The whole Australian media world is discussing the CEO of Woolworths performance on ABC Four Corners on Monday. It was the classic media training video that will be used for years on what not to do. Everyone has had their say on the topic but Carmen and Nic thought we might break it down a little differently. The real issue with a story like this might send other CEOs and leaders of industry back into the bunker.
The reality with this performance and the announcement of the retirement of the CEO is a little too much to take in one week for the media. The connection between the interview on Monday and the plans to leave in September is just too close to see how it can be any other way. It is just not a good look either way from Australia’s biggest retail supermarket and employer.
Nic and Carmen walk through the good and the bad of the interview. What CEOs and leaders can learn from the experience and where they might take confidence that they will not be thrusted into the spotlight for a seriously silly and avoidable mistake. Messaging, good advisors, preparation, practice, and a little bit of humility and empathy is going to go far in scenarios like this.
Do not let this incident put you off from engaging media. Instead use this as an opportunity to advance yourself, your people and those in the communications of the brand to get some media training. Work on this as it is not natural to have a microphone and camera thrusted in front of you, but it can be managed.
