Meet Cheryl Griffith

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cheryl Griffith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.

My story of layoff begins in 2014 when rumors circulated that the company I had dedicated 19 years to was closing. Initially, I dismissed these whispers as baseless. Over the next year, some changes occurred, but nothing suggested an imminent closure.
Fast forward to August 2016, I heard that our chairman was visiting Barbados. Strangely, he hadn’t informed me directly about his arrival—a red flag that something was amiss. I feared the worst: that I was about to be fired.
When the Chairman arrived, we exchanged pleasantries. I braced myself for bad news, expecting to hear about my termination. Instead, he informed me that the company was relocating its business support services to the Cayman Islands, effectively closing the operations here. This was far worse than personal termination; it meant that employees would lose their jobs under my watch. Managing the process and being part of the process was very hard and impacted my mental health. Months after I could not pass the building without having an anxiety attack.

Lessons learned for me – Change is death like. Get help sooner rather than later to help you through the process.
Allow yourself to go through the five stages of grief.
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

There is no time frame for grief.

You might change lanes but keep focus.
Learned from your experiences, get some support to keep you on track and keep going!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I bring a unique blend of expertise, passion, and innovation to the world of Business Continuity Consulting. With a deep commitment to safeguarding businesses from unexpected disruptions, I have a proven track record of developing robust strategies that ensure operational resilience and continuity.
I understand that business continuity is not just about having a plan in place. It’s about fostering a culture of resilience within the organization. I work closely with clients to build comprehensive continuity plans that encompass every aspect of the business, from technology and infrastructure to people and processes.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and empowering others to build resilient organizations. I regularly conduct workshops and training sessions, demystifying the complexities of business continuity planning.
My brand is synonymous with reliability, innovation, and excellence. My commitment to helping businesses thrive, even in the face of adversity, sets me apart as a leader in the field. When you partner with me, you are not just getting a consultant—you’re gaining a dedicated ally who will work tirelessly to ensure your business can weather any storm.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Having been a certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) since 2005, and an Associate Risk Management Professional (ARMP) since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of navigating a field that requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of risk management. Reflecting on my journey, I can pinpoint three qualities or skills that were most impactful:
1. Resilience – this allows me to tackle unexpected challenges head-on and learn from each experience.
2.. Adaptability – the field of business continuity is ever-evolving, and being adaptable has enabled me to stay current with industry trends and incorporate new strategies into my work effectively.
3. 3. Risk Management – a deep understanding of risk assessment and management has been the cornerstone of my work. Identifying potential risks, evaluating their impact, and developing mitigation strategies have enabled me to create robust continuity plans.
For those just starting their journey in business continuity, I offer the following advice: Stay curious and committed to learning, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study, Connect with other professionals in the field. Networking can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities for collaboration and cultivate your ability to think critically and solve problems.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

When I think about my ideal client, a few key characteristics come to mind that make our collaboration both effective and rewarding:
Proactive Mindset: My ideal client is someone who acknowledges the critical nature of business continuity and actively seeks to incorporate resilience into their operations. I value clients who understand the importance of foresight and are enthusiastic about investing in strategies that protect their organization from potential disruptions.
Collaborative Spirit: I excel in partnerships with clients who appreciate the importance of collaboration. It is fulfilling when they partake actively in the process, share insights, and contribute to the creation and execution of continuity plans. This collaborative effort guarantees that the strategies we develop are not only practical but also harmonized with the organization’s culture and objectives.
Commitment to Improvement: An ideal client is one who is dedicated to ongoing improvement. I appreciate when they recognize that ensuring business continuity is an ongoing journey, rather than a one-time project. They are open to learning, adapting, and refining their plans as new threats emerge and the business landscape evolves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://businesscontinuitybb.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylvgriffith

Image Credits

Cheryl Griffith