Masters of Scale Prioritize principles in crisis, w/Upwork’s Hayden Brown and Merck’s Ken Frazier
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Jun 29, 2023 In a compelling discussion, Ken Frazier, former CEO of Merck, known for his equitable leadership, and Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, share insights on navigating crises with core principles. They discuss the importance of trusting values amidst social upheavals like the Ukraine war and the pandemic. Brown highlights opportunities for diversity and productivity growth during chaos, while Frazier stresses the role of socially conscious leadership. The conversation emphasizes empathetic, adaptive strategies over traditional top-down approaches, urging leaders to engage with pressing social issues.
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Empathetic Leadership in Crises
- CEOs shouldn't default to quick, top-down decisions during crises.
- Instead, be reflective, empathetic listeners, and empower employees.
Merck's Pandemic Performance
- During the pandemic, 70% of Merck employees couldn't work remotely.
- Yet, their dedication to the company's purpose increased their order fulfillment rate.
Selective Social Advocacy
- Business leaders shouldn't feel pressured to speak on every social issue.
- Focus on issues aligning with your company's values and where you've earned the right to speak.