This podcast highlights the complexities of disaster management in the context of international relief efforts. It emphasises that while disaster managers are tasked with building and leading teams, the reality is that they often face a fragmented environment where individuals and agencies operate within their own organisations and prioritise their own agendas. The discussion then outlines a set of principles that disaster managers should follow to navigate these challenges, emphasising the importance of focusing on collective goals, collaborating effectively, building trust, and having the authority and flexibility to make decisions in a dynamic environment of uncertainty.