From Crisis to Clarity: Strategic Execution When It Matters Most

From Crisis to Clarity: Strategic Execution When It Matters Most

with Bill Richardson PCC, PgMP

Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
CPD: Up to 1 CPD hour

In May 2016, Fort McMurray faced one of the most devastating wildfires in Canadian history. More than 88,000 people were evacuated, and $9 billion in damages were incurred; yet, through chaos and uncertainty, a cross-sector coalition of leaders executed what mattered most.

In this powerful feature presentation, Bill Richardson shares enduring lessons in strategic execution for today’s CPA leaders, drawn from this distinctly Canadian story of resilience and response. Through the lens of the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)—focus, leverage, visibility, and accountability—Bill brings to life how leaders align under pressure, navigate through crisis, and execute priorities with discipline and purpose when every second counts.

What you’ll learn

• Define and pursue Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) during high-pressure scenarios
• Identify and act on lead measures when time and resources are limited
• Use real-time scoreboarding and visible metrics to drive aligned execution
• Build cadences of accountability to sustain focus and action in crisis and recovery
• Apply real-world crisis lessons to strengthen discipline, clarity, and cross-functional leadership in finance

Why CPAs should attend
CPAs are increasingly called on to lead beyond compliance—to drive transformation, guide teams through uncertainty, and steward public trust. This session offers:

• A vivid, Canadian leadership story of execution under pressure
• A clear, actionable application of the 4DX model for finance professionals
• A challenge to reflect: What matters most—and how will you execute it?