Podcast Archives - PreparedEx: Recent Episodes

Rob Burton

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Too many organizations treat crisis simulations and tabletop exercises as the finish line, when in reality they’re just the starting point. In this episode, Rob Burton explores why the real value lies in what comes after the exercise: prioritizing findings, assigning ownership, keeping leadership engaged, and measuring improvement.

Rob shares common challenges resilience leaders face, practical strategies for turning lessons into action, and contrasting case examples—from financial services firms that ignored findings and paid the price, to healthcare organizations that invested in follow-up and entered COVID-19 better prepared.

Listeners will walk away with a practical checklist and actionable steps to ensure their next crisis exercise doesn’t just check a box but actually strengthens resilience.

The post Closing the Gap: Turning After-Action Findings into Real Resilience appeared first on PreparedEx.

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As organizations begin planning for 2026, one critical area often overlooked—or left until it’s too late—is budgeting for resilience. In this episode, we explore why resilience should be treated as a strategic investment, not just a line item. Drawing from our latest PreparedEx blog, we’ll discuss how early planning and thoughtful proposals provide more than just numbers: they offer clarity, insight, and flexibility to strengthen your preparedness program. We’ll also highlight a real client testimonial that shows the impact of investing in resilience services before a crisis strikes.

Whether your organization is building resilience from the ground up or enhancing a mature program, this episode offers practical steps to ensure your 2026 budget supports confidence, readiness, and long-term value.

The post Planning Ahead for Organizational Resilience appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode, we share a summer recap and update you on upcoming activities and programs. Hear about recent travels, fall and winter exercise plans, and new resiliency initiatives launching soon. We highlight the upcoming International Crisis Management Conference (ICMC) one-day workshop in Vancouver, scheduled for March 2026, the first West Coast event, featuring expert speakers, training, and tabletop exercises.

Plus, get details on upcoming virtual resiliency courses this fall and a custom in-person training session in upstate New York focused on operational resilience principles. We also discuss how to stay connected via the newsletter and ways to engage with exercises tailored to your organization’s needs, including those addressing recent active shooter challenges.

Stay tuned and get involved as we head into a busy season of crisis management and resiliency programming!

The post An Update on PreparedEx and The International Crisis Management Conference appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode, we sit down with John Iliffe to explore his first-hand experience managing evacuations from conflict and crisis zones including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and South Sudan. With a background in NGO operations and international crisis response, John shares valuable insights and practical lessons for organizations preparing for or executing a country evacuation.

The post Navigating Crisis: Lessons from Country Evacuations with John Iliffe appeared first on PreparedEx.

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Your cyber incident response will fail if you:

Don’t train your team regularly

Don’t stress-test your plan with tabletop exercises

Don’t remediate weaknesses after real incidents or simulations

The good news? These failures are entirely preventable. The organizations that train, test, and improve are the ones that survive—and even thrive—when an attack happens.

If you’re serious about protecting your business, start taking action today. Run a tabletop, train your team, and fix what you find. Because in cybersecurity, it’s not if an attack happens, but when.

Want to learn more? Stay tuned for our next episode, where we break down the must-have elements of an effective cyber crisis simulation.

The post Why Your Cyber Incident Response Will Fail – And How to Fix It appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we dive into the world of crisis and business continuity exercises with Charlie Maclean-Bristol, founder of PlanB Consulting. With his extensive experience in designing exercises that challenge and prepare organizations for crises, Charlie shares invaluable insights on best practices, overcoming common challenges, and the importance of realism. Whether you’re new to business continuity or looking to enhance your organization’s preparedness strategies, this episode is filled with actionable advice and forward-looking perspectives. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on building resilience through exercises.

The post Mastering Crisis and Business Continuity Exercises: Insights from Charlie Maclean-Bristol appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode (151) of the PreparedEx Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Beard, a leading expert from The Crisis Shop, to discuss the crucial role of reputational risk analysis in today’s business environment. With reputational risks being as impactful—if not more so—than operational or financial risks, organizations can no longer afford to overlook this vital area of risk management.

Join us as we explore why a company’s reputation is its most valuable asset and how trust plays a pivotal role in driving consumer and business decisions. Christopher shares eye-opening insights backed by studies from Adobe and PWC that underscore the tangible business benefits of maintaining trust and reputation.

Key Discussion Points 1. Why Conducting a Reputational Risk Analysis is Critical * Trust as a driving force behind consumer and B2B purchasing decisions. * Real-world examples of how companies have protected and enhanced their reputation through proactive risk analyses. 2. When to Conduct a Reputational Risk Analysis * Strategic timing for assessments, from regular risk reviews to new product launches. * Case studies, including a consumer goods company launching a pest control product and a food company recovering from a major reputational issue. 3. The Value of a Reputational Risk Analysis * How identifying and addressing risks early prevents crises and uncovers opportunities to differentiate your brand. * Insights for executives to balance the cost and benefits of mitigating reputational risks. 4. Steps to Conduct a Comprehensive Reputational Risk Analysis * Intelligence gathering from government activity, NGO/activist campaigns, and consumer sentiment analysis. * Using impact assessments and prioritization matrices to evaluate and rank risks. * Developing actionable plans to mitigate priority risks and weighing cost-benefit considerations.

Why This Matters Consumers and customers are more likely to buy from companies they trust. With reputational risks posing real financial and operational impacts, this conversation provides actionable takeaways to safeguard your organization’s reputation and build resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.

Tune in now to learn how a well-executed reputational risk analysis can empower your organization to proactively address risks, protect your reputation, and drive long-term success.

The post The Benefits of Reputational Risk Analyses with Christopher Beard of The Crisis Shop appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this milestone 150th episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we’re excited to unveil the 10th Annual International Crisis Management Conference. Discover what’s in store for this year’s event, including key themes, speakers, and networking opportunities that make this conference a must-attend for resilience and crisis management professionals. Tune in to hear how this decade-long tradition continues to shape the future of crisis leadership and preparedness. Don’t miss this special announcement episode!

The post Milestone Moments: Announcing the 10th Annual International Crisis Management Conference appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we sit down with Ruben Hoornveld, a seasoned expert in crisis and risk management and regional strategy, to explore the top threats facing businesses in Southeast Asia. From cybersecurity challenges to natural disasters, Ruben shares his deep insights into how organizations can navigate these risks and build resilience in a rapidly evolving landscape. Join us as we delve into real-world scenarios and practical strategies to stay ahead in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

The post Navigating the Top Business Threats in Southeast Asia: Insights with Ruben Hoornveld appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 148 of the PreparedEx Podcast, we continue our exploration of essential crisis leadership lessons with part 2 of our series. Building on the foundational insights from episode 147, this episode delves into lessons 7 through 12, offering deeper perspectives on navigating crises. We discuss advanced strategies for maintaining composure under pressure, the importance of adaptive leadership, and the role of transparent communication in fostering trust. Additionally, we highlight real-world examples of leaders who have successfully steered their organizations through turbulent times. Whether you’re looking to refine your crisis management skills or seeking inspiration from seasoned leaders, this episode provides valuable takeaways to enhance your leadership toolkit.

