Insights

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Empathic Leadership — The New Frontier in Crisis Management for 2025

In the middle of a crisis, leaders and organizations can be tempted to adopt a posture... More>
A colorful 3D geometric shape labeled RISK in the center, surrounded by the words: PLAN, CONTROL, ASSESSMENT, REVIEW, EVALUATE, and ANALYSIS, each connected to the shape by lines on a blue gradient background.

When Everything Is at Stake

The call comes at 2 AM. Or it arrives in an email marked urgent. Sometimes it's... More>
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Preventing Disruption When It Matters Most

Crisis management in 2025 is defined by proactive, technology-enabled strategies; decentralized yet coordinated response structures and... More>
Four business professionals stand in a close huddle, smiling and embracing in a bright office. To the left, a flip chart displays diagrams and the word “PROJECT” at the top. Sunlight streams through large windows.

Using Humility and Empathy in the Face of Disruption

In the middle of a crisis, leaders and organizations can be tempted to adopt a posture... More>
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Overcoming The Hidden Weight of Anticipated Disruption

It was 11 PM when I stepped onto a rain-soaked Seattle street, drawing in the cool... More>
A man sits alone in an office, covering his face with his hands in distress. A computer and office supplies are on a desk in the foreground, with sunlight streaming through the window.

Proven Leadership Through Crisis and Disruption

Some moments define a leader — not by title or strategy, but by how they respond... More>
Close-up of a printed document with the word Policy in large, bold letters at the top. The rest of the text below appears blurred and partially visible.

More Than Policies

There’s something more to leadership in insurance than technical skills or following the latest management trend.... More>
A group of people in business attire stand in a dark room, analyzing large digital screens displaying complex financial charts and data. Some individuals gesture toward the screen, suggesting a discussion or meeting.

The Crawford Plan For Managing Risk and Preventing Crisis

Crisis management in 2025 is defined by proactive, technology-enabled strategies; decentralized yet coordinated response structures and... More>
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The Hidden Weight of an Anticipated Crisis

It was 11 PM when I stepped onto a rain-soaked Seattle street, drawing in the cool... More>
A glowing, futuristic key with intricate gears and cogs radiates bright orange and red light, surrounded by dynamic particles and sparks against a dark, blurred background.

The Secret Sauce of Leadership

There’s a tension in most organizations that rarely gets addressed directly. I’ve seen it play out... More>
A man in a suit stands at a podium, seen from behind, addressing a large audience in a dimly lit auditorium with spotlights shining down from above.

HOW TO LEAD FROM THE INSIDE-OUT

As an advisor to CEOs, Boards and senior executives, I have observed how the pressures facing... More>
A blue brain labeled Practical Intelligence is at the center of a flowchart with icons, pathways, and words like Motivation, Decision-Making, and Competent Intelligence branching out around it.

THE PRACTICAL APPROACH TO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP

Leadership is often described as a blend of vision, strategy, and execution. Yet, the most effective... More>
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A Guide for Transforming a Crisis into an Opportunity – Part One

Crisis does not arrive with courtesy. It interrupts plans, tests resolve and brings underlying vulnerabilities to... More>
A person in a suit stands at the helm of a modern ship’s bridge, steering the vessel across a calm ocean under a cloudy sky with sunlight streaming through. Advanced navigation equipment surrounds the control area.

A Guide for Transforming a Crisis into an Opportunity – Part Two

Organizational crises and disruptions are inevitable, but it is how companies prepare, respond, learn, and rebuild... More>
A young man stands on a lifeboat at sea, looking into the distance, while a tiger with its mouth open sits at the front of the boat. The sky is cloudy and the ocean is calm.

Navigating The Storm

As an executive advisor to the private equity world, I’ve noticed that the biggest corporate disruptions... More>

LEADERSHIP IS A COURAGEOUS ACT

Leadership is a courageous act, though perhaps not in the way you might be thinking...... More>
Two women in business attire walk side by side down a modern office hallway, with one placing a comforting hand on the other’s shoulder. Bright natural light streams through large windows.

Leadership is a human experiment. 

Leadership, at its core, is a human experiment. It matters not whether you’re attempting...... More>

Crawford’s journey has given him a profound understanding of the pressures faced by those in top leadership positions. He recognizes that beneath the confident exterior, many CEOs grapple with self-doubt and the weight of their responsibilities. Drawing from his experiences in high-stakes decision-making as a fire chief and city manager, Crawford creates a safe space where executives can openly discuss their concerns without fear of judgment.

What sets Crawford apart is his practical approach to the psychology of leadership. Rather than relying solely on theoretical models, he draws on real-world experiences to help executives navigate complex leadership issues. This hands-on methodology resonates deeply with executives who are looking for actionable insights rather than abstract concepts.

Crawford addresses the challenge many face in receiving candid feedback. He provides a valuable external perspective, offering honest, constructive input that helps leaders identify blind spots and areas for growth. This approach enables CEOs to make more informed decisions and lead with greater authenticity.

Addressing CEO Challenges
The demanding nature of a leadership role often strains personal relationships and work-life balance. Crawford, having navigated his own transition to the private sector, guides leaders in managing these pressures effectively. He helps them strike a balance between driving organizational change and maintaining personal well-being, ensuring they can lead sustainably over the long term.

For those grappling with the complexities of leadership transitions, Crawford’s diverse background proves invaluable. He helps them navigate not just the operational aspects of change, but also the personal and emotional challenges that come with it. This comprehensive support allows leaders to approach transitions with greater confidence and clarity.

Navigating Transition and Legacy Concerns
Crawford also addresses the profound question of legacy that many contemplate. He encourages leaders to align their actions with their values, helping them build a legacy that extends beyond mere business achievements. By acting as an accountability partner, he empowers CEOs and executives to make decisions that reflect their true aspirations and have a lasting positive impact.

Crawford’s journey has given him a profound understanding of the pressures faced by those in top leadership positions. He recognizes that beneath the confident exterior, many CEOs grapple with self-doubt and the weight of their responsibilities. Drawing from his experiences in high-stakes decision-making as a fire chief and city manager, Crawford creates a safe space where executives can openly discuss their concerns without fear of judgment.

What sets Crawford apart is his practical approach to the psychology of leadership. Rather than relying solely on theoretical models, he draws on real-world experiences to help executives navigate complex leadership issues. This hands-on methodology resonates deeply with executives who are looking for actionable insights rather than abstract concepts.

Crawford addresses the challenge many face in receiving candid feedback. He provides a valuable external perspective, offering honest, constructive input that helps leaders identify blind spots and areas for growth. This approach enables CEOs to make more informed decisions and lead with greater authenticity.

Addressing CEO Challenges
The demanding nature of a leadership role often strains personal relationships and work-life balance. Crawford, having navigated his own transition to the private sector, guides leaders in managing these pressures effectively. He helps them strike a balance between driving organizational change and maintaining personal well-being, ensuring they can lead sustainably over the long term.

For those grappling with the complexities of leadership transitions, Crawford’s diverse background proves invaluable. He helps them navigate not just the operational aspects of change, but also the personal and emotional challenges that come with it. This comprehensive support allows leaders to approach transitions with greater confidence and clarity.

Navigating Transition and Legacy Concerns
Crawford also addresses the profound question of legacy that many contemplate. He encourages leaders to align their actions with their values, helping them build a legacy that extends beyond mere business achievements. By acting as an accountability partner, he empowers CEOs and executives to make decisions that reflect their true aspirations and have a lasting positive impact.