In Episode 1 of video podcast Richmond Next, host Jennifer Wakefield, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership, sits down with Damian Klute of EY, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms and a global professional services provider, to discuss what it takes for companies to grow, adapt and lead through uncertainty.
The conversation explores how business resilience has evolved in recent years. According to Klute, resilience is no longer just about surviving disruption. It is about transforming through it by rethinking business processes, using data more effectively, investing in talent and preparing for what comes next.
Klute shares how strong leaders balance short-term needs with long-term growth by making time to think about the future. Klute discusses EY’s purpose-driven approach and how helping employees connect their work to a larger mission can make teams more adaptable during times of change.
Klute also shares why Greater Richmond has become home for him and his family after what was originally expected to be a short stay. He points to the region’s mix of major employers, high-growth companies, startups, talent, affordability, strong universities, cultural assets and quality of life as key advantages for companies looking to grow sustainably.
Key takeaways:
- Resilience means transforming through disruption: The most resilient companies do more than react to change. They use disruption as an opportunity to rethink processes, leverage data and build stronger operations.
- Leaders need to make time for the future: Strong leaders balance today’s demands with long-term planning. They think about what their organizations will need in the next three, five and 10 years.
- Talent drives long-term growth: A company’s workforce plays a central role in its ability to adapt. Continued investment in learning and development helps organizations prepare for future challenges.
- Purpose helps teams navigate change: When employees understand how their work connects to a larger mission, they are better equipped to embrace change and move the organization forward.
- Klute’s advice for CEOs: Do not focus only on the capabilities that brought your company to where it is today. Focus on the capabilities that will take it where it needs to go next.
Richmond Next brings together the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Greater Richmond Partnership to highlight the people and ideas building Greater Richmond’s future.
New episodes drop monthly.
Watch and listen to Episode 1 of the Richmond Next video podcast by clicking here.
