Leading Through Crisis

High-stakes leadership demands clarity, courage, and a calm, commanding presence—especially during times of uncertainty and change. Whether you’re leading through layoffs, policy rollbacks, or organizational upheaval, how you show up in crisis defines your legacy.

You know the weight—the sleepless nights wondering if you're making the right call, the isolation of being the one everyone looks to for answers, the crushing responsibility of knowing your decisions affect people's livelihoods and futures.

The Challenge

The isolation hits hardest at 3 AM when you're staring at the ceiling, running scenarios in your head.

When everything’s on the line, leaders are asked to do the impossible. Whether you're guiding teams through organizational change, showing up in the media during a high-stakes moment, or quietly holding more than anyone knows behind the scenes—you don’t have to carry it alone.

Leadership in Crisis is a private, high-impact coaching experience for decision-makers, executives, and public leaders who are navigating complex, high-visibility moments and need to lead with clarity, presence, and strength. 

The Solution

Inside this experience, you will:

• Stabilize your mindset and energy in high-pressure moments

• Clarify your message for internal, public, or media-facing communication

• Strengthen your executive presence under stress

• Make decisions from grounded clarity—not reactive urgency

• Reclaim your steadiness, your voice, and your vision - because your team needs you steady when everything feels unstable.

Signature Sessions Include:

• Keynote: Conduct Over Circumstance – The Match in the Darkness
  (Best for executive forums, conferences, and leadership summits)

• Building Trust & Influence: Adaptive Leadership Tools for Navigating Change
  (Perfect for leadership teams and event breakout sessions)

• What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say: Messaging for Modern Leadership
  (Designed for HR leaders, DEI champions, and change communicators)

*Custom workshops available upon request. Virtual and in-person delivery available.

TESTIMONIAL: "I sincerely appreciated the honesty demonstrated in the opening session. By openly acknowledging and naming some of the challenges we have been facing, it felt like a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and confidence within our agency." Audience Member, Minnovation Summit

At the heart of my approach lies a relationship of trust, mutual respect and honest feedback. Executive Coaching creates a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment where positive shifts can happen ~ Polly

When Crisis Calls, Leaders Need More Than Hope:

• Preparing a Director of Operations to tell 30% of their employees they won't have jobs next month—while maintaining trust and hope for those who remain.

• Coaching an energy CEO, CFO, and President to speak confidently at their annual investor meeting—transforming nervous executives into commanding presenters in front of hundreds of investors and thousands watching virtually.

• Guiding a CEO through leading her team when their key director left mid-transformation—helping her navigate the uncertainty while deciding the future direction of an entire department.

• Helping a VP prevent a strike by thousands of workers during COVID—coaching him to meet the union with presence and empathy while positioning for future contract negotiations.

• Coaching an elected official through navigating media interviews and intense financial backer calls after a very public setback. 

From Clients Who Lead by Example:

"I really felt like you were invested in my success, and there’s no other feeling like that - when someone from outside of the organization supports you and is invested in your success." ~ R. Bruce, Associate Robins-Kaplan

"You helped me get unstuck—and I honestly wasn’t sure anyone could. Thank you." Minnesota House Representative

Certified by Industry Leaders and Business Diversity Programs:

• Leadership & Coaching: ICF-ACC, CEC-ASCTH, BLANCHARD  
• Business Diversity: DBE-MN, CERT, MNUCP
• Associations: NSA, BizWomen Leadership Council, Leadership Twin Cities, Minneapolis Chamber

Let’s build the right experience for your leaders.

Whether you need a keynote speaker, a coaching sprint, or an ongoing leadership partner, Polly will work with you, your leaders, or your team to ensure the format, delivery, and outcomes align with your goals.

Embark on a transformative experience that not only enhances leadership capabilities but also strengthens team cohesion and organizational impact. Connect with us to bring this dynamic leadership evolution to your team.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"Thank you for taking the time to work with our team. The lessons were priceless!" ~ Joshua Voigt, Kohler 

"Everyone walked away feeling good about learning something they can apply to their day-to-day, which will better themselves and their teams. That was the goal! Mission accomplished." ~ K Patey, News Director