The post 12 Lessons in Crisis Leadership: Insights from the Front Lines – Part 2 appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 147 of the PreparedEx Podcast, we delve into key lessons learned from countless crisis simulation exercises conducted with executive teams. These sessions, designed to test leadership strategies under intense pressure, reveal invaluable insights into how top leaders make critical decisions, communicate effectively, and guide their organizations through crises. Join us as we explore themes like strategic vision, emotional intelligence, empathy, and accountability, shedding light on CEOs’ pivotal role in fostering organizational resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers practical takeaways for navigating the storm.

The post 12 Lessons in Crisis Leadership: Insights from the Front Lines – Part 1 appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode, we dive into the Resilience Program Maturity Assessment (RPMA), a comprehensive tool designed to evaluate and enhance an organization’s resilience. We’ll explore the key features of RPMA, including its holistic approach and the ten critical categories it assesses. We’ll also discuss the five maturity levels, from Glass Floor to Platinum Shield, and how the custom scoring system helps organizations measure their resilience readiness. Additionally, we’ll highlight the actionable insights RPMA provides, its role in continuous improvement, and real-world applications through case studies and testimonials. Finally, we’ll guide you on how to start your RPMA journey and discuss future trends in resilience.

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In Episode 145 of the PreparedEx podcast, host Rob Burton, CEO and co-founder of PreparedEx, sits down with Dominic Bowen, a leading risk management and business leadership expert in Europe. Dominic, a Partner at 2Secure and head of the Strategic Advisory business unit, has over two decades of experience helping organizations mitigate risks and navigate crises across diverse industries and geographies. In this episode, Dominic shares his deep insights on building organizational resilience, discussing practical strategies that businesses can adopt to prepare for crises and rebound stronger than ever. Tune in to explore real-world examples and learn how to safeguard your organization against emerging threats.

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In episode 144 of the PreparedEx podcast, we delve into the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in disaster response, focusing on the recent experiences during Hurricane Helene. FEMA’s push for PPP over the past several years has laid the groundwork, but it’s during real-world events that the actual value of these partnerships becomes evident. We’ll explore how the North Carolina Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts between the State Emergency Response Team and businesses. From daily briefings on critical infrastructure to facilitating vendor reentry and managing donations, this episode highlights the essential lessons learned and the responsibilities companies must uphold to ensure effective disaster response.

Guest: Leslie O’Connor, MPA, PMP

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Overview of vExPro

  • vExPro is not just a service; it’s a game-changer in crisis management. Our elite team brings unparalleled experience from high-stakes environments, including thousands of incident response and crisis management exercises, as well as top-tier wargaming with government agencies. With expertise forged in the most demanding conditions—from military operations to public safety and crisis communications—vExPro professionals are equipped to deliver unmatched preparedness for your organization.

Development and Launch

  • The development of vExPro involved extensive research and collaboration with industry experts. We faced several challenges, including integrating advanced simulation technologies and ensuring seamless user experience. However, our team’s dedication and expertise allowed us to overcome these obstacles. The launch timeline includes key milestones such as the initial beta testing phase, user feedback integration, and the official launch event.

Customer Impact

  • vExPro is designed to significantly improve customer experience by providing tailored crisis management solutions. Early users have reported enhanced preparedness and confidence in handling crises. One of our clients mentioned, “vExPro has transformed our approach to crisis management, making us more resilient and proactive”. The service offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources that empower organizations to navigate any crisis successfully.

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In episode 142 of the PreparedEx podcast, we delve into the critical world of cybersecurity tabletop exercises with expert Jake Paulson. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must be prepared to respond to incidents that could disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage reputations. Jake Paulson shares his insights on how to design, execute, and evaluate effective cybersecurity tabletop exercises that not only test an organization’s preparedness but also strengthen its resilience against potential cyber attacks.

Connect with Jake on LinkedIn

The post Testing Your Defenses: The Critical Role of Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercises with Jake Paulson appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we delve into the critical role of tabletop exercises (TTXs) in boosting organizational crisis preparedness. Our guest, a seasoned expert in crisis management, discusses how to design and implement highly realistic TTXs that go beyond the basics to truly test and improve an organization’s response strategies. We explore the importance of customizing exercises to reflect industry-specific risks, the value of expert facilitation, and how to measure the effectiveness of these exercises to demonstrate clear ROI. Whether you’re new to TTXs or looking to elevate your current practices, this episode provides valuable insights to help your organization stay resilient in the face of crises.

Tune in to learn how to transform your tabletop exercises into powerful tools for organizational preparedness and resilience.

The post Enhancing Crisis Preparedness with Realistic Tabletop Exercises appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of the PreparedEx Podcast, we sit down with Justin Sellars of 360 Privacy, to discuss the ever-important topic of digital privacy. As our lives become increasingly digital, protecting our personal information has never been more crucial. Justin shares his expertise on digital privacy, common threats, and actionable strategies to enhance your online security. Whether you’re an individual concerned about your personal data or a business aiming to protect your customers’ information, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn

The post Protecting Your Digital Footprint: An Insight into Privacy with Justin Sellars of 360 Privacy appeared first on PreparedEx.

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Join host Rob Burton in the 139th episode of Cyber Defense Frontline as we delve into the critical world of incident response tabletop exercises. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bolster their organization’s cyber defense capabilities. We’ll walk you through the meticulous process of designing and executing effective tabletop exercises, from initial planning to post-exercise evaluation and remediation. Gain valuable knowledge and practical tips to enhance your incident response strategy and ensure your team is prepared for any cyber threat. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will empower you to take your cyber defense to the next level.

The post Cyber Defense Frontline: Crafting the Ultimate Incident Response Tabletop Exercises appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 137 of the PreparedEx podcast, we conclude our discussion on executive tabletop exercises with a comprehensive wrap-up and after-action review. This episode unpacks the key outcomes, lessons learned, and strategies for improvement following a crisis simulation with top-level leaders. Discover how to translate exercise insights into actionable changes that enhance your organization’s resilience and preparedness.

The post Reflections and Revelations: After-Action Review of an Executive Tabletop Exercise appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 137 of the PreparedEx podcast, we explore the art and science behind designing and delivering effective tabletop exercises tailored for executive-level groups, such as boards and senior leadership teams. Learn four top tips to enhance engagement, ensure relevancy, and maximize learning outcomes from these critical simulation exercises. This episode is packed with expert advice, practical strategies, and insights to help your leadership navigate complex crisis scenarios confidently.

The post Tabletop Tactics: 4 Key Tips for Engaging Executive Teams in Crisis Simulations appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 136 of the PreparedEx podcast, we delve deep into the critical aspects of crisis management from an executive perspective. Discover how top leaders prioritize during emergencies to safeguard employees, ensure business continuity, manage financial risks, uphold their organization’s reputation, and comply with legal standards. This episode provides actionable insights and real-world examples to help executives prepare and respond effectively when crises strike.

The post Leading Through Uncertainty: Top 5 Executive Concerns in a Crisis appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In our 135th episode, we delve into the crucial world of crisis management at the highest echelons of leadership.

Join us as we explore the indispensable role of executive-level tabletop scenarios in shaping strategic decision-making amidst uncertainty. From designing scenarios that align with organizational objectives to harnessing cross-functional perspectives, we uncover the keys to crafting practical tabletop exercises tailored for executive leaders.

Drawing on years of experience and real-world examples, we provide invaluable insights into navigating crises with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a rising leader eager to enhance your strategic resilience, this episode equips you with the tools and knowledge to lead your organization through any challenge that arises. Tune in and unlock the secrets to strategic leadership excellence in times of crisis.

The post Leadership-Level Tabletop Exercises: Identifying Key Risks and Objectives appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this milestone 134th episode, we delve into the fundamental process of designing executive-level tabletop scenarios, essential for guiding decision-makers through complex challenges.

As seasoned practitioners in crisis management, we understand the pivotal role that well-crafted scenarios play in honing executive leadership skills and enhancing organizational resilience. Join us as we revisit the foundational principles of scenario design, enriched by years of experience and expertise.

Throughout this episode, we unravel the intricacies of scenario development, offering insights into identifying key risks, aligning scenarios with organizational objectives, and incorporating cross-functional perspectives. Drawing from our extensive repertoire of case studies and practical examples, we illuminate the path to crafting scenarios that resonate with executive leaders and empower them to navigate crises with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re a dedicated listener who has been with us since the beginning or a newcomer eager to glean wisdom from our wealth of knowledge, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of executive-level tabletop exercises. Join us as we celebrate our journey to strategic leadership excellence and set the stage for continued growth and learning in crisis preparedness.

The post Setting the Stage: Designing Effective Executive-Level Tabletop Scenarios appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 133 of the PreparedEx podcast, we sit down with Nathan Moore, a meteorologist whose passion for weather has charted a course from his childhood in Texas to a dynamic career in meteorology. Nathan’s story is one of curiosity turned professional pursuit, taking him from local news editing in Beaumont, Texas, to forecasting severe weather on a national scale. Through his academic endeavors at Lamar University and Mississippi State University, Nathan has not only honed his skills but also shaped his path in both broadcast and operational meteorology. As he steps into his role as an Industry Manager at StormGeo, Nathan reflects on the evolution of weather forecasting, the impact of technology, and the personal milestones that have marked his journey. This episode offers a glimpse into the life of a man who has weathered storms both literally and metaphorically, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs of a career dedicated to understanding the skies.

Connect with Nathan on Social Media:

Facebook

Linkedin

The post Chasing the Storm: Nathan Moore’s Journey from Texas to the Heart of Meteorology appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 132 of the PreparedEx podcast, “Strategic Frontiers: Mastering Global Diplomacy and Crisis Management,” we delve into the intricate world of international relations and high-stakes decision-making. Our guest is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in diplomacy, military, government, and corporate sectors, offering a rare glimpse into the art of navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

This episode explores the nuances of strategizing in an environment where every decision can have far-reaching implications. Our guest shares insights on balancing immediate challenges with long-term geopolitical strategies and the skills to manage crises effectively in an unpredictable and rapidly changing world. The discussion also covers the importance of international collaboration, highlighting the critical factors in building successful cross-cultural relationships and alliances.

Listeners will comprehensively understand the proactive versus reactionary approaches in global affairs. The episode provides a fascinating look at how strategic foresight and adaptability are crucial in influencing outcomes in international relations. Our guest’s wealth of experience guides us in adapting to and managing the unexpected, offering invaluable lessons for anyone interested in diplomacy, crisis management, and strategic decision-making.

Tune in to “Strategic Frontiers: Mastering Global Diplomacy and Crisis Management” for a compelling conversation that promises to enlighten and inform. Whether you are a seasoned professional in these sectors or an avid follower of global affairs, this episode is an essential listen for enhancing your understanding of the complex dynamics of international relations.

Follow Sally on LinkedIn

The post Strategic Frontiers: Mastering Global Diplomacy and Crisis Management appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this enlightening episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we sit down with Derek Rowan, a luminary in emergency management exercises. Titled “Mastering Crisis Readiness: A Deep Dive with Emergency Management Expert Derek Rowan,” this episode offers a rare glimpse into the intricate world of emergency preparedness through the eyes of a seasoned professional. Derek shares his journey into the field, highlighting the evolution of emergency management exercises and their pivotal role in organizational resilience. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the real-world impacts of these exercises, overcoming common challenges, and the transformative role of technology and innovation in crisis management. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in enhancing emergency readiness, tailored for professionals, aspiring specialists, and anyone interested in the critical art of preparing for the unforeseen. Join us for a journey into the heart of crisis preparedness with Derek Rowan, a true guru of emergency management exercises.

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

The post Mastering Crisis Readiness: A Deep Dive with Emergency Management Expert Derek Rowan appeared first on PreparedEx.

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Join us in this special episode as we express our heartfelt gratitude to our customers for their unwavering support throughout the year. We reminisce about the pleasure of meeting numerous new clients and the joy of continuing our journey with long-standing partners.

As we gear up for 2024, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of FirstLook Plus. This innovative venture promises to bring exciting developments in the year ahead.

Our focus remains steadfast on extensive exercise projects, with cyber risk management at the forefront. We delve into the intricacies of Incident Response (IR) exercises, particularly with executive leadership teams of multinational Fortune 500 companies. These exercises challenge teams across enterprises, emphasizing the critical role of crisis communication in cyber incidents. We discuss the ongoing efforts to refine and validate response strategies.

Additionally, we shed light on our crisis management and business continuity planning ventures. Our ongoing projects aim to equip clients with tangible, easily activated documents to manage issues and crises effectively throughout their lifecycles.

