In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Sophia Klewer, the COO of PREVENCY and an expert in crisis management simulations.

Kyle and Sophia discuss why crisis simulations are essential, showing how these exercises help organizations adapt by testing systems, decisions, and teams in realistic scenarios. They cover the role of technology, common challenges, realistic scenario design, after-action reviews, and involving senior leaders in preparation.

With experience spanning government, military, and private sectors, Sophia brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She shares her expertise in developing PREVENCY’s proprietary crisis simulation software and explains how these exercises build resilience, prepare teams for the complexities of real crises, and go beyond theory. Sophia also talks about her academic role at the Leipzig School of Media, where she trains future professionals in crisis communications.

Tune in to learn how crisis simulations can elevate your organization’s preparedness for the unexpected.

Show Highlights

[03:03] Cross-sectoral lessons in crisis management
[03:38] Challenges in situational awareness and communication
[06:56] The need for cross-sector training
[11:44] Managing pushback and participant frustration in exercises
[14:55] Incorporating cascading events in simulations
[18:48] The role of technology in crisis simulations
[21:41] Designing effective crisis exercises
[27:58] Common misconceptions in crisis preparedness
[32:34] The role of After Actions Review 
[37:55] The future of crisis simulations

Connect with Sophia Klewer

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In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King explores disaster diplomacy, highlighting the inaugural World Fire Congress held in Washington D.C. in May 2024. Guests LamarGonzález-Medlock, an emergency manager, and Lee Howell, a chief fire officer from the UK, discuss the event's themes, which included international cooperation in firefighting, climate change, and emerging technologies. They emphasize the impact of building global networks for resilience and the importance of sustainable diplomatic efforts. They also provide insights into the future of the World Fire Congress and disaster diplomacy.

Lamar brings over 30 years of experience supporting and working for the U.S. government, including as Director of International Affairs for the U.S. Fire Administration. She shares her background and role in organizing the World Fire Congress. 

Lee, with extensive experience in both advisory roles and fire service leadership in the UK, shares the collective efforts and partnerships that shaped the Congress.

Tune in to hear their perspectives and experiences on the future of disaster diplomacy and international cooperation.

Show Highlights

[03:06] Overview of the World Fire Congress

[03:50] The Genesis and Execution of the World Fire Congress

[07:21] Planning for the 2026 World Fire Congress

[08:30] The Importance of International Cooperation

[17:06] Mechanisms of Cooperation and Diplomacy

[26:39] Ensuring Sustainability and Future of Disaster Diplomacy

[33:26] Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Connect with our Guests

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Lorraine Schneider, Chief Operating Officer of the Resiliency Initiative and an expert in crisis management and emergency preparedness.

Kyle and Lorraine discuss the challenges faced by people working in emergency management, whether they’re in large companies or small nonprofits. They talk about why it’s important to have support from leadership, how the lessons taught in schools can differ from real-world practices, and why resilience is crucial in dealing with today’s complex crises.

Lorraine Schneider shares her experiences from working with companies like Disney and UCLA. She explains how the Resiliency Initiative helps smaller communities and businesses develop strong crisis management plans. Lorraine also talks about her work with the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and the FutureRisk newsletter, which focuses on upcoming global threats.

Tune in to learn more about the future of emergency management and how to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Show Highlights

[02:17] An introduction to the Resiliency Initiative and its mission

[07:15] Lorraine shares insights into the unique challenges of working in public, private, and academic sectors

[08:06] On the need for leadership commitment and adequate resources in emergency management

[09:16] The disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application

[09:50] An in-depth look at the the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and its aim to enhance leadership and resilience

[11:26] How psychological principles can strengthen resilience in crisis situations

[13:12] Lorraine’s predictions on how the field will evolve in the coming years

[21:47] The interplay between governance structures and effective crisis management

[23:33] The importance of cross-cultural learning in emergency management

[24:50] Lorraine provides the latest developments in the initiative

[29:56] The debates and concerns surrounding FEMA's proposed university

[38:11] FutureRisk Newsletter and Emerging Threats

Connect with Lorraine Schneider

Linkedin

FutureRisk Newsletter

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Dr. Roman Tandlich, a seasoned expert in public health, water and sanitation, and disaster ethics.

Kyle and Roman explore the moral principles that guide actions and decisions during emergencies. They discuss ethical principles, resource allocation, and military ethics in crises, focusing on fair actions, resource distribution complexities, and the moral duties of military personnel.

