473: Future Proofing: How To Prepare Your Company For The Next Global Crisis With James Burstall

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How can you prepare yourself and your team for the next global crisis?

James Burstall

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the wisdom of James Burstall, the visionary CEO of Argonon Group, an award-winning independent TV production company headquartered in London, New York, and Los Angeles.

From producing hits like House Hunters International, Mysteries of the Abandoned, Lost Treasures of Egypt, Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, to The Masked Singer, Burstall’s leadership journey unfolds.

Amid crises, James shares invaluable insights from his book The Flexible Method, guiding us through the art of crisis navigation while prioritizing people, safety, and well-being.

Through transparent communication and an emergency team, Argonon Group weathered the storm of the pandemic, taking a modest hit compared to the industry. Burstall’s mastery in leadership resilience offers a captivating narrative, intertwining resilience, innovation, and success.

Don’t miss this episode as Burstall’s journey reveals triumph in adversity, offering a masterclass in resilience and leading with both flexibility and heart. Tune in for a captivating exploration into triumph amidst challenges!

What We Discuss in this Episode

People before profit: How one of the biggest TV producers led through COVID
How big business must act like a start-up to survive
Embracing change after the crisis: 5 steps to setting your future course
Collaboration wins over ‘just dig in’ during a crisis
Care for your team’s mental health: it is your company’s business
No one wants to think about impending disaster but it’s best to be prepared. Have a plan.
Supercharge your creativity in a crisis: Learn how to thrive in the next crisis
Ten things to do now to get ready for the next economic downturn
Business lessons from TV shows
From terrorism to natural disasters: Why you should have a safety net in place
Lessons from COVID: How to protect your business from the next global crisis

Podcast Highlights

00:00 – COVID posed existential threat to film industry.

03:19 – Swift action, prioritizing safety for production reboot.

06:54 – Adapting and problem-solving during crisis situations.

10:35 – Team quickly created plans, supporting each other.

14:26 – Emphasizing vision, communication, and coping with crises.

17:28 – Long-running shows adapt, employees take on new roles.

20:13 – Flexibility crucial for companies to avoid stagnation.

25:09 – Network tracked global lockdowns, directing filming adjustments.

26:10 – Expanded international production teams reduce costs, emissions.

31:51 – Book aimed at broad audience, interviews diverse leaders.

33:52 – Republican mayor, David Holtz prioritizes community health.

36:24 – Prepare, communicate, and plan for crises.

40:36 – Prepare, learn, innovate, and take care.

Explore leadership insights from James Burstall’s remarkable journey navigating crises at Argonon during the pandemic. Discover the power of prioritizing people, transparent communication, and adaptable strategies in reshaping the TV production industry. Join us as we delve into lessons learned, the The Flexible Method guiding leaders, and the future of human-AI collaboration in entertainment.

Favorite Quotes

“The most important message of the book is you have to put your people first. You have to make sure that your people are safe.” — James Burstall

“Yeah, flexible is a very powerful word and in many big companies, giant listed companies and Wall Street and elsewhere, they lose a sense of flexibility and they lose at their peril.” — James Burstall

Episode Resources

Book – The Flexible Method: Prepare to Prosper in the Next Global Crisis

Connect with James Burstall

Website: https://theflexiblemethod.com
Social Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesburstall

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