A special thanks goes out to our dedicated team and contractors, whose support has been instrumental in our numerous exercise and planning projects this year.

Lastly, we’re excitedly preparing for the International Crisis Management Conference (ICMC) annual conference. Set to take place in Rhode Island on June 5th and 6th, 2024, we discuss the upcoming conference details and ticket availability, hoping to see many of you there.

Join us as we reflect on a year of achievements and look forward to a promising future with FirstLook Plus and our continued collaborations.

The post Year in Review and Looking Ahead: The Journey of FirstLook Plus appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of “Navigating the Storm,” we delve into the complex and high-stakes world of crisis communication. Our expert guest, a seasoned crisis communications strategist, will provide insights into managing diverse crises, such as high-profile legal cases, personal and business disputes, real estate controversies, cybersecurity breaches, and online reputation management. Join us as we uncover the strategies and nuances of steering companies through turbulent times.

Follow Nathan on LinkedIn

The post Navigating the Storm: Insights from Nathan Miller on Crisis Communication Strategies appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of crisis management with a leading expert Brendan Monahan We explore the foundational components of a robust crisis management plan, analyze real-world case studies of mishandled crises, and uncover the essentials of team dynamics, communication strategies, and the role of cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, we highlight the pivotal significance of simulation exercises in readying organizations for potential crises. Whether you’re a professional in the field or just curious about the behind-the-scenes preparedness that goes into managing unexpected challenges, this episode promises insightful takeaways for all.

The post Mastering the Unforeseen: Crisis Management Essentials and the Power of Preparedness – An Interview with Brendan Monahan appeared first on PreparedEx.

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Welcome to another insightful episode of the PreparedEx podcast! Today, we navigate the intricate and interconnected realms of third-party logistics and cybersecurity. With global supply chains becoming increasingly digital, the urgency to protect and secure logistical operations from a myriad of cyber threats has never been more paramount.

Topic: In this episode, we shine a light on Third-Party Logistics Supply Chain Cybersecurity, exploring the landscape of risks, impacts, and solutions surrounding cybersecurity in the vital logistics sector.

Guest: Joining us is Susan Kargel, a distinguished expert with profound insights into logistics cybersecurity and who will guide us through contemporary challenges and proactive measures in the field.

We’ll Explore * The role and significance of third-party logistics providers in modern supply chains. * The diverse spectrum of cyber threats looming over the logistical operations. * The repercussions of cybersecurity breaches on interconnected supply chains. * The importance of adhering to international cybersecurity standards and regulations. * Cyber-security and incident management simulation exercises.

Tune In: Whether you’re a logistics professional, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or someone keen to understand the confluence of logistics and cybersecurity, this episode is packed with valuable insights and learnings. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to secure the supply chains against the burgeoning cyber threats and safeguard the future of logistics.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts and engage with us on social media. See you in the episode!

Connect with Susan on LinkedIn

The post Securing the Links: Cybersecurity in Third-Party Logistics Supply Chains appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In Episode 125 of the PreparedEx podcast, join us as we demystify the complex landscape of crisis management with industry expert Sean Cunnigham. From dissecting the strategic layer’s role during a crisis to rethinking the function of the Chair of the Crisis Management Team, this episode leaves no stone unturned. We also delve into the crucial concept of escalation and examine how scenario planning can elevate your organization’s readiness for any unforeseen challenge. If you’re a leader, team member, or simply interested in understanding how organizations navigate crises, this episode offers actionable insights you can’t afford to miss.

The post Crisis Management Unveiled: Strategic Moves, Team Dynamics, and Scenario Planning appeared first on PreparedEx.

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An update from Rob Burton, CEO of PreparedEx, LLC.

The post Bi-Annual (late) update from Rob Burton on PreparedEx appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this illuminating episode of the Preparedex LLC podcast, we took a close look at the SEC’s newly finalized cybersecurity disclosure rules, a topic that’s become pivotal in corporate boardrooms across the country. With its potential to redefine the landscape for public companies, it’s crucial for business leaders, investors, and professionals alike to grasp the […]

The post Navigating the SEC’s New Cybersecurity Disclosure Landscape with Brian Haugli appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In today’s episode of the PreparedEx podcast, we invite a specialist in simulation exercises to explore a diverse range of topics. Here’s what we cover:  Nuclear Strategic Level Exercises: Our guest provides insight into the intricacies of planning and executing nuclear strategic level exercise scenarios, discussing the key factors that make these simulations successful and […]

The post Future-Proofing Society: Inside the World of High-Stakes Simulation Exercises appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode, we explore the crucial task of securing senior leadership buy-in for a Crisis Simulation Exercise Program. With the unpredictability of the business world, being prepared for potential crises is an absolute necessity, not a luxury. Crisis simulations play a significant role in this preparedness, but getting the top brass on board can […]

The post Leading Through Crisis: Securing Buy-In for Your Simulation Exercise Program appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this engaging episode, our guest Ruben Hoornveld, a seasoned security professional based in Somalia, shares his first-hand experiences and insights from the recent Sudan crisis.  Our conversation begins with the guest’s personal account of the impact the Sudan crisis had on their work in Somalia. Ruben shared complexities of operating in such volatile environments […]

The post Navigating Crisis: Perspectives from the Ground – Sudan Crisis and Its Impact appeared first on PreparedEx.

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Join us in episode 118 as we dive into the world of incident management with our esteemed guest, Timothy Cohen, an Incident Manager from a top technology company. We’ll explore their role, common types of incidents, and best practices for effective response and recovery. Learn how prioritization, communication, and continuous improvement are key components to successful incident management. Discover the valuable lessons they’ve learned from past incidents and how they see the role of an Incident Manager evolving in the future. Whether you’re an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of technology companies, this episode will provide valuable insights into the crucial function of incident management in the modern digital age. 

The post Mastering the Art of Incident Management: Insights from Timothy Cohen appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In this episode, Rob takes you through the critical steps to consider before diving into your first exercise program. He shares the importance of gaining internal support, assessing your existing expertise, and mapping out the program’s objectives and scope. Rob also emphasizes the value of a two or three-year approach to progressively build capabilities, as well as the need to budget for the program. Don’t miss this insightful guide to successfully launching your exercise program journey! 

