When Your Three-Year Plan Collapses in Six Hours—What Do You Do?

On this final episode of TIPS for 2025, hosts Ashlie and Gilbert sit down with Chris McFarland—executive vice president, founder of McFarland Crew Leadership, and Townsend Institute director—to explore adaptive leadership in crisis moments. Hear his story of how he spent three years planning a huge event on the National Mall that ultimately had to shut down six hours early due to weather. Talk about a pivot!

You'll discover:

• How to pivot and execute under immense pressure when plans fall apart
• Why flexibility and curiosity are your most powerful leadership tools
• Chris's essential formula: be curious, take the step, bring people with you

Whether you're navigating organizational change, leading through crisis, or building teams that thrive under pressure, this conversation offers a masterclass in adaptive leadership and human-centered strategy.

Perfect for: Organizational leaders, executive coaches, event strategists, anyone leading through uncertainty or building resilient teams.

TLP Director Chris McFarland

McFarland Crew Leadership

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The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees and professional certificates in three content areas: Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling. Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs. To find out more, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cui.edu/townsend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Enjoying the podcast? We want your input! Please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tipodcast@cui.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for any feedback or ideas you have on topics or guests you would like to learn from!

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Episode music is "Psalm 1 (That Man)" featuring Tommy Walker, Ben Lange, & Kip Fox, produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Songwriter Initiative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of The Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine.