The last two decades have given business leaders quite the ride, with massive changes in every direction. We’ve had the 2008 recession, the global pandemic, and, of course, the social and political shifts that continue to keep us all on our toes (fun times, right?).

Staying Grounded in Turbulent Times

In the middle of all this upheaval, one truth is constant and unchanging: you need a foundation to stay grounded. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself chasing trends and reacting to every new crisis without ever getting a real foothold. 

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to knock you off course. The key to staying steady is having a solid foundation—beginning with what matters most. When you stay grounded in your purpose and core values, you can navigate even the toughest challenges with clarity and resilience. Let’s look at how some companies have done just that.

9 Companies That Succeeded During Big Changes in the World

Recession: Apple, Starbucks, Walmart

During the 2008 recession, Apple innovated by releasing the iPhone 3G, boosting its stock by almost 50%. Starbucks focused on customer experience and expanded its loyalty program, returning to profitability by 2009. Walmart emphasized affordable essentials, driving sales growth with its Everyday Low Price philosophy.

Pandemic: Zoom, Shopify, CVS

As the pandemic reshaped the world, Zoom quickly scaled to support remote work, growing from 10 million to 300 million daily users. Shopify empowered small businesses to thrive through e-commerce, tripling its sales. CVS Health provided vital public health services, maintaining customer loyalty and increasing revenue.

Social/Political Upheaval: Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, Salesforce 

Amid social and political unrest in 2020-21, Nike championed racial justice, boosting sales by 5%. Ben & Jerry’s increased customer loyalty by deepening its commitment to progressive social values. Salesforce focused on diversity and inclusion, maintaining employee satisfaction and B2B trust while reinforcing its social responsibility.

• What is your “go-to” when things feel very uncertain and turbulent?

• How well do you stay grounded and connected during times of change?

9 Amare Ways to Effectively Lead Through Change and Upheaval

1. Focus on what you can control. List what is and is not within your realm of influence. Don’t get lost in the whirlwind of change. Anchor your decisions in what you can impact.

2. Check decisions for alignment. Before making any big decision, check if they honor your organization’s core principles and values.

3. Embrace transparency. When uncertainty strikes, communicate openly with your team about challenges. Clear communication builds trust.

4. Create space for feedback. Regularly ask your team and customers how well they feel the company is staying true to its mission. Adapt accordingly.

5. Practice self-awareness. Regularly ask yourself during hard times if your actions were in alignment with who you are and what you believe in. Use what you learn to guide future actions.

6. Trust your gut. When making tough decisions, listen to your instincts. Your inner knowing is often your most reliable guide in navigating uncertainty and staying aligned with your purpose.

7. Acknowledge fear openly. As a leader, create a safe space where fear and frustration can be discussed without judgment. Share your own experiences with fear, helping to normalize it for your team.

8. Release the need for control. Accept that not everything can be controlled. Respond to changing circumstances with flexibility rather than something to resist.

9. Embrace impermanence. Remind yourself and your team that challenges, successes, and setbacks are all temporary. Be fully engaged in the moment without getting overly attached to any one outcome.

Lead Through Change with Confidence

The companies that thrive during times of upheaval don’t just adapt—they know who they are and why they are here, leading with resilience and clarity. When you stay grounded in your purpose and values, you gain the strength to face anything that comes your way. 

You have that same power within you. By focusing on what truly matters and using your purpose as your anchor, you can navigate even the toughest challenges with confidence. The foundation you build today will not only help you weather the inevitable storms. It will also set you up for lasting success, no matter how the future unfolds.

Ready to embrace the changes coming your way?

Let’s chat about how you can stay grounded in purpose and authenticity—leading with love while growing your organization in the right direction. Reach out today to make your leadership even more impactful in these uncertain times.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“The times they are a-changin’.” 

— Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter 

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

Leading with Truth in in a World of Deepfakes, AI, and Nonstop Disruption

Are You Here for the World? How to Stay On Purpose in Challenging Times

Leadership Lessons From Vital Farms’ Stakeholder-Centric Success

One Microsoft: How Great Leaders Turn “Oneness” Initiatives Into Genuine Unity

How to Stay the Course and Lead Effectively When the World Outside Seems Crazy

Original article published on Inc.com.