42 - Leading with a big heart - Elli Holappa

In this episode we explore with Elli Holappa, CEO of Jungle Juice Bar, values-based leadership during a crisis. Elli had spent just 12 days with her new management team in spring 2020 when the global pandemic struck.  Listen in to our fascinating conversation with Elli on how values-based leadership has helped her: 

• recruit and lay-off staff in difficult times with the same kindness and thoughtfulness;
• manage a ‘High – Low role’, going from leadership meetings to peeling carrots in a bar; 
• understand the importance of culture fit and
• having a bit of craziness in order to get in ‘the game’;
• find  the ‘silver lining’ to crisis moments;
• lead sustainably, achieve carbon neutrality and aim for carbon negative.

All this plus some good news about bananas and will  David land an interview at Jungle Juice Bar?

"This is who I am as a leader, and now I know that If the business is heading into the crisis, I know I can act on it. And I know that I can make quick decisions. I can make tough decisions. I can make difficult decisions. I don't paralyze. I don't freeze. I'm completely capable of acting in a crisis."