The post Crafting Your First Exercise Program: The 5 Essential Pre-Exercise Elements appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In Episode 116 of the podcast, we interviewed Steve Kuhr CEO of Kuhr Group, LLC. Here’s the questions we posed to Steve:

  1. Before we get into community resilience, can you set the stage in terms of what a strong emergency preparedness program looks like for a business?
  2. Can you share what your top three programs would be if you were building a program from scratch and had to prioritize?
  3. Why are communities better prepared to face disasters when those businesses within those communities are resilient?
  4. Why is working with your local first responders and other community preparedness groups important for organizational resilience?
  5. We have seen several rail disasters in recent months, and I know you you’ve been monitoring the one in East Palestine, Ohio. What in your opinion are two of the key lessons that need to be learned from this crisis? Please add some context for future listeners who may not have heard about this event.
  6. What would be your number one piece of advice for anyone looking to get into the emergency / crisis preparedness field?
  7. Finally, exercises. Can you tell 3 short stories a good, a bad and an ugly from your own experiences in being part of or actually running exercises. Feel free to have two good and one not so good….

The post The Impact on Communities When Businesses Don’t Prepare: An Interview with Steve Kuhr appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In Episode 115 of the podcast, we interviewed Piyali Mandal who is leading the way with research on how AI is impacting the world of crisis and disaster management. We spoke about crisis communication messaging, how AI can help with forecasting risk, how it’s not emotionally intelligent, as well as scenario and exercise planning.

Piyali Mandal on LinkedIn

Show Notes:

  1. The BCI Emergency and Crisis Communications Report 2023, sponsored by F24. Available at: https://www.thebci.org/news/bci-launches-emergency-crisis-communications-report-2023.html.

  2. The Conference Board® C-Suite Outlook 2023 On the Edge Driving Growth and Mitigating Risk Amid Extreme Volatility. Available at: https://www.conference-board.org/pdfdownload.cfm?masterProductID=44769.

  3. Küsters, A. (2022). AI as Systemic Risk in a Polycrisis: The Danger of Algorithmic Prediction in Unknown Environments. CEP Adhoc. Available at: https://www.cep.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/cep.eu/Studien/cepAdhoc_AI_as_Systemic_Risk_in_a_Polycrisis/cepAdhoc_AI_as_Systemic_Risk_in_a_Polycrisis.pdf

The post AI and its Impact on Crisis Management and Communications: An Interview with Piyali Mandal appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 114 we spoke with Donna Speckhard who is Resilience leader at Fanny Mae. We covered everything from third party risk to global intelligence and the role it plays in operational resilience. Donna has a wealth of experience, and our discussion is one that you won’t want to miss.  

The post The Resiliency Journey – An Interview with Donna Speckhard appeared first on PreparedEx.

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In episode 113 of the podcast, Rob interviewed Bruce McIndoe of McIndoe Risk Advisory, LLC. Rob spoke to Bruce about Geopolitical Risk and the current situation. Bruce provided insight into his experience with helping organizations manage geological situations with a key focus on the effects. Rob and Bruce spoke about exercises and the importance of conducting them early in the planning process. Another one you won’t want to miss.

Show Notes 1. MRA work in Geopolitical “space”. Geopolitical Forecasts for F500 companies and Associations. Geopolitical Risk Management, mitigation strategies and contingency planning.

2. Challenges – Long burn (when to trigger for action); Quick burn (no time to prepare); Just Right (seldom happens – time for preparation and timely action taking) – Cascading linkages; Polycrisis;

3. Geopolitical Scenarios – Political unrest, coup, nation state border/resource conflict, military action, war, etc.

4. Scenario Planning – first focus on Effects and not Causes; For example, what is the plan if our back-office operations in country X is disrupted or non-available? Less important what the cause was, but critical that the organization deal with the effect.

5. Evacuations: I have been involved in evacuation and rapid exit operations for more than 20 years as CEO of iJET and then WorldAware. These operations have been conducted all around the world.

6. 2023 “Predictions” From my report in “ONTIC Security Industry Forecasts for 2023 and Beyond” Organizations will need to continue to monitor and respond to all the current major global issues that will persist into 2023 such as the Russia-Ukraine War, continued aggression by China, climate change driven severe weather, supply and transport disruptions, along with global stress and unrest driven by continued inflation and food insecurity.

Protective leaders should plan for potential issues such as a new and more challenging COVID variant, nation-state aggression, territorial disputes and political instability. Success in navigating this dynamic global environment where the frequency and severity of threats and events seem to be ever-increasing will require:

1) more continuous risk monitoring (current and evolving) and assessment;

2) balancing current response activities with proactive preparedness; and

3) staying abreast of changing organizational objectives and enhancing your risk-related communications with management.

7. Simulation Exercises. One of my key tenants is that if you want to build real response and recovery capabilities, you need to regularly conduct exercises. In fact, through our Agile Business Continuity framework, we start each planning sprint with an exercise. This baselines current capabilities and aligns all participants on the gaps and areas for improvement. From there, the planning process is more informed and in most cases the planning team is more motivated.

I developed a global exercise for a large IT outsourcing company in the summer of 2012. The scenario was a contractor with insider access inserted a USB drive into a computer on a major middle eastern oil company and took down their network and business. We ran the exercise. Lots of lessons learned. And a month later…

“The virus — called Shamoon after a word embedded in its code —was unleashed on 15 August 2012 by a a company insider with privileged access to Aramco’s network. Instead of solely collecting information, the virus revealed its highly destructive nature as it rendered the infected computers unusable.”

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In episode 112 of the podcast, we interviewed William Dunne Lead Expert Crisis Management and Emergency Services expert at Penn State Health. William spoke about his wealth of experience in emergency and crisis management. Topics covered ranged from planning, crisis communications, COVID and the medical industry and of course, simulation exercises. You won’t want to miss this one.  

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In episode 111 of the podcast, we interviewed Lester Chng of BMO Financial. We covered some good ground in this episode. Lester talks about his career as well as scenario planning through well designed tabletop and other types of simulation exercises. Lester has some stories too. Don’t miss this episode.  

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In episode 110 Rob discusses the importance of creating a remediation plan after you have completed you after action report from your exercise or real incident.  

More Content:

Remediation Planning Blog Post

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In episode 109 Rob interviews Jack Murphy a Former Fire Chief from New Jersey. Jack’s background in fire safety and emergency preparedness planning for buildings is second to none.  

