In what is arguably the best television show ever written, Aaron Sorkin captured the spirit of a White House and a President. The show was The West Wing. The President was Jed Bartlett. The phrase that was repeated over seven seasons was “What’s Next?”. Today, many of us are asking the same thing. Hello everyone, and welcome to episode 160 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This is an episode that every risk management, business continuity and crisis management professional needs to hear as we welcome long-term political advisor and crisis management expert John Ashford back to the podcast. John and Mark talk about the pending change in Washington with Republican control of the Oval Office and both houses of Congress. John offers an intentionally balanced view of what’s next – as it relates to tariffs, deregulation, infrastructure and the new administration’s impact on Ukraine and all of Europe.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

They say you can’t improve what you don’t measure. So what do we do? Maturity assessments? KPIs? Metrics? How do we translate all of this information into an effective story. What does good look like for your organization? Stick around and find out. Hello everyone, and welcome to episode 159 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, we discuss  the ‘why, what, when, and how’ of program measurement and maturity assessments with industry veteran Stuart Murray. Stuart emphasizes the importance of telling your story by reporting on what truly matters to your executive team. He explains that simply counting completed BIAs or updated plans doesn’t convey the full picture. Instead, he highlights three key areas of effective measurement: completeness, quality, and compliance. Stuart reminds us that having complete plans doesn’t necessarily mean they are of high quality. Plus, Mark explores the KPIs that executives prioritize, setting the stage for a future episode.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This week’s guest calls himself a thorn in the side of the resilience industry. He doesn’t believe in documented plans, leveraging Mike Tyson’s quote – “Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face.”   Simply put, heeees baaaack! Hello everyone and welcome to episode 158 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, resilience antagonist Mark Armour joins the podcast to talk about how to prepare and empower organizations without using documented business continuity plans. He believes organizations can have a great deal of capability without a plan. For him, our industry focuses too much on documentation and not enough on capability. Mark and Mark talk about the difference between plans and planning.  And they discuss the difference between capability and compliance.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

The last several weeks of the 2024 hurricane season have been devastating for many in Florida and Georgia. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have seemingly popped up out of nowhere, leaving destruction in their wake. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 157 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, we’re happy to be joined once again by meteorologist Staci Saint-Preux who talks about the 2024 hurricane season. Did it meet expectations? How can powerful storms like Helene and Milton form quickly and still be so powerful? She reminds us why it’s so important to listen to weather experts when bad weather is approaching. She provides some advice to those responsible for business continuity and crisis management when it comes to weather related events. And, Staci explains what Storm-Geo is all about.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

If you are responsible for coaching your executives, this week’s guest tells us a secret. People don’t “need” coaching, they have to “want coaching”. And he tells us that past experiences with crises, can prepare our leaders to be more resilient. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 156 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, we’re pleased to be joined by Terence Clarke a transformational executive coach and cross-cultural leadership expert. This week, Terence shares his insights on resilient leadership. Including how we need to be prepared so that we can respond to a crisis, rather than react. Terence talks about his Triple A approach to understanding how to be effective when working in a different culture. And he reminds us that just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. And, Mark let’s Terence get away with something he said he would never allow. Listen to the end to find out.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

When two senior crisis management consultants collaborate on a response plan, it starts out a little more basic than you’d think – like establishing who’s in charge of the crisis and the skillset of that leader. And that kicks off an amazing conversation. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 155 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark is joined by friend of the podcast Regina Phelps and the plan was….these two would walk through their crisis management approach to a cyberattack. That didn’t exactly happen. I mean, they talked about it. But really…it turned into an insightful conversation about building your crisis management team, and how to identify who works on what. Regina shares some incredible tips on knowing what to focus on and how team members can actually build their own checklist. And it’s probably very different than what you’ve been doing. And…Regina uses her walk up music to share some words of encouragement.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This is the 20th year of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! While technology has changed in the last two decades, the threat and impact of cybercriminals has not gone away. If you don’t think a cyberattack can happen to you – think again. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 154 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week Mark is joined by cybersecurity thought leader Michael Perdunn. Michael and Mark discuss society’s desensitization to news of a data breach and how organizations cannot afford to take that same approach. Michael gives some expert advice on how to provide better phishing training. And they do a deep dive into a real-life and very scary extortion email. Michael explains how the bad actors make them look so real.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

How much does your background play a part in how you approach your work in resilience? Do the personal experiences and traumas that we’ve overcome, lay the foundation for future attitudes? This week’s guest thinks so, and so do we. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 153 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week Mark is joined by Sheena Downey, CEO and Founder of Worldwide Resilience. Sheena is based in Australia and has the slogan “prepare today and protect tomorrow”. She tells us that her experience with domestic family violence and work in male dominated industries, definitely laid the foundation for her to become a leader in resilience. In fact she calls herself a “pink princess in steel toed boots.” Sheena uses her background and skills to encourage us all to stop sleep-walking through resilience.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

In sports, the ‘greatest of all time’ is referred to as the GOAT. It’s a good acronym. Clean, easy to say. On the resilient journey – we are counting down the greatest walk-up songs of all time. And…well…GWUSOAT is just a terrible acronym. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 152 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. Each week Mark asks our guest to name a song that they would have played as they walk to the podium to speak. This week, is part 2 of our countdown, revealing the top five best walk-up songs selected by our guests.  We also share insightful comments from the guests who selected the songs:  Staci Sant Preux, Shane Mathew, Michael Crooymans, Vince Davis and Chris Platt. So…without further adieu – here’s the top five.  

