How To Navigate Crisis When Our Hearts Are On Fire

7 min readJan 31, 2025

From Ashes to Resilience

The mood was surreal: ash falling from the sky, news reports showing flames racing across hillsides and communities, and an eerie wind rattling windows in neighborhoods uncomfortably close to the danger zone. Los Angeles was burning.

Even though my particular area wasn’t under evacuation orders — at least not yet — the tension and uncertainty were palpable. In the midst of it all, life somehow had to go on. Work responsibilities still beckoned, community groups still met, and people looked to one another for guidance and hope.

A personal jolt of realization came on the third day of those devastating L.A. fires. I was supposed to be at a small virtual gathering with a group of women leaders — an after-event check-in following a retreat we had in December. The moment I logged on to the call, I felt oddly out of place. How could I focus on conversation about something that happened in December while there was so much suffering around me at this moment? My heart was hammering in my chest. I regretted joining the call.

Thankfully, one of the women leaders immediately suggested we open the meeting with a collective prayer for Los Angeles and everyone in harm’s way. In that moment, I felt an immense wave of relief. The simple act of naming the crisis, acknowledging the pain, and inviting empathy into the space made it feel acceptable — almost necessary — to be present and vulnerable. I shared my raw emotions about the devastation, uncertain how my story might resonate. Yet it sparked an incredibly powerful discussion on navigating crises, cultivating empathy, and building resilience.

Below are lessons gleaned from that experience, combined with insights from leadership expert Adam Galinsky and practical advice from my friend and colleague Blair Glaser. Together, these perspectives offer a roadmap for leaders — of teams, families, or communities — who find themselves facing unexpected, chaotic events.

1. Acknowledge the Shock, Name the Emotions

In crisis situations — whether it’s natural disasters, business setbacks, or personal tragedies — people often feel disoriented. This shock can manifest as brain fog, lack of motivation, or a sense that “normal” tasks are impossibly difficult. As Blair Glaser writes, “For the next three days, everyday tasks like showering or making coffee proved to be difficult — not just because the power was out, but because we were in shock.”

Effective leaders acknowledge this initial collective trauma, naming the emotional impact without judgment. Even a brief two-minute check-in at the start of a meeting — where each person shares how the crisis affects them — can have a grounding effect. It’s not a therapy session; it’s a way to ensure everyone feels heard. This, in turn, reduces isolation and provides a sense of community.

2. Empathy Is a Bridge, Not a Weakness

One of the key themes that arose in my own gathering was the power of empathy. As Adam Galinsky’s work highlights, great leaders are not merely authoritative; they are able to stand alongside their team members in moments of uncertainty. Galinsky points to figures like Coach Ekapol Chanthawong (the Thai soccer team coach) or Captain Tammie Jo Shults of Southwest Airlines — leaders who stayed calm, acknowledged danger, and also conveyed genuine care for those in their charge.

Showing empathy doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries or soaking up everyone’s stress. Rather, it means standing with people in their pain. Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying, “I see you. I know this is scary. Let’s figure this out together.” Empathy, offered in a structured way, helps unify a group during turbulence and fosters open communication.

3. Remember: “Your Work Still Matters”

During a community-wide emergency, it can seem almost trivial to continue doing what you normally do. Why talk about deadlines, new projects, or day-to-day tasks when everything outside seems to be falling apart? Yet as Blair Glaser notes, “Some people like working through a crisis.” For many, focusing on meaningful activity — whether it’s work, volunteer efforts, or creative projects — can offer solace and a sense of purpose when reality feels out of control.

Leaders can accommodate varying needs. Some individuals may need to step back due to personal loss or displacement, while others thrive by staying engaged with tasks. Clear communication — about adjusting deadlines, shifting responsibilities, or providing flexibility — ensures that people do not feel guilty or isolated by how they choose to respond. A good leader acknowledges that purpose can ground us when the world tilts sideways.

