CRISIS LEADERSHIP AND LESSONS FROM GLOBAL CHALLENGES

“Leaders must be ready to make decisions under pressure, but those decisions must always be based on solidarity, justice, and long-term benefit.”

José Manuel Barroso

From the 2008 global financial crisis to the 2015 European migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s biggest challenges have tested leaders like never before. In this course, José Manuel Barroso, who steered Europe through some of its most difficult moments, takes you inside the realities of crisis decision-making, strategic communication, and coalition-building under immense pressure.

Through case studies, in-depth analysis, and interactive decision-making exercises, you will explore:

• The Art of Decision-Making Under Pressure: How to act decisively in high-stakes moments.
• Stakeholder Management in a Crisis: Balancing global institutions, national governments, and public trust.
• Crisis Communication & Leadership Messaging: Transparency, trust, and the role of media in shaping public perception.
• The Long-Term Impact of Crisis Leadership: Why short-term decisions must be made with long-term consequences in mind.

You’ll examine case studies from major global crises, including:

• Barroso’s leadership during the 2008 financial crisis: How Europe responded when the global economy stood on the brink of collapse.
• Angela Merkel’s controversial handling of the migrant crisis: Balancing humanitarian needs with political realities.
• COVID-19 leadership lessons: Comparing crisis responses from South Korea to New Zealand.

But this isn’t just history—it’s a playbook for modern leadership. You’ll work through real-world crisis scenarios, make decisions in high-pressure simulations, and gain the skills to lead with clarity and confidence when everything is at stake.

The future of global leadership belongs to those who can navigate uncertainty, complexity, and crisis. This course will show you how.

“In times of crisis, leadership is not about power – it’s about purpose.”