Dr. Roman Tandlich has been involved in emergency and disaster management since 2011, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in developing countries. He is currently an Associate Professor at Rhodes University, specializing in public health, water and sanitation, and disaster ethics.

Show Highlights

[01:47] Understanding ethics during a crisis

[08:11] Key ethical theories guiding crisis management decisions

[17:42] How cultural considerations shape ethical responses during crises

[22:15] Ethical dilemmas involving animal welfare during public health crises

[26:21] The complex ethical landscape of military involvement in humanitarian efforts

[30:41] Learn about the ethical management of fatalities in crisis scenarios

[33:24] Emerging trends and future directions of ethics in crisis management

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Alex Fullick, an expert in business continuity planning and the Founder and Managing Director of Stone Road Inc.

In the first part of our discussion, hosted on the 'Preparing for the Unexpected' channel, Alex and Kyle covered the macro-level impact of BCP on global stability, including economic stability, supply chain security, crisis management, and geopolitical risks. Be sure to check out and subscribe to Alex’s podcast, Preparing for the Unexpected.

Now in part two of the podcast series, Kyle and Alex delve into the practical aspects of business continuity at a community level. They explore the role of BCP in preparing for and responding to local crises and discuss the importance of coordination between local businesses, governments, and organizations.

Alex Fullick is a seasoned expert in business continuity planning with over 26 years of experience. As the Founder and Managing Director of Stone Road Inc., he specializes in Business Continuity Management and Resilience, offering consulting and training services. Alex is an accomplished author of eight books and the host of "Preparing for the Unexpected," a global internet talk radio show and YouTube channel focusing on preparing for and overcoming adverse situations.

Tune in for insights on how small businesses can effectively plan for and mitigate risks, build networks, and support community resilience.

Show Highlights

[04:27] Building Local Business Resilience

[10:43] Shared Responsibility in Community Resilience

[17:28] Workforce Considerations in Business Continuity

[22:59] Testing and Exercising for Resilience

[25:27] Understanding Federal Contracts and Small Business Contributions

[26:01] Identifying Business Threats and Risk Assessment

[27:57] Mitigating Risks and Contingency Planning

[30:41] Resources for Risk Assessment and Business Continuity

[33:47] The Importance of Training and Education

[35:33] Practical Training and Real-World Simulations

[41:18] Aligning Business Continuity with Daily Operations

[43:16] Trends in Business Continuity Management

Connect with Alex Fullick

-Linkedin

Listen to Part 1: The Role of Business Continuity in International Security

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Kristin Demoranville, an expert in security risk resilience for the food sector, and the Founder and CEO of AnzenSage.

Kyle and Kristin delve into the practical aspects of ensuring resilient food systems. They focus on community-level implementations, providing actionable steps for local stakeholders, and highlight the crucial role of cybersecurity in food security.

Kristin Demoranville is a passionate, customer-centric leader with over 20 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. As the Founder & CEO of AnzenSage and Co-Founder & CEO of AnzenOT, she specializes in security risk resilience for the food sector, helping businesses protect their data, people, and processes from cyber threats while aligning with strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.

Tune in as they navigate the intersection of community action, agricultural technology, and cybersecurity to safeguard your food supply against any threat.

Show Highlights

[03:15] The overlooked importance of food and water in critical Infrastructure

[04:00] The role of technology in modern agriculture

[06:01] Cybersecurity threats in the food industry

[07:38] The complex challenges of the food supply chain

[20:14] How community actions build resilience in cybersecurity

[21:39] Personal and community responsibility in food security

[28:06] The role of technology in urban farming

[28:54] The value of community cohesion in crisis situations

[30:36] Government's role in food security

[32:28] Challenges in food Industry collaboration

[33:09] Cybersecurity and law enforcement

[34:37] Importance of simulated exercises

[39:53] Community involvement and incentives

[41:54] Future of food security and technology

[45:24] Consumer awareness and education

[52:17] Practical cybersecurity tips

Connect with Kristin Demoranville

-Linkedin

-Website

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski, a seasoned professional in civil protection, humanitarian action, and disaster preparedness and resilience.

Kyle and Rade discuss how the European Union (EU) and NATO strengthen the resilience of their member countries and communities. They also look at how the EU’s sustainable projects and NATO’s civil protection efforts can work together to build stronger communities.

Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski, an expert in civil protection and disaster resilience, held a position as a Professor at the Faculty of Security in Skopje, St. Kliment Ohridski University in Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. His academic journey began in 2006, enriched with experiences in the military, civil protection, and private security sectors. His expertise spans policing, civil protection, humanitarian action, and disaster resilience. Recently, he was appointed as the Head of the Secretariat of the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South East Europe (DPPI SEE).

