My Leadership Journey Through Crisis: A Lesson in Leadership Development

One of the most pivotal moments in my leadership journey came during my time overseeing production operations for Nike. We were hit with an unexpected crisis—an exposé aired on 60 Minutes that brought intense scrutiny to our factories and forced us to confront issues that had long been overlooked. The piece addressed how a specific Nike factory in Vietnam was not treating their employees with dignity and respect. Overnight, everything changed. Public perception, internal trust, and leadership expectations were all on the line.

As I sat with my team, navigating the backlash and planning how to rebuild both culture and accountability, I quickly realized: leadership in crisis isn’t about control—it’s about clarity. The situation pushed me into unfamiliar territory, and in doing so, became one of the most defining experiences of my leadership development.

Leading Without a Playbook

At the time we had no GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) department or guidebook in the late 90's and I had to form the structure myself for all 15 Nike factories in Indonesia. Leading through organizational restructuring challenges the norm. In the midst of chaos, there was no blueprint. The restructurings erased the comfortable paths we had relied upon, forcing me to trust in instincts previously untapped. It was a call to lead with emotional intelligence and to foster trust within my team in new and profound ways. Without the usual processes to guide us, I had to embrace vulnerability, be transparent about uncertainties, and encourage open communication.

This required a deep commitment to listening, truly hearing the concerns and ideas of those around me. Leading without a playbook compelled me to value intuition and humanity under pressure, which are often overshadowed by rigid procedures during steady times.

What Crisis Taught Me About Leadership Development

Amidst the turbulence, clarity emerged as a critical skill—one that comes not from having all the answers but from providing a steady presence. Possessing a clear vision and being able to articulate it to my team became my anchor in turbulent waters. As I guided my team through the unknown, I realized the power of mindsets built on resilience and adaptability.

One of the lessons that echoed through this journey, "Crises are where leaders are forged," became a compass that directed my actions. These trials teach patience and perseverance, instilling a calm demeanor and the ability to realign and refocus amid chaos.

Building the Next Generation of Resilient Leaders

As I look back, I see these challenging moments not as detours but as defining chapters that have deeply enriched my leadership journey. They confirmed what I've believed all along—the importance of equipping emerging leaders to see difficult moments as unparalleled opportunities for growth.

Leading through organizational restructuring requires embracing the challenges. I urge aspiring leaders to lean into discomfort and uncertainty, for it is in these spaces that true resilience is cultivated. It is where leadership takes shape—not through titles or accolades but through the courage to face adversity with integrity and adaptability.

Let’s Connect on Leadership Development, Growth, and Resilience

Whether you’re:

• Leading through a major organizational transition,

• Building a global talent strategy from the ground up,

• Exploring how AI can support your leadership development efforts,

• Or looking to collaborate on a high-impact project—

Reach out at eric-enriquez.com/book.

Let’s shape the future of leadership—together.

FAQs

1. How do crises shape leadership development differently than success does? Success rewards what you’ve already built. Crisis reveals what’s missing—and pushes you to grow into the leader you’re becoming.

2. What’s Eric’s biggest leadership lesson from crisis situations?

   That clarity matters more than control. In moments of uncertainty, people look for steadiness, not perfection. That’s where trust is built.

3. Can emerging leaders prepare for crisis, or does it only come with experience?

   You can prepare your mindset. Stay grounded, stay curious, and know that discomfort is part of the path. Experience accelerates growth, but awareness opens the door.