Not only did Lucas have to start a new role virtually during the pandemic, but she had to immediately get to work to make sure the Hallmark networks delivered on the most wonderful time of the year. “Countdown to Christmas” is once again pulling in tons of viewers, and Lucas is busy shoring up her senior leadership team at Crown. She hit the ground to establish what she calls “swift trust.” “One component included conducting small group ‘get-to-know-you’ Zoom meetings, where I listened to every employee in the company. I shared my vision for the company, but mostly I listened to their ‘hopes, dreams, and aspirations’ for the company,” she says. “We learned and laughed together, and I immediately implemented many of their ideas.”
What is one of your proudest moments during the pandemic? Personally, watching my daughters pursue graduate degrees virtually. Professionally, supporting my team as they launched “Countdown to Christmas” producing 40 movies safely in record time.
How has your leadership style changed during the pandemic? Given I became the CEO during the pandemic, I found it essential to establish “swift trust”. One component included conducting small group “get-to-know-you” zoom meetings where I listened to every employee in the company. I shared my vision for the company, but mostly I listened to their “hopes, dreams, and aspirations” for the company. We learned and laughed together, and I immediately implemented many of their ideas.
What is the biggest factor needed to eliminate gender inequality in the workplace? All the policies and training in the world won’t change a thing if there is no accountability.
