The Business Emergency Room: For Leaders Facing Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity (VUCA)

Family-run businesses are rich with legacy, but they can also harbor complexities, especially when facing generational transitions. Navigating these critical transitions takes more than a solid business plan; it requires wisdom, respect, and sometimes, a little outside help. As an expert in this field, Mike Schmitt shares his insights on how to secure a sustainable future for family enterprises. Mike explains how his work bridges financial guidance and interpersonal mediation, helping families navigate generational transitions smoothly. He highlights the challenges families face when blending business with personal history, emphasizing communication and proactive planning to avoid conflicts. With examples from agriculture and other industries, Mike shares the value of creating advisory councils that distinguish family values from operational goals, underscoring that successful succession requires both strategic foresight and understanding of family culture.

About our Guest:

Mike Schmitt started the Rubra Group in 2009. The goal was to work with mid-sized and closely held businesses to better understand what makes them special to their Employee’s and Customers, and then add just a bit of Corporate rigor to enhance the value and longevity of their businesses.  Over the years we have worked with families and partnerships long enough that they have asked us to come back and assist with transitions.  We are able to help in many situations, but our passion is assisting in helping these business leaders process the best path for them and their enterprises.  The Rubra Group assists Families and Companies throughout North America, often in the Agricultural and Construction sectors.

Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittmj/

Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8czr8zV

Company Website: http://rubragroup.com/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

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Change overdose is real, and it’s draining your business. With 73% of organizations facing change saturation and nearly half of employees experiencing fatigue from constant shifts, it’s clear that too much change is overwhelming teams and killing productivity. Maartje breaks down the impact of this "change overdose" and shows how it leads to business chaos, lower morale, and a weakened ability to respond to unexpected challenges. But there’s a way out. By rethinking how we approach change, creating space to reassess priorities, and focusing on strategic, high-impact projects, you can regain control. Learn how to shift from reacting to every disruption to leading with clarity and purpose, empowering your team to thrive instead of just survive. 

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

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When crisis hits, the strength of your network can be the key to survival. Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, founder and president of Green Earth X and creator of the Gaia platform, joins the show to talk about the power of networks during emergencies and how they can make or break crisis management. Drawing from his vast experience in telecom, consulting, and digital transformation, Dr. Chowdhury explains how meaningful connections, both personal and professional, can come together to solve big problems. He also emphasizes that even solopreneurs and small business owners can harness the power of their networks during tough times—it's not about size, but about leveraging relationships effectively. From understanding implicit networks to using technology to enhance connections, Dr. Chowdhury provides practical and inspiring insights on navigating challenges and turning crisis into opportunity. Whether you’re running a small business or leading a larger team, this conversation will leave you ready to build stronger networks and face adversity with confidence.

About our Guest:

Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive, having held senior roles in global consulting and telecom companies. He has developed several digital network platforms across diverse sectors such as telecom, trade, and regulatory environments. His expertise also extends to the production and distribution of green hydrogen, where he actively engages in key projects. He regularly consults with government bodies on significant policy issues.

Formerly the President of Reliance Jio, Sumit is the co-founder and Chairman of Gaia and Sesovera Inc., and is currently incubating Hydreen, a green hydrogen production company and GreenEarthX a Green Fuel Trading platform. He serves as Visiting Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in sustainability and smart cities. Sumit has previously held CTO positions at Brookfield and Partner of KPMG and IBM Consulting.

Gaia, (www.gaia.in) is an Award winning Enterprise SaaS platform, bringing man, machine and process together, coherently, for improving productivity, compliance and governance in organizations. 

https://www.greenearthx.com/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitchowdhury 

[email protected]

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When emergencies hit, clear communication can make all the difference—especially when it’s lacking. In this episode, Maartje and her husband, Eelco, dive into the communication gaps they experienced during a serious offshore incident. Eelco was on the platform when an explosion occurred, and while emergency procedures were well-executed on-site, the communication with those onshore, including Maartje, was fragmented and frustrating. From receiving minimal information hours after the event to mixed messages and confusing protocols, the company’s handling of communication with families and non-affected personnel revealed significant shortcomings. This episode highlights the crucial role of transparent, timely communication during crises—not only for those involved in the emergency but for their loved ones and colleagues who are left in the dark. It's a candid discussion on the lessons learned from the incident and why proper communication can make or break the way an emergency is handled, both professionally and personally.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When disaster strikes, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But what if that catastrophe could become the spark for your greatest comeback? In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Jason Nightingale, an entrepreneur who lost everything when a fire destroyed his 28-year business. Rather than give up, Jason used the devastation as motivation to create a financial strategy that paid off his mortgage in 30 months and helped thousands of others reduce their debt faster. His journey shows how to turn chaos into opportunity and setbacks into success. Whether you're facing financial struggles or looking to rethink your business strategy, this episode will guide you in turning frustration into action and securing your future. Jason also highlights a critical lesson: when disaster strikes and you lose your business, you also lose access to liquidity, making rebuilding nearly impossible. He shares key strategies to prevent this from happening

About our Guest:

Jason Nightengale and Safe Money Solutions, LLC

Safe Money Solutions, LLC is in it’s 11th year and has about 3500 clients in 46 states, and 3 countries. Primary areas of focus Banking Strategies which assist debt elimination, asset acquisition time, and wealth accumulation. The firm services homeowners, businesses, churches, farmers, Veterans, and retirees. His team has achieved exponential results for scores of investors, families, and organizations. While leveraging Advanced Planning Strategies, they accelerate the mission of those they serve. Their partners offer Estate Planning, Insurance, Tax Planning, and multiple creative funding Opportunities for meaningful Advancement. Jason travels and teaches the strategies to investors and advisors all over the US. His firm provides weekly education to those affiliates. Jason has been a guest on multiple podcasts, meetings, and Networking groups.

Jason is also The Director of Life Insurance for Concierge For Advisors, which is a World Class Distribution Platform. He teaches financial concepts to escalate savings and pay less taxes and interest. We share these concepts with Wholesalers, financial advisers, and agents joining their platform. We have been involved with sales and customer service for years. Since 1993 Jason has been at the top of colleagues (employee of the year, top sales, top producer, etc..) largely due to work ethic and a strong desire to serve. We are committed to our clients, our team, our families , and to God. We want to do our level best in all areas of so We can have a good life full of servant leadership, fun, and lasting relationships. God being our helper, that is what We will do. We love to teach, help, and serve.

https://safemoneyjason.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nightingale-10ba3992/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Losing a key player in your business is one of the toughest challenges to face, whether it’s due to illness, sudden departure, or other unforeseen events. How do you handle the chaos left behind and keep everything moving forward? This episode tackles the emotional and operational impact of losing essential team members, offering practical tips on how to lead through the storm. It’s all about putting people first—addressing emotions, offering support, and ensuring the team has what it needs to push through. Learn how to manage the gap left behind, engage with stakeholders, and decide when to bring in interim leadership or take a chance on someone within your ranks. It’s about finding resilience, leaning on your team, and embracing the unexpected with the mindset that, despite the loss, you can rebuild and move forward stronger. Whether you’re navigating a current crisis or preparing for the future, this conversation will give you the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When disaster hits, it's not just about weathering the storm—it’s about rising stronger on the other side. This episode is a powerful look at how to turn devastation into determination, featuring Ewell Smith’s incredible journey in helping the Louisiana seafood industry recover from Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Entire communities were torn apart, boats destroyed, and trust shattered, but Ewell shares how they came together, fought for support, and rebuilt their livelihoods against the odds. 

His stories of resilience, grit, and finding opportunity in crisis are a reminder that no matter how overwhelming a setback may seem, there’s always a way forward. Whether you're facing your own business challenge or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take action and transform obstacles into opportunities.

About our Guest:

As a certified franchise consultant, Ewell Smith guides career professionals, corporate refugees, and Veterans to business ownership. With over 17 years of experience leading major business trade associations, representing thousands of entrepreneurs, he is an avid ambassador of entrepreneurship. 

Ewell served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for nearly 13 years, helping thousands of business owners flourish and also work through the challenges navigating disasters like hurricanes Katrina and the BP Oil Spill rebuilding billions in lost sales twice.

Ewell is theAuthor of Your First Franchise Roadmap and host of the Your First Franchise Podcast, he interviews franchisors and franchise leaders to share valuable insights.

https://www.yourfirstfranchise.com/ 

https://www.closethedeal.com/ 

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

How do you handle business chaos when it hits you out of nowhere? Maartje dives into the reality of dealing with big breakdowns after they've already disrupted operations, offering insights into the immediate steps to get back on track. She shares practical tactics for emergency physical and system repairs and major fixes that can stabilize your business in the aftermath of a crisis. Drawing from real-life scenarios, Maartje illustrates how to manage the fallout of unexpected disruptions from system and physical failures, outlining the key steps to repair or fix as soon as practically possible without it becoming an ever weak link for the future. Learn how to turn reactive problem-solving into an opportunity to regain control and keep moving forward.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In a profound exploration of resilience and change, Romeo El-Chaer shares his insights on overcoming adversity both personally and within organizations. Born with the challenge of a significant childhood injury in the backdrop of war-torn Lebanon, Romeo's life experiences have deeply ingrained the importance of resilience. Throughout the discussion, Romeo emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing one's inherent strengths and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive and resilient environment. His story is not just about personal survival but about thriving in the face of adversity by helping others discover their potential to overcome and succeed.

About the Guest:

Born and raised in the crucible of Lebanon, where survival is a daily battle, Romeo El-Chaer developed an extraordinary resilience. Living under the constant threat of uncertainty, people there learn to cherish every moment and extract strength from adversity. Romeo’s journey was particularly arduous. A childhood eye accident left him scarred, and combined with the challenges of growing up in a war-torn nation, he faced immense adversity. Yet, these trials forged in him an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and thrive. Today, Romeo is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth. As a certified life coach, a Clarity Coach, resilience expert and a speaker. He is dedicated to helping others

harness their inner strength. His roles as a member of the ICF Global and ICF Houston Chapter, as well as Director of Membership at the National Speakers Association Houston Chapter, reflect his commitment to supporting and inspiring others. Let Your Inner Phoenix Rise & Thrive!

https://romeolifecoach.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@romeolifecoach

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In the whirlwind of business chaos, where the heat is high and the stakes even higher, Maartje steps in with practical wisdom on mastering the art of prioritization. She delves into the necessity of stripping back to the essentials, advocating for a reductionist approach that not only clarifies what truly matters but also lightens the load on overburdened teams. With a blend of personal insights and professional strategies, Maartje offers a guide to cutting through the noise, enabling leaders to refocus on their core objectives and navigate their way out of the fire towards a clearer, more directed future.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.