Companies that are agile and resilient — that is, those that respond quickly to market changes — are 40% to 50% faster to market and have 20% to 30% higher workforce productivity, one recent study showed. In crises, of course, is where agile and resilient companies can stand out even further to the upside.

During the global financial crisis of 2007–2008, resilient companies saw earnings grow, Grant told the group, by around 10%, while non-resilient industry peers suffered a 15% decline.

To successfully navigate the COVID-19 era, Grant told the group, leaders need to make difficult decisions and set a course that may not be the most popular,” she said. “But we need to act quickly and we need our teams to follow.”

The IT director of a global beverage company agreed. “We are seeing a level of use cases and experimental projects that is astounding compared to pre-COVID days,” the executive said, “and that is a hallmark of the new normal.”