If you’re a fan of the Resilient Journey, you know that our most popular question is this: If you could pick a song to be played as you are walking to the podium to speak, what song would you pick and why? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 151 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we begin our countdown of the top ten best walk-up songs selected by our guests.  What’s the criteria? First, it has to be a GREAT song – that’s an absolute MUST. AND… it needs to fit in with the overall message that the guest conveys during their episode. This week we’ll share songs ten through six and a few honorable mentions. If you like music and resilience, this episode is for you.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Do you believe we landed on the moon? Was the 2020 election stolen? Is the earth really flat? Did aliens come down and tidy up Lindley Gooden’s garden? People believe different things. But rather than fight, our guest says it’s time for reconciliation. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 150 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, we continue our conversation with Lindley Gooden, founder of Greenscreen and author of a new book called The Future of Truth. Lindley and Mark talk about social media’s involvement in the spread of mis and disinformation and how organizations should combat misinformation. Lindley gives us tips to help us identify if what we believe is actually just a conspiracy theory and offers advice on how to respond to people who believe them. And he identifies the real concern of disinformation – that it does harm. And the recent events in the UK are proof.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

What if I told you that this was the final episode of the Resilient Journey? If I told you that because it was a fact, that would be the truth. If I said it because I heard a rumor, that would be misinformation. But if I new it was a lie, what would that be? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 149 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark welcomes Lindley Gooden, founder of Greenscreen and author of a fantastic new book called The Future of Truth. Lindley says that COVID wasn’t the only disease to sweep the world in the early 2020’s. They talk about the difference between mis and dis-information, how to spot it and what it means to those of us in the risk and resilience industries. Lindley explains that it is extremely valuable to be a good story teller and suggests we learn to hug our inner chimp.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

The Resilient Journey is here to help resilience professionals learn more about adjacent disciplines. Last week Mads Paerregaard shared important details about physical security. This week, we dive into the world of crisis communications. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 148 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark welcomes Stephanie Craig, the President of Kith – a crisis management consulting firm that helps clients prepare for, manage, and navigate high-profile crises. Stephanie explains that when it comes to crisis communications, the goal is to always protect reputations. She and Mark talk about the who, what and how of crisis communications, the importance of knowing your stakeholders and the value of pre-drafted templates. Stephanie explains why trust and clarity are critical to effective communications. Let’s find out why.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

From time to time, we all struggle with aspects of our job that are less familiar to us. You may have worked in the resilience industry for a number of years, but never had reason to focus on an adjacent discipline. The Resilient Journey is here to help. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 147 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark welcomes Mads Paerregaard, CEO of Human Risks.  Mads and Mark are talking about physical security risk and the natural connection it has with resilience. They talk about the value of understanding the business and communicating in clear business language. Mads says that by understanding the criticality of specific facilities, we can establish appropriate security measures and resilience strategies. And…Mads give advice to resilience professionals who don’t have a lot of experience with physical security.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Diversity, equity and inclusion has been all over the news recently. In fact, DEI is everywhere – from the corporate boardroom to the political arena. This week’s guest knows a thing or two about diversity and she says “DEI is going to win!” Hello everyone and welcome to episode 146 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark welcomes guest co-host Lisa Jones. Lisa and Mark are joined by Dee C. Marshall, CEO and Managing Partner of Diverse and Engaged.  In this important episode Dee explains that we are experiencing what she calls “DEI 4.0” and tells us what’s going on with DEI globally. Lisa asks if organizations rushed to implement DEI and what’s the reason for the recent change in direction. They discuss American privilege and if American culture really cares about the well-being of its people.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Gilda Radner said “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next.”  Change is inevitable. So we asked today’s guest how to deal with change and she said:  Get Over It. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 145 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by professional motivational speaker and fire ball – Anne Bonney. Anne and Mark walk through the 5 Ps of Navigating Change. Anne encourages us to dance in the discomfort zone, focus on what we can control – and how to know when to Punch It Margaret! They talk about that inner voice of doubt and Anne explains that often, the last mile is the hardest. And find out what Anne means when she tells us what is “huglier importer” than offering help to someone.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

In this week’s episode we’re going to look at things a little differently. Instead of looking at business continuity through your eyes, we are challenging you to look at your response plans through the eyes of first responders. And we have just the guest to do it. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 144 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we look at business continuity through the eyes of a first responder as we’re joined by Erik Endress, CEO of On Scene Technologies. Erik tells us what business continuity planners often overlook and how important communication is when it comes to getting first responders to the right spot, as quickly as possible. Erik and Mark discuss things we need to keep in mind when it comes to accounting for our people after an evacuation. And they discuss Run, Hide, Fight techniques and once again – the importance of effective communications. Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

In episode 99 of this podcast, Mark Armour joined us to talk about Adaptive Business Continuity. During our conversation Mark said that he doesn’t like the BIA, plans or documentation. Well…..today’s guest has a different point of view. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 143 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are going to Newfoundland as we’re joined by Garth Tucker, a Director of Business Continuity with over 20 years of experience. In addition to talking about getting Screeched In, Come From Aways and cod kissing, Garth explains that without BIA data, we can’t do effective plans. And without plans, people panic. He provides us with tips and tricks for a better BIA – including how to improve your process, what data to collect and how to effectively use that data.

