'Crisis Stewardship: What do leaders need to take action in a crisis?' builds on Dr Catherine Stoddart's experiences when leading a major public health authority during the COVID-19 crisis. Her subsequent doctoral research has created a dynamic framework that identifies three types of Crisis Steward: Thrivers, Strivers and Survivors; and their respective capacities and powers to act in a crisis, and consequent impact on their local communities, the sector and broader society.