As the business landscape continues to rapidly evolve, organizations are realizing the necessity of implementing a robust Risk and Resilience strategy. To showcase exemplary resilience during a time of unprecedented disruption, iluminr has created the Gamechangers in Resilience interview series, featuring leaders all over the world who have helped their organizations, clients, and communities build exceptional adaptability.
In honor of Women’s History Month, iluminr is highlighting the incredible contributions of women who have played a critical role leading through fast-moving and transformative change.
Sidney Weinstein is a Senior Manager in BDO’s Resilience practice. Sidney drives transformation through a forward-thinking cultural vision and is responsible for developing and operationalizing resilience capabilities and technology with clients across sectors. She’s a Gamechanger reshaping the world of resilience.
Q: You have a particular passion for technology and Resilience. Tell me more about your journey to this point and a look ahead, where you see your road taking you next.
A: “Change is the only constant.” – Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher said this years ago (BCE) and so we must continue to lean into new things or we risk getting left behind.
Whether it’s connecting people, understanding how technology can support our business or operationalizing a strategy – I am a dot connector.
When building or updating a program, we design with the end state in mind and having a vision of technology options (while not defying our mantra, people > process > technology) is increasingly important.
I’m focused on solving problems by connecting technology and data (inside and outside of the resilience function) to drive resilient organizations.
Q: What has been one of the most rewarding things you’ve been able to accomplish in your career?
A: Working with creative teams and having fun while delivering on our work has not only pushed me to perform at my peak but also enjoy the ride. I’ve had the opportunity to work for and with organizations that align with my core values, which is important to me.
Q: What advice would you give women who are earlier in their career journey?
A: Listen to your instincts and push when you think it’s needed.
Billie said it well (https://iluminr.io/blog/blogs/organisational-resilience/there-should-never-be-a-one-size-fits-all/): “Don’t downplay your strengths.”
Q: What advice would you give to teams who are looking to be more diverse and inclusive?
A: Two things:
- Deliberately amplify the voices and talents across your team and increase representation in leadership.
- Consciously measure and provide feedback across genders equally. Keep in mind, women are more likely to be given feedback on their personality vs. the outcomes they provide.
Q: What is the hardest part about leadership in crisis?
A: One of the most difficult aspects of crisis leadership is maintaining critical thinking and decision making under pressure in a timely manner based on good data and then being able to execute on these decisions. It’s a tall order. We are in the midst of a transformation in the resilience space from traditional business continuity to a more proactive approach to risk.
When we focus on building a meaningful culture of resilience and driving strategic decisions and investments across the organization based on risk, it fundamentally changes our approach to crisis and makes us more agile in the face of it.
