You don’t have to sit there and try to figure it all out by yourself. This powerful statement from Kevin Keane’s recent interview with Julie Clowes, District Director of the SBA, encapsulates a crucial truth for small business owners facing unexpected challenges. The conversation explored how businesses can prepare for disruptions, whether they come from natural disasters, economic downturns, or other unforeseen events.
Disaster Recovery: People and Preparedness with Gerald Thomas, COO, American Red Cross LA Region
In an effort to dig deeper, I interviewed experts in our region that focus on each of these three critical methods for approaching preparedness – Recovery, Continuity and Resilience.
The first of these with Gerald Thomas, COO of the American Red Cross in Los Angeles focuses on Disaster Recovery. We discuss the nuances of disaster preparedness, the critical role of volunteers, and the importance of community trust in recovery efforts. Thomas shares strategies for responding to disasters and highlights the human element that drives successful recovery.
Adapting to Change: Going Back to the Office
As the business landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, several organizations are reevaluating their work models, shifting from remote to in-person work. Companies such as Dell, AT&T, Toyota, and the federal government have recently implemented policies requiring employees to return to the office. This transition carries both potential benefits and challenges, including the possibility of workforce…
Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity, and Resilience: Understanding the Spectrum of Crisis Response
In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. But let’s be real—these aren’t just technical problems; they impact people, livelihoods, and communities. The way a business responds to a crisis can make all the difference, not just in restoring systems but in supporting employees, customers, and stakeholders through…
Navigating the World Beyond Numbers
Lessons Learned and Taught with Accounting Students Last year I spoke to a class of accounting students at NC State. While there, I took this picture with the statue of Jim Valvano, the iconic basketball coach whose career culminated at NC State. I wrote this on LinkedIn after the experience: “In the spirit of great…
Innovative Ways of Giving: Grassroots Responses to the LA Wildfires
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have once again demonstrated the resilience and compassion of communities coming together in times of crisis. While the flames tore through neighborhoods and threatened lives, the stories emerging from these disasters are about loss, certainly. They’re also about ingenuity, solidarity, and the innovative ways people are stepping up to…
Countdown to Greatness: A City’s Olympic Journey Like an Athlete’s Training
When cities bid to host the Olympics, they embark on a rigorous, high-stakes preparation process similar to that of athletes who compete in the Games. Both face intense physical and mental challenges, and the keys to their success—whether it’s delivering a world-class event or achieving peak performance—lie in a set of shared principles. At some…
The Scariest Digital Transformation Fails: Lessons Learned
Digital transformation promises to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and propel businesses into a tech-driven future. Yet, when poorly managed, it can lead to massive failures, leaving companies scrambling to recover. These failures offer critical lessons on the importance of thorough planning, strategic leadership, and a robust risk mitigation framework. In our post at the beginning…
Business Process Transformation: A Roadmap to Efficiency and Growth
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizations must continuously adapt to stay competitive. Business process transformation (BPT) is a strategic approach that enables companies to overhaul inefficient processes and integrate new technologies, fostering growth and innovation. Successful transformation involves a structured, collaborative approach, ensuring that changes are not only implemented but fully embraced across all…
Avoid a Failed Presentation: Leadership Through Effective Communication
Both sides now: A Presentation that Missed the Mark It was a crucial moment for Sarah, a marketing executive tasked with presenting a new product strategy to the company’s board of directors. She had spent weeks preparing, gathering data, crafting slides, and rehearsing her delivery. However, despite her thorough preparation, things took an unexpected turn…