Jo Anne Poirier: How Transparency and Empathy Can Help Guide Your Team Through Crises

On episode 10 of White Swan: The Crisis Podcast, we hear from Jo-Anne Poirier, CEO of VON Canada, an organisation that has provided home and community care to more than 10,000 people throughout Canada for more than 120 years. VON has faced an array of crises that could have seen off a lesser-prepared organisation in the last few years – from a financial restructuring, through Covid, to a ransomware attack and even a mass shooting.Jo-Anne tells us how her motto in a crisis is to “stay calm and stay steady”. She tells us about how she has projected this calmness into her organisation, and how this has helped VON get through a difficult period. The assumption that the top of the organisation should act like everything is fine at all times has changed, driven partly by Covid. More organisations now are looking for a transparent and empathetic – and above all, honest – leader to drive them forward. Jo-Anne embodies this, and this episode gives a unique look at how she has used these principles to guide VON through all that the last couple of years has thrown at them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

A crisis can come in many forms. But whatever it looks like, one thing is certain: businesses need to be prepared. White Swan: The Crisis Podcast sees host Gavin Megaw joined by Gary Cleland of Hanover and Karen White of National in Canada to talk with a super special guest to look at crises from all angles to explain how senior business leaders stay on top of things during those tense, headline-making moments.Each episode of White Swan will feature an in-depth conversation with a senior figure from the world of business, who will tell us about their crisis experiences, give you the lessons you need to hear, and emphasise the importance of a nice cup of tea and a sit down.White Swan is brought to you by Hanover Communications. Find out more at HanoverComms.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.