Global Reckoning Period – Adapt or Die

Speaking of stalled aspirational progress, as we are all now acutely aware of, the global economy hit a screeching halt by way of a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Ramifications and the related coverable topics are endless.

A globalized reckoning, which was anticipated to happen at some point by the experts, caught us all on our heels and we couldn’t react quickly enough to put it to bed before massive loss of lives and economic progress resulted.

What are we learning in the process?

  • Leadership and the ability to listen, emphasize and unite matters more than ever – without it, everything can unfold.
  • Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.  The true heroes pulling us out of this mess are the service workers on the front-lines putting lives on the line to save their brethren (nurses, doctors, EMTs, social services, teachers, grocery store and “essential business” workers).  These folks deserve every accolade, perk and quality of live improvement possible.
  • Globalization Revisited – it doesn’t matter if your GDP is greatest in the world if you can’t stock or make the basics to save your people (ie. PPE’s like aprons, masks, gloves, etc.)
  • We need to focus on the industries, tactics, practices and strategies proven to sustainably benefit the masses.   Sometimes it’s time to stick in that fork and move on vs. continuing the life support.

Personally and professionally, we are all at a crossroads.  Adapt or die (figuratively and literally so, sadly).

It’s a group exercise, too.  One outlier can derail the recovery progress for the masses.  We are all ready for the economy to return to normal – your non-distanced protests only hurt our chances to get there.

How we prepare today will impact tomorrow.  It is well worth the extra few weeks of staying at home to not set ourselves back months more.

If all you have to give is goodwill and positive thoughts, pay it forward, spread it (especially while staying at home!) and the returns will multiply and help get us all back on our feet.

Unknown's avatar

Author: True North Team Consulting

About Charles Reynolds I’ve spent my career at the intersection of sports business, leadership, and entrepreneurship—working inside fast-moving organizations, advising teams and founders, and learning firsthand how pressure, ambition, and uncertainty shape decisions. Over time, my work has evolved beyond titles or industries. What consistently shows up is this: people don’t struggle because they lack talent or drive—they struggle because they lose clarity about what matters, where they’re headed or results they're after, or how to move forward without burning themselves out. That’s where I focus my work. I help leaders, founders, and high-performing individuals think clearly, align their actions with their values, and make better decisions when the path isn’t obvious. Sometimes that looks like strategic advisory. Sometimes it’s coaching. Often, it’s simply creating the space and structure for honest reflection and momentum. Travel has played a quiet but important role in shaping how I see the world. Experiencing different cultures, systems, and ways of living has reinforced my belief that growth—personal or professional—comes from perspective as much as performance. That belief shows up in my work, my writing, and how I engage with others. I care deeply about transparency, holistic sustainability, and lifelong learning. I’m drawn to questions around purpose, leadership under pressure, ethical and personal growth, and what it means to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process. This site is a home for my thinking—across leadership, business, life, and direction—and a place to connect with people navigating similar questions. If you’re building, leading, or re-orienting or just exploring, I’m here to help.

Leave a comment