Q & A With @EsmeArendse

Q&A with Esme Arendse, Aprio Group?

Q: You recently spoke about the blend of innovation with empathy at Aprio. Please tell us more. ?

A: At Aprio Group, we believe in mixing innovation with empathy. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between using the latest technology and maintaining genuine human connections. We're dedicated to not just rolling out our high-tech methods—like our ARMOUR approach to crisis and reputation management—but also being there for our clients on an emotional level, especially when things get tough. We want our clients to feel secure and supported, knowing we're completely invested in their business and personal success and well-being.

Q: Can you elaborate on the ARMOUR methodology and why it’s effective in crisis situations?

A: ARMOUR is a framework developed by respected reputation strategist Alan Arguile, which we've honed through years of dealing with various crisis situations. It emphasises strategic planning, preparedness and execution to build corporate and leadership resilience. We’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be in helping clients navigate their challenges. However, what often makes the difference isn't just the strategy itself, it's the way we engage with clients, offering them support and clarity because all of us have led major issues and reputation challenges over many years . The personal support we provide is sometimes as impactful as the tactical solutions we implement.

Q: You mentioned that you recently received feedback from a client who said they felt safe with Aprio during a reputation crisis. How does that feedback resonate with you?

A: That feedback is incredibly meaningful to me. Feeling 'safe' in a business relationship speaks volumes about trust. Our clients are often facing significant pressure and scrutiny, and to know they see us as a safe space in those moments is a huge compliment. It reaffirms our mission to prioritise empathy alongside innovation. It inspires us to continue creating a supportive environment where clients know that their difficulties are met with understanding and actionable strategies.

Q: How is Aprio planning to evolve in the future while maintaining this focus on people?

A: The Aprio of the future will see us actively integrating more technology, such as AI, into our processes to enhance efficiency. However, our priority remains on the human aspect of our work. We want to ensure that while we embrace innovations that can improve our service delivery, we never lose sight of authentic human connections. This human-centric approach will continue to be the foundation of our operations. By marrying technology and empathy, we believe we can foster deeper relationships and better outcomes for our clients.

Q: What do you think sets Aprio apart in the industry right now?

A: ?A combination of battle-tested strategies and deep-rooted empathy are the unique characteristics of our team. While many firms may have the technical capability, it's our ability to engage with clients in their most vulnerable moments that truly distinguishes us. Our team is dedicated to creating lasting connections that go beyond just business transactions. Our values resonate not only in our methodologies but in the way we communicate, support, and uplift our clients. It’s this holistic approach that we feel builds sustainable partnerships and drives long-term success?

Q: Finally, what message do you want to convey to businesses about navigating crisis situations??

A: I want to emphasise the importance of building reputation resilience outside of crisis times. Invest the time to develop reputation risk manuals, stress test your reputation plans through simulations and train your executive and crisis management team.? In challenging times, businesses should strive to meet their clients’ needs with both strategic insight and heartfelt support. Empathy should never be an afterthought—it should be woven into every aspect of client interaction. By prioritising the human element alongside innovative solutions, businesses can create stronger, more resilient relationships that endure beyond the immediate crisis. We all need to remember that, at the heart of every business decision, there are real people facing real challenges.?

Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Esme.

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