Related Articles:

Essential Emergency Drills for the Workplace 

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In episode 108 Rob discuss the importance of emergency drills within the workplace. From fire drills in the post-covid era to active shooter drills, Rob breaks down easy-to-follow steps that will help you create your own emergency drill program.  Link:  https://preparedex.com/essential-emergency-drills-for-the-workplace/ 

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In episode 107 of the podcast Rob discusses the real cost of designing, delivering and evaluation tabletop exercises. He breaks down the costs and gives dollar amounts for each step of the process. Check out the Blog: The Real Cost of a Tabletop Exercise: What Goes Into Creating a Successful One

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In Episode 106 of the podcast, we interviewed Shane Mathew Head of Enterprise Resilience at Zoom and Host of the Failover Plan Podcast. Shane spoke about his career so far as wells as crisis management planning. Shane summarizes what should be in a crisis management program, why crisis management teams should learn how to create […]

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In episode 105 of the podcast we interviewed Gabriel Friedlander the Founder of Wizer a Cyber-Security Training Company. We spoke about why having a cyber-security awareness program is important as well as ensuring our families have access to training too. Gabby spoke about the importance of storytelling through short videos and how Wizer creates these […]

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In this the 104th Episode, Rob discusses 10 Reasons Organizations Fail at Crisis Management. 1 – Not Having a Crisis Management Plan Will Create Unnecessary Chaos 2 – Without a Crisis Leader, You Will Faulter 3 – Not Understanding Who Your Stakeholders Are     4 – Not Creating Situational Awareness as Soon as Possible During the […]

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In Episode 103 of the podcast Rob interviewed Scott Hemingway who is the Director of Security at the Signature Healthcare system and runs The Hemingway Group a security consulting firm. It was humbling to hear Scott talk about his recent visit to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Additionally, Scott spoke about the importance of […]

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In episode 102 of the podcast we interviewed Austin Cruz who a Crisis and Disaster Services Program Manager for an industry leading global aerospace company. Austin provided insight into the challenges around preparing for wildfires. He spoke about the steps that businesses can take as well as employees to prepare both the business assets as […]

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In Episode 101 of the podcast Rob reflects on 17 years in business, ICMC 2022, as well as his DRJ presentation coming up in the Fall.  

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In our 100th Episode we interviewed Brian Zawada the Chief Strategy Officer of Castellan Solutions. Brian provided insight into his career and the correlation between his work and wine growing which is something he does in his spare time. He spoke about the substantial changes that the resiliency space has gone through in recent years […]

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In Episode 99 of the podcast Kelly McKinney discusses how he got into emergency and crisis management back in 2001. Kelly also spoke about the challenging roles throughout his career as well as how he is part of a team that helps make NYU Langone Health safer and more resilient network. Finally, Kelly spoke to […]

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In Episode 98 of the podcast Rob interviews Erik Endress of Share911. Erik discusses the importance of receiving timely and accurate information during those first few seconds of an emergency. Erik also provided an insight in the the types of scenarios that require an immediate response as well as the importance of alerting those that […]

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Decision making is easy in a predictable and slow-changing world, but we are a long way from that right now.  In episode 97 of the PreparedEx podcast, Chris Paton discusses what effects decision making, how our biases and heuristics influence us, and the impact this has on tempo.  Chris will also touch on some simple […]

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In episode 96 Tony Kaufman walks us through his personal experience with managing the Diamond Princess Cruise COVID-19 crisis. Tony, who was a member of the senior leadership at the time of the crisis managed the response from the moment of the outbreak through to recovery. Tony goes into detail about how they managed the […]

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In Episode 95 Rob interviews Matt Kershner who is the Chief at the Special Operations Forces Training Support Branch at DTRA the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The discussion during the podcast was centered around exercises. Matt has vast amounts of experience within the exercise design, delivery and evaluation of exercises and shares his stories during […]

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In episode 94 Rob discusses active shooter and violent intruder events and preparedness with Hector Delgado founder and CEO of ASR Alert Systems, Navy SEAL (ret) and HSI Special Agent (ret). Hector spoke about what schools, businesses, sporting arenas, music festivals and other locations can do to try and mitigate a mass shooting or violent […]

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In episode 93 of the podcast, John Petrozzelli discusses preparation for incident response, crisis response during an incident, and post incident response through the lens of his experience FBI analyst and investigator during the Boston Marathon Bombings. He discusses steps a company can take to prepare for incidents, respond to them, and adapt for the […]

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In Episode 92 of the podcast, Rob spoke with Lucy Dickson of the Wakefield West Yorkshire, UK council about a fire that happened in their city in 2020. Lucy shares her personal background and what her role was on the day of the fire. Lucy also went into detail about the fire and the multi-agency […]

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In Episode 91 of our podcast, we interviewed Dave Rogers and discussed his career within the Navy SEALS, his time spent in politics as well as his journey through life. The interview goes into some of the lessons he learned during BUD/S training and especially Hell Week, which, if you are aware, is one of […]

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In episode 90 of the PreparedEx podcast, Rob discusses the Family Leason Officer (FLO) role with Moose Mutlow. Moose provides insight into search and rescue emergencies as a trained and experienced FLO. Moose discusses his career so far and goes into detail about the role of the FLO as well as some of the most […]

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In episode 89, we interviewed Rob Doran of Black Dog Crisis Management Ltd. Rob discussed the current state of COVID in the UK and the impact it’s having on businesses and society. Rob also spoke about some of the lessons that organizations should have learned from the last two years and why they should be […]

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In episode 88 of the PreparedEx podcast, Rob interviews Jonathan Silva of State Street. The focus of the discussion is cyber-security training programs. The discussion starts off with an insight into why these programs are valuable and moves into how they are tailored to meet the specific requirements of an organization. The conversation also covers how individuals learn in diverse ways and finishes with how to validate the training programs.    About Jonathan Silva   […]

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In episode 87, we interviewed Matt Bradley. He is Vice President Global Security Solutions at OnSolve and was able to provide insight into Artificial Intelligence and how it can make a difference for security and crisis management professionals in emergency situations. In addition, he talked about his career in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as well as some other particularly challenging roles that he had […]

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In episode 86 of the podcast, Rob interviewed Tobias Watson of Constant Associates. The discussion was circled around simulation exercises and the importance of not letting your guard down due to the ongoing pandemic situation. Tobias discussed shorter exercises and non-notice drills that have been beneficial in his career. He also talks about larger scale exercises and how they can be a burden and […]

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In episode 85 of the podcast, Rob interviewed Mark Hoffman MBCI, CBCP Award winning Continuity and Crisis Management Consultant about the state of cyber-response within organizations. We spoke about what functions should make up the crisis management team and the benefits of having a cross-functional team approach as the importance of rehearsing the team for cyber-breach incidents. 

