Do you feel that the challenge of leadership has been more testing with each passing year since 2020?

So much has changed since March 2020. The Covid pandemic impacted on all our lives in many different ways. They have been great stories of individuals and companies who really came to the fore to help the less fortunate as the pandemic took hold; companies such as Thomas Franks with their “Feeding Communities” initiative, Absolute Taste in partnership with Ron Dennis and Compass Group are just a few simple examples of companies who did mobilise themselves to make a difference. Overall hospitality played a crucial role through the pandemic and it has become a central part of daily life, arguably far more than it had been in previous times.

However, the pandemic has also served to change lifestyles, aspirations and expectations. Many businesses are learning how to adapt, and continue to even now.

But how has the last three years impacted on you, have has it changed you?

Research has noted that many senior executives have found 2020 almost easy in comparison to the challenges which have followed. 2021 is viewed to have been even more testing than 2020. 2022 seems even harder still. Will there be, it is asked, any respite as we look towards 2023?

Many experts are arguing that there will naturally be many CEOs, MDs and Directors who will now be burnt out and in need of change. There is a growing argument that this may be the moment to see genuine change in leadership teams as many do need a new narrative and new energy. It is estimated that most boards need at least 25% change in order to freshen up thinking.

It is one of the regular discussion point; just how many senior professionals are simply struggling to adjust their mentality to the new landscape which has emerged and still think as though it was 2019. It is argued that many narratives are stale and in need to genuine change, most especially as new and severe challenges are to be faced.

In research, most people will point to two negative impacts on their lives in comparison to every one positive impact; yet there is so much change taking place across the industry and hospitality, one does wonder how this period will be looked back upon?

So what are the long lasting impacts which are being forecast:

• The move towards a stronger focus on localism is here to stay, with many seeking to cook more at home using fresh local produce.
• It is even argued that the average set of skills in home cooking has improved by close to 40%.
• Local communities are stronger today than in 2019 and this is viewed to remain and continue to find greater strength. The UK has become a more compassionate, caring country which champions social justice.
• Companies are working far harder at social mobility and in improving D&I and this bolds well for the future.
• Hospitality does today sit centrally in daily lives. Travel figures over the last year show that consumers are travelling to eat, drink and for experiences. The industry could emerge strongly
• But it will be different as the lifestyles are changing. Hybrid working will be here to stay and it will take 5 years for city centres to recover and rebuild back to the density levels of 2019. It is a period of evolution which companies need to embrace than still argue that it should return to how it once was.

Covid has changed much. It has changed city centres, business workplaces and lifestyles. How did it change you? Has it changed you sufficiently to be ready for whatever is to come?