Leading Organisations through Protracted Crises: A Conversation with Penny Lawrence

This is the 27th video produced in the ‘Just in Case…’ mini-series sponsored by Quality and Equality. In this video we are joined by Penny Lawrence, previously the Deputy Chief Executive at Oxfam GB, and now a brilliant executive coach, independent consultant and applied researcher.  As Oxfam’s GB’s Programmes Director 2006-15 – she was the strategic and operational lead of Oxfam’s programmes in 60 countries and led collaboration across sectors on issues such as women’s rights, equitable supply chains and humanitarian response. Penny combines strategic leadership experience with an interest in organisational development and a life-long commitment to social justice. She has lived and worked in Ghana, Sudan and Zimbabwe as well as UK. She is Chair of Refugee Action and a Citizens advice volunteer.

Today, Penny builds upon her video with us, Leading in Time of Crisis, and details timely information about leading in a protracted crisis by outlining the different planning phases leaders can use as COVID-19 continues. She also outlines the leadership approach and actions that can be most helpful within each of the changing phases of crisis leadership. Her wisdom is essential for all leaders looking to support their organisation and employees through the COVID-19 times.

Resources

• Blogs by Penny Lawrence on crisis leadership:

  • Practical tips on leading in a crisis, 

  • Bond 'Leading in times of C-19 crisis' 

• Selection of other useful blogs:

  • McKinsey 

    • Leadership in a crisis  

    • The next normal  

    • agile organisations

  • MzN International 

    • 5 lessons for building agile non-profit organisations 

Biography

Penny was Deputy Chief Executive at Oxfam GB leading organisational change until 2018. As Oxfam’s GB’s Programmes Director 2006-15 – she was the strategic and operational lead of Oxfam’s programmes in 60 countries and led collaboration across sectors on issues such as women’s rights, equitable supply chains and humanitarian response. Penny combines strategic leadership experience with an interest in organisational development and a life-long commitment to social justice. She has lived and worked in Ghana, Sudan and Zimbabwe as well as UK.

Now an executive coach, independent consultant and applied researcher, Penny supports values led leaders and organisations to ‘be the change they seek’. She is Chair of Refugee Action and a Citizens advice volunteer.

Penny has researched and written ‘Whither large INGOs?’ – reflecting on the challenges of leading change in large international NGOs. She is currently convening action research on ‘Why are there are so few women CEOs and Chairs in international development charities?’ across five INGOs.

Contact

Email: 44penny@gmail.com