resilient organizations: How to build one before you need one

A World on Shaky Ground

In the past five years alone, we’ve faced a global pandemic, deep political polarization, a shifting labor market, inflation shocks, rapid advances in AI, and natural disasters tied to climate change.

None of these disruptions came with a calendar invite. They arrived suddenly, forcing leaders to adapt - or risk collapse.

The catch is, by the time disruption hits, it’s usually too late to start building resilience. That’s why the question isn’t if disruption will come - it’s when. And the better question every leader should be asking today is: How do we build resilience into our organization before crisis hits?

A Personal Lesson in Resilience

When I was serving as CEO during the mortgage crisis, the economic downturn hit us hard. Virtually overnight, the funding we had relied on disappeared. We were forced to make difficult choices - closing offices, weighing layoffs against pay cuts, all while still making strategic investments in areas that would sustain the organization’s long-term health.

The cuts and layoffs were painful and morale took a hit, especially when staff saw investments happening in infrastructure at the same time colleagues were losing jobs. As a leader, I had to hold that tension - acknowledging the very real pain of the moment while keeping focus on the future viability of the organization.

That experience taught me something I’ve carried ever since: resilience is about designing organizations to bend, not break. It requires leaders to balance two competing truths - caring for people in the present, and preparing the systems and structures that will allow the organization to thrive in the future.

The leadership takeaway? Don’t wait for disruption to dictate those choices. Build in flexibility and transparency early, so when a crisis comes, your people understand not only what decisions are being made, but why. Trust is what allows organizations to bend without breaking.

What Makes an Organization Resilient?

At Hera Associates, we’ve seen how organizations respond differently when the unexpected happens. The ones that thrive do a few things really well:

1. Diversify Revenue Streams - Relying too heavily on one funding source, government contract, or customer base is risky. Just like investors spread out their portfolios, resilient organizations create multiple paths for income. That might mean pairing philanthropy with earned revenue, or balancing government contracts with fee-for-service work.

2. Build Adaptive Systems, Not Just Processes - Processes are great when everything goes according to plan. But in a crisis, you need systems that help you pivot - things like: cross-trained teams, scenario planning, and clear decision-making protocols. In an economy where supply chains can break down and workforce trends shift overnight, adaptability is a must.

3. Invest in Culture Before Crisis - Culture is the foundation for resilience. Organizations where trust, collaboration, and open communication are already strong weather storms far better than those where silos or mistrust exist. In today’s polarized climate, where employees expect transparency and alignment with values, the right culture leads to your survival.

4. Anchor to Purpose, Not Just Profit - When markets tighten and leaders face hard calls, purpose is what holds people together. Mission-driven organizations that are clear about why they exist beyond financial performance are the ones that sustain staff and stakeholder commitment when things get tough.

Why This Matters Right Now

• Economic uncertainty: Inflation, shifting interest rates, and fragile global markets make financial resilience non-negotiable.

• Political division: Policy whiplash - in healthcare, education, climate - creates instability that organizations can’t ignore.

• Social shifts: Workers are demanding equity, flexibility, and belonging, requiring leaders to rethink outdated systems.

• Climate realities: From wildfires to hurricanes, leaders must plan for physical as well as financial resilience.

Resilience is essential for survival - and, in the strongest organizations, it becomes the launchpad for growth.

The Takeaway

The most successful leaders don’t wait for disruption to force change. They invest in resilience as part of their strategy, culture, and identity.

At Hera Associates, we believe resilience isn’t about preparing for one specific storm. It’s about building the kind of organization that can face any storm - without losing its footing, its people, or its purpose.

So ask yourself: What would it take to make your organization resilient today - before you need it tomorrow?