Virago Labs teamed up with Girl Geek dinners for their first remote session.
Read our tips, panelist takeaways, and watch the video below.
THE SITUATION
EXTERNAL VUCA
Imagine flying a plane, the weather is terrible, the plane is breaking, the crew is concerned, and you realize you can’t stay the course.
INTERNAL STRESS
In this situation, your nervous system is on high alert, you have less critical thinking capabilities, your survival instincts are taking over.
DECISIONS TO MAKE ASAP
Should you touch down, try to go around the storm, wait it out, or change your destination?
Should you start the planned engine upgrade or continue the in progress upgrade of the seats and navigation system?
HOW DO YOU ADAPT NOT REACT TO THIS CRISIS?
FINDING PERSONAL CENTER
Start by getting out of reactive mode.
1. RESILIENCE: Find strength and hope through nature, animals, & creativity
2. AWARENESS: Notice what is present with meditation, yoga, or coaching
3. OPENNESS: Face what is coming by being realistic and grieving was is gone
4. CONNECTION: Reach out to others, ask for help, offer support, co-create.
ADAPTING STRATEGICALLY
Work with others to adapt your strategy quickly and systematically.
1. NORTH STAR: Double down on your why
2. CURRENT ANALYSIS: Reassess Customer, Business, Tech metrics & environment
3. FUTURE GOALS: Reimagine your Objectives and Key Results
4. PLAN: Revise your hypothesis, tests, and roadmap
THE PANELISTS' PERSPECTIVE
General Manager, Microsoft
HOW SHE IS FINDING CENTER:
Gail starts every morning spending time grounding and clearing her mind. She also finds that writing in a journal each day is helpful. She also takes 1:1 walks and talks with her team members.
HOW SHE IS ADAPTING STRATEGICALLY:
She believes that when dealing with ambiguity and change you need to create flexible structures. You also need to give people permission that the old plan is gonna get set aside for a bit and that that’s okay.
CLAIRE FANG
Sr Director, Head of Product, Qualtrics
HOW SHE IS FINDING CENTER:
Claire checks in with herself, her state of mind, and her physical well being daily. She maintains all 3 parts by hydrating, exercising when she can, and journaling at the end of the day.
HOW SHE IS ADAPTING STRATEGICALLY:
She finds that in times of change you should work to find out what has become the new north star for your customers. She advocates for leaders to create structure for themselves and their team so everyone can understand how things will work.
LAURA MESSERSCHMITT
VP Customer Experience, GoDaddy
HOW SHE IS FINDING CENTER:
In times of change, Laura takes the time to acknowledge her thoughts and worries. Walks and dressing up for work help her create a sense of normal. She also holds a weekly family meeting to check-in with everyone and plan the week ahead.
HOW SHE IS ADAPTING STRATEGICALLY:
Her team had to find a new north star and reassess priorities. They asked for ramp time to get new work in place, initiated daily stand ups, and small happy hours once a week.
EVENT VIDEO
Didn't make it? Check out the event video below!