Managing Uncertainty

In this insightful episode of the Managing Uncertainty podcast, titled “Operational Crisis Communications,” host Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath discusses the critical importance of establishing a single source of truth during organizational crises. He shares his expertise on crafting effective situational updates and maintaining consistent communication channels, such as email and mass notification systems. Listeners will learn the value of a clear update cadence and the necessity of communicating both activation and deactivation of crisis management teams. Bryan emphasizes the challenges that organizations face in managing information flow during emergencies and offers practical strategies to prevent the confusion that can arise …

In this insightful episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Episode #242, titled “Mental Health and Employee Well-Being in a Crisis,” Bryan Strawser, principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, revisits the ever-important topic of mental health in the workplace during crisis situations. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID pandemic, Bryan delves into the various ways prolonged crises like a pandemic can impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout among employees. He stresses the need for crisis management plans to integrate mental health considerations from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. Bryan provides listeners with practical tools …

In Episode #241 of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser takes a deep dive into the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Having a personal connection to the bridge from his time in Baltimore, Bryan reflects on the critical moments and decisions that helped to prevent what could have been an even greater tragedy. He discusses the importance of the mayday call from the vessel Dali, the timing of the collapse, and the effective emergency response that followed. The episode also explores the broader implications of the bridge collapse on business resilience, supply chain disruptions, …

In this compelling episode of the Managing Uncertainty podcast, host Bryan Strawser, principal and chief executive at Bryghtpath, dives deep into the nexus of Roger Martin’s business strategy principles and the critical concept of organizational resilience. Bryan provides listeners with a detailed exploration of ten transformative strategies designed to not only equip businesses for survival in times of crisis but to enable them to thrive in the aftermath. From the innovative application of integrative thinking to the powerful impact of transparent leadership, this episode is a masterclass in fortifying your business against the unforeseeable challenges of the modern business landscape. …

In this thought-provoking episode of Managing Uncertainty, Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, delves into the intricate relationship between business strategy and resilience. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Roger Martin, former Dean of the Rotman School of Management, Bryan explores the concept of integrative thinking and its vital role in transcending traditional decision-making. He reflects on Martin’s collaboration with AJ Lafley in “Playing to Win,” highlighting how strategic choices can lead to a dominant position in the competitive market. Bryan also shares a personal anecdote from his tenure as head of innovation, showcasing the impact of design …

In this episode, we unveil a strategic 10-step roadmap to align your business continuity and crisis management program with your organization’s strategic goals. Whether you’re facing stakeholder apathy or a misalignment of strategies, this episode is an indispensable resource for resilience leaders seeking to drive their programs toward triumph. Bryan discusses the critical importance of a thorough gap analysis, the nuances of engaging stakeholders in productive conversations, and the necessity of fostering a culture of resilience within your organization. He emphasizes the significance of clear communication, policy simplification, leveraging technology, and the continuous education of employees on resilience and its …

In this must-listen episode, our host, Bryan Strawser, principal and chief executive at Bryghtpath, dives into the transformative NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. This updated framework is a crucial tool for business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management, and crisis communications professionals seeking to strengthen their organization’s cyber defenses. Bryan breaks down the six core components of the NIST CSF 2.0 and discusses its integration into enterprise risk management, highlighting the strategic decisions that are vital for robust cybersecurity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into assessing their current cybersecurity posture, conducting a gap analysis, and developing actionable plans for both immediate and …

In the latest episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, delves into the critical task of obtaining executive support for resilience programs. Strawser emphasizes the necessity of aligning such initiatives with a company’s strategic objectives and presents an eight-step strategy for developing a persuasive business case. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for professionals seeking to advocate for business continuity, crisis management, and crisis communication investments within their organizations. Listeners will learn how to articulate their business needs clearly, present a solid financial analysis, and outline the potential risks and benefits …

In episode #235 of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser discusses the critical aspects of creating a Business Continuity Dashboard. Bryan walks us through the importance of both operational and strategic metrics, such as the number of Business Continuity plans and their status, for the long-term success and continuous improvement of the program. He highlights the value of Business Impact Analysis (BIA) reporting and offers insights on effective visualization techniques like funnel charts. This episode delves deeper into exercise metrics such as tracking annual tabletop exercises for each plan and managing open action items. It also brings to light …

In this insightful episode of Managing Uncertainty, Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath breaks down the 11 crucial elements of a solid business continuity program. Discover how to foster organizational resilience by establishing clear governance policies, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and performing impactful business impact analyses. Bryan guides listeners through developing tailored business continuity strategies, enhancing employee preparedness, and the importance of regular plan exercises to not just survive but thrive during disruptions. Listeners will learn the significance of maintaining up-to-date business continuity plans, ensuring effective crisis communication, and the necessity of coordinating with external parties. Additionally, Bryan highlights the critical alignment …