Empowering
the Antifragile Movement

We are your dedicated AQ Companions. Journeying alongside visionaries, teams, and organizations, we guide you on your path to embracing Antifragility and easing your burden. 

 

Through the genuine insights from our exclusive AQ Assessment, we help with the burdens of leadership at every step of your transformative odyssey.

 

Our vision? To foster a global collective of leaders unwavering in their dedication to transcend resilience. We aspire to liberate individuals, teams, and organizations, empowering them to harness the boundless potential of Antifragility.

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment
About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment
About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

Venturing into the Unknown: A Note to Fellow Travelers

To all the trailblazers drawn to this path, understand that the terrain ahead is a mystery. Yet, within that uncertainty, there is a profound truth: the only real certainty lies in the steps we take together.

 

This journey is rich in transformative experiences. The value isn’t found in a final destination but in the ongoing process and shared growth of the journey itself.

 

Beyond the superficial allure of self-improvement lies a return to time-tested wisdom. It’s an invitation to embrace a life and leadership style that embraces antifragility in the face of uncertainty.

 

Join us if you’re driven to grow through challenges and see antifragility as a profound transformation.

 

Stay if you believe in our collective potential, unlocked through empathy and understanding.

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment
About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

AQ: Return to Ancient Insights

As you explore the 7 Elements of Antifragility — Clarity, Purpose, Connection, Courage, Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Responsibility — you may notice the echoes of age-old wisdom traditions.

 

The 7 Elements resonate with profound principles that underpin many social, religious, and philosophical traditions. It’s our belief that these elements are intrinsically woven into the fabric of human nature.

Regardless of their origin, it’s essential to recognize the universal truths they encapsulate. Many world religions, despite the controversies and conflicts many associate with them, have at their heart the aspiration to elevate human virtue and flourishing.

 

We respect and honor those who’ve dedicated their lives to nurturing humanity’s capacity for love, kindness, and growth through adversity. To claim that our world would have been better without these anchors would be a disservice to the centuries of enlightenment they’ve provided.

Members of the Antifragile Quotient Team come from diverse backgrounds. Some actively participate in faith traditions, while others do not identify with any religious affiliation. Our shared mission transcends any particular creed.

 

Our focus remains steadfast on the universal human experience, transcending religious boundaries.

AQ Core Values

1

Embrace Transformation


Before we seek external change, we commit to being the change we envision for the world.

2

Take Personal Accountability


Our behavior, perspective, and reaction to circumstances are ours to control and own.

3

Elevate Collective Success


Our devotion lies in uplifting others, striving always for mutual and shared success.

team aq

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

Will
Anfuso

Co-Founder & Principal

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

Kirk
Lohmolder

Co-Founder & Principal

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

dan
deering

Co-Founder & Principal

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

lucas
bennington

Head of Technology

About AQ, Antifragile Quotient | AQ Assessment

Spencer
Headley

Coach

join the antifragile movement

Interested in Becoming
an AQ Facilitator?

frequently asked questions

What is Antifragile Quotient?

The AQ Assessment is derived from time-tested open-source tools that have decoded human tendencies for over 80 years. In just five minutes, it gauges your proficiency in the 7 Elements of Antifragility: Clarity, Purpose, Connection, Courage, Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Responsibility. These elements, rooted in both science and the core teachings of the world’s major faith traditions, represent universal human truths. For best results, verify your assessment with trusted peers and a Certified AQ Coach, and wholeheartedly embrace its insights on your path to greater antifragility.

Is the AQ Assessment available for organizations?

Absolutely! To inquire about bringing AQ Assessment to your organization or team, click here.

How can companies be fragile or Antifragile?

An organization reflects its people — team members and leaders alike. While all exhibit a mix of fragile and antifragile behaviors, leaders’ actions resonate more profoundly. Many often overlook their fragile tendencies until the repercussions become unavoidable. This oversight can result in two concerning patterns:

 

  • Fragility seeps into the organization’s culture. When leaders showcase fragile behaviors, it often trickles down, influencing the team. Some organizations might even inadvertently favor fragility during hiring based on leadership biases.

 

  • Flawed decision-making processes. Fragility arises from the gap between our expectations and reality, magnified within organizations. Leaders might make short-term decisions at the cost of long-term benefits due to external pressures.

 

In contrast, antifragile leaders are introspective, thriving in adversity. Instead of fixating on uncontrollable factors, they foster flexible cultures that strengthen through challenges.

Antifragile Quotient sounds like a political message - is it?

One common question we encounter revolves around the political undertones of antifragility. Some wonder if we’re subtly advocating for a particular political agenda. To clarify, AQ isn’t a veiled political statement. Some from the left speculate it’s critiquing them for being “soft,” while some from the right sense a push for a “woke” agenda. In truth, it’s neither.

 

Antifragility is a message for everyone. The central idea? Our communities, leaders, and organizations are becoming more fragile. It’s about rediscovering our inherent capacity to thrive amidst challenges and uncertainties, irrespective of political leanings.

Why not say “resilient” since Antifragile sounds so negative?

A common question we encounter is, “Why ‘Anti’ in Antifragile?” To be fair, the prefix might seem negative to some. Our rationale? It’s about emphasizing a move away from fragility.

 

As highlighted by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book Antifragile, resilience isn’t the direct opposite of fragility, just as neutral isn’t the opposite of negative. Resilience means enduring shocks without change. Antifragility, on the other hand, means growing and benefiting from change. In a world marked by increasing unpredictability, being antifragile better equips us to navigate and thrive amidst life’s complexities.

Is AQ unsympathetic to individuals experiencing pain, grief, and loss?

This question, though not our most common, is vital. The simple answer is: No! To be human is to have moments of fragility.

 

Modern society has shifted toward seeking comfort, yet suffering remains an inherent part of life. Fragility emerges from the disparity between our expectations and reality. Feeling pain doesn’t signify fragility; it’s a part of being human. Often, the most antifragile individuals have faced significant hardships and grown stronger.

Is Antifragility lacking in empathy and compassion?

Antifragility, or “AQ,” doesn’t dismiss pain or suffering. Unlike mere resilience, which might bypass stressors without growth, antifragility acknowledges life’s challenges. It champions healthy processing of pain, enabling us to eventually thrive from such experiences.

 

AQ aims to help everyone harness their inherent ability to strengthen through adversity. True empathy and compassion often stem from personal suffering, making them intrinsic to being Antifragile.

let's connect

ready to reach new heights?

Let’s make that journey together. Complete the inquiry form below and our AQ Team will connect with you within [two to three business days].