“There is no compression algorithm for experience” — Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon.

There’s no shortcut to experience, especially when you’re in a leadership role. Leadership isn’t just a test of skill during good times; it’s a test of your character during bad times. Acquiring skills may be straightforward, but building character takes time.

Challenging situations can escalate without warning, taking unpredictable turns, leaving even the most experienced leaders navigating uncharted waters. Balancing the well-being of your team with stakeholder interests becomes a moral and strategic dilemma.

One piece of wisdom that’s always resonated with me comes from Shiva Rajaraman, the then CTO of WeWork: ‘When in doubt, always optimize for people.’ This principle has been my cornerstone in navigating through multiple crises. It has allowed me to come to terms with my past without remorse and a clear conscience.