Leadership Through Crisis
Lessons from the LA Fires
It’s difficult to truly grasp the deep and lasting effects that disasters like the LA fires have on communities, especially when we only hear about it in the news. But this past weekend, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how it’s impacting local businesses, and it left me reflecting on leadership and resilience.
My husband and I purposely chose to go to dinner on the westside of LA. This wasn’t just about satisfying a craving or enjoying a night out; it was about supporting a local business that we care about, one that, like many others, has been directly impacted by the ongoing fires. The restaurant we went to is often ranked as one of the top spots in the city, known for its great food and consistent service. Yet, when we arrived, it was less than half full. It was a surprising sight for a place that typically draws crowds every night.
During our meal, we had the opportunity to chat with our waiter, who shared some heartbreaking stories of the challenges the restaurant has been facing. Many of their loyal, repeat customers had lost their homes due to the fires, and a significant portion of their staff had been in the evacuation zone. The waiter’s tone wasn’t just one of sadness; there was a sense of determination, too. He mentioned how the restaurant has remained open, continuing to serve the community despite the tremendous hardships its team is enduring.
This moment highlighted something incredibly important about leadership. It’s not just about running operations smoothly or driving profit—it’s about supporting your people, your community, and adapting when the unthinkable happens. In times like these, leaders must demonstrate emotional intelligence, resilience, and a commitment to something bigger than the bottom line. They must lead with empathy, communicate openly, and inspire their teams to push through adversity together.
Key Takeaways for Leaders:
Empathy & Communication: Connect with your team on a human level, acknowledge their struggles, and be transparent about challenges.
Adaptability: Be ready to pivot when necessary, adjusting strategies to keep the business running smoothly in tough times.
People First: Prioritize your people—employees, customers, and community. Help them overcome difficulties together.
Resilience: Show your team that tough times can be weathered by modeling resilience and encouraging a collective “we’ll get through this” mindset.
Long-Term Focus: Think beyond immediate survival—focus on the lasting impact your leadership can have on your community and business.
As we finished our meal and walked out, I felt a renewed appreciation for the power of community leadership. It's clear that these businesses aren't just here to serve food or products—they are vital hubs of support in times of crisis, providing more than just material needs, but also hope and stability in an otherwise chaotic environment. Their ability to keep going in the face of adversity speaks to the strength of their leadership and the resilience of the people behind them.
Dine LA is partnering with Banc of California to raise funds for wildfire relief from January 24 to February 7, 2025. For each reservation made, $5 will be donated to The American Red Cross, with Banc of California matching the donation up to $100,000. Support this cause by making your reservations during the event and contributing to #WeLoveLA.
To learn more about my GrowUp framework and how it can help grow your leadership style visit: Michelledenogean.com