Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Leading with your gut, w/Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky
May 21, 2020
Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, shares her inspiring journey of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about her swift actions, like stockpiling products and enhancing supply chains, while reflecting on her family's immigrant experience. The discussion covers the shift in consumer behavior, emphasizing women's vital roles in business and the importance of community support. Julie also highlights the need for mental health awareness and self-care, particularly for women navigating professional and personal challenges in unprecedented times.
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Early Influences
- Julie Smolyansky's parents were refugees from the Soviet Union, familiar with food scarcity.
- This upbringing influenced her quick action during the pandemic, stockpiling products and securing supply chains.
Prepare for Panic
- Prepare for crises by considering human behavior, not just computer models.
- Smolyansky anticipated increased demand and warned customers, unlike those relying solely on algorithms.
On-the-Ground Leadership
- Smolyansky visited production facilities to support workers and ensure safety protocols.
- She even personally searched for thermometers, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining essential supplies.