Hear it from the CEOs: How to Rebuild Post Covid-19

Lou DeFrancisco of StretchLab

We keep reminding our franchise owners that they shouldn’t be afraid to run their business, and at the same time a profitable business. Of course it’s necessary to implement proper health and safety measures and adhere to guidelines from the...

John McEleney of Onshape

The nature of how people now work and collaborate, remotely presents a strong opportunity for us. We build tools that facilitate remote work with teams needing access to the same documents, iterate on the same ideas. We think that COVID...

Andrea Ziegelman of Accent Dance NYC

There is greater possibility for us to reach children far beyond our borders as more people turn to on-line educational materials to supplement their children’s learning and to connect with one another for solace, inspiration, and joy. We also can...

Alexander Sascha Wolf of NeXR Seminar

Every challenge brings personal development. I believe that we will act more responsibly, and considerate towards each other. Traditional companies will open up to new technological developments, as we see from my example with NeXR seminar.

Lisa Rangel of Chameleon Resumes

I think we will be working from home more and in a more flexible manner. I think we will have to come up with ways to develop relationships with co-workers online. And large groups may be something we don’t revisit...

John DeMarco of Experian

Despite some of the uncertainty with unemployment rates and business restrictions, there appears to be some appetite and pent-up demand for vehicles. Manufacturer incentives and low interest rates seem to help sales rebound. But with the average loan amount increasing,...

Bart Jordan of Dorado Graphix

Be positive, even when the light at the end of the tunnel is unseen. I’ve found that there’s always an answer, a way to get assistance, and a way to think through things differently when a seemingly overwhelming challenge presents...

Whitney Benner of Dataminr

For me, rebuilding goes back to the idea of making space for growth and continuing to identify passionate prospective employees moving forward. Now that we’re working during a time where recruiting talent isn’t entirely dependent on that candidate’s location, there...

Kevin Olsen of VSoft

While there have been many setbacks, the pandemic has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Before pandemic, I had a number of online courses ready to go and in the making — many of which I was able to...

Joel Mathew of Beyond Academics

My faith is the most important driver to how I operate in business. It has been the single most important leveling effect for me through the ups and downs. The #1 principle that guides me is the verse “Trust in...

Ivan Iricanin of Street Guys Hospitality

Pre-pandemic one of the biggest complaints I heard among peers was how difficult it was to find good workers. Post pandemic this will no longer be a problem as there will be less opportunity and a larger work force looking...

Darin Brannan of ClearDATA

We expected initially to see a hard, but temporary, stop in VC funding but that didn’t pause long at all. We are seeing a phenomenal opportunity in mergers and acquisitions in healthcare as companies find ways to merge to strengthen...

Melissa Park of Melissa Park Events

As an event producer, I am planning for all possible outcomes. The return of in-person events, the continuation of hybrid formats, and a 100% virtual future. (The latter is a lot less likely and my least favorite outcome of all,...

Amaia Stecker of Pilar & Co

I spent a lot of time reflecting about what I really wanted to do with my life at the beginning of the US outbreak. If I wasn’t going to take this time to pursue those other passions now, then I...

Erica Volini of Deloitte

Plan for the next disruption now: Organizations should plan for the possibility of multiple waves of the pandemic and its continuing global — and uneven — footprint. For workforce strategies, organizations need to establish critical priorities for the next 12...

Dr. Ron Chiarello of Alveo Technologies

I would encourage folks not to get discouraged or disheartened by the pandemic, which of course sounds easier said than done. Throughout my career some of my greatest successes have emerged from moments of “failure.” These moments of feedback and...

Ryan Martin of W.H. Ranch Dungarees

I personally think the natural human desire for a return to normalcy will start to take over sooner, rather than later. A quick scan of the college town bar scene will confirm that. So, to say it will permanently change...

Robert Gregory of Downtown Detroit Partnership

It’s going to be important more than ever to attract the workforce back downtown. Downtown Detroit is the heart of the city with an international presence, with many cultural assets that are unique and you can’t get many other places....

Michael Stausholm of Sprout

Fear is contagious and counter-productive. What was most important to me was to communicate to my team that although this is bad, and we don’t have all of the answers, especially during the early days of the pandemic, we must...

Michael Sachse of Dandelion Energy

I think the biggest challenge is acknowledging and managing the existential anxiety we all feel. I am concerned about people I know getting sick, and I’m also concerned about people I don’t know getting sick. To a lesser extent, I’m...

Kurt Von Koch of FM:Systems

At FM:Systems, we have been very fortunate that a lot of the driving forces of how employers identify, plan, and deliver a safe and effective workplace is what our solutions do today. From providing features for notifying organizations where congestion...

Alessandro Seina of Radical Storage

I’d encourage business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, etc., to review and work on your key data points. This is a crucial time to collect and analyze data and consumer behavior, and potentially improve your Business Intelligence. Data will help you to...

Ricardo Salgado of Loadsmart

It’s hard to predict what a post-COVID economy will look like, especially as cases are on the rise, however, a technology revolution is almost certain. Pre-COVID, the long-overdue transformation was pushing a secular shift from analog to digital and brick-and-mortar...

Paul McKeon of Team Building with Taste

Our focus in the short term is on virtual team building, which is doing pretty well under the circumstances. Our strategy is to continue to emphasize that in the short term. In the long term, things will improve. They usually...

Rick Ralston of Contract Logix

Take advantage of the downtime to hone and refine existing skills or learn new ones. Focus on the people side of the business. Give your employees room to try new things. Embrace new techniques to help your customers, find new...

Joseph Meuse of Business GPS

I think the big thing for us is that we need to learn how to regularly connect with our clients without the ability to meet them in person. I also think we need to be creative with the solutions we...

Luke Sartain of upUgo

My number one principle is perseverance. In life there are countless ups and downs but it’s important to push through. In the worst times, the best businesses are formed. Currently, while we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I see...

Emilie Hoyt of LATHER

Stay your course. Don’t take advantage of people’s vulnerability. Should businesses choose to adjust their foundational platforms, it should only be to help their consumers — not for the purpose of profit. This goodwill is what has helped build LATHER’s...

Eric Haller of Experian DataLabs

During the Great Recession, Apple gave us the iPhone, the Gig economy was born and those that saw the dip in real estate values and capitalized on it did well. The pandemic is no different in that it is creating...

Marc Brener of Energy Experts International (EEI)

I would encourage others to ensure that they are taking advantage of all the opportunities they can find to improve their fiscal planning and business models. Taking advantage of energy rebates as well as energy tax credits incentivizes clients to...

Kurt Waltenbaugh of Carrot Health

I would say it’s optimism and the belief that there is always a path forward. Whether we’re talking about a business or, in a broader context, our nation as a whole, there is a way forward as long as you...

Esther Fedorkevich of The Fedd Agency

I would encourage others to not focus on the negative aspects of COVID, but find the positive and then innovate. I’ve talked to a lot of people who just took a break these last few months, but I’ve really taken...

Haresh Mirpuri of Aranyani

I would always call on the fashion fraternity to first and foremost avoid any waste that our industry dumps into the environment. I also would encourage everyone to avoid monetary waste and focus on creating products that will build the...

James Kornacki of Üllo

One of the biggest challenges managing an organization is the ability to separate the important from the unimportant. This can be challenging in the best of times, but it gets even harder during a crisis. To help with this, I’ve...

Stacey Epstein of ServiceMax

Don’t forget that people are behind everything you do. The more you understand your people, how they feel, what they need, and how they work best, the better collective performance you will achieve.

Anousheh Ansari of The XPRIZE Foundation

Automation is driving technology — but at what cost? It is especially prevalent in the service industry, which minimizes risks in future problems, but it’s disruptive in the loss of jobs, and some of these jobs will never return.

Adam Smith of ACCO

Define your VCP “Value Creation Position.” In other words, what are your resources and capabilities, and what activity system do you use to drive these? Every successful business needs a competitive advantage, so focus on what makes you different.

Victor Ho of Fivestars

We need to remember that even when many of us are operating at a distance, relationships are still the key to overcome the devastation of COVID-19. No small business can survive unless their local community and business leaders are committed...

Tom Nelson of Zero Halliburton

Now that businesses have become used to employees working remotely in large scale, I think there is a great opportunity to tap into talent that we might not have had access to before. For example, if you are a corporation...

Siddharth Sinha of Dresma Inc

I think I would encourage others to reduce dependency on transporting people and goods as much as possible. This is not just better post COVID but is also a more sustainable way of life for all.

Shaun Grove of Club Pilates

Post-COVID, people might want to take a closer look at what really matters to them, how to enjoy life more and what that looks like for time management and budgets. I think health and fitness will remain a priority for...

Romain Gaillard of The Detox Market

If you have the privilege to focus on growth and expansion versus trying to stay healthy or keep food on the table, don’t take it for granted. Embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reset your life.

Nader Mikhail of Elementum

Make it easier for customers to do business with you. Be thoughtful of how your customers can reach you in this new world. Find ways to make your business more digital-friendly. We all need to meet customers where they are....

Mark Loranger of Braavo Capital

I’d like to think people will place more value on person-to-person interaction and connectivity. I vividly remember the first time we got to “hang out” with my family in NH after quarantining ourselves — we sat in lawn chairs in...

