The forces of change are rendering much of what we know of business obsolete. Automation, e-commerce, the Amazon effect, increasing bureaucracy and all of this combining with customers wanting more and less. Wanting more personalized solutions, more what matters to them but also want all this with less friction, less effort, and less cost.

And then the Covid-19 shows up like a sledgehammer. So what do you do? You have two choices. You either make things happen, reinvent/reimagine your business or sit on the sidelines wondering what happened.

In this episode, Tony Chapman interviews John Bezear, president of Powerhouse Retail Services (PRS), servicing the apparel and garment industry in Canada. John shares how he proactively adapted PRS and found opportunity despite the immense challenges.

Finding your niche (03:35) Despite the ever-increasing growth of e-commerce and its ensuing impact on traditional retail, John shares what sets Powerhouse Retails Services' apart from their competition - passion, consistent execution, vigour and technology.

The Pivot (05:39) After exceptional growth, Coronavirus now presents PRS with a significant challenge. However, responding swiftly and proactively, the business pivots to now store and ship medical supplies to frontline health care workers in Canada.

Changing Priorities (09:29) A leader during these uncertain times faces many competing priorities. Tony and John explore these priorities and some of the tactics John and his team have employed. During these times it's crucial to inject a personal touch, act with honesty, transparency and to over-communicate.

Proactivity - facing up to the reality (12:32) Controlling what is in your power and looking at the situation for what it is - not waiting for things to happen, but rather engaging with key stakeholders with a clear and responsible plan. Tony shares his experience of managing his advertising business during an extremely tough time.

Lessons learnt (19:01) During this unprecedented time, lessons have been learnt that can be applied to how we run our businesses in future - John gives his perspective: hedging against risk, seeking to diversify but keeping to your core competencies, considering a balanced portfolio of clients, and as a leader being disciplined and proactive, keeping calm and communicating clearly.

Closing (26:42) Tony Chapman shares his insights and learnings: - The importance of scenario planning during times of uncertainty, enabling one to adapt and course correct when required - Making your employees the heroes of the story and acting with humility - Staying calm, being in the moment and keeping focussed

Links and References

Powerhouse Retail Services - http://powerhouseretailservices.co Apollo 13 - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112384/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Levi - https://www.levi.com Tommy Hilfiger - https://global.tommy.com Calvin Klein - https://www.calvinklein.com

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