Tune in to compare perspectives on resilience in civil preparedness.

Show Highlight

[04:01] EU's comprehensive approach to resilience

[06:13] NATO's pragmatic approach to resilience

[12:40] EU's Resilience Dashboards

[17:35] NATO's national and collective capacities

[21:48] Resilience in the context of Ukraine

[25:53] Future of resilience and potential fatigue

[30:38] The role of local communities in resilience

Connect with Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski

-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Patrick Marchman, principal of K.M. Sustainability and an expert in climate adaptation, resilience, and hazard mitigation planning.

Kyle and Patrick discuss climate migration and managed retreat, from local to global perspectives. They explore the effects of climate-induced relocation and the complexity of responses from different government and community levels. They also highlight how climate change is not only an environmental issue but a humanitarian one as well.

Patrick Marchman, principal at KM Sustainability, has nearly two decades of expertise in climate adaptation. His background includes public-sector work with FEMA, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Army Reserve. Now in the private sector, he assists clients with climate risk assessments and adaptation planning. His work also involves international development and leading projects on climate-induced relocation.

Tune in as we examine the challenges of climate relocation and security preparedness

Show Highlights

[02:10] The complexity and acceleration of climate-induced migration, from local to international movements

[07:23] How climate change is influencing economic and insurance landscapes globally

[12:03] The challenges that arise from large-scale human movements caused by 'slow disasters’

[16:59] Complexities of managed retreats in the face of climate change

[28:48] How Marshall Islands face climate change challenges

[31:44] On finance, migrant integration, and global awareness as strategies for cities facing climate-induced relocations

Connect with Patrick Marchman
-Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Aaron Marks, founder and principal of One Thirty Nine Consulting and an expert in consequence management, civil-military coordination, and crisis planning in emergency management.

Kyle and Aaron discuss the concept of 'consequences' in crisis scenarios, exploring their inherent nature, impacts, and role in decision-making. They also delve into factors that determine consequence severity and the importance of prioritization. Finally, they touch on various mitigation strategies for crisis management, aiming to provide practical strategies for managing consequences.

Aaron Marks is a Civil Expert for NATO's Civil Emergency Planning Committee and has also developed programs for government and private sector clients focused on consequence management and crisis planning following incidents involving weapons of mass destruction or toxic industrial materials. Previously a Paramedic, Aaron specialized in hazardous environment care and tactical medicine, responding to multiple large-scale incidents and disasters. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and a master’s in Public Administration with a focus in Emergency Management.

Tune in as we delve deep into managing consequences, providing practical strategies and insights for navigating crisis scenarios.

Show Highlights

[02:55] Aaron Marks reflects on care vs. consequences in emergency response

[07:12] Unintended consequences of humanitarian aid and crisis management complexities

[12:36] How consequence management in crisis response anticipates and mitigates future risks

[23:10] Balancing hard and soft sciences in evolving consequence management

[29:33] Why sharing data matters in managing consequences

[34:04] The unexpected lesson Aaron discovered in decision outcomes and effective management

Connect with Aaron Marks

-Linkedin

-Website

In this episode of Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Mr. Robert Fagan, a retired Colonel from the U.S. Army and an expert in public health, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.

They dissect the intricate differences between leadership and crisis leadership emphasizing the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes needed for effective crisis leadership. They also explore the importance of crisis leadership in the face of disruptions to normal operations, and Mr. Fagan's experiences with crisis leadership in various contexts, from the military field to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Mr. Robert Fagan is currently a Senior Emergency Manager and Exercise Planner at Global Eagle Consulting. In addition to his 30 years in combat, he worked on several contingency deployments in various positions during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Mr. Fagan holds multiple master's degrees, certifications as a Certified Emergency Manager, and has graduated from high-level crisis management programs at Harvard, Yale, and NATO.

Tune in as we explore leadership in times of crisis.

Show Highlights

[02:08] The evolution of leadership to meta-leadership
[06:12] How crisis leadership differs from general leadership principles
[10:54] The significance of adaptability and inclusivity in leadership, especially in multicultural and disaster response scenarios
[16:56] Why humility and continuous learning drive effective leadership and response strategies
[21:05] The necessity of individual and community in the face of growing global threats
[28:30] Why Rob stresses proactive planning for mitigation, prevention, preparedness, and protection in effective crisis leadership.

Connect with Robert Fagan
-Linkedin