PreparedEx Crisis Management Podcast: Recent Episodes

Rob Burton

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

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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. 

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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

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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.  

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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.  

The post Preparing for Crises within Healthcare – An Interview with William Dunne appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Preparing Organizations for Active Shooter Situations – An Interview with Scott Hemingway appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Preparing for and Responding to Wildfires – An Interview with Austin Cruz appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Building a Resilient Business – An Interview with Brian Zawada appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Preparing for Nuclear, WMD and Emerging Threats – An Interview with Matt Kershner appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post An Interview with Hector Delgado: Preparing for Active Shooter or Other Violent Intruder Crises. appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Boston Marathon Bombing Lessons for Incident Response and Business Continuity  appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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   […]

The post Cyber Security Training Programs: An Insight into Development, Delivery and Maintenance appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Are You Still Preparing for Other Threats During COVID? appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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. 

The post Responding to Cyber-Incidents – There’s No “I” in Team appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 Crisis Management (January course)

The post An Important Announcement – Rob Talks About PreparedEx and ICMC as well as FirstLook and Q1 – 2021 Training appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post 3 Areas of Cyber-security Preparedness and Response that Need Improvement appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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 […]

The post Security Training, Threats and Simulation Exercises – An Interview with Brian Strong appeared first on PreparedEx.

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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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