10 INDUSTRIES & COMPANIES THAT MADE IN CRISES

In times of crisis, the business landscape becomes an unpredictable terrain filled with challenges and opportunities. While some companies falter and struggle to survive, others rise above adversity, seizing the moment to weather the storm and thrive.

Through this article, I help you to explore the remarkable success stories of companies that navigated turbulent times with resilience and strategic leadership. At the same time, their counterparts in the same industries faced setbacks. These stories are powerful reminders of the significance of crisis leadership and its transformative impact on organizations.

Crises often reveal the true grit of leaders and organizations. As the world grapples with economic and political upheavals, examining the success stories that emerged from the chaos becomes crucial. Today, we embark on a journey through various industries, uncovering the stories of companies that weathered the storm

and emerged stronger than ever. In adversity, we will witness the power of strategic decision-making, adaptability, and innovation. From technology to healthcare, retail to finance, and beyond, these tales of triumph in challenging times will provide invaluable insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking inspiration to navigate the uncertain terrain of crisis. As a Leadership Coach and bestselling author of Made in Crisis, a book that delves into crisis leadership, my journey has been shaped by extensive research, analysis, and firsthand experiences working closely with CEOs and boards during times of crisis through my interactions with numerous organizations, I have witnessed the transformative power of effective leadership and strategic decision-making in navigating turbulent times. The insights gained from these experiences have provided a rich foundation for my book, offering practical wisdom and actionable strategies for leaders facing crises. With great excitement and gratitude, I share these powerful stories of resilience and success rooted in my deep understanding of crisis leadership and the lessons learned from real-world scenarios. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey of exploration and discovery as we unlock the secrets to thriving in the face of adversity

Industry #1:
Technology:
Zoom Video Communications
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom saw a massive surge in demand for its video conferencing

platform as remote work and virtual meetings became the norm.

How Zoom Made in Crises?

Rapidly scaled infrastructure to meet increased demand for video conferencing
Enhanced user experience through features like virtual backgrounds and screen sharing
Proactively addressed security and privacy concerns to build trust with users

Zooms revenue increased 355% year-over-year in Q2 2020, and the companys stock price soared by over 500%.

While Zoom Video Communications thrived during the pandemic, traditional video conferencing providers such as Cisco Webex faced stiff competition and struggled to keep up with the sudden surge in demand.

Industry #2:
Healthcare: Moderna
Moderna developed one of the first COVID-19 vaccines to receive emergency use authorization from the FDA

How Moderna Made in Crises?
Leveraged innovative mRNA technology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine in record time
Collaborated with government agencies and research institutions for accelerated clinical trials and production
Secured strategic partnerships for manufacturing, distribution, and global access to the vaccine

The companys stock price surged by over 400% in 2020 as the vaccine became a crucial tool in the fight against the pandemic. Interestingly some other pharmaceutical companies

faced delays or setbacks in their vaccine development efforts and couldnt leverage the crisis in their favor.

Industry #3:
Retail: Target
Target was able to adapt to the pandemic by rapidly expanding its online shopping and curbside pickup options.

How Target Made in Crises?
Expanded online shopping and curbside pickup options to meet changing customer preferences
Strengthened supply chain and inventory management to ensure product availability
Focused on customer loyalty and engagement through personalized offers and experiences Modrenas digital sales increased by over 150% year-over-year in Q2 2020, and its stock price increased by over 60% in 2020.

Targets rapid adaptation to online shopping and curbside pickup allowed it to thrive, whereas traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like JCPenney struggled with store

Industry #4:
Finance: Square
Square, a digital payments company, was able to capitalize on the shift toward cashless payments during the pandemic.

How Square Made in Crises?
Introduced contactless payment solutions and

digital invoicing to facilitate cashless transactions Launched new services like Square Capital to provide financial support to small businesses
Engaged with local communities through initiatives supporting economic recovery Squares revenue increased by over 60% year over-year in Q3 2020, and its stock price increased by over 250% in 2020.

Square capitalized on the shift towards cashless payments, while traditional payment processors like First Data Corporation faced challenges adapting their services to the changing consumer behavior.

Industry #5:
Energy: NextEra Energy
NextEra Energy, a renewable energy company, was able to take advantage of the growing demand for clean energy.

How NextEra Energy Made in Crises?
Invested heavily in renewable energy projects to meet the growing demand for clean energy
Leveraged advanced technology for efficient generation and distribution of electricity
Implemented cost optimization measures to maintain competitive pricing and profitability

The companys stock price increased by over 25% in 2020, outperforming the broader market.

With its focus on renewable energy, NextEra Energy performed well during the crisis. In contrast, traditional energy companies heavily dependent on fossil fuels, such as ExxonMobil, faced significant challenges due to declining oil demand and low prices.

Industry #6:
Food: Dominos Pizza
Dominos adapted to the pandemic by expanding its delivery options and contactless pickup.

How Dominos Made in Crises?
Strengthened delivery infrastructure and optimized online ordering systems
Prioritized health and safety measures to assure customers and employees
Innovated with menu options and promotional campaigns to attract and retain customers

Dominos stock price increased by over 30% in 2020 as consumers turned to takeout and delivery options. Dominos Pizza successfully adapted to the crisis with its delivery and contactless pickup options, while dine-in restaurant chains like Ruby Tuesday struggled with temporary closures and limited capacity.

Industry #7:
Automotive: Tesla
Teslas stock price soared by over 700% in 2020 as the company continued to dominate the electric vehicle market.

How Tesla Made in Crises?
Continued investment in research and development to enhance electric vehicle technology
Expanded global manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet increasing demand
Built a strong brand image centered around sustainability and cutting-edge innovation

The pandemic highlighted the need for more sus-tainable transportation options, and Tesla was well-positioned to meet that demand.

