Disaster Tough Podcast

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation! Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! 

#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices

American humorist, Sam Levenson once wrote, "Don't watch the clock; do what it does.  Keep going."

This week's guest on the Disaster Tough Podcast, Sarah Razor has been living this reality in her first year as the Crisis Management and Resiliency Advisor at the University of Kentucky.  

In 2023, Sarah took her talents from Churchill Downs Racetrack to the University of Kentucky.  

After a year on campus, Sarah shares her experiences, and the importance of synergy when executing Emergency Management plans for a major university with so many different venues and moving parts.  

Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.   

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com   

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:    www.dobermanemg.com/impulse

Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com   

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network   

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation! Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! 
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices

An author once wrote, "Doing one thing at a time is a recipe for a life that won't keep up with your dreams."

Emergency Manager, and master multitasker, Michelle Cechowski is living this reality every day as she balances her many leadership roles both professionally and personally.  As the Director of Emergency Preparedness for the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Michelle also works as the Executive Director and Symposium Lead for the Florida HazMat Symposium and is an Instructor of upper-level classes at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), among other responsibilities.

Michelle's professional journey started in law enforcement and response.  After nearly a decade in that profession, she was led to Emergency Management and continues to look to grow and evolve in the field.  

In this, her second appearance on the Disaster Tough Podcast, Michelle talks about that journey and how she manages to remain efficient in her Emergency Management leadership despite being involved with so many different entities.  

Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.   

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com   

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:    www.dobermanemg.com/impulse

Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com   

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network   

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation! Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! 
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices

Former Acting DHS Secretary Pete Gaynor recently joined The Readiness Lab Podcast Crew on March 15th to talk about Leading During Crisis, his masterclass course in crisis leadership.

Pete’s experience includes serving as FEMA Administrator, serving as the acting Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump Administration, a Director for both state and local emergency management agencies, and 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.   

Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.   

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com   

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:    www.dobermanemg.com/impulse

Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com   

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network   

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!

Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! #emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices 

---

"Relationships are the center of gravity."

This quote from Judd Mahfouz from this week's Disaster Tough Podcast lives up to its name as he and host, John Scardena discuss the importance of interagency cooperation during times of disaster.  

Judd is a National Security Strategist with decades of experience in defense, countering weapons of mass destruction, and international relations, among other things.

During that time, Judd has seen the importance of interagency cooperation in effective emergency response and shares his valuable insights in this episode.  

Along with interagency cooperation, Judd also shares his experiences of seeing the evolution of the Emergency Management field and gives his expert opinion on response efforts to recent crises.  

---

Major Endorsements:

L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues:

www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:

www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!

Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! #emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices 

---

Why wait until a disaster happens to learn the vulnerabilities in your emergency response processes?  Instead, current best practices in Emergency Management and Readiness include creating exercises and training that reveal those vulnerabilities so they can be improved upon.

As the Executive Director of Enterprise Resiliency Exercises for Wells Fargo, Cori Smith puts these practices into action every day.  

Cori brings a wide array of experience to her current role in the private sector including military, emergency response, and government Emergency Management.

In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, Cori discusses how she applies the lessons she has learned in these various sectors to training and exercises for Wells Fargo.  She also gives advice to Emergency Management and response professionals as to how they can continue to thrive in the field.

------

Major Endorsements:

L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues:

www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:

www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!

Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content! #emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices 

---

The quality of a company's logistics often determines the difference between winning and losing in the business world.  

Over the past two decades, Amazon has ascended to the top of the retail world because of the way it revolutionized logistics in purchasing and product delivery.  Over the past few years, the retail giant has also applied its logistics formula to the world of emergency response.  

In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, Abe Diaz explains what that process looks like.  As a Principal Technical Product Manager, Abe has coordinated relief efforts for all types of disasters in the United States and internationally.  

He also explains how his professional journey took him to this role with one of the world's largest companies, and how he feels Amazon's efforts and strategic partnerships with other organizations continue to make a major difference in the world of disaster response.  