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In episode 84 of the podcast, Rob interviewed Lorraine Schneider of the Emergency Management Growth Initiative. EMGI makes EM more visible and accessible. Engaging with leadership and exposing them to the benefits of Emergency Management is one of the main goals of the initiative. Additionally, they expose EM to the young generation and other groups. This important initiative is growing and is already international. Lorraine also discussed exercises from when she as at UCLA and shared her story […]

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In episode 83 Rob covers the 12 essential steps for a crisis communicator to take during a cyber breach crisis. These steps can be used in any crisis not just cyber. Rob refers to the eBook that The International Crisis Management Conference put together a few years ago. We added the link to the eBook in the show notes.   https://crisisconferences.com/cyber-comms-ebook/ Steps:  Make sure you, as the Head Communicator, are part of the […]

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In episode 82 Rob discusses what the team has learned so far with regards to running virtual exercises throughout COVID. He touches on why it’s important to continue to scenario plan as well as what platform have worked best and their features.

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It has been a year, that is an understatement. Rob discusses PreparedEx’s acquisition of The International Crisis Management Conference a deal that was in the making due to the current circumstances as well as other key reasons. Rob also touches on FirstLook and a testimonial from a recent FirstLook exercise that a client conducted using the new exercise service.   Principles of […]

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In Episode 80 we interviewed Paul Barker of Vigilance Consulting who answered our questions regarding Operational Resilience. Paul covered the core components of Operational Resilience, the challenges implementing such programs as well as his own experience with supporting a local school in their transformation towards a more resilient operation during COVID-19. We also started the conversation by discussing the personal and business challenges that Paul has experienced during the pandemic.   What is Operational Resilience?   Operational resilience is the ability […]

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In episode 79 of the PreparedEx podcast, Rob provides insight into some of the common gaps that organizations have in their cyber-security preparedness and response planning. As PreparedEx is the leading provider of cyber-security exercises, Rob and the team have created and delivered many cyber-breach exercises to some of the world’s largest brands. The three […]

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Security threats are consistently evolving. From Ransomware attacks to phishing attempts, businesses, government, and nonprofits need to remain on top of their game to ensure they do not become the next victim. One of the most important parts of preparing an organization for these threats is to ensure employees are made aware of the threats and understand […]

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With large-scale cyber-breaches becoming the norm, and for all sizes of corporations and governments, it is essential that those responsible for protecting networks and other critical I.T. infrastructure prepare their organizations. Protecting systems and networks is only one aspect of cyber-preparedness, responding to and managing cyber-attacks is also a large part of the overall incident management process. In this podcast, Rob interviews Heather Engel […]

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This has been some journey. In episode 76 of the Podcast, Rob discusses the history or the company and how it all started.

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Communicating with your stakeholders is important at any time. Communicating with them during emergencies is especially important. In episode 75 we interview Tamrin Olden and discuss the importance of communicating with your stakeholders and putting a plan together that ensures you’re ahead of the curve when an incident happens.   About Tamrin   Tamrin has over 16 years of experience doing public relations for local government and law enforcement […]

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FirstLook is a customized crisis simulation exercise that is created by PreparedEx and delivered by you. Unlike exercises that are delivered using PowerPoint decks that never engage your teams, FirstLook is a series of dynamic and thought-provoking injects that create a buzz.  FirstLook is a self-guiding exercise package that contains a customized scenario and a self-evaluation […]

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We recently had Mental Health Awareness Week so this podcast interview is timely. Dr. Andy Young joined me from Texas to describe his experiences as a hostage and crisis negotiator. Some of his experiences were life changing for him personally and those that were on the other side of the situation. Andy’s an author of […]

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COVID19 has presented many challenges for organizations and their workforce. One of those challenges is the psychological impact. We all process stress differently. Some can manage it better than others. It’s important that leaders understand what kind of pressure individuals might be under trying to manage their personal and business lives and have mechanisms to support them.   Roberts’s bio   Prior to his arrival at the Foreign Service […]

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COVID19 has shown many businesses that they were not prepared for some of the impacts caused by the pandemic. Those businesses that learn from these impacts will be better prepared for a second wave and for the next pandemic. In our 71st podcast we interview Michael Gladstone of WeWork who provides an insight into his role as an emergency manager at the office space sharing company.    Michael’s bio   […]

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I remember the time I transitioned from the military into civilian life and it wasn’t easy. It was a challenging time for me due to the many unknows like job security and housing which has always been provided to me. In this episode of the podcast, we interview Joe Barker who discusses these challenges as well as the resources military personnel can get […]

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“The KEY INGREDIENT TOWARDS A RESILIENT CULTURE is resiliency through relationships.” This is one of Rina Singh’s quotes that makes a lot of sense especially after you listen to her speak on our 68th podcast. Rina talks about the Coronavirus, people being central to reliance as well as threats that UK businesses face and much more.   […]

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Enhancing an organization’s effectiveness to respond through the use of monitoring and a corrective action process – by troubleshooting operations.  By assessing the level of functioning, and using corrective actions during the response effort, an organization can improve outcomes and increase the level of nimbleness within the team structure – adapting based on what is […]

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In this our 67th episode we look at the Dallas sniper shooting that took place on July 7th, 2016. Nick LaGrassa who was a Senior Emergency Management Specialist for the City of Dallas during the event will walk us through what happened and what lessons need to be learned from the tragic attack. Five police officers were killed […]

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In this, our 66th episode, Rob Burton discusses the difference between the Crisis Leader and the Crisis Communicator. In this short podcast, Rob describes the difference and provides a list of the different responsivities of each role.  

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Are you looking to hire the next crisis management or resilience officer for your organization? Are you looking for a new challenge within the world of business continuity, risk or cyber-security? This podcast provides a great insight into what employers are looking for as well as what a prospective employee should be doing to improve his […]

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In this podcast Rob Burton talks about how PreparedEx work with their customers in accomplishing tabletop exercises. Rob covers the 7 simple steps from contract execution to post exercise activities. The 7 steps are: Step 1: Contract Execution – This includes the PreparedEx Tabletop Exercise professional services agreement and SOW (Statement of Work). We also […]

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Many leaders are not ready to face a crisis due to lack of experience. If you think about the large-scale crises that have taken place in recent years, you’ll notice a pattern of poor decision-making throughout most of those events. Poor decisions are often made because leaders can’t lead under stressful circumstances, it’s not day-to-day […]

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In episode 62 of the PreparedEx podcast series, we interviewed Lawrence Roberge.  We discussed some of the current threats to the world in terms of bio-terror and what businesses should do to understand how they should be preparing for these threats. Lawrence on Linkedin

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“L” (as she likes to be referred to as) is a fierce competitive type that owns several security businesses in Southern California. In the 61st episode of the PreparedEx podcast series, we interviewed “L” about how she got started and what some of the challenges are in this male-dominated sector. We also spoke to “L” […]

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Molly McPherson has honed her skills through years of experience within the field of crisis communications and management. In this our 60th podcast, Molly takes us through her journey which includes working within the cruise line industry during 9/11 as well as her communication work for the government during hurricanes and much more. Molly was […]

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In our 59th podcast, we look at some of the most common gaps that crisis management teams face when preparing themselves and their organizations. 2018 was another year of large disasters from the wildfires in California, the large earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia that led to over 2000 known deaths. We had hurricane Michael that […]

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Keeping people informed during emergencies is an essential necessity for employers and governments. Being able to create situational awareness as quickly as possible, and then having the ability to share custom data to an audience is part of what In-telligent does. We interview Allan Sutherland the CEO of In-telligent who talks to us about the […]

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In our 57th podcast, we interview Stuart Anderson and James Barton of eTravelSafety. Guys before we get started, please introduce yourselves and talk about your careers. 

