In this first episode of 2025, host Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, explores the critical leadership skills needed to navigate an unpredictable business landscape.
As the world faces political transitions, ongoing global conflicts, and economic uncertainties, leaders must be equipped with adaptive leadership, empathetic communication, and technological savvy. Drawing lessons from past crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and New Zealand’s communication strategies, Bryan discusses how these competencies are essential for driving organizational flexibility and resilience.
Bryan delves into indispensable traits such as crisis management competence, cultural intelligence, and inclusivity, highlighting their significance with real-world examples like Johnson & Johnson’s response to the Tylenol crisis and PepsiCo’s global market expansion.
He emphasizes the correlation between personal resilience and stress management, inspired by the successful Chilean mining rescue operation, and the importance of ethical leadership as demonstrated by industry pioneers like Paul Polman and Elon Musk.
The episode concludes with practical advice on building these skills through continuous learning, mentorship, and scenario planning, urging listeners to commit to cultivating essential leadership competencies for a more resilient and innovative future.