Abstract: This paper attempts to explore the traits that leaders should possess in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized a qualitative research design and solicited 58 responses from employees in the financial industry to capture the prevailing traits of business leaders. The reflexive thematic analysis showed that leaders, among others, should be empathetic, responsible, transparent, resilient and supportive. The participant-employees perceived these traits as necessary not just for their leaders’ effective governance but for the organization’s survival as a whole.