Joe Lewis of Painting with a Twist

Because of the virtual opportunities, I think Covid has the potential to accelerate change in where people live, how they work and their amount of travel, especially for business. Employees will look for employers that will give them greater flexibility...

Elena Meskhi of Rewire4Success

I encourage you to invest in yourself and embrace your business. Make decisions and changes. Don’t try to sit around and analyze everything. I think now, post-COVID, this is a rare occasion when you need to act, as scary as...

David Indursky of ENCON

I encourage others to look at their core business and if it’s finitely focused in one market sector, you may want to rethink the business and devise ways to use a broader brush to expand and pivot. We’ve seen this...

Chef Peter Vauthy and Aaron Hammer of RED South Beach

Be innovative and be willing to take risks. When you see an opportunity, be able to pivot quickly to take advantage of that opportunity. I also encourage business owners to reach out to their networks. Opportunity sometimes comes in the...

Brad Ehrlich of Orangetheory Fitness

If anything during this pandemic, I feel that people will become closer when we emerge from the other side. If there is a new normal, whatever it may be, I believe we are well-footed to be the dominant future brand...

Antonia Hock of the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center

I personally believe that large disruptive events create opportunity if you can bring a critical eye, creative spirit, and bias for action and speed. I encourage businesses and people to look past the anxiety, fear, and daily chaos of the...

Adam Mopsick of Amicon

I find that having a routine helps keep me balanced. Every morning I wake up early and do some form of fitness. This anchors me and allows me to begin to face the day with a sense of accomplishment. I...

Adam Davidson of NPR’s Planet Money

Focus on a small product or service that you can do uniquely well and seek out that audience that loves what you provide. Don’t worry that 99% of people won’t get what makes your thing special, won’t want it, or...

Peter Ayedun of TruGrid

Personally, my passion for my work keeps me going at all times. From a business standpoint, focusing on serving our customers and our unwavering faith that we will prevail in the end, guides us through the ups and downs of...

Nick Mathews of MainVest

Perseverance. Something that becomes hyper-important during times of unprecedented uncertainty, which I would say has been an understatement month by month as 2020 has progressed. When you have news cycles and public sentiment changing constantly, you have to remember to...

Matt Certo of Findsome & Winmore

Mistakes are costly, but you can learn from them. Consider those payments “tuition” that you can capitalize on in the future. Any business owner or leader who takes chances and risks (part of the job’s requirements) will make mistakes. Don’t...

Kyle Porter of CMW Media

Be flexible! One more time, BE FLEXIBLE. This is a new world and if you don’t adapt to it, you will drown yourself trying to keep your head above water. Try something out of your comfort zone and if it...

Josh Bersin of Josh Bersin Academy

I am now even more passionate about the human side of business success, as well as the importance of defining a clear sense of purpose. I firmly believe that if you can create a company with a sense of purpose...

Ed Reeves of Moneypenny

The post-Covid world is our oyster. We were already making big moves into tech products, and this is going to increase even more. And we’re going to push harder the merits of our ability to support homeworking, where we provide...

Dr. John Dobak of DermTech

Advancing innovation across the healthcare industry can be glacial, and evolution is often only incremental — so it can be hard at times to see the forest through the trees. Our team has embraced our unique role to lead this...

Daniel Odess of GlobalPro

My vision was to become my own biggest client. To do that, I needed a well-educated, motivated team of licensed professionals from diverse backgrounds in law, finance, insurance, engineering, and construction. I needed a team of administrators to help support...

Charles Watson of Tropical Smoothie Café

Having an attitude of gratitude is always the go-to for my family and me. We live in a country where, though certainly far from perfect, does have a very high standard of living. So, for the average person having a...

Candace Marino, The LA Facialist

…when people connect with someone, they really do want to support that individual’s business. I know Instagram can be intimidating, but it’s really about creating a community. When you engage and interact with the people who follow and support you,...

John Gamboa of The Two Hundred

The opportunity to re-imagine institutions like health care for all is more real now than when health care was discussed over the last few years.

Wendi Burkhardt of Silvernest

My advice is to do your homework and be patient to determine what is accurate for your business. We’re being delivered messages of panic and fear, and to sustain a business during the pandemic, it’s important to figure out what...

Vicktor Stevenson of Gourmonade

I hope that the Covid pandemic has taught people to be prepared to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Covid 19 showed us that people need people. I hope that there is a permanent respect and appreciation...

Robin Holland of Purchasing Power

Focusing on the employees and their safe return to work and the “new normal” is paramount. There will be a need to address the company culture and what teamwork looks like in what may be an increasingly remote environment. As...

Paul Ver Hoeve of Mission Healthcare

I think you have to have an honest conversation with yourself about the career or industry you may be working in and understand how COVID-19 has impacted it and what the residual impacts may be. Many will need to take...

Mitch Chailland of Canal HR

Never give up. Everyone will have tough times, no matter how good they are. There will be difficult days, but always remember to never give up and this too shall pass.

Mark Domitrovich of Pioneer Tavern Group

It sounds simple, but always do the right thing no matter the situation. Business gets hard, no matter the industry you are in, but if you stay true to yourself, your partners, and the business, you’ll be better off in...

Luis J. Salazar of Giving Tech Labs

Get educated on COVID-19 and the crucial challenges we face related to social justice, inclusion, economic mobility, and a displaced workforce. Embrace a new definition of learning, education, and online collaboration. Get inspired to work with others to address our...

Leif Kristjansen of FiveYearFIREescape.com

There is always a way to improve. Every day I try to be a little bit better. During the lock down I have become a stellar cook. You can always find something to make yourself better.

Kevin Frija of InGear Fashions

Always try and test new technology and methods for your business because it is not all about the product or service, but the overall consumer experience. Amazon has proved the products can be the same but it’s the shopping experience,...

Jeremy Greenberg of 97 Switch

I encourage others to focus on what they are good at, and can do with the society restrictions, and do that. There is obviously a tremendous amount of job loss but there is still a lot we can do and...

Howell J. Malham Jr. of GreenHouse

Don’t look back. COVID-19 brought the curtain down on the 20th century — not only are there new rules, there are new motivations for starting a business, running a business and building a business, very different from last century’s motives....

Helene Caillate of GoGo squeeZ

I would encourage others to pick a topic that is close to their heart and what is most important to them to become actors of change — be and create what they want to see. We all have our part...

Dr. Ying Li of AISENSA

AI can displace some jobs, but if you want to compete and win in this competitive environment as a data scientist, researcher, or even as an hourly worker, focus some of your energy in solving worthy problems, the world will...

Dave Saben of New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

I suggest that executives focus on technology and how it can make business more effective and efficient, how it can automate processes to reduce costs and improve overall efficiency. I also encourage individuals not to give up hope. If you...

Brian Lim of EmazingGroup

Taking each day one at a time and not getting too far ahead of ourselves during this period of uncertainty has helped tremendously. We are going on the offensive now during the pandemic and taking advantage of lower marketing costs....

Steve Jackson of Hungry Howie’s Pizza

I highly encourage other businesses to be proactive to customers wants and needs. As cities reopen across the country, it’s crucial to have an action plan ready in advance. Plan ahead for the reopening and relaunch of your operations. In...

Paul Scialla of Delos

We want to help rebuild confidence rebuilding business means rebuilding confidence in the workforce. That translates into consumer behavior. If we can build up from a consumer and trust perspective, the economic drivers will start to increase.

Patrick Schwerdtfeger of Trend Mastery, Inc.

The enduring equation for business is to find a problem and fix it. Well, we haven’t had so many problems in a long time. Business owners need to look for ways to contribute value within their markets. This is not...

David Alwadish of ItsEasy

This has been a very tragic time in our lives and business careers. I say very carefully that it’s critical for a business owner to know exactly when it’s time to consider an exit strategy. However, As realistic as a...

Steve Murphy of Epicor Software Corporation

“Never let perfect be the enemy of good.” There’s nothing wrong with being a perfectionist, to the extent that it doesn’t keep you from accomplishing the mission and getting things done.

Tom Kosnik of Visus Group

First, some businesses have grown during COVID and due to COVID. They are essential businesses. Is that a blip? Will that growth recede once we get past COVID? One has to cash flow for a potential post-COVID recession specific to...

Suresh Sambandam of Kissflow

“Do the right thing!” Whether it is at work or with family or in a social sphere, it is not always black and white. We have to deal with shades of grey. I generally fall back on “do the right...

Miranda Collard of Teleperformance

My advice to the vast majority of business leaders, who have had to reimagine their operating models these past few months, is not to rush to undo the work that’s been done. Many have found ways to not only survive...

Mark W. Johnson of Innosight

We’re going to double down on the same advice we give to our clients. Our mantra is to envision the future so vividly, and then to build a strategy that is so intentional, that you effectively lead from it rather...

Ketan Dattani of Buckingham Futures

While the pandemic may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime event, the reality is that an emergency can come along to disrupt our lives at any time. Using what we have learned during the current pandemic will help us to prepare for...

John Chrastka of EveryLibrary

The mission of our organization has not changed. We’re focused on libraries and library workers. But the way we’re operationalizing our mission certainly has. For anyone who is looking at the challenges and opportunities it may be smart to evaluate...

Hunter Renfroe of Orchestra Partners

Focus on the future and try not to be too reactive. If you can find meaningful ways that you are uniquely positioned to succeed post-COVID, embrace those components of your business and proactively weave them into your strategy in a...

Connie Evans of CSolutions Consulting

I encourage all to step up and recognize the value of all human beings. Be a smart and conscious consumer by spreading your spending to businesses that are struggling and may not look like you. Consider how you might be...

Chini Krishnan of GetInsured

I would encourage others to check in with employees, first and foremost. How is everyone doing? What does everyone need? How can management be helpful? Secondly, I’d say foster opportunities in which employees can rebuild connections coming back together after...

Barry McCarthy of Deluxe

Right now, I encourage other companies to step forward to make a difference in our world. We are looking inward to be a more inclusive and diverse company. Others are doing the same. We are creating materials and an online...

Alok Alström of Appjobs

Personally, I think that by having a business model that is easily scalable will be crucial in survival and receiving funding from investors during these turbulent times. I know I cannot predict the future, and I know as much as...

Troy McAlpin of xMatters

I would encourage others to get right back in the fight. Advertise your skills. You have managed through difficult times and you can handle anything now. Lessons come from failure and growth comes from pain.

Seth Rosenzweig of Team IMPACT

My number one principle is to value relationships. Relationships are what matter most. Progress cannot be made effectively or efficiently without strong and trusted relationships. Many times we look at personal achievements as the destination but achieving success with great...

Ron Hirsch of Title3Funds

Businesses should review their expenses and take steps to streamline operations and become more efficient. This is a great time to reflect on the real-world problems people are facing and consider how your business can fit into this new landscape...

Nigel Vaz of Publicis Sapient

I would encourage others to treat this as an opportunity as much as it is a challenge to shape a better future. For other business leaders, I think this is a real opportunity to not merely go back to the...

Josh Jordan of Prehired

This is a great time to reflect on what’s important to you. Every crisis brings new opportunities, so take some time define your new destination and then count the cost to get there.

Jill Canetta of Experian

Beyond adhering to local, state and federal guidelines, businesses need to meet this head on and adjust to the change as we know some of the changes are here to stay. Find those unique ways to help consumers navigate through...

David Sharp of PaySimple

I would encourage others to evaluate what is actually happening to their business, get an understanding of what can be managed differently to adapt, focus on their core values and rebuild the strategy from there. It’s easy to spend time...

Anne M. Glass of Purnell School

I would encourage other businesses to consider all scenarios and have multiple plans in place that are in the best interests of your staff, customers and clients, keeping them regularly informed and updated. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of...

Suzanne Willian of The Co-Co

Remote work is also here to stay, particularly for high income workers in high income geographies, because we’ve seen that it works. Smaller real estate footprints, lower overhead, and reduced equipment equate to real cost savings for companies. survey of...

Rick Cottrell of BizResults.com

The number one principle is to stay laser focused on the outcome and long-term desired result. Focus on the goal and not the day-to-day challenges that will occur. Always ask “Who” rather than “What”. This sets up the proper foundation...

Pat Calhoun of Espressive

Control what you can, don’t dwell, but adapt to what you cannot predict. I believe what we are currently going through is a great example of how important resiliency is. Worrying about current events would not change Espressive’s outcome. Instead,...

Kiril Mugerman of Geomega

I encourage others to look for domestic solutions. North America needs to be independent and protective of its resources. We must not respond to the COVID-19 crisis by putting North American’s health at greater risk and worsening the climate crisis....

Keith Metcalfe of Traction Guest

Investing in technology that will help enable offices to be truly contactless will be key in helping businesses get back to work and rebuild in the post-COVID economy. To manage the return of both employees and visitors to the physical...

Jennifer Carlson of the Washington Technology Industry Association

Given where we are economically, workforce shifts to the gig economy, automation displacing workers, and of course COVID, this book is a great illustration about reminding us to not get too comfortable, and to challenge “the way it’s always been.”...

Hicham Azhari of F&H Food Trading Group

It’s most important that I make my children feel safe during these trying times. I make sure they have a routine they stick to. I answer all their questions. It’s not easy when you have to explain that it’s not...

Clark Twiddy of Twiddy & Company

When thinking about principles that guide me, a few come to mind; serve others first, lead by example, and take care of your team. Do the right thing, do the best you can, and believe in your people. Think big,...

Mir Garvy of Job Market Solutions

Every day, I’m on the phone with potential clients who sought out my firm because they want help with their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters. Some of these people have been laid off, furloughed, or are unemployed as a...

Irwin Grossman of Delta Payment Solutions

Being forced to shelter-in-place and communicate with loved ones virtually will certainly make people more appreciative of what they have and, in my experiences, so far, more friendly and welcoming. When I take my daily walk, neighbors and other nearby...

Sam Staley of Event.Gives

I would encourage others to think outside of the box and continue to innovate. It’s times like these that really push people to get creative and find new solutions to improve our lives for the better, now and for the...

Paul Hosage of Tread Connection

I would encourage others to see what they can do to innovate in their business and not be afraid of risk. What COVID should have taught us all is that nothing is completely safe or protected so you have to...

Neil Vaswani of Corestream

To me, it’s necessary to be conscious of what you don’t know and be open to coaching to reach the next level. Everyone should welcome coaching — we all need it and none of us are above it! When running...

Mitchell Davis of BiblioLabs

Hire and keep people who care, who take personal pride from working hard and smart and who are constantly learning. We realized early on that we could not motivate people. We could only try to hire motivated people and then...

Mark Frost of Sitecore

It’s important that we don’t lose sight that people are going to be feeling the effects of the changes to our work and life routines, not to mention the emotional toll of illness or financial hardship. We’re all human, and...

Konark Ogra of Rural Handmade

With the acceleration of technology adoption that the pandemic has caused, all businesses need to focus on the new landscape of inbound-dominant marketing strategies. Small businesses can get a lot done with the free online tools that they have at...

Joe Vaccarella of Client Instant Access

Collaborate with customers and your partners. One of the things that has made us so successful is hearing what others are doing in the industry and staying ahead of what customers will want. We have a great partner network and...

Jan Webering of Avenga

This pandemic will trigger profound changes because it forces us to fundamentally rethink the way we live. The topic of sustainability will play an even more important role from now on, in the private realm just as much as in...

Ian Formigle of CrowdStreet

When it becomes evident that anxiety and tensions are mounting, we pause and reset by taking the time to do small things like taking a walk. When anxiety spikes, refocusing our energy on spending quality time as a family and...

Graeme Barlow of Iversoft

I’d challenge companies to take a break from planning what 3–5 years from now look like for them and take a moment to think about what the future of business will look like in 25 to 50 years.

Dr. Isaac Balbin of Parsl

Some people grow up with a sense of entitlement and expectation for the world around us. I feel like this is arrogant and self-indulgent and that the reality is our world has been trying to kill us for as long...

Dan Smytka of Zep

Yesterday’s rules don’t dictate today’s game. Rethink your business like your personal life. Companies have to be more agile and collaborative on how they work and solve for their customer needs. Look at all aspects of your business: how you...

Chris Wacker of Laserfiche

It’s really industry specific, but I encourage businesses to go digital wherever possible. Specifically, in retail or in food service, develop online delivery service or e-commerce business equal to the physical presence. All retail stores should put more emphasis on...

Ben Swartz of Marcel Digital

There’s nothing like a global pandemic to teach us how strong we are and how much we can accomplish together. Transitioning to a remote work environment was seamless but what was most impressive was our improved efficiency. We’ve been integrated...

Sam Caucci of 1Huddle

The winners in a Post-Covid economy are going to be the ones that embrace adjusting their playbook, while not forgetting about the people that are in front of them.

Ron Oliveira of Revolut

Don’t wait for more clarity, or until COVID is over or some other event to transpire or end. Try things in this new environment, experiment in small doses, be flexible and willing to adapt. There is nothing wrong with making...

Robin Throckmorton of strategic HR inc

Businesses will need to focus on how they will re-recruit their employees to ensure all employees will come back and will stay with you in the long-term. The biggest key to all of this is communication.

Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling Co

I would encourage others to find a pivot that makes sense and to dive in, casting fears to the side. We pivoted to producing hand sanitizer, because we wanted to help support front line workers. Then it became a need...

Ridvan Tatargil of Eastern Accents

Don’t be satisfied with “going back to normal.” The lockdown has been disruptive for everyone, but it is also an opportunity to rethink and look critically at the way we do things. If there’s something about your business (or any...

Michael C. Morey of Bluebird Network

So many have had to close businesses and are out of work. Keep your head up. America was founded on entrepreneurial spirit, getting knocked down and getting back up. Immigrants leaving their countries to come here to build. Don’t lose...

Lisa Partridge of XYPRO Technology Corporation

Everything that happens is ultimately my responsibility. Period. However, one cannot and should not do it all alone. No one person has all the answers and think of all the perspectives to consider when making decisions.

Jeffery T. D. Wallace of LeadersUp

I would encourage others to embrace the reality that COVID-19 has been the great equalizer. There’s a realization that we are much more fragile than we think we are. The reality is that everyone needs to commit to rebuilding America...

Eric Wagner of Converge Ventures

Turn off the news! Use the time to rekindle connections with your immediate family. Watch the science and the numbers, and know your enemy. We have predicate viruses in H1N1 and SARS. Wear the mask! It’s better to be safe...

Casey Welch of Tallo

The technology is already out there to solve many of our problems, and it’s up to us to connect the pieces, and bring the right tool to the right opportunity at the right moment. “Necessity is the mother of invention,”...

Cameron Smith of Chicago’s Bennett Day School

Don’t wait. Don’t be paralyzed. Do as much scenario planning as you can. I have to say, having a plan, even though it is so detailed with so many different decision tree points and scenarios to consider, feels much better...

Brian Wilson of Pair

I think leaders and owners need to be planning on two horizons: the near term with the recession as the backdrop but keeping an eye on the long view. You can’t lose sight of new opportunities on the other side...

Ashira Gobrin of Wave

When we leave our comfort zone where we feel safe and in control, it will take courage. We feel fear and the fear dictates our space. We doubt ourselves, our abilities and we avoid what is before us.

Alphonso J. Cheponis of Straightline Consulting Group

For many, this is a great time to shift and recalibrate. Really find out how your wired and seek a job or role that speaks to your strengths and not your history. For companies, now is the time to figure...

Adrian Ho of Zeus Jones

For every challenge, there is always at least one solution that aligns doing the right thing with business success. It’s almost certainly the most beautiful and elegant solution as well. You feel it when you uncover it. This principle gets...

Steve Clayton of Soundskilz

Educate yourself. Don’t just get your information from one source. Listen and watch a variety of sources on topics that you have questions on. We are smart people. With most of us having some sort of common sense. Think for...

Sean Bisceglia of Curion

We need to stay calm, nothing positive ever comes from panic. We also need to be realistic. There’s no silver bullet that’s going to fix the economy and bring us back to where we were — we all have to...

Mike Bidwell of Neighborly

Consumer preferences will be permanently altered. Some things will not go back to the way they were pre-COVID-19. We must anticipate what those preferences and apprehensions will be. While navigating the acute demands of our current situation, we are preparing...

Justin B. Wineburgh of Alkemy X

For business leaders, I feel now is the time to take advantage of the new virtual communication tools that we’re all adapting to and make sure that everyone is given a voice and an understanding of their unique values.

Jotham Stein, Attorney

For entrepreneurs negotiating financings for their start-ups or for founders or management teams negotiating to sell their companies, make doubly sure to protect yourselves because the leverage pendulum may have swung to the investor-side and acquirer-side of the equation.

Joe Heitzeberg of Crowd Cow

Change is always happening, and it is happening faster now. So it’s even more important than ever to spend time adapting to change to better serve customers and to discover emerging opportunities. The business must change, but the mission shouldn’t...

Dr. Geoffrey Mount Varner of Split-second Decisions

We make about 35,000 decisions every day. Most of them are mundane and do not amount to much — what color shoes? What to wear? What to eat? etc. But about 1–2 percent of those decisions are life changing and/or...

David Kopp of Healthline Media

...We’ll see some movement out of crowded urban areas into suburbia — both because of health concerns but more permanently because we’ve learned how effective remote working can be in so many jobs and industries. We’ll also likely see some...

Darrin Daniel of The Alliance for Coffee Excellence

There’s got to be some silver lining when something this devastating happens, but it just might not seem possible. I would encourage those who need help to ask for that help without fear of being judged. We are at a...

Blake Waltrip of the a2 Milk Company

Be open to change, more than ever. Communicate your vision, make sure your teams buy in, and execute as flawlessly as possible. Remain agile stop what isn’t working and double down on what is.

Ali Ardakani of Novateur Ventures

Adaptation is the key to success. Seek opportunities during the Covid-19 times to advance your healthcare innovation. This is something that nature does well, and that we should learn from: rapid development to new information and the integration of that...

Sean Knapp of Ascend.io

A majority of us are working from home and as a result, our time is more flexible. But is this actually the case? There’s an argument to be made that because we’re at home all the time, we’re also working...

Sam Hodges of Vouch Insurance

I truly believe that a silver lining of this whole crisis is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to rethink how their business functions no matter how well-established or scaled.

Mike Ettling of Unit4

As we start to recover from the pandemic, companies must take the right precautions, and support people to continue working from home if they want. We have to look at workplace environments and take lessons from this time. Hygiene habits...

Michael Pink of MAP Real Estate

Think before you spend. Always consider that what you want or need might be available to buy from a company or professional whose approach to business is doing business, doing good. Consume that product or service to satisfy a personal...

Mathieu Stevenson of Snagajob

In adversity lies opportunity. As I’ve told our organization and investors over the last eight weeks, the adversity we’ve faced has created new opportunities. For example, we’ve seen more traction in several sectors over the last eight weeks than we’d...

Dr. John Serri of EyeQue

I would encourage others to make an effort to understand what’s happening and be prepared to adapt. Reduced business travel and the success of work from home are positive things. If they worked well for you during COVID, they would...

Chris Hirst of Havas Creative

Leadership is the journey that you go on to get there. Define your start and end point, identify what you need to do to get there and then act. Change can only happen if we act so don’t be afraid...

Timothy Flacke of Commonwealth

My goal is to lead with empathy, and assume the good intent of others. This makes it possible to find common ground, and makes understanding and even persuasion possible.

Robert Kinsler of United Fray

I certainly think it will change our behavior, but probably not in the ways we expect. You can’t go through an experience like this and not be changed in some way. How it will play out, which fundamentals will stay...

Rich Waldron of Tray.io

I encourage companies to get as efficient as possible, and consider streamlining processes with automation. Since the economy may not improve for some time, companies may have to do more with less for the foreseeable future.

Michael Papay of Waggl

The organization needs to respect the needs of its people, and the people need to respect the needs of the organization. Unfortunately, there are still instances in the workplace and our larger society in which respect is not valued.

Michael McAlhany of UNITS

Exercise optimism and positivity at all times.

Mandy Fransz of Make the Leap Digital

Remote work is no longer the future of work — it is now. Leverage this opportunity to digitally transform your team or organization so you can build a happier and more productive workforce in the long term. Here are four...

Kim Hawkins of EventsWholesale.com

I would encourage other business owners to focus on the things that you can do to make business better during the pandemic and after the pandemic is over, rather than focusing on what is out of your control.

Julie Smolyansky of Lifeway Foods

Trust the process. Trust that the universe has your back. Trust that things are happening not to you, but for you. Every situation is an opportunity. Even mistakes are opportunities to learn. And try to enjoy the journey. Entrepreneurship will...

John Lauer of Zipwhip

I think one of the positive things to come out of this pandemic is how businesses are focusing on communicating with customers. Many businesses had to unfortunately shut down or drastically adjust their way of interacting with customers, forcing them...

John Estrada of RiseWell

There are always things businesses could be doing to build a stronger company. These could be small things like website edits that could eventually have a large impact. I would encourage others to prepare for what could happen.

Jodi, Lori, and Kari Caden of Belly Bandit

The biggest challenge for us is what many people are facing, not being able to spend time with our parents. We are a very close-knit family; Sunday night dinners are our tradition, and our parents are always in and out...

Jeramy Ragsdale of Thrive Senior Living

Regarding the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur, it’s crucial that your identity is not fully tied to your work. You’ll eat, sleep, and breathe the business. You’ll celebrate wins and grieve losses, but the business cannot define your...

Hussein Ahmed of Oxygen

I would say two things. First, understand what the future of work means for you, both the opportunities and the challenges. Second, get involved, make your voice heard, and join the conversation. By doing these two things, you will be...

Gunjan Sinha of MetricStream

As an entrepreneur, I am strongly guided by the power of serendipity or, in other words, finding something beautiful without looking for it. So, even in the darkest moments of the business, I can look for the good and it...

Greg Brown of Reflektive

I’d encourage you to listen to your customers, specifically their pain points and what they are solving for. From there, take a consultative approach and offer counsel.

Graham Mills of techspert.io

Never stop pivoting has become a company mantra and guiding principle. It keeps us on our toes and helps us all to ensure we maintain the awareness, agility, and responsiveness to adapt our business to new conditions.

Evan Dash of StoreBound

Truthfully, take “expert” advice with a grain of salt. There is no playbook for these times and business leaders need to step-up more than ever. I always recommend being honest with yourself, always. Ensure that what you are building is...

Erica Valcourt of MOON Ultra Light

I would encourage others to study their market and find creative ways to survive in a post-Covid 19 world. It will be tough but being creative and innovative while staying true to your brand will allow consumers to continue to...

Deepak Kumar of Adaptiva

Many businesses need to rethink their core value proposition and how they deliver that value. Some value propositions may not lend themselves to long-term success anymore. As sad as it is, if companies are not set up for this strange...

David Schmidt of LifeWave

Love. Persevere. Be strong. Focus on solutions. Focus on positives. At the end of each day, say a prayer of thanks for everything that you have, and be grateful. There are people who are in worse situations than yours.

Christy McGlothlin of Home Rule

I would encourage others to not shrink back, but to serve those in your community. Use this as a productive time to assess and grow.

Christal Bemont of Talend

Be sensitive and aware of what’s happening in the world every single day. For my employees, it’s about making sure people are associating the value that we bring with our customer-first approach. It also includes being sensitive to how customer...

Albert Berger of Confirm BioSciences

I hope this experience teaches us all to respect the awesome power of nature more and try to live more in harmony with nature than opposed to it. We are learning just how vulnerable we can be as a species...

Richard Thorpe of Gocycle

When things get tough, you know you are still progressing, becoming smarter and wiser. Pitfalls and tough times provide context and reflection and are all necessary and essential parts of becoming a master of your life craft.

Jeff O’Hara of PRA Business Events

Don’t sit still! Do not presume everything will take care of itself independent of action by you. Keep thinking and driving new ideas, look for new revenue, new ways to improve your business and new ways to present yourself and...

Connie Chesner of Armored

Everyone’s world is built on relationships and they are being tested in new ways during the pandemic. It’s easy to become hyper-focused on the immediate and for weeks to feel like months as we all process and adjust. The truth...

Chris Miles of Miles Technologies

We experienced a setback and had to adapt. I believe in doubling down. It keeps people gainfully employed. It builds your market share. I had to be a contrarian and face my fears of not knowing what was going to...

Brian Doubles of Synchrony

Our country is facing two crises all at once. The corona virus pandemic is taking the lives of far too many — and is driving people further into poverty and attacking our way of life.

Adam Povlitz of Anago Cleaning Systems

My family is my support system, and I am theirs. We protect each other, we support each other, and like everything else in life, we faced this pandemic together. My family is strong, and we put faith before fear. It...

Abdallah Mouneimne of Dubai Investment Properties

I would really like every company to take time to analyze and assess their performance during the pandemic period and take up what works and what does not, accordingly adopting change without hesitation. I think this will be done first...

Tracy Hansen of ProGlove

Stay positive. That’s my number one principle. There are always ups and downs. There are bad days, when projects slip, customers are upset, shipments are delayed. There are good days, when everything is humming, and people are coming together delivering...

Tony Ulwick of Strategyn

Any crisis shakes up your comfort zone. For the first month, I slept no more than two to three hours every night trying to think about what changes have occurred and how to best adapt. I deployed a “plan for...

Tony Montero of Hai Hospitality

Listen to the fears and understand the concerns. It is ok to be anxious and nervous. We are in a very trying time, and we are all anxious and nervous at times about the outcome of this pandemic. But we...

Sloan F. Dean III of Remington Hotels

Ask, what can I learn from this? This pandemic is a PhD in survival business strategy and tactics. The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire. Make sure you are seeing the positive because this too shall pass at...

Scott Tannen of Boll & Branch

Other employers need to embrace the positive impact that balance can and does have on their employees. Time off is critical and not everyone needs to be in the office every day, just so you can watch them work. COVID...

Roy Lamphier of Excelerate America

First and foremost: Challenge your own assumptions. Seek out people different from you. You don’t have to agree, but you need to test your thinking. Beware of panaceas or group think.

Nick Brucker of Sparq Designs

Be genuine and don’t burn bridges. Your reputation is a currency and it can be very difficult to gain the trust of others back if they are jaded. Intention is important and it guides a lot of what I do...

Mikkoh Chen of Trusted Health

The new normal will be an environment where people will unrelentingly ask the question “why” — Why do I need this? Why spend the money here? Why will this matter to me in 20 years? My hypothesis is that society...

Matt McConnell of Intradiem

When we come out on the other side of COVID-19, businesses will be looking for ways to recoup lost revenues and be profitable in the new market landscape. A great way to achieve this is by relying on technology that...

Kyle Armbrester of Signify Health

We’ve got to go about this in a coordinated fashion as a group of individuals that are trying to make a positive impact. We’re not going to get everything right. We’re going to make mistakes and patience is a virtue...

Jon Lensing of Apollo

Your business is only as good as the foundation it is built on. And as a CEO, that foundation is a team that you have brought together. In order to effectively rebuild and grow, I want to make sure that...

Jeff Vierling of Tailwind Nutrition

The pandemic is a big stress test for businesses and business models. Listen carefully to what it’s telling you. What strengths and positives have emerged? Can you extend those or find a way to monetize something you’ve done well? Be...

Jason Bingham of Trane Technologies

Speed of trust. Amazing things can happen at a very rapid pace when a team has a strong level of trust. And trust is most tested in the challenging times. Which means, leadership is most tested in the challenging times....

Grier Allen of BoomTown

Don’t have unrealistic expectations for yourself! We are all balancing much more than normal during this time and we need to set expectations accordingly. Make sure to carve out the time to check in on family and friends, but be...

Gary Lipkowitz of Vyond

We can expect people to also be germophobes to some degree as the health and safety of our colleagues will be prioritized now more than ever. Beyond that, I’d rather steer clear of grand proclamations. I’ve seen headlines about “the...

Fatema Hamdani of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace

One thing is for sure. We need new ways of working. This is a moment to recognize what wasn’t working, and replacing the models, and conventional ways of doing things that were not serving us. Working from home is a...

Dr. Ivan Misner of BNI

Businesses need to network effectively to generate revenue. As typical in-person networking is not feasible right now in our current climate, activate your virtual network. Your contacts need to clearly understand your business, the problems you solve and your target...

Dorothy Gibbons of The Rose

We are in a new world and no one has a map yet, we’re making one together. We have to be willing to say ‘goodbye’ to the old way of being and ‘hello’ to the new, but not without pause....

Deborah Calmeyer of ROAR AFRICA

I hope it will make us more considerate, more sensitive, more aware. Perhaps we will learn a new rhythm, something a little slower that has us taking the time to observe and absorb and not waste. I hope we will...

Chao He of Swenson He

There is an uncertainty if we will even go back to an office in the future or stay remote permanently. That uncertainty is something we are struggling with and being in the services business, it takes on more weight because...

Brian Underwood of Prüvit

“Anticipation” is the key, but I think there is going to be massive opportunities once the pandemic ends. There are going to be new businesses emerge that fill the gaps that the pandemic has exposed. Home-based businesses will continue to...

Bill Callahan of OHIAS

Whether we like it or not, many of us have a lot more time to think about things we couldn’t before, like time to think about life’s big picture and how we could make all our lives and our world...

Bethany Hollars of BrickSeek.com

A shift towards remote work not only makes sense financially for a company, but it also places them in a good position to be able to pivot quickly to “Plan B” if another national pandemic or other such disaster were...

Amir Mostafavi of South Block

Life as we know it is not over… in fact, if you frame it currently, it’s just starting. For myself, my team, and my family, I’ve been trying to focus on the hopes and the silver lining associated with all...

AJ Richichi of SENTIO

COVID-19’s impact will be long-term and profound. If I had to pick just one behavior change, I would predict that companies and individuals will become more frugal. It’s easier to justify excess in bear markets with historic rebounds than bear...

Mike Zani of The Predictive Index

I also think there will be an opportunity for acquisition. Companies who remain aggressive during this time, and who have the financial capabilities to do so, will be able to buy competitors and technology that wasn’t previously available. People always...

Megan Ruan of Gold Rush

This pandemic is undoubtedly going to create lasting change in our day-to-day lives. It already has. We’ve seen a slew of companies, starting with Twitter, declare work from home a permanent option for their employees. Tech was the first to...

Mat Ishbia of United Wholesale Mortgage

Nothing is permanent. I don’t believe there will be anything permanently changed other than people’s awareness. Events that happen in people’s lives change the way they think about things but things will go back to normal. You will see people...

Larry Rideout of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

We must always have a long-term vision and not be swayed by short-term circumstances. Our industry will always have business models that are innovative. If your plan is working, there is no need to change course, but to make the...

Kevin Wilson of Buzz Franchise Brands

I have always believed that whatever situation you may find yourself in, “It’s never as good as it seems and/or it’s never as bad as it seems.” This doesn’t mean that I don’t get excited and celebrate when we achieve...

Jennifer Hargreaves of Tellent

Life as we have known it has changed. I don’t think it is a bad thing. People are resilient and we will adapt to whatever the new normal ends up being like. Some, no doubt, will adapt faster than others....

Hilmarie Hutchison of Matrix Public Relations Dubai

My first move will be to examine what we do, how we do it, and why we do what we do. I will want to challenge the ‘normal’, so to speak, and find a way to reinvent ourselves as a...

Dee Burrowes of The Mindset Strategist

Dealing with changes is inevitable in this journey called life. At some point, there will be challenges both personally and professionally in varying degrees of setbacks. I believe in order to pull through having resilience is the name of the...

Zack Leonard of Gembah

If you are not struggling, find ways to hire people that will make your business grow. There are a ton of talented people looking for jobs right now. Take advantage of that and bring on your next A Team player....

Kathleen Chan of Benchwork

Really double down on your business understand what value you’re bringing to your customers and if your customer base is still looking for the service or product you’re selling. This pandemic turned industries upside down and it’s important to approach...

Dr. Samant Virk of MediSprout

It ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.

Carolyn Morgan of Precisioneffect

I do think this is a time for self-reflection and I encourage people to take it. Don’t return to unhappiness, fight for what makes you smile. In the coming months, anyone can rewrite their future, so I encourage people to...

Brooke Lively of Cathedral Capital

Anybody who is online is seeing a huge increase in their business. People are stuck at home and looking for ways to entertain themselves and find variety in their lock down life. I don’t believe this is going to end...

Vicki L. Benjamin of Karner Blue Capital

Virtually every industry will be touched by COVID as companies are forced to develop new ways of operating in a post-COVID environment. Anecdotal evidence suggests that forward-looking CEOs are seizing this period of disruption to accelerate corporate restructuring plans that...

Sian Rowlands of RETOLD

One of the silver linings to this terrible pandemic has been that people have ‘slowed down’. The ‘busy for busy sake’ mentality seems to have become a thing of the past. This has given way to more mindfulness — which...

Michael Debenham of Zee Sprout

This pandemic has really given a huge opportunity for us on the franchiser side to build up trust and demonstrate our leadership with our franchisees. We’ve been in close communication with our franchisees and have continued guiding them with our...

John Jonas of OnlineJobs.ph

My advice to others would be to explore new ways to contribute to society and the “new normal.” If you’ve been waiting to build that eCommerce store, go for it. If you have a great idea for a service or...

Jasmine Crowe of Goodr

As life is adjusting to the new normal, there are so many opportunities to rethink the way we do things. I think we’ll see the delivery economy continue to boom. Right now, companies like Doordash and Instacart are thriving because...

Aled Miles of Sauce Labs

As a great CEO I served under would remind me: “Good leaders manage for the short or the long. Great leaders manage for both.”

William Kornegay of WIRL

I think this is a great time to re-evaluate our businesses to make sure that we’re solving problems that are relevant and tangible to the modern market. There’s a high demand for WIRL, and there’s no indication that the wellness...

Tiffany Rafii of UpSpring PR

My biggest piece of advice is to protect your core client base and continue to over serve them. Look for innovative ways to adjust the services you provide and the way that you support them. In times where business development...

Lana Hout and Adrianna Smith of First Choice Business Brokers

We would encourage others to examine their businesses and look for areas of weakness. Weaknesses could be having customer or supplier concentration, or only one sales channel. Figuring out how to generate sales in a different way has been a...

Kelly Ehlers of The Evoke Agency

From a personal standpoint, I hope the pace at which we were all previously declaring our state of “busy” changes. I’m enjoying the more calculated, focused time working with a dose of increased family time. The “busy” mentality was getting...

Jay Dettling of Ansira

For other client services companies, I would encourage them to listen to clients and be a steady and connected partner. I always want our clients to think of us first when they have something that arises or there is something...

Jason Middleton of Silver Air

I would encourage everyone to look for opportunity everywhere. You can stress about where you’re at, but there’s a lot of opportunity. You have to be open to it. Our industry is one thing, but there are so many opportunities...

Eeva Raita of Futurice

I believe no matter the challenge, being there for — and with — your people is the only way to solve problems. That doesn’t mean avoiding difficult decisions or not thinking about the numbers, but rather believing that happier people...

Anthony Magaraci of Trinity Packaging Supply

As we’ve seen across all industries, I think this pandemic will pave the road for many new innovations. Instead of going “back” to normal, we will move forward with better and more sustainable systems and operations in place. For Trinity...

Laurel Mintz of Elevate My Brand

Our vision is to be the top diverse digital and experiential agency bringing new and emerging brands to life. Our purpose in doing so is to create more visibility and profitability for those brands so that they can do more...

Howard Sublett of Scrum Alliance

“It doesn’t matter what you want to be, as long as what you are is a man of integrity, a man of honor.”

Chris Genge of 1st on the List Promotion

Don’t wait until the pandemic is over. As a business owner you need to act quickly, yet strategically. Marketing is an essential component of every successful organization and should not be underestimated. Speak with your marketing team and encourage open...

Britt Canady of Tough Mudder Bootcamp

It can be quite difficult to ease someone’s mind without diminishing the real risks. Uncertainty, fear, and loneliness are scary aspects of this pandemic. The first thing anyone can do is simply talk to or video call their loved ones....

Amy Voloshin of Printfresh

I encourage other businesses to be open that by selling more online and direct to your customer to embrace diversity and inclusion in their product offerings, sizing, and brand imagery. Businesses need to be held more accountable to featuring POC...

Wendy O’Donovan Phillips of Big Buzz

Let go and let God. I have it tattooed on my right wrist. Never before now have I been surer of my powerlessness. When I stay surrendered, the answers come. And from that place, I can do the next right...

Victoria Repa of BetterMe

The attitude towards mental health will change. In self-isolation, people will naturally turn to their inner state. This will also affect our relationships, and I predict people will become more selective with regards to who they are letting into their...

Victoria Lamberth of ZenFi Networks

Nothing I’ve done in my life can live up to the unbelievable courage millions of Americans are showing in the face of this pandemic. From the staggering number of people out of jobs, to the healthcare workers on the frontlines,...

Steven Bronson of Interlink Electronics

A challenge we are all facing right now, as a nation, is a lack of unity and leadership. We are at a time in our country where we really need it. People need to be coming together for the greater...

Roxanne Brown and Ed Cook of The Change Decision

Only one of us can be down at any one time. We rely on each other to pull the other up when one of us is down. We actively talk about it and look to each other for support. It...

Paul Sellew of Little Leaf Farms

One of the things that has not been talked about much is how important it is to maintain your health so that your body can fight off not only COVID-19 but also other infectious diseases. Clearly, this virus has particularly...

Patrick Fingles of Leap

Most leaders assume they must have a complete plan prior to sharing with people. I disagree with this notion. Sometimes the plan is: ”We don’t have a plan yet, but we are working on one. In the meantime, we wanted...

Monica Eaton-Cardone of Chargebacks911

I think eCommerce and digital sales channels are going to see a significant bump as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. People are already more cognizant of avoiding unnecessary contact. Buying options like online ordering, in-store pickup are already seeing...

Michael Sbrocchi of Speedy Transport

I hope that people realize how important their health is and not take it for granted — mentally and physically. I think we will become more grateful for being able to be around the people we love. Face to face...

Marne Martin of IFS Service Management

Digital transformation is getting a closer look by many customers and businesses we are engaged with. The current state of the economy added with operational lockdown has given executives time to pause and evaluate where to repoint resources, as well...

Kirk Myers of Dogpound

People will hopefully be more grateful for the “simple” things in life that were taken for granted up to a few months ago — such as a visit to family, a coffee with a friend, walk on a busy city...

Jim Estill of Danby Appliances

Someone once explained “conditions” to me. A condition is something that just is. Like the exchange rate or which party is in power. What we can do is figure out what our response is to these conditions. I am big...

Fred Goff of Jobcase

The post-COVID economy will present a huge opportunity for us to choose which type of future we wish to build. Future-of-work trends will accelerate. Employers will have to choose whether to leverage automation to displace jobs wholly, or to replace...

Dr. Ed Buckley III of Peerfit

COVID-19 did not create new trends; it rapidly accelerated existing ones. How were we not being this conscientious about cleanliness and shared space (which ultimately spreads germs) before this?! The experiences people have felt while sheltering in place brought about...

Cindy DiBiasi of 3D Communications

We are seeing an evolution — if not a revolution — in how Pharma, Biotech, Medical Devices, and Technology are cooperating. I think we will see a jump-start in many of these areas — from vaccines and new treatments for...

Charlie Harding of Let’s Roam

I think that the Post-Covid economy will allow for more companies to expand on their existing services and product lines. A lot of CEOs have had to adapt to an entirely new niche they might have not been comfortable entering....

Amy Marcoot of Marcoot Jersey Creamery

I think it will create, at least for a time, a culture of people being more cautious and careful. I also think people have had to be less spontaneous. Right now, we’re all just looking forward to having experiences with...

Alesha Brown & Fruition Publishing Concierge Services

All things are possible. I believe that all things are possible and that I am capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to. This belief does not mean that no hard work or challenges are involved, but I use...

Yvonne Wassenaar of Puppet

Remote work is here to stay: Initially, businesses have had to find more ways to work remotely. Post COVID-19 they will recognize that being able to work remotely is not only a good business continuity capability for the company, but...

Rick Stollmeyer of Mindbody

I think people will take better care of themselves across all dimensions of wellness — not just physical. Other channels of wellness like mental, emotional and spiritual will continue to skyrocket.

Ray Zinn of Micrel

Always focus on profitability and make cash king no matter if times are tough or flush. Don’t be in a hurry to expand even during better financial times. Run a lean organization that focuses on frugality and making do.

Katie Hunt of Proof to Product

While it’s never fun to make mistakes — especially costly ones — I do think that each of these “failures” are extremely valuable teaching lessons for any business owners out there. Each “mistake” I’ve made in my business has taught...

Jessi Honard and Marie Parks of North Star Messaging + Strategy

Even after the COVID pandemic has passed, we anticipate an increase in caution around how we work and live. We are each responsible for our own health, and for practicing protective measures that can keep ourselves and those around us...

Jeremy Jackson of Shift Lab

Surround yourself with talented people and trust them. Between resourcing, cash flow, performance goals, office logistics, tax deadlines, receivables, and business development, there is plenty to try to keep your head around as a business owner. In the early days,...

Jean Hamon of Hivebrite

It will probably sound obvious, but I’d simply encourage people to make sure they have a solid plan for what to do if such an event were to happen again in the future. This can translate into raising more cash...

Harry Hedaya of Send it By Text

In business, you always have to be willing to embrace change and use change to your benefit instead of your downfall. Now is not the time to bury your head in the sand and pretend things will work themselves out....

Conor Smith of Cella

This story remains to be written, and we may not know the answer for years to come. The pace that this pandemic moves and the related information streams are swift. I’d hope the lessons of simplicity, valuing time with our...

Amy McDonald of Altwell

The single most important thing our business can do as we emerge from this is to really take the time to listen to consumer needs. I mean really listen. Get in touch with them directly and hear what they are...

Sanjeev Agrawal of LeanTaaS

“Woe is me” is not a great strategy. Get up, do something, keep moving, and keep looking out for opportunities even in the messiness of the reality surrounding you.

Vikas Agarwal of Kaya

We will no longer live a life of excesses. The definition of ‘necessary’ will change. There will be a rediscovered sense of equality in this unequal world, like everyone, no matter how rich and powerful, is as vulnerable.

Warren Leeds of Dartcor

I think a lot of what we would consider normal will eventually return. It’s easy when we’re in the middle of a crisis to think things have completely changed. I think of it like a rubber band. Right now it’s...

Super Bowl Champion Marques Colston

If there are immediate opportunities that your business can leverage, lean into your competitive advantages to maintain authenticity and carve out your own lane. If those immediate opportunities do not exist try to “skate where the puck is headed” and...

Rob & Andrew Scott of Legends Boxing

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t know all of the answers. No one starts out knowing everything, and anyone who says they know everything is lying. Life is a continuous learning process, and you’re a lot more likely to...

Phantila Phataraprasit & Cailtin Ellen of Sabai

I would encourage others to rebuild and grow in an image that makes them feel as though they are a positive change in the world. Bringing beauty to others, highlighting sustainability, and really focusing on buying and creating with intention...

Morris Panner of Ambra Health

Post-Covid — we believe that telehealth will be a more important part of how we deliver healthcare. We had already been seeing more and more virtual approaches in our business and think that trend will accelerate. Virtual care is here...

Moodi Mahmoud of NEXT

First and foremost, I aim to establish the Covid-19 outbreak as a collective reminder for us to maintain a sense of humility, readiness, and service. Constant is never. And we must never forget that everything, literally everything, can change from...

Liam Martin of Staff.com

Always optimize for survival instead of scale. Businesses that can adapt to new situations (like the one we’re currently in) are much harder to kill than ones who have optimized to scale as the more you scale, the less you...

Jeff Bell of LegalShield

Waving, saying ‘Hello’, and random acts of courtesy and kindness are what I pray for. That is a start. As Teddy Roosevelt once said: “We need civic courage, honesty, and steadfast adherence to the immutable laws of righteousness.” Government and...

JB Kellogg of Madwire

I have no doubt purpose-driven businesses are more successful because they have a deeper meaning behind their work. They understand their “why”. And when you understand the meaning and impact of your work, it gives you the perseverance to push...

Harrison Fugman of The Naked Market

First and foremost, be laser-focused on setting up operations and business for a new potential norm. Then once you have an element of comfort there — identify the new potential growth drivers for your business that may come out of...

Former Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci

COVID19 will change many ways we go about our normal business forever. But one thing is for certain, how you see this pandemic is always going to be different depending on your own economic situation. If you are a health...

Christian Giordano of Mancini Duffy

I think we will value being home more. I have never eaten dinner with my family this much since I became a father many years ago. I think we’ll yearn for more of that priceless quality time Post-COVID.

Cassy Aite of Hoppier

There are so many changes that are happening that lead to opportunity. The biggest ones will be related to social gatherings of 10+ people or confined spaces; meetings, concerts, schools, offices, etc. I think it is reasonable to say at...

Bryan Pate of ElliptiGO

I think once we have widespread and effective vaccinations and people get readjusted to no longer fearing the disease, I think we’ll actually mostly go back to the way things were. I’m optimistic that some of the good things will...

Brian Hamilton of SmartDollar

If I had to choose a number-one principle, it would be to put people first. If you help enough people, you don’t have to worry about money. We don’t make decisions based on a business model, it is what will...

Brendon Kensel of PrimaHealth Credit

I try and focus on the silver linings, whether it’s the extra time you’re getting with your kids, a new appreciation for local businesses or the extraordinary acts of kindness we see almost daily.

Axel Hefer of Trivago

It is a rare opportunity to be able to reset — leverage this time. Start from a blank sheet of paper and think who you want to be, how can you best serve your customers, what do you need to...

Oded Shorer & Michal Kabatznik of Milestone Labs

We truly believe that agility and innovation are the keys to a successful future. Any and all companies can integrate this into their DNA, if it’s not there already, to ensure they thrive in the post-COVID world and are ready...

Miki Agrawal of Tushy

While it has been tough to see so many businesses get disrupted, layoffs happening, recession approaching and sickness counts growing (yet showing signs of curve flattening), I do think this pandemic is a massive CALL for positive disruption too. 1)...

Mike Dalewitz, The Mindful Mentor

I was a 9/11 Survivor and remember how NYC and Humanity changed for a bit, especially in NYC. NY’ers were strong yet had great compassion and empathy for others. Charitable giving was at a high point. There was a saying...

Kasey Kaplan of KWK Studio

I think COVID has given a lot of people time to reassess their values and priorities and there may be a lot of change as a result of this. People are eating at home more, cooking dinners, baking, exercising and...

Josh Weiner of Solutionreach

I think after experiencing the impact of this outbreak, everyone will understand how quickly life can be disrupted, and that we shouldn’t take the freedoms and health we have for granted. I can’t help but think of experiences I’ve put...

Jonathan Merry of MoneyTransfers.com

Running your own business is non-stop and no guide book in the world can prepare you for it. It’s like learning to ride a bike in some ways. Once you take those stabilizers off whilst your learning the ropes, it’s...

Jed Ayres of IGEL

Agility is our new superpower. Don’t be afraid to change and in some cases radically. Some of the best outcomes are born from adversity. Think about the innovations that came between World War I and World War II. In 1914,...

Jason Patel of Transizion

It does us no good to worry about what we cannot control. Worrying is natural, but each of us needs to do our best to play our own role within the community, so that we can ride this storm out...

Georgette Pascale of Pascale Communications

Running a business comes with its daily challenges and changes, but I find I work best when I center myself and focus on the good in that day. No matter what has happened, there’s always a positive I can find....

David Vranicar of FBS Fortified & Ballistic Security

No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. You can walk into a room and act like you know everything and have the best product — but unless you care — the customer won’t give you a lot of latitude...

Danielle Cohen-Shohet of GlossGenius

Putting customers first is the only way to create long term value in this world as a business. If your organization can truly put customers first, managing the ups and downs becomes a lot easier.

Chaho Song of Iluna

It is truly heartbreaking to see so many people who have lost loved ones due to Covid-19. I have a colleague who lost his business partner due to the virus. But it is very upsetting to see that the media...

Brian Fox of Confirmation

I always tell would-be entrepreneurs that life happens at the same time you’re running your business. You have a family to care for and a business to care for. Hug and love your family, provide leadership at home and work,...

Bal Krishen of Century Financial

As with every economic depression or recession, the world is forced to evaluate and choose between needs and wants. The longer these spells last, the more we tend to let go of the good-to-haves. Humans are social by nature and...

Attila Keskin of DesignScene

I think empathy and transparency will be qualities that are freshly championed and encouraged throughout the workplace, social media and both our professional and personal lives. And truthfully, I think people overall will be a bit more consciously hygienic now...

Andrew Woods of Duckpin

At times, I find myself feeling trapped or paralyzed by all the decision making. But analysis paralysis stifles productivity and growth, so these obstacles need to be faced head-on. It’s not always easy to do, but a decision must be...

Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group

Nothing lasts forever. We can get so caught up in the moment sometimes — like right now with the pandemic — that we lose sight of the big picture and opportunities in front of us.

Andres Giraldo of The Skyline Agency

Sometimes all it takes is just a simple “I love you” or “Hello”, or using appreciative language, to help change somebody’s mind state. Right now, we need to support all mental health initiatives and make sure we embrace each other...

Alex Hargrove of NetLaw

Don’t stop. Literally. Whatever it is, just keep going. I’m a runner and often take that advice literally. If it’s good news, I run to celebrate and build on the momentum. If it’s bad news, I run to ruminate, rethink,...

Alexander Cardona of OneShare Health

For anyone who is feeling anxious, I’d remind them of who we are as a country and as a people. We’re fighters — we have always persevered in the face of challenges and adversity. There is no reason we can’t...

Amber Duncan of Newborn Consulting

My number one principle that guides me through everything is found in my faith in God. He knows the plans he has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me and if I ask him to take...

Dan Gusz of Lloyd

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely going to fast-track many trends that would have otherwise played out over decades: a transition to more remote-education, telehealth, creative communication methods, and so much more. Even if when there is a vaccine, these new...

Event Planner Edward Perotti

Covid has given the event industry a gift. The gift of time — time to reimagine how we bring people together. We’ve been gathering the same way that our grandparents did (we just add more fluff), and maybe it’s time...

Sudip Saha of Future Market Insights

In the global economy, there is a great deal of interconnectedness, it’s just that sometimes we don’t fully realize it. The success of a hedge fund in New York has ramifications in a local bank in rural India. So, the...

Jake Sorofman of MetaCX

It’s become a cliché to talk about the new normal, but I do think that’s mostly right on. This crisis is a wakeup call for companies who now recognize how vulnerable they are to unpredictable macro changes in demand patterns,...

Brenda D. Wilkerson of AnitaB.org

Farmers and production and distribution company workers have gone unnoticed until this moment, with farmers going bankrupt, food being wasted and more people going hungry. With the level of technology we have today, this problem among many others is maddening....

Nick Friedman of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving

I encourage others to stay patient and to remain open-minded. Just as I tell my friends and family, opportunities will present themselves, and success is a product of faith x focus x effort. If people remain faithful, focused, and continue...

Mario Veraldo of Reinvention Revolution

When the world is focused on their screens, you have to be there. It is challenging to cover every single customer, but investing in visibility is more critical than ever. Every single business that is still standing is now online,...

Jonathan Barnett of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

Try to think of the best case and worst case scenarios for your business and build action plans accordingly. If you’re expecting a rush for your services, have a plan ready to rapidly bring on more workers. If you worry...

Molly George of Kickstand Communications

This is also a great opportunity for employers to re-evaluate their benefits and the wellbeing of their employees. At Kickstand Communications, we take mental health and wellbeing seriously and have always offered our team generous well-being stipends to be used...

Helena Lumme of Nothing But Real

A positive outcome may be that as a result of this, people become more open to new ideas. That’s because a situation like this forces us to rethink everything we do. This situation also forces companies and institutions to re-evaluate...

Valérie Grandury of Odacité

We turned this pandemic into an opportunity to deepen our conversation to more meaningful subjects that bring us closer together. Taking the time to listen to each other on simple questions like “how are you doing… What makes you happy…...

Tom Gilman of Biosero

Focus on what you are good at. If what you are good at isn’t relevant anymore, adapt. There is no lack of creativity. Sit and think about it, see that space, focus on it and don’t give up. Enable people...

Thomas Nieto of Main Squeeze Juice Company

The world has faced pandemics before, the biggest difference now is that we have unlimited information that we’re constantly being bombarded with. While much of this information may be confusing or harmful, a lot of it is helpful and can...

Sarah Luna of Pure Barre

I think that post-COVID, people will want to lead simpler lives. They’ll evaluate what really matters to them, and that will affect how they spend their time and money. They’ll wonder if some activities in their pre-COVID life were really...

Meryl Kennedy of Kennedy Rice Mill

I am by far not the smartest person at our company, nor the funniest, nor the most educated or most well liked. However, it is my shear perseverance that has kept me moving through some of the hardest trials in...

Austin Mac Nab of VizyPay

Put a focus on your employees and company culture so that everybody is excited to come back and be around each other again. Make sure to plan for everything in your organization and be as flexible as you can because...

Anthony Denier of Webull Financial

It is my hope that in a post-COVID world, we will have a greater appreciation and understanding of our health. This goes for both people and the government. The health of our whole population and healthcare system affects individuals in...

Yanyan Ji of ecoATM Gazelle

This is a pretty crazy time for everyone, but for some strange reason, I am thankful I get to spend all this time with my family. We are home, we are safe, we are healthy. I am grateful for all...

Shane Menking of Data Foundry

Things are going to permanently change, but I think it’s harder to predict what those changes are going to be than people think. There is so much we don’t know at this stage. At a minimum, every company now has...

Mychelle Mollot of Solace

I would encourage others to take a 1 - 1.5-year view of the COVID economy and to pivot to what they can market and sell now rather than waiting out the storm and hoping it will blow over in a...

Luba Pashkovskaya of Verv

This health crisis has shown us that there’s so much to be done in healthcare and medicine on a global level. I really hope that the next time humanity faces something like this, we will be much better prepared, informed,...

Kelly Roach of Kelly Roach International

I encourage you to live below your means, to have a really good sales system in place and to build your emergency fund. Times like these should serve as a reminder that things can change in the blink of an...

Kean Graham of MonetizeMore

Opportunity Instead of Crisis: Re-position this crisis as an opportunity. That subtle mind shift could be life-changing. Rather than loathing, people can take advantage of this additional free-time to work-out every day, focus on self-improvement content, stop drinking for an...

Jeff Zhou of Fig

For our business, my team has been working on a lot of infrastructures over the past few months in preparation for Post-COVID and I’m excited for us to grow on a significantly stronger foundation. I’m personally focused on automating away...

Janine Manning of Rebecca Page

We are experiencing a resurgence of people spending their leisure time involved in creative and ‘productive hobbies’ that can be engaged in without physical contact (in other words, online). The unsustainability of high street fashion will be more of a...

James Brennan of Liveli

Exercise. Get outside and move. Take a long walk, do some jumping jacks, go for a run — just make sure you are moving your body every single day. It will not only help make you feel better, but it...

Erika Nuno of Champion City

Certainly, in unprecedented times as today is when the need to contribute our experience and resources is tenfold. Our response was to touch base with communities we serve, current and past clients, and our overall network to spread the word...

Andrew Altorfer of CirrusMD

What’s worked for us is that we’ve tried to be very thoughtful in how we strike balance between our personal and professional lives, trading off so we each have enough time with our kids and to focus on the work...

Wendy Shafranski of Vero Strength + Conditioning

Acknowledge the silver linings in all of this — are you spending more time with family? Are you able to cook more? Are you able to focus on self-care? Do you have time to meditate? We may never have this...

Sam Baker of Farm Flight

In every dealing I partake in, my number one goal is to make sure that all parties involved benefit from working with us. Whether it be a partner, employee, or client, I want them to look forward to working with...

Ross W. Albers of Albers & Associates

The COVID-19 shutdown experience is almost like experiencing massive trauma. I’ve found that it has brought our team closer together. I think our people will look back and say, “Remember COVID-19, and how we grew our business!”

Robert Brill of BrillMedia

I’ve seen a change in myself and our family outlook. Things that were small in the “old world” are now big. We’re cooking at home much more, household expenses have lowered, sunsets are sweeter, and family dinner time is more...

Patrick San Francesco of the Samarpan Foundation

It is my firm belief that a prosperous society begins with a healthy society, meaning that of a resilient mental, emotional and physical nature. Therefore, I predict that the emphasis post-Covid will be on health and health related issues. I...

Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls

Communication is key to all of our community, customer and employee engagement. Another pivot because of the lockdown, this is a great time to build your brand through online marketing and social media. Allocate more budget for online activities to...

John Lincoln of Ignite Visibility

Consumers are going to be much more apt to buy things online, and certain industries are going to explode (online education, medical, entertainment, and gaming, to name a few). And yet, each of the industries that were impacted are going...

Jeff Garrison of S.J. Collins Enterprises

The Internet has proven to be the big winner of COVID-19. People who never purchased groceries online, like my parents, are now ordering groceries online and finding that it’s an effective tool for them and it’s safer. As more people...

Isabel Aagaard of LastObject

We, like many businesses, have not had many sales during the outbreak and have had to be creative with the way we work. Quite quickly we saw a spike in our like conversions on Facebook, as many people were now...

Ben Gerster of Joybyte

Remain positive and focused on what you can control. Running a business can be hard. There are so many variables that are not in your control and some business owners get sidetracked by the distractions of trying to manage the...

Stefan Georgi of Copy Accelerator

It sucks, and it’s annoying to be on lockdown, and it’s scary knowing there’s a disease spreading, and it’s tragic that people are dying. But humans are incredibly resilient. Throughout history, we have risen to daunting challenges and we have...

Rob Farinella of Blue Sky Agency

Cooking and eating dinner together as a family has become a central part of my day again. Sharing stories, memes, and asking questions have led to fun conversations and great memories. Realizing the joy in these moments — moments that...

Kristy Lewis of Quinn Foods

There is so much we have learned from Covid-19, and I hope that our society is great enough that we will walk away from this time in history knowing that humanity, as a whole, is good. That we are resilient,...

Jim Berlin of Logistics Plus

Being an essential business (delivering the goods to support the front-line heroes and to keep the community fed and healthy), we had to rally the gang to keep working, even through difficult and uncertain times. That was the biggest challenge....

Dr. Terika L. Haynes of Dynamite Travel

The travel industry has been significantly affected by the global pandemic. A number of weeks early on were especially difficult as I was tasked with canceling many reservations and rebooking travel while also having to homeschool my child. I’ve found...

David Harouche of Multimedia Plus

The one benefit from having been challenged with our youngest son having brain cancer since October is that the anxiety level really couldn’t go any higher from that point. Your perspective on everything changes where the confidence of knowing that...

Mark Crames of Northern Group

I think many habits will change, starting with handshakes, face to face meetings, significantly less travel, especially internationally. I am not yet sure how we will rebuild our supply chain. And I have no idea if I will ever get...

Christie Lawler of CJL CONSULTiNG

I think it already has changed everything. Not because we are wearing masks and gloves and washing our hands until our skin dries out…. But because we all genuinely care about our neighbors, colleagues and communities. I think as a...

Adrian Rashad Driscoll of Driscoll Entertainment

I would look at this time as a blank canvas to really go for it. Think about what you need right now as a consumer, does your company offer something to make that need a little more endurable? Should your...

Alyssa Rapp of Surgical Solutions

It is also no secret that entrepreneurs are capable of adapting with lightning speed, pivoting strategies as needed, and frankly doing whatever it takes to survive. For this reason, Covid-19 might provide the greatest opportunity for economic disruption to start-ups...