The fires in Los Angeles continue to rage, relentless and unforgiving. This isn’t just a metaphor—it’s reality. Entire neighborhoods are gone. Entire neighborhoods are still under threat, smoke lingers heavy in the air, and uncertainty grips the city. For those of us leading teams during this disaster, staying present and composed has never felt more critical—or more challenging.
I stood with my team of delivery associates in our morning stand-up the first morning after the fires started. The flames still visible in the hills, the air thick with smoke and tension. The crisis wasn't over. It wasn't even close. It's still ongoing. But we were there together—alive, present, and holding space for both fear and courage.
I began with honesty.
“I’m scared. I woke up with that fear this morning, and it’s still with me as I stand here. But alongside that fear, I feel overwhelming gratitude. Grateful that each of you made it here safely. Grateful that, as of now, we’ve been spared personal loss within our team. But I also know the danger around us isn’t over. It’s real, it’s present, and we have to be mindful of it.”
I paused, feeling the weight of the words. It mattered to say them.
“I’m asking you today to be extra cautious on the roads. Watch for fire. Watch for smoke. Look out for harm—both for yourselves and your communities. If you feel unsafe at any point, I trust you to make the right decision. Stay safe. Come back whole.”
Vulnerability in Leadership—Especially When the Crisis Isn’t Over
There’s a misconception that high-performing leaders need to be stoic and unshaken in the face of disaster. But when the fire keeps burning—both literally and emotionally—what people need most is real leadership. Grounded. Honest. Human.
I didn’t have all the answers that morning. None of us did. The situation was still unfolding, and that raw uncertainty was part of the moment. But by acknowledging it, by standing with my team and naming the fear, I was able to build trust and create clarity when it was most needed.
When the Flames Affect Your Ability to Focus and Lead
Even after speaking with my team, the chaos of the fires weighed on me. The heaviness lingered. Tasks that once felt effortless—running operations, leading with clarity—felt foggy. There was no resolution. Just the ongoing tension of waiting, watching, hoping.
It had to admit it; I needed support. The emotional impact of leading in the heart of this disaster was clouding my focus and dulling the sense of purpose that usually fuels my leadership.
I had to stop. To reset. I paused to drink water, to sit quietly with my journal, and to reach out to mentors. It wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was necessary to continue showing up fully for my team.
Staying Present as a Leader—Even When the Fires Keep Burning
If you’re leading a team in the heart of an ongoing crisis, remember: it’s not just about survival. It’s about sustaining your capacity to lead with heart and clarity for the long haul.
Here’s what I’ve learned—and am still practicing—while the fires burn on:
1. Lead with Emotional Honesty:
Naming your fears doesn’t make you weak. It makes you real. Your team needs to know you’re in this with them, especially when the outcome is still uncertain.
2. Express Gratitude in the Midst of Crisis:
Even in the worst moments, there are glimmers of hope. Acknowledge them. Gratitude brings people back to the present and reminds them that even now, they matter.
3. Communicate Safety Boundaries Clearly:
Uncertainty breeds anxiety. Clear, compassionate expectations provide a sense of stability when the world feels unstable. Let your team know they can trust their instincts and that their safety is the top priority.
4. Care for Yourself with Intention:
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Hydrate. Pause. Journal. Seek support. These aren’t indulgences—they’re survival strategies for effective leadership.
5. Find Anchors of Joy and Presence:
Even now, there is beauty. The intense sunrise through the smoky sky. The courage of community. Stay open to these moments—they are what keep us connected to purpose when everything feels uncertain.
Leading With Heart—Even in Unresolved Crisis
The fires are still burning. The danger is still real. And yet, leadership calls us to keep showing up—imperfectly, honestly, and with courage.
Being “on” doesn’t mean being invulnerable. It means staying present. It means allowing yourself to feel while still guiding with clarity. It means holding space for both fear and hope.
To every high-performing leader facing ongoing uncertainty: You are not alone. You’re still leading, still showing up, and still making a difference—one moment of presence, one act of courage at a time.
A Practice for Leaders in Crisis:
Take five minutes today for yourself. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Feel your body, your breath, and the space you’re in. Reflect on this question: What do I need to stay strong today? Write down your answer and take one small action to honor it.
Remember: leading well begins with leading yourself well; even when the fires are still burning.
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