S6E3: Leading Under Pressure: A Global Masterclass in Crisis Management
January 27, 2026 @8am ET
Email info@icfconnect.net for the zoom link to this session
Description: How do you lead when the unexpected strikes? Join us for an exclusive look behind the curtain at how camp leaders navigate the complex “triple threat” of political shifts, economic instability, and natural disasters. This session features a high-level panel of global camp professionals who will share their battle-tested strategies for maintaining operational excellence during the most challenging circumstances. To conclude, Tony Tan (Singapore), Dr. Simon Sambrano (Venezuela), and Carolina Fleix-Wright (Spain) will lead an interactive discussion, offering personal insights into what works when the stakes are high and the path forward is unclear.
Find the presentation slides here:
Facilitator:
Gabrielle Raill – Canada – Camp Owner/Director
Gabrielle has combined her passion for education, as well as her experience as the director of Camp Ouareau, an all-girls summer camp, to develop a wide range of educational and developmental programs.
She has consulted with several organizations such as
- The International Camping Fellowship
- Concordia University, and,
- NASA,
providing expertise on creating positive community dynamics, geared toward setting up frameworks that support creative learning and diverse thinking.
Since completing her B.A. in Human Relations at Concordia University, Gabrielle has become a world traveler, sharing these values and programs with an internationally diverse audience, including a recent TEDx talk about ‘What it means to be smart’.
Featured Panelists
Tony Tan (Singapore) CEO, Innotrek Pte Ltd Tony is an accomplished leader in the outdoor education and sports sectors. He notably navigated Innotrek through the global pandemic while prioritizing staff welfare and maintaining organizational stability. Beyond his corporate role, Tony serves as the President of the Outdoor Learning & Adventure Education Association and is a member of Singapore’s National Outdoor Adventure Education Council (MCCY). A certified behavioral consultant, he combines operational expertise with a passion for fostering industry standards across the Asia-Pacific region.
Carolina Fleix-Wright (Spain) Co-Owner & Director, English Summer S.A. Carolina oversees one of Spain’s premier camp organizations, managing four properties that serve over 21,000 students annually. A specialist in language immersion and international education, she is a foundational figure in the Spanish camping industry, having helped establish ANEACAMP (Spanish National Association of Camps) in response to an industry-wide crisis of need during the COVID pandemic.. She currently serves as the Congress Liaison on the International Camping Fellowship (ICF) Board, leveraging her deep experience in large-scale management to foster global community connections.
Dr. Simon Sambrano (Venezuela) Director & Owner, Iguanas Outdoor Education With over 25 years of industry experience, Dr. Sambrano brings a unique perspective as both a General Surgeon and a global Leadership Consultant. He has impacted over 50,000 participants across four continents, specializing in technology detox programs and social-emotional learning. As an ICF Board Member and ICDC Lead Trainer, Dr. Sambrano focuses on providing professional mentorship and elevating industry standards for developing camping organizations worldwide.
A special “Thank you!” to Lucy and Mave for all their help with translations of the slides and the live interpretations in Spanish!
Some statistics
89 participants joined for the live episode, from 17 countries (Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, United States, Venezuela).
Useful links
Congress website: icc2026china.org
Find ICDC and Trainer ICDC information here: https://icc2026china.org/programs/training
Info on the Congress tours here: https://icc2026china.org/programs/congressTours
ICF Business Affiliates: https://www.icfconnect.net/membership/business-affiliates/
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