible and you are scared of what it might cost.
In government, innovation often asks you to challenge habits, identity and power. That can bring loneliness, pushback and self-doubt, even when your idea is sound. It also asks for empathy: understanding why people resist, creating space to let go of the old, and helping colleagues feel respected as change unfolds. At the same time, the edge can pull you into constant novelty, chasing the next shiny idea instead of building something that lasts.
In this masterclass, we will explore the emotional side of edge work: the good, the bad and the ugly. You’ll leave with practical ways to stay grounded, spot the endless novelty trap, and build psychological safety. If you lead a team, you’ll get concrete moves you can take to protect and empower people doing brave work.
Explore the Edge of Government hub to learn more about our partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, including the Edge 50 list, case studies, interviews and upcoming masterclasses.
Who should join
Designed for public servants working on change, innovation, digital or reform, plus senior leaders who want their teams to explore the edge without fear.
How to join
This event will take place on Zoom. Joining instructions will be displayed once you register. The event will be recorded and the recording will be sent to all registrants. It may also be made available on Apolitical's platform for other members of our community to enjoy.
Apolitical is partnering with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Cabinet Affairs to design and deliver this exciting event. As part of this partnership, Apolitical may share personal data with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Cabinet Affairs including registration information, event attendance and insights, in order to facilitate this partnership. This personal data may be transferred outside the UK and the EEA, and to a country that does not currently have an adequacy agreement. Apolitical will only transfer data where there is an additional appropriate legal safeguard in place, such as an International Data Transfer Agreement. Data will be handled in accordance with the UK’s GDPR and the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Legislation.
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Image credit: Unsplash
