“This iceberg is not who we are. It is only where we now live.” – John P. Kotter – Professor, author
This quote originates from John P. Kotter’s influential fable, Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions, co-authored with Holger Rathgeber. Set in the frozen expanse of Antarctica, the story follows a colony of penguins confronted with a daunting realization: their iceberg home is melting. As they struggle to face this existential threat, the colony must overcome resistance to change, tackle denial, and forge a path forward together.
The line, “This iceberg is not who we are. It is only where we now live,” encapsulates a pivotal theme of the book. Spoken during a dramatic meeting among the penguins, the message is clear: identity is not tied to current circumstances. The iceberg symbolizes comfort zones, established routines, or the familiar structures organizations or individuals cling to, especially when confronted by uncertainty or crises. Kotter’s insight is that circumstances—however urgent or threatening—do not define one’s core values, purpose, or collective identity. By distinguishing between “who we are” and “where we live,” Kotter urges audiences to separate the essence of their identity from temporary conditions, laying the groundwork for adaptability and resilience in the face of necessary change.
Our Iceberg Is Melting itself is a parable designed to distill and illustrate Kotter’s renowned Eight Step Process for Leading Change. Through the narrative of the penguins, Kotter conveys how successful adaptation—whether in organizations or communities—relies on assembling the courage to accept uncomfortable truths, mobilize around a shared vision, and act collectively, rather than retreating into denial or nostalgia.
About John P. Kotter
John P. Kotter is a preeminent authority on leadership and change management. As a professor at Harvard Business School, Kotter has spent decades researching how leaders successfully navigate major transformations within organizations. He is the author of numerous award-winning books, including Leading Change, which introduced his influential Eight Step Process, and Our Iceberg Is Melting, which brings those concepts to life in a memorable, accessible way.
Kotter’s work has shaped the practice of organizational change around the world. His emphasis on the need for urgency, clear vision, inclusive leadership teams, and systematic action provides a roadmap for leaders seeking to inspire adaptability and resilience in times of disruption. By blending rigorous research with the engaging storytelling found in Our Iceberg Is Melting, Kotter has helped countless leaders and teams confront challenges, recognizing that—no matter the “iceberg” they inhabit—their identity and potential transcend present circumstances
