We started by discussing the dilemma for policymakers everywhere. How do you protect lives and livelihoods? Carefully was the answer even though some panel members thought Singapore’s process for re-opening the economy too slow. Most people in the audience thought it was just right.

How do you protect your seniors? Not by isolating them but by giving them the information they need to make decisions for themselves. It is impossible to protect them from the virus when they live with other family members who are working outside the home.

Do you really want to make use of “green lanes” for travel? The majority audience response was: maybe but it depends on the destination. It depends on the quarantine arrangements and care country by country.

Covid-19 has forced us all to press the reset button on our lives, careers and businesses. We have all demonstrated adaptability and agility – the more so since they were forced on us. The pandemic has accelerated the acceptance and adoption of digital solutions to facilitate new working norms. But no-one is in any doubt. Every business needs to focus on what is important and what is important is survival.

Leaders need to step up, build trust within their teams via open communication and demonstrate trust by appraising people on the quality of their output not the number of hours worked or the location of work.

We were very fortunate in our diverse panel. Our thanks go to Angela Mancini, Benjamin Anthony, Devadas Krishnadas and Dorjee Sun whose good humour and positive chemistry was evident throughout the conversation. Thanks, too, to the members of the audience for their engagement and thought-provoking questions.

Watch the recording of the webinar here.