4. Provide Clarity: Plans and Communication

In uncertain times, clarity is your ally. Adam Galinsky’s work illustrates how a clear plan — or even a simple, tangible set of steps — can anchor a team’s morale. If daily operations are disrupted, create a short-term strategy:

Identify must-do tasks versus those that can be delayed.
Set up alternate communication channels in case technology falters.
Let employees or family members know which tasks to prioritize and which can wait.

Regular updates, even if brief, help maintain connection and confidence. The goal is to keep everyone aligned on what needs to happen next, without letting misinformation or fear fill the silence. In the context of the LA fires, simply knowing how quickly things could change was enough to prompt emergency checklists and flexible planning. Clear direction relieves anxiety and helps people channel worry into action.

5. Expect Breakdown — Then Extend Patience

Crisis environments rarely unfold in an orderly fashion. Power can fail, phone lines can go down, and some individuals may be unable to communicate at all. Leaders can take a page from Galinsky’s recommendations by anticipating chaos and building patience into their response. If you have team members directly affected — such as losing homes or being evacuated — assume they might need time off with minimal notice. Delegate important tasks on their behalf so that they’re not penalized for something beyond their control.

Flexibility and patience are as critical as action-oriented planning. By showing patience, you help reduce further stress or guilt among those who are in crisis. Over-communicate that it’s okay to step away if needed, and that workflows and priorities will be adjusted as necessary.

6. Let Vulnerability and Purpose Co-Exist

When I shared the intensity of what was happening in Los Angeles in my women’s group, my heart broke. Yet I felt a strong pull to voice the collective pain. Crises can crack open raw truths — about fear, helplessness, or grief. Yet leading doesn’t require shutting down these feelings; it calls for holding space for them and finding a productive path forward.

Galinsky’s studies emphasize that leaders who embrace vulnerability can paradoxically instill greater confidence in their teams. It’s the acknowledgment of “Yes, this is tough and we’re not ignoring that” combined with “We will get through this together.” This approach humanizes leadership, turning shared pain into collective purpose.

7. Community as a Lifeline

During those fires, the solidarity displayed by local communities was astonishing: strangers offering shelter, restaurants providing free meals, and neighbors checking on each other incessantly. Although the crisis was profound and heartbreaking, it underscored the human capacity for unity in adversity. Leaders who cultivate a sense of community — whether on a global corporate team or in a local neighborhood — help people tap into collective support systems.

In moments of crisis, see if there are opportunities for your group or organization to contribute to relief efforts. Even small gestures, like donating a portion of proceeds, volunteering, or mobilizing resource drives, can bolster morale by channeling empathy into meaningful action.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Hope and Resilience

Leading through crisis is not about having every solution mapped out in advance. It’s about staying grounded, empathetic, and proactive, even when the horizon is hazy. From the chaos of the Los Angeles fires to other unpredictable disasters, the same core principles stand:

Name the Shock — Validate that crisis disrupts normalcy and affects emotional well-being.
Lead with Empathy — Strengthen interpersonal bonds through genuine care.
Reaffirm Purpose — Acknowledge that meaningful work and community efforts can be stabilizing forces.
Communicate Clearly — Provide consistent updates and adaptable plans.
Practice Patience — Expect disruptions and adjust accordingly.
Vulnerability Fuels Resilience — Sharing authentic concerns can inspire collective courage.
Foster Community — Mobilize support, resources, and compassion among team members and beyond.

By weaving together personal experiences, expert research, and community wisdom, we can transform pain into purpose — and ultimately, from the ashes of shock and destruction, find renewed strength and connection.

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Rúna’s BIO:

Rúna Bouius, a bold futurist and conscious leadership powerhouse, is at the forefront of transforming business thinking globally. Her visionary voice urges you to unlock boundless possibilities within, embracing your True Power for personal and business growth. Through speaking, writings, and coaching, Rúna actively shapes the narrative of evolving power dynamics in business and leadership, crafting a regenerative future for all. A former CEO and serial entrepreneur from Iceland, Rúna co-founded initiatives like the Conscious Capitalism LA Chapter and the Coventina Foundation, showcasing her commitment to societal change. As the architect of meaningful change, she invites forward-thinking leaders to join her on the journey toward a thriving world.