---

Major Endorsements:

L3Harris's BeOn PPT App.

Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues:

www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals:

www.dobermanemg.com/impulse Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network

For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content!
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices

---

In this episode of the Disaster Tale Podcast, host John Scardena shares a detailed exploration of Pompeii, focusing on the ancient city's rich history, the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and its implications for modern emergency management. Drawing from his visit and observations, this episode delves into Pompeii's architectural marvels, societal norms, and the advanced Roman engineering that could not anticipate the volcanic threat, offering insights into disaster readiness and response through a historical lens. Scardena also reflects on the emergency management lessons learned from Pompeii, highlighting the importance of early warning systems, evacuation plans, and public education in contemporary disaster response strategies. By comparing ancient practices with modern methodologies, the episode serves as a compelling discussion on the evolution of emergency management and the timeless relevance of Pompeii's story in understanding and mitigating natural disasters. Major Endorsements:

L3Harris's BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse
Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network:

Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network
For sponsorship requests: [email protected]
or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content!
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices

---

The discussion with Pete Gaynor centers on his leadership course titled "Leading During Crisis," focusing on key aspects individuals can learn to enhance their crisis management skills. It touches on strategic decision-making, effective communication, team building, and adaptability in high-pressure situations. The course aims to provide practical tools and insights for leading with resilience, clear-headedness, and adaptability, targeting professionals across various sectors looking to improve their capabilities in navigating challenges and crises.

Additionally, we delve into the nuances of leadership traits and behaviors that are pivotal in crisis situations. It aims to foster a mindset that prioritizes proactive problem-solving and emotional intelligence, essential for guiding teams through uncertain times. By emphasizing these core principles, leaders can not only withstand the challenges of crises but also emerge as pillars of strength and stability for their teams, embodying the essence of resilient leadership in the face of adversity. Anyone who is looking to become a great leader, a better employee, or land that dream job should listen to this episode and take Pete’s course! Major Endorsements:

L3Harris's BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse
Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network:

Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network
For sponsorship requests: [email protected]
or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!

Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content!
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices ---

It's been said, "Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forwards.

"In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena recaps his recent opportunity to serve as the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Florida HazMat Symposium.

He also reflects on important lessons learned from 2023, both personally and professionally, and how he plans to work with his talented staff to take The Readiness Lab to new heights in 2024.

We are also exploring the possibility of changing the Disaster Tough Podcast theme song. Let us know if you like the theme song, or if we should shake things up!

Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Propper Apparel: From the outdoors to the EOC, wear Propper. www.propper.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse

Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com

Listen, Watch, & Support DTP: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-links

Boost the Signal with a $5 monthly donation!

Become a TRL Insider Member with a ton of extra content!
#emergencymanagement #disastertough #leadership #emergencyservices ---

“Pivoting is not the end of the disruption process, but the next leg of your journey”.

David Ronsen of Acela, Inc. knows this concept all too well as he continues to innovate in the world of emergency response.

David has worked in or adjacent to emergency response for three decades.

As such, he has pivoted specialties many times. From working as a firefighter to designing and constructing vehicles for firefighting, mining, oil, and gas, and later working with the VA during the COVID-19 Pandemic to construct and distribute morgue trailers, David says the importance of pivoting and reinventing yourself is key to continued success in any field, let alone Emergency Management and response.

In this episode, David talks about how he developed, constructed, and distributed nearly 50 morgue trailers in just over a month during the pandemic. He also relates his journey from working on the frontlines to moving to contract work and later starting his own company, Acela, Inc.

Major Endorsements: L3Harris's BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com

Propper Apparel: From the outdoors to the EOC, wear Propper. www.propper.com

Paladin by Acela: Move into recovery with mobile MCI refrigerated morgues: www.paladinprepare.com

Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulse

Doberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.com

The Readiness Lab Podcast Network: Disaster Tough Podcast is part of The Readiness Lab Podcast Network For sponsorship requests: [email protected] or visit our website: www.thereadinesslab.com