GMC managing through the Covid-19 pandemic: Shooting for the moon or set up to fail
The case describes the challenges faced by a young and ambitious woman taking on a high-risk project during the unusual environment of the Pandemic. Her new innovative ideas are flatly rejected by her senior colleagues, mostly men but also a powerful woman Partner. While failure is not an option for the young consultant, it is not excluded either. Her upcoming promotion would largely depend on her performance on this highly visible project. The firm’s politics could derail her project and her promotion.
- Capture the challenges of a newcomer to a well-settled and highly successful organization as she takes charge and innovates
- To highlight the issues faced by an innovative and ambitious young woman in an organization populated mostly by powerful older men with a history of success behind them.
- To discuss options and tactics of change agents in an organization settled in its ways. Or, put differently, “how to fix it before it’s broken”.
GMC (Disguised), Consumer Services
2020
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta leads with circular leadership—blending tradition, innovation, and empathy to reshape the future of Swiss luxury.

Business schools must champion values-led leadership as companies retreat from DEI. Now’s the time to stand firm and lead by example, says David Bach.

Despite policy and market headwinds, the clean energy transition is accelerating. Here are five key insights business leaders need to know in 2025.

Understanding the 4 types of responsible leader helps you blend styles, avoid pitfalls, and meet challenges while managing stakeholder expectations effectively.

CFOs must drive a financially disciplined way to manage environmental and climate risk amid growing push back against sustainability efforts.

Geopolitical turmoil and its workforce impact demand a systems thinking approach from CHROs, argue IMD’s Katharina Lange and Simon Evenett.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of a recent gathering led by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development together with IMD, where David Bach sat down with two sustainability leaders.

All organizations should have a plan to secure trust during, after (and even before) a crisis hits. Here are a host of examples, good and bad, to learn from.

Tired teams, wasted weekends, and unread reports—here are 7 ways to restore morale and reignite performance. Avoid unnecessary reporting and non-essential tasks.

Discover four proven strategies for sustainable and efficient green transition. Split operations with ring fencing to fast-track your green goals.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications