Research Brief
A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.
Presenter
Linda Sharkey
Description
During times of crisis, the culture is even more connected to the actions of our leaders. Organizations that sustain, and even improve the corporate culture during these times are the ones who lead the way in the new economy. In this session, leadership expert and former CPO and leader from HP, GE, and others, Linda Sharkey shares how we need to think about leadership development to prepare for the new normal. Specifically, Linda will share with you:
Learning Points
* How to analyze your leadership capacity for resilience, innovation, and team engagement * How to create an amazing culture for success pre and post-crisis * You will receive tools and techniques to help you come back online quickly.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Leader actions are directly linked to corporate culture, especially during a crisis.
- 2.Organizations that improve their culture during crises are better positioned for success in the new economy.
- 3.Leadership development strategies must be adapted to prepare for the "new normal" after a crisis.
- 4.Leaders must analyze their capacity for resilience, innovation, and effective team engagement.
- 5.A positive and resilient culture is essential for success both before and after a crisis.
- 6.The session provides tools and techniques to help organizations recover quickly.
The Leader's Role in Shaping Post-Crisis Culture
In times of crisis, the connection between leadership actions and corporate culture becomes more critical than ever. Organizations that successfully navigate disruption are those whose leaders actively sustain and even improve their culture. According to leadership expert Linda Sharkey, these organizations are the ones that will lead the way in the new economy that follows.
This session focuses on rethinking leadership development to prepare for the "new normal." It provides a framework for transforming your leadership and culture to not only survive a crisis but to thrive afterward.
About the Presenter
Linda Sharkey is a renowned leadership expert, former Chief People Officer (CPO), and a past leader from major corporations including HP and GE. She brings her extensive experience to help leaders prepare for future challenges.
Key Learnings from the Session
This webinar provides actionable insights and practical tools for leaders and organizations.
Analyze Your Leadership Capacity
The first step in preparation is evaluation. Linda Sharkey shares how to analyze your leadership team's current capacity for crucial post-crisis attributes, including:
- Resilience
- Innovation
- Team engagement
Create an Amazing Culture for Success
Learn the principles and strategies for building a successful and resilient corporate culture. This session covers how to create a foundation for success that endures before, during, and after a crisis.
Access Tools for Quick Recovery
Attendees will receive specific tools and techniques designed to help their teams and the broader organization "come back online" quickly and effectively as the business landscape stabilizes.
In the wake of significant disruption, understanding how to effectively transform leadership practices and organizational culture is paramount. This session explores critical strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise after a crisis, focusing on building resilience and fostering a forward-looking mindset. It remains highly relevant for organizations aiming to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
What you'll learn
- How to assess current organizational culture post-crisis and identify areas for transformation.
- Strategies for leaders to adapt their styles to new realities and foster agility within their teams.
- Methods for building psychological safety and trust during periods of significant change.
- Insights into communicating a compelling vision for the future to galvanize employees.
- Techniques for sustaining cultural shifts and embedding new ways of working into the organization's DNA.
Who this webinar is for
This session is designed for:
- Senior leaders and executives grappling with organizational change and recovery.
- HR professionals responsible for talent management and cultural initiatives.
- Organizational development specialists driving transformation efforts.
- Managers seeking to empower their teams and adapt to new work environments.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners preparing their companies for future uncertainties.
Why it matters now
Even years after the immediate impact of a crisis, its ripples continue to influence business operations, employee expectations, and market dynamics. Organizations that proactively address leadership and culture transformation are better positioned to innovate, retain top talent, and maintain a competitive edge. The ability to pivot quickly and cultivate a resilient culture is no longer a luxury but a necessity for sustainable success.
How leaders can apply this
Linda Sharkey emphasizes the importance of a proactive and empathetic approach to leading through change. Leaders can begin by:
- Conducting cultural audits: Understand the current state of employee morale, values, and collaboration.
- Prioritizing communication: Establish transparent and frequent channels to keep employees informed and engaged.
- Investing in development: Focus on upskilling leaders and employees to meet future demands.
- Modeling desired behaviors: Leaders must exemplify the cultural attributes they wish to cultivate within the organization.
- Empowering teams: Delegate authority and foster an environment where innovation and adaptability can flourish.
- Celebrating small wins: Acknowledge progress to maintain momentum and reinforce positive changes.
About this session
Key takeaways
Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on workplace culture. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Linda Sharkey's direct experience.
Who this is for
CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for workplace culture inside their organization.
Why it matters now
Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about workplace culture.
How to apply it
Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.