Teslas dominance in the electric vehicle market allowed it to thrive, whereas traditional automakers like General Motors faced production disruptions and lower sales during the crisis.

Industry #8:
Education: Chegg
Chegg, an online education company, was able to capitalize on the shift toward remote learning during the pandemic.

How Chegg Made in Crises?
Developed and expanded online learning platforms and resources for remote education
Formed partnerships with educational institutions to provide tailored solutions for students
Employed data analytics to improve learning outcomes and personalize educational experiences
The companys revenue increased by over 60% year-over-year in Q2 2020, and its stock price increased by over 140% in 2020.

Chegg, an online education platform, experienced significant growth, while traditional education providers like Pearson faced challenges in transitioning to remote learning and digital media.

Industry #9:
Entertainment: Netflix
Netflix benefited from the surge in demand for streaming services as people spent more time at home during the pandemic.

How Netflix Made in Crises?
Released a steady stream of original content to cater to diverse audience preferences
Invested in user-friendly streaming technology for seamless viewing experiences
Adapted pricing strategies to maintain affordability and attract new subscribers

The companys stock price increased by over 60% in 2020 as it added millions of new subscribers.

Netflix saw a surge in streaming demand, while traditional media companies like AMC Entertainment Holdings faced closures and reduced movie theater attendance.

Industry #10:
Travel: Airbnb
Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic on the travel industry, Airbnb was able to pivot its business model and capitalize on the growing demand for local travel and alternative accommodations.

How Airbnb Made in Crises?
Pivoted focus on local and domestic travel with personalized experiences
Enhanced health and safety protocols to instill confidence in guests
Leveraged digital marketing and partnerships to reach a wider audience

The companys stock price increased by over 100% in its December 2020 IPO. Airbnb successfully adapted to the changing travel landscape, focusing on local and alternative accommodations. In contrast, traditional hospitality companies like Marriott International faced decreased bookings and occupancy rates due to travel restrictions and safety concerns.

As we conclude this exploration of companies that thrived in crisis while their competitors faced challenges, it is evident that crisis eadership plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. The success stories of these companies underline the importance of strategic foresight, agility, and a commitment to innovation. By focusing on customer needs, leveraging technology, and embracing change, these organizations survived and transformed themselves, setting new benchmarks for resilience and growth. Let us carry forward these valuable lessons and apply them to our own leadership journeys, embracing the opportunities hidden within crises and leading with unwavering determination.

LESSONS FOR PAKISTANI COMPANIES
Pakistani companies can learn valuable lessons from the global companies that have thrived in times of crisis. Here are some quick lessons that can be applied to the current economic and political turmoil in the country:

Lesson #1:
Embrace digital transformation:

The pandemic has accelerated the importance of digitalization. Pakistani companies should invest in technology infrastructure, online platforms, and digital marketing to adapt to changing consumer behavior and enhance operational efficiency.

Lesson #2:
Agile and proactive decision-making:

Crises require quick decision-making. Pakistani companies should foster a culture of agility and empower their teams to make informed decisions promptly. Proactively identifying and addressing challenges can help you navigate uncertain times effectively.

Lesson #3:
Innovation and diversification:

Companies should foster a culture of innovation to identify new opportunities and diversify their offerings. Exploring new markets, developing innovative products or services, and adapting business models can help Pakistani companies overcome challenges and tap into emerging trends.

Lesson #4:
Strengthen stakeholder relationships:

Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, and the community, is crucial. Transparent and effective communication, promptly addressing concerns,

and collaborating with stakeholders can foster trust and loyalty during crises.

Lesson #5:
Focus on employee well-being:

Supporting employees physical and mental well-being is essential during times of crisis. Pakistani companies should prioritize employee health and safety, offer flexible work arrangements, and provide professional development and resilience-building resources.

Lesson #6:
Seek government support and partnerships:

Engaging with government agencies, industry associations, and other relevant stakeholders can provide access to resources, funding, and policy support. Pakistani companies should actively seek collaborations and partnerships to leverage collective strengths for sustainable growth.

Lesson #7:
Adapt to changing customer needs:

Understanding evolving customer needs and preferences is crucial. Pakistani companies should

conduct market research, gather customer feed back, and tailor their products, services, and marketing strategies to meet the changing demands of consumers.

Lesson #8:
Enhance financial resilience:

Building financial resilience is vital in crises. Companies should focus on managing cash flow effectively, diversifying revenue streams, exploring cost optimization measures, and seeking financial assistance or investment opportunities.

Lesson #9:
Emphasize sustainability and social responsibility:

Demonstrating social responsibility and sustainability practices can enhance brand reputation and resilience. Pakistani companies should integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into their operations, contributing to societys and the environments well-being

Lesson #10:
Invest in leadership development:

Effective crisis leadership is crucial for organizational resilience. Pakistani companies should invest in leadership development programs, coaching, and mentorship to equip their leaders with the skills and mindset to successfully navigate turbulent times. By learning from the best global practices and customizing them to the local context, Pakistani companies can position themselves for growth, resilience, and success despite economic and political challenges.

In the end, I must say that the stories shared here exemplify the potential for triumph amidst adversity. They serve as a reminder that even in the most challenging times, remarkable opportunities can arise for those who possess the vision and courage to seize them. The companies we have explored have defied the odds, capitalizing on shifting dynamics and emerging as leaders in their respective industries. Their journeys teach us that crisis leadership is not just about survival but about embracing change, inspiring teams, and reimagining possibilities.

As we move forward, let us embrace the spirit of resilience and innovation, armed with the knowledge that even in the darkest moments, there lies a path to success.