When It Hits the Fan Heathrow special: inside the crisis
8 snips
Mar 25, 2025 The podcast dives into the chaos at Heathrow caused by a fire, leaving 300,000 passengers stranded and 1,300 flights cancelled. It scrutinizes the CEO's questionable choice to sleep during the crisis and the ensuing media narratives. Discussions also focus on the challenges of leadership communication in high-pressure situations and compare crisis management strategies with National Grid. Finally, it touches on the future of Heathrow’s third runway, revealing the political and financial hurdles ahead.
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Darling's Curry Diplomacy
- During the 2008 financial crisis, Alistair Darling ordered a large Indian takeaway for a late-night negotiation with bankers.
- However, only Darling and his team ate it, pressuring the bankers to reach an agreement.
Crisis Optics
- Consider the optics of decisions during a crisis, like a CEO sleeping while a major issue unfolds.
- Anticipate how the media and public will interpret actions, even seemingly reasonable ones.
Cui Bono?
- Leaking the information about the CEO sleeping may have benefited other parties involved.
- Consider the various stakeholders involved and their potential motivations in a crisis.