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We live in a virtual world and every day we become more reliant on technology to keep us connected, sometimes it fails. A crisis team should be able to activate and manage an event from any location. It can be difficult to manage significant events without having good situational awareness. Situational awareness can be difficult […]

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Roles and responsibilities required to implement all crisis management capabilities should be identified, documented, and communicated well in advance of a crisis. Thoughtful consideration should be given to people, skills, experience, and competence. Included in this process is the consideration for the resources needed for each element of the capability. One specific role is that […]

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According to the International Monetary Fund, 2018, Brazil is the 9th biggest economy. Many businesses looking to enter into the Brazilian market will find that they’re faced with some unique challenges. Threats are not all equal when it comes to operating in the Brazilian market. In this interview with Emil de Carvalho of S-RM, we […]

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Technology is playing an ever-increasing role within the world of crisis and emergency management. We use it to socially to communicate with each other and we use it daily in a professional capacity. But how is it improving safety and security? In this episode we talk to Mark Gillan of Emergency Solutions International about how […]

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Every organization needs a crisis communications plan, that’s the opinion of David Kalson, Crisis Communication Associate of PreparedEx and Principal of Kalson Communications. When an organization is faced with a simmering issue, or an immediate crisis, it often finds response and management of the situation difficult. This is often due to poor planning. In this […]

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An Interview with  Dr. Christopher Ankersen. Accidents happen. Things fall apart; tornadoes strike; the earth quakes; buildings collapse; lives are affected. However, in order for most formal preventative or response activities to take place, someone in authority must declare what has happened (or is likely to happen) to be a disaster. Only once this step […]

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Description: Organizations need to fully understand the risks to their Asset’s and the possible outcomes for if their Asset were compromised. Only once you can fully appreciate the risks and threats facing your Asset, can you then plan on how to best protect them. Innovative security design does not need to cost the world, and […]

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Lone-actor gun attacks against populated areas such as arenas and crowded places such as schools can challenge first responders and those organizations or educational institutions that are impacted. Now think about increasing the number of attackers and adding explosive devices, more weapons and other arms. Consider a Paris or Brussels style attack in the heart […]

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This interview is with Chris Reagan the Chief Executive Officer at Cerastes Ltd out of the UK. Rob and Chris discuss preparing organizations to for physical and digital threats through better security practices, how hostiles prepare to attack and the surveillance methods they use.  

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An enterprise faces many threats to it’s existence. Some threats are external and can pose complex challenges, others are internal and come with their own set of unique issues. During any crisis, an organization has a responsibility to react. Some business do this well, others fail miserably. In this podcast we hear from Dermot McCarthy on how an organization through crisis planning can prepare for an eventuality.

Connect with Dermot McCarthy on LinkedIn

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There are many challenges that businesses face when they want to operate in a new environment. Unfamiliar surroundings can be complex and may present risks that an organization doesn’t have in its normal environment. In episode 46, we interview Heyrick Bond-Gunning the CEO of S-RM a Business Intelligence, Cyber Security & Risk Management firm. Heyrick discusses how an organization can prepare to enter a new market and what some of the risks are as well as how to overcome them.

Hyrick’s Bio and LinkedIn Profile

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How does your organization prepare for crises? Have you been through the planning process thoroughly? In this interview, we speak with WeWork’s crisis and emergency preparedness manager Michael Gladstone. He talks about the difference between planning in high threat places and those safer or less vulnerable environment. He also spoke about technology and how it’s shaping the way organizations prepare and respond to incidents. A very good perspective and one you will enjoy listening to.

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Businesses can be impacted by different types of risk. Some risks can be prepared for, and others are more difficult to predict. Some organizations prepare for risks based on their location and the potential impact due to those specific regional and local risks. In Australia, there are some common threats we see elsewhere in the world, and there are others that are specific to their environment.

In our first Podcast interview of 2018, we interview Craig Goldberg of Business Olympian Group. Craig takes us through some of the threats that businesses must deal with in Australia as well as traits that crisis leaders need to manage incidents.

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2017 has seen some historic storms in North America and South Asia. There’s been a significant increase in cyber-attacks on major businesses such as Equifax and Uber. In the UK the NHS was affected by the WannaCry attack which caused a massive disruption and embarrassment for the NHS. There were many more crises throughout the period.

In our last podcast interview for 2017, we interviewed Jim Preen of Crisis Solutions. Jim provided some excellent insights into crisis management and communications. He specifically spoke about the UK/EU environment and the challenges businesses have in preparing for and responding to incidents.

About Jim: In his role as Head of Media Services at Crisis Solutions, Jim writes communication plans and delivers master classes on crisis communications.

Jim is the author of ‘Business Continuity Communications’ and the editor of ‘Business Continuity Exercises and Tests’ both of which are co-published by the British Standards Institution and Crisis Solutions.

He is a former journalist who worked for many years at US television network ABC News. He covered the Concorde crash in Paris, the Bosnian war and the first Gulf war. During this time at ABC he won two Emmy awards – the most prestigious awards in US television.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

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Like in most sectors, technology is moving at a crazy pace in the word of crisis preparedness. Where will we be in 5 to 10 years from now? How will responding to and managing incidents evolve? We get to answer a number of these questions in this interview with Michael Sher the Founder of GroupDoLists powered by Centrallo.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

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58 people died and over 500 were injured during a music festival in Las Vegas on October 1st, 2017. A lone actor shot at festival goers from the Mandalay Bay Hotel room, a scenario even the most seasoned security experts couldn’t have predicted. In this episode we talk to a security advisor James DeMeo who has vast experience within the field of event and venue security. James discusses the importance of preparing venue staff and management to deal with both predictable and unpredictable scenarios.

About James:

James A. DeMeo, M.S. is the Founder, President & CEO of USESC-Unified Sports & Entertainment Security Consulting LLC. James has over 27 years Security, Law Enforcement, and Consulting experience. He is regarded as a Subject Matter Expert in Event Security by several leading domestic and international publications.

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