Unprecedented

Twenty-nine chief executives from some of Canada's most recognizable and largest companies describe, in their own words, how they led through COVID-19. Each contributes a first-person account written exclusively for this collection. Together the pieces span a wide cross-section of the economy, with contributors from nursing homes, grocery stores, airlines, hotels, pharmacies and shopping malls.

Many of the accounts center on specific moments. One leader describes visiting the White House to discuss financial relief for businesses. Another explains how a outerwear maker reworked its production to make surgical gowns. A third recounts what happened when the country nearly ran out of toilet paper. The essays weave together hardship and achievement, fear and humour, and a strong sense of compassion.

The book also serves as a study of crisis management. Its contributors look back on the pandemic alongside the social unrest and technological change that defined the period, considering what was gained, what was lost and what can help organizations better serve their employees and customers in an uncertain future. Overcoming adversity runs through the stories, which will interest managers, professionals, entrepreneurs and business students.

The authors' net proceeds from sales are being donated to United Way Centraide Canada to support COVID recovery across Canada.