Episode 141: Leadership Lessons from Disaster Zones

In today’s episode, Mike talks with former UPS VP Craig Arnold about disaster response logistics.

Craig shares how UPS built partnerships with nonprofits to distribute aid globally, and why embracing failure, egoless collaboration, and humility enabled success. Lessons like involving wider teams beyond leadership apply directly to business partnerships, leadership, and teamwork.

Craig Arnold’s Bio

I worked for UPS from 1987 to 2022. I retired and then joined Swoop Aero. My team designs and manufactures drones that, amongst other things, provide last mile delivery of vaccines, emergency medical items, urgent spare parts. We also provide mapping and data gathering services. We build relationships and provide solutions for customers, and potential customers. Our approach is to work with companies to understand their goals and objectives, map supply chains, white board solutions, share industry best practices, and deliver on projects that unlock value. I’m also passionate about the work of the Salvation Army and other NGOs responding to natural disasters. I volunteer with Red Lightning a non profit that I co-founded. We provide logistics and operations services to help our partners optimize their response and preparedness activities.

In This Episode…

• How UPS built partnerships with nonprofits like Red Cross for disaster response
• Logistics of delivering and distributing medical supplies in developing countries
• Craig’s perspective on embracing failure and learning in disaster relief work
• Importance of humility, egolessness, and collaboration in crisis scenarios
• Perspective shift Craig experienced from corporate world to humanitarian work
• How lessons from disaster response apply to business leadership and teamwork
• Craig’s personal motivations and “heart passion” for service and helping others
• Keys to forging effective partnerships across sectors and organizations
• Craig’s approach to problem-solving by involving wider teams beyond leadership

Links & Resources Mentioned…

• https://swoop.aero/
• https://www.red-lightning.com/