In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with veteran emergency manager Ian Hay. Ian recounts his compelling journey into Homeland Security and Emergency Management, driven by the tragic events of September 11th. From witnessing the attacks in Syracuse, New York, to establishing one of the first public-private partnerships for information sharing, Ian’s career path exemplifies the critical role these partnerships play in enhancing national security and fostering collaboration between governmental and private sectors. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the early challenges and successes of …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, principal and CEO at Bryghtpath, explores the importance of building a resilient intelligence program within organizations. Drawing from his experience leading a global intelligence function at a Fortune 30 company, Bryan shares how these programs are vital for proactive risk management and strategic decision-making. He discusses the essential components of an intelligence program, such as monitoring global events, assessing risks, and providing early warnings to equip organizations with the foresight needed to handle potential threats effectively. Bryan delves into the multifaceted benefits of a well-structured intelligence function, highlighting its role …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, explores the transformative journey of General Counsels as they step beyond their traditional roles. Once primarily seen as chief legal advisors, General Counsels are now pivotal strategic leaders in crisis management. This episode delves into how these legal professionals are becoming essential forces in navigating complex challenges such as cyber extortion, ransomware, and reputational crises. Bryan discusses the expanding responsibilities of General Counsels, which now include regulatory compliance, reputation management, and proactive risk management. He emphasizes the importance of their collaboration with communications teams …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser from Bryghtpath delves into the complexities of crisis management in healthcare. Drawing insights from Newsweek’s virtual panel, Bryan highlights key strategies shared by top healthcare executives to effectively prepare for and navigate crises. This episode is packed with practical tools for developing robust crisis response plans, fostering trust within teams, and combating staff burnout, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Bryan also explores the potential of emerging technologies like telemedicine and data analytics in maintaining continuous patient care during disruptions. He emphasizes the critical role of leadership in steering …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, Principal and CEO at Bryghtpath, delves into the crucial role boards of directors play in fortifying organizational resilience. Drawing from his extensive experience at a Fortune 30 company, Bryan emphasizes the importance of aligning board decisions with stakeholder expectations to drive resilience strategies. He shares insights on how proactive board engagement in risk management, operational transparency, and strategic foresight can give organizations a competitive edge, especially in the face of natural disasters and cyber threats. Bryan highlights actionable steps boards can take, such as conducting stress tests and scenario analyses, …

In this insightful episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath explores the emerging role of the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) as a strategic asset within organizations. Drawing from Mark Nevins’ article in Forbes, Bryan delves into the transformative potential of appointing a CRO to proactively manage a broad spectrum of risks, from geopolitical upheavals to cyber threats. He discusses how embedding this role into the executive team can align risk management with business objectives, fortifying organizational resilience and enhancing stakeholder trust. Bryan also highlights the tangible benefits and challenges of this evolving position. He examines the responsibilities …

In this insightful episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, delves into the intricacies of building a resilient organization. Drawing from his extensive experience and the strategic insights of Roger Martin’s “strategy choice cascade,” Bryan presents a straightforward approach to resilience, business continuity, crisis management, and IT disaster recovery. He emphasizes the importance of aligning these efforts with organizational goals to enhance team effectiveness and create a future-proof business. Bryan guides listeners through the essential questions that form the backbone of a resilience roadmap. From defining a winning aspiration to determining how to …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, delves into the transformative power of crisis management exercises. He discusses the essential role these exercises play in honing decision-making skills under pressure and building robust crisis processes within organizations. Through a spectrum of exercises, from low-stress tabletops to immersive full-scale simulations, Bryan emphasizes the importance of practicing in a safe environment to foster muscle memory and expertise. Bryan highlights the strategic roadmap for implementing crisis exercises, urging organizations to initiate their crisis and continuity tabletop exercise journey by 2025. He shares insights on …

In this insightful episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath discusses the critical importance of conducting tabletop and simulation exercises with your key vendors and partners. Bryan emphasizes that these exercises not only identify vulnerabilities but also help align expectations, ensuring that every stakeholder understands their role in a crisis. Through real-world examples, including a cybersecurity breach simulation, Bryan illustrates how collaborative preparation can enhance communication, build trust, and ultimately strengthen crisis management capabilities. Bryan highlights the numerous benefits of practicing with external stakeholders, such as outside counsel and forensics firms, to improve resilience and reduce …

In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, host Bryan Strawser, principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, delves into the critical importance of strategic alignment in crisis management. Drawing from nearly three decades of experience, Bryan emphasizes the necessity of a unified approach to handling crises, whether it’s a cybersecurity breach or a natural disaster. He explains how a consistent crisis management process is essential for C-suite leaders and outlines the pitfalls of a siloed approach, which can derail effective crisis responses. Bryan explores two pathways to achieving strategic alignment: a top-down approach led by the C-suite and a bottom-up …