The Crisis Files

Nobody is perfect - we all screw up and make mistakes. So why is saying “I’m sorry” so hard? Apologizing can right wrongs and heal relationships, but a poorly delivered apology can make a bad situation worse. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Sheryl Ziegler and reputation management professional Jen Hellman from her Crisis Squad to dissect the art of the apology. Learn effective strategies to deliver a sincere apology that avoid finger pointing, excuses, and half-apologies. Find out why practicing apologies is a good idea. Plus, how apology language can make or break an authentic apology.

As traditional concepts of gender and race are challenged, school districts, businesses and organizations grapple to balance freedom of speech and personal beliefs with fair and enforceable communications guidelines. How do organizations make everyone feel equal and respected in a world where language and attitudes are rapidly changing? Are age old social norms the foundations of a civil society or a distortion of history and human rights? Inclusion, equity and diversity consultant Dr. Abdul Omari joins host Roshini Rajkumar to discuss the fluidity of these concepts and language surrounding gender. Plus, their insight on how to recover from a misused pronoun and when grace can break down barriers for people who want to create authentic conversations.

When Wyoming's incumbent Liz Cheney lost her Congressional primary by 35 percentage points, it seemed the Republican superstar’s political career was over. In opposing Donald Trump, she alienated many of her constituents but simultaneously raised her national profile, becoming the best-known anti-Trump Republican. As she teases a run for president in 2024, you could ask: Is her positioning a fundamental ethical stand, a calculated political move, or a little of both? Business and entertainment attorney Steve Silton and public relations professional Jennifer Hellman join host Roshini Rajkumar to analyze whether Liz Cheney’s latest stand will create a path to the presidency or be her last stand. Plus, Roshini and these two Crisis Squad members dissect Cheney's language around gender.

Whether spontaneous, self-inflicted, or cleverly planned, an “October Surprise” can make or break a political campaign. From Gary Hart’s “Monkey Business” to Herschel Walker’s alleged abortion accusations, last-minute scandals and bombshells can change the course of an election. A timely and accurate response can save a candidate from the dustbin of history. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Co-CEO of Park Street Public, Brian McClung, to explore some of the most infamous October surprises, how a campaign can handle the unexpected and why accuracy matters more than sensational headlines. Find out if their favorites match yours and who even coined the term.

From Jonah Hill to Naomi Osaka, public figures are increasingly making the decision to reject interviews, press junkets and media attention as topics become too personal. The relationship between celebrities and the media can vary from tenuous to positive. Many celebrities, politicians, actors and athletes are choosing to protect their mental health and reputation by creating boundaries. Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Sheryl Ziegler joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore the blurred line of professional and personal, the future (or extinction) of press junkets, and how all of this relates to regular people and wellness. Find out what some may think is Dr. Z's surprising take on Jonah Hill's decision and what Roshini wishes athletes would do.

Minneapolis Public Schools made national headlines with a new race-based layoff policy that prioritized retaining teachers of color over teacher seniority. The district claims the policy was designed to keep teachers of color who are underrepresented in schools in a district that wasn't mirroring the racial make-up of the populations it serves. Is an employment policy that considers race constitutional? Should school districts work to increase teacher diversity to better reflect the communities they serve? Why would the school district pick a fight while there's a teacher shortage and no actual layoffs? Host Roshini Rajkumar dives into fact vs fiction with Crisis Squad member and business attorney Steven Silton. Find out how legal implications and ethical issues around this layoff debacle could inform your own policies in any workplace setting.

As employers push for more in-person work, employees are pushing back. In many parts of the country, there are two job openings for every person in the workforce. Employees have the advantage, and businesses must think beyond the paycheck to attract and retain the best talent. Minneapolis Regional Chamber President and CEO Jonathan Weinhagen joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore remote work’s impact on company culture, the state of our regional economy and how business leaders can navigate the post-pandemic workforce. Two words: data matters.

With 23 grand slam titles to her name, Serena Williams’ recent "retirement" from professional tennis marked the end of an era and a continuation of her ongoing evolution in the public eye. She broke the mold by defining herself with authenticity, making her an approachable and endearing role model fans root for and relate to. Public relations and reputation management expert Jennifer Hellman joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore what's behind Serena Williams’ meteoric rise, her self-made image, and what the future could possibly hold for this American phenomenon. Plus, stick around for their tips on how to add a little Serena magic to your authentic brand.

Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8 created an outpouring of sorrow and grief across the world. The end of her historic 70-year reign was a defining moment for the British monarchy as it wrestles with its history and looks to the future. Film critic and entertainment reporter Paul McGuire Grimes joins host Roshini Rajkumar to reflect on the status of the British Monarchy and analyze what’s next for the royal family as UK taxpayers face a multibillion-dollar bill for the Queen's memorial celebrations, Canada and other countries consider votes to leave the Commonwealth, and a not-so-popular Charles gets ready for his coronation as king.

The sports world mourned the death of basketball phenom Kobe Bryant in a January 2020 helicopter crash that killed him, his daughter, and several others. What the world didn't expect was how Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and firefighters took and shared graphic photos of the victims. Bryant's widow Vanessa sued L.A. County and ultimately prevailed in a multi-million dollar jury verdict in August 2022.

What organizational failures created a culture that normalized this behavior? What do their actions say about community values? At what point does personal privacy infringe on freedom of speech? Inclusion, equity and diversity consultant Dr. Abdul Omari and host Roshini Rajkumar bring their lived experiences and perspectives to the case.