Episode 75 - Michelle Newcome on Private Sector Crisis Management and Resilience

Summary

In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr speaks with Michelle Newcomb, an expert in crisis management and organizational resilience. Michelle shares her unique journey into the field, stemming from a childhood experience with wildfires. The conversation explores global perspectives on crisis management, highlighting cultural differences in emergency response, particularly in countries like Sweden and Singapore. They discuss the importance of weather preparedness for businesses, especially in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, and the challenges of planning for a dispersed workforce. The episode emphasizes the duty of care organizations have towards their employees, especially in remote work settings. In this conversation, Michelle and Steven delve into the intricacies of emergency management and resilience, discussing the responsibilities organizations have in ensuring safety and preparedness. They explore the definition of resilience, the critical practices that contribute to it, and the importance of effective communication and planning in crisis situations. The discussion also highlights the current risks businesses face, including digital threats and climate change, and emphasizes the necessity of executive protection and comprehensive crisis management strategies.

Takeaways

Michelle's journey into crisis management began with a childhood wildfire experience.

Crisis management perspectives vary significantly across different cultures.

In Sweden, the concepts of safety and security are intertwined linguistically.

Understanding local emergencies is crucial for effective crisis management.

Weather preparedness is essential for business continuity planning.

Hurricane preparedness in Florida often lacks urgency among businesses.

A dispersed workforce requires proactive communication strategies during emergencies.

The knowledge and experience of employees are a company's most valuable assets.

Emergency management prioritizes the well-being of people above all.

Organizations must navigate the complexities of duty of care for remote employees. Emergency management involves clear communication and planning.

Resilience encompasses both employee safety and organizational continuity.

There are 12 essential practices for achieving resilience.

A roadmap is crucial for implementing resilience strategies.

Crisis communication plans should be straightforward and effective.

Executive protection is vital for high-risk individuals.

Digital threats, especially from AI, are a growing concern.

Climate change poses significant operational risks.

Organizations must prioritize the safety of their employees.

Investing in crisis preparedness is essential for business survival.

Contact Information (1) Michelle Newcome | LinkedIn