Masters of Scale The 4 core principles of crisis management, w/Ellen Kullman (DuPont, Carbon)
Jul 7, 2020
Ellen Kullman, the former CEO of DuPont and Carbon, shares her insights on crisis management, having navigated major challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the onset of COVID-19. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your company’s core identity and practicing crisis principles in peaceful times. Among her four key strategies is the necessity of clear communication and a unified mission, which help inspire teams and foster resilience. Kullman’s experiences offer valuable lessons on adaptability and bold decision-making during turbulent times.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Apollo 13: A Case Study in Crisis Management
- During the Apollo 13 mission, an oxygen tank exploded, creating a life-threatening crisis for the astronauts.
- Despite the immense pressure, the astronauts and ground control remained calm and methodical, relying on their training and communication protocols to solve each problem.
No Crisis Playbook
- There's no specific crisis playbook; true crisis management stems from a company's existing strengths and processes.
- Double down on your company's identity, talent, and established communication practices during crises.
Kullman's Trial by Fire
- Ellen Kullman became DuPont's CEO just before the 2008 financial crisis, a challenging time for the company.
- This challenging entry allowed Kullman to quickly understand the company's leadership and responses under pressure.