From Emma’s desk

Sydney Office

Postal Address GPO Box 3270 Sydney NSW 2001

Ph. 02 9254 5000

Melbourne Office

Postal Address PO Box 5005 South Melbourne VIC 3205

Ph. 03 9682 0500

Brisbane Office

Postal Address PO Box 3599 South Brisbane QLD 4101

Ph. 07 3255 1002

www.icmsaust.com.au

22 May 2020

Hope springs eternalIn his 1843 book, Past and Present, Scottish philosopher and social commentator Thomas Carlyle suggested that important truths emerge during times of tribulations. So, what truths have emerged from COVID-19? I believe the first is that we are very much all interconnected. We are social animals who desire relationships, contact and interaction with each other. Whilst we are finding new ways to connect virtually during these times there have also been many beautiful stories, such as through music, neighbourly actions and volunteering, demonstrating there will always be a need to meet face-to-face.

We are also seeing new levels of innovation. So many businesses are adapting and reinventing themselves to survive and create a “new business as usual” approach. There are commercial rewards for those who can remain strong whilst being nimble.

Further, there is a drive for a new wave of corporate social responsibility. The global pandemic has become a litmus test for how seriously companies take their work with stakeholders, especially their employees. Are they walking the talk?

In a webinar series I took part in this week, four business owners discussed relationships, adaptivity and retaining staff during times of crisis. All four of us shared our personal stories and whether we were in Sri Lanka, Bangkok, Singapore or Sydney, it was clear to me that all of us very much agree with the philosophy first drafted by Thomas Carlyle and cited by Martin Luther King, Jr that only in the darkness can you see the stars.

Yours sincerely,

Emma Bowyer Managing Director | emmab@icmsaust.com.au