9 Leadership Lessons From 2020, Per The World Economic Forum

The upheavals of 2020, triggered mostly but not only by the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic shutdown required to try to stop the spread of it, forced leaders to see their places in the economy and their organizations very differently, and to respond. Fast. In this new reality, almost none of the existing policies and practices applied, because they were too slow, irrelevant or ineffective. This tumultuous year also taught us of all – and especially the world’s leaders across sectors many of whom gathered virtually for the WEF 2021 for the first time – many lessons that we will need to both eliminate covid-19 and to emerge from it stronger and better. Here are 9 lessons leaders learned from 2020 and Covid-19, so far, as reflected in WEF 2021:

Water Pollution & Justice – Actress & Activist Gloria Reuben

“When you talk about pollution of the waterways, that goes very much to industries, like fossil fuels of course, like factory farming, like businesses or corporations that are allowed to just dump their waste or by-product of making things, manufacturing, into the waterways, when there’s no regulation, then clearly, then people can just do what they want to without any consequences.” Gloria Reuben on Green Connections Radio podcast. .One organization has been holding polluters accountable for decades — the Waterkeepers Alliance — and now they have a new leader who brings starpower as well as commitment to advocacy and justice. Gloria Reuben, actress and environmental activist is their new President. Listen to Gloria explain their impact in this engaging conversation with Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson, commemorating Black history Month.

“Are You Deferring Your Interests for Someone Else’s?” – Joan Michelson on “Time Matters!” podcast with Cherice Taylor

Last week Joan was a guest on “Time Matters!” a podcast hosted by Cherice Taylor. “Time Matters!’ is for students and families of all ages and interests and intended to help students maneuver their path to life after high school by hearing from professionals in all career fields. Listen to Joan’s episode, “Are You Deferring… Continue reading “Are You Deferring Your Interests for Someone Else’s?” – Joan Michelson on “Time Matters!” podcast with Cherice Taylor

How to Be a Media Magnet Without a PR Firm

The effervescent Geeta Nadkarni – who wowed the audience of 1700 professional speakers at the National Speakers Association “Influence” conference – tells us how to be a “media magnet” by doing our own public relations. In this short interview, Geeta and Green Connections host Joan Michelson (also a pr maven) share some easier-than-you think tips… Continue reading How to Be a Media Magnet Without a PR Firm

Benefits of Women’s Non-Dominant Role – Laura Liswood, Council of Women World Leaders

“In a crisis time, you need the most creative ideas and the most differing experiences and perspectives, which is obviously what diversity provides…So, particularly companies need to be ever-vigilant in that they don’t skimp in their focus around diversity,”  Laura Liswood, Secretary General of the Counsel of Women World Leaders warned in a World Economic Forum’s Davos 2021. As our economies seek ways to emerge stronger from this covid pandemic and the economic crisis it caused, it is shocking that so few women (and under-represented groups) are at the leadership tables planning this recovery.
Listen to this fascinating interview with Laura Liswood on the benefits women bring simply because they have NOT been in control. Liswood is Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders and has studied, interviewed and worked with dozens of female heads of state and ministers, Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits, including having led diversity programs. Laura spoke at the World Economic Forum 2021 about these issues, and this interview was recorded prior to the pandemic.

How The Paris Climate Accord Can Create US Jobs – Tracy Raczek, Frmr UN Climate Advisor

“I truly, truly think that the green economy is an opportunity…When you look at greening infrastructure…truly transitioning our entire economy, you have incredible job opportunity…(including) for our business to be thinking ahead.” Tracy Raczek on Green Connections Radio podcast. A mere hours after being sworn in as president, President Joe Biden immediately rejoined the Paris Climate Accord with the stroke of his pen. Tracy Raczek, former Climate Advisor to the UN Secretary General, believes signing the Accord can be a job-creator in the U.S. Listen to Tracy explain why and much more in this fascinating interview on Green Connections Radio podcast with host Joan Michelson.

6 Questions Leaders Need To Ask Post-Covid. Welcome To The ESG Era

“This is really a pivotal moment for businesses, for brands to behave the best way possible as citizens and to contribute in the best way they can for the public good, rather than to be seen as a good company,” Anne Bahr Thompson, branding expert and author of “Do Good: Embracing Brand Citizenship to Fuel… Continue reading 6 Questions Leaders Need To Ask Post-Covid. Welcome To The ESG Era

7 Best Career And Leadership Tips From Women Who Made History In 2020

As former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Well-behaved women rarely make history” and we’ve had a lot of those this year. Here are seven lessons we can take from a few key women who made history in 2020: Partner with someone who makes you think differently: When Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris as his  Vice… Continue reading 7 Best Career And Leadership Tips From Women Who Made History In 2020

What You Really Accomplished This Year—And Where It’s Guiding You

Especially in a year like 2020 when everything is in upheaval and we aren’t leaving our homes much, and we feel like things are static, it’s easy to think we didn’t get much done, and didn’t move our lives forward. But I respectfully suggest you probably got more done and made more progress than you think.… Continue reading What You Really Accomplished This Year—And Where It’s Guiding You

“Ecosystem of Social Good” – Rachel Hutchisson, Blackbaud

“This idea of ‘voice and choice’ is, ask me what I think and then listen to what I have to say and then give me a choice as to how I can participate. Don’t forget that I’m an individual…That’s a really big trend.”
Rachel Hutchisson on Green Connections Radio
Do you volunteer at a nonprofit, or donate to one? Does your employer even know what causes align with you?  More and more employers are realizing that it’s important to offer ways their employees can give back. Listen to Rachel Hutchisson of Blackbaud describe how to create “an ecosystem of social good” for employees tailored to your team, in this enlightening interview with Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson.