Uncertainty is inevitable, but leadership takes time. Michelle Mason, President & CEO of Association Forum, Kim Mosley, President of American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, and Kimberly Barnes, President and CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, discuss their experiences of managing through uncertainty. 

We have all reacted differently to the problems this pandemic has caused throughout the year.  Mosley immediately jumped into action and knew she needed to create partnerships to make sure kids still had the chance to be kids this summer. Her organization worked with local schools to give toys during their food drives and worked with children museums to create packages filled with fun activities to keep kids occupied. Barnes also worked with her association to provide meals to communities who were severely hit by Covid-19.

While the pandemic has been a prevalent issue in the industry, the recent movement of racial injustice has sparked conversation everywhere. They welcome John Hockman, Principal of McKinley Advisors, to present key 2020 research findings concerning diversity and inclusion within the work environment. “44% of members said they have witnessed, experienced–or both–harassment, discrimmiation or bias in the last year,” said Hockman. He urges companies to diversify their leadership, raise awareness beyond just the basics, and to do something. Organizations may be at different points in their journeys, but no matter where they are, it is vital that they do something to advance welcoming environments. 

Both Mosley and Bares are senior leaders in the industry, and want to lead by example. They have used their real life experiences to better understand their workers and to create a welcoming work environment for all. They are both advocates of self-care, and want to make sure their workers are taking care of themselves and not feeling overwhelmed. Barnes states it’s important that executives tell themselves “I need a break, I need to get this work done, but I also need to live to fight another day”. A company can only thrive if they truly care about their workers in every sense.