Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford Talk Donating Clif Bars to Frontline Workers and Boosting Team Morale

Transcript

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Summary

In this video segment, Gary Erickson and Kate Crawford, founders of Clif Bar, share their experience of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the challenges they have faced, such as adapting to remote work and ensuring the safety of their essential workers. They also talk about their strategies for building resilience and supporting their employees and community during this difficult time. Erickson and Crawford emphasize the importance of putting people first, being attentive, and taking action in order to navigate through a crisis successfully.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the COVID-19 crisis affected retail sales in the US?

March saw the steepest drop in recorded history for retail sales in the US, except for essential items and certain products.

Q: How has Clif Bar been impacted by the crisis?

Clif Bar, as an essential food product, has experienced increased demand during this time. They initially saw a spike in sales but the demand has since mellowed out. They have also been donating millions of bars to food banks and healthcare workers.

Q: How has Clif Bar adjusted to the shift to remote work?

Clif Bar closed its office before the official shelter-in-place order and had to quickly adapt to remote work. They communicate with employees regularly through emails, virtual meetings, and other initiatives to support and engage them.

Q: How does Clif Bar manage its manufacturing plants during the crisis?

Clif Bar's manufacturing plants are considered essential and have continued operating to meet the increased demand. They are taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their essential workers.

Q: How can businesses mitigate the impact of a crisis like this?

Erickson and Crawford advise putting people first and focusing on resilience. By being attentive, adapting to new circumstances, and taking action, businesses can navigate through the crisis more effectively.

Q: What advice do Erickson and Crawford have for leaders during this crisis?

They recommend asking questions, even if there are no immediate answers, and being attentive to opportunities and challenges. By staying focused on their employees and community, leaders can make decisions and take action to support their business and those around them.

Q: How should businesses think about opportunities and evolution during this crisis?

Erickson and Crawford suggest that businesses can think creatively about how to adapt and evolve during this time. The crisis may provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start planning, experimenting, and exploring new possibilities for when the time is right.

Q: What is an example of a mistake or failure Clif Bar has experienced?

Clif Bar has had numerous product launches that did not succeed. They recognize that not every idea or product will work, but they keep experimenting and learning from their mistakes.

Q: How can small companies contribute during this crisis if they don't have the resources to give away their products?

Erickson and Crawford emphasize that every small act of support matters, whether it's offering encouragement, sending notes, volunteering, or finding creative ways to help in their communities.

Q: How can businesses and individuals maintain morale during this challenging time?

Erickson and Crawford recommend connecting with employees on a personal level, asking genuine questions about how they are doing, and finding ways to support and uplift each other. Small acts of kindness and meaningful connections can make a big difference in maintaining morale.

Takeaways

During this crisis, Clif Bar has focused on putting their people first and supporting their community. They have adapted to remote work, ensured the safety of their essential workers, and found innovative ways to support and engage their employees. Erickson and Crawford encourage leaders to ask questions, be attentive, and take action to navigate through a crisis. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining morale and finding opportunities for growth and creativity during challenging times.