This week’s episode combines soft skills like active listening with sales, marketing, customer service and even acting. You might be wondering what all of this has to do with resilience. Well, stick around because it all comes together in one episode. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 142 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by one of the most prominent professionals in the resilience industry – Chloe Demrovsky. In her interview with Mark, Chloe explains why she stepped down from her leadership role with DRI. She shares her view on the state of the resilience industry in 2024 and says that our mandate has never been stronger because the disruptions just…keep…coming. Chloe advocates for having a strong message, being approachable and demonstrating how much we care about the organization by repeating back your executive’s core language.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

In last week’s episode, we began a conversation with John Ashford about the uncertainty that elections all over the world are going to have on business. John told us that what he’s seeing in 2024 reminds him more of what life looked like in the 1930s. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 141 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This is part two of a special conversation about business resilience during political uncertainty. We are joined once again by John Ashford, Chairman and CEO of The Hawthorn Group who tells Mark what he thinks the implications are of the November US election – including impacts on green energy, infrastructure, and supply chains. John gives advice to businesses and reminds us that in chaos there is opportunity. John explains that risk assessment and risk management will be more important in the next six to twelve months than ever.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

They say that politics is something you should never discuss in polite conversation. But the truth of this episode is that business hates uncertainty and if we’re going to have a real view of risk and resilience in 2024, this is a conversation we must have. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 140 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by John Ashford, Chairman and CEO of The Hawthorn Group who says that there are three specific types of threats business face today: Shooting wars, non-shooting wars and the domestic crises making cities unsustainable for business. On top of our day-to-day focus, much of the world is heading for elections as people will head to the polls in the US, UK, and France and leadership is either new or in jeopardy in the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. This is part 1 of a special two-part episode.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

In last week’s episode Mike Janko told us that every journey needs a roadmap. This week’s guest went on a 4 day hike. She had a roadmap, a guide and a chef and still struggled. But the outcome is a treasure for all of us to hear. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 139 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by Melissa Muñiz who shares her lessons about personal and community resilience based on her personal journey in Machu Picchu. Melissa ties her 4 day hike along the Inca trail to her own personal resilience and shares lessons we can apply to our resilience programs.  She and Mark talk about the need for adaptability and how a diverse point of view can help you navigate to a better position. Melissa also shares inspirational stories of community resilience which are lessons for all of us. Listen and find out – did Mark really climb Pike’s Peak?   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

This week’s guest uses the concept of a journey as a core message in his approach to resilience and he feels we should “consider resilience a journey through a complex program”. But he also says, every journey needs a roadmap. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 138 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by best selling author, and Goodyear Director of Global Business Continuity - Mike Janko. In this episode Mike and Mark talk about the need for benchmarking by building a program scorecard. Mike says you can’t improve what you can’t measure – and the real value comes in understanding how well you execute your plans and how resilient you really are. Mike explains his phrase “Lead, Follow and Guide the Way”.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

It’s been called “America’s Pastime”. Major League Baseball is the pinnacle of professional baseball in North America. 30 teams split between the American and National Leagues. But what does it have to do with resilience? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 137 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by James Green and yes we are talkin’ baseball….and resilience. In this episode James and Mark talk about analytics and self-care when the game is a grind. Also, the recent decision by major league baseball to incorporate stats from seven negro leagues into their record books. And Mark makes a promise – each baseball question has a direct link to the resilience industry. (Even the question about Angel Hernandez). Well, not exactly -  when the guys get into a debate about who would win a world series and which team to cheer for, all bets are off. Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

This week we are putting a bow on our conversation about demonstrating and articulating value. You may be doing all the right things, but if you aren’t reporting it properly you might be doing yourself a disservice. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 136 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by friend of the podcast Steve Strout, a long-time C Suite Executive and Board Member. Steve gives us the inside scoop on what Boards and executives are looking for. Simply put – he tells us how to present your program. Steve tells Mark we need to start with “Why” and learn how to tell an effective story – but he adds, be careful what you say. And, there’s a crucial takeaway…a “nugget” that you won’t want to miss that will make sure your reporting always resonates with the board.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This week we want to do something a little different. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that – over the past few we have been talking about the need for a new approach to business continuity. Many still struggle to show the value of their program. But why? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 135 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. In this post-pandemic world, where seemingly every C Suite and Board on the planet has an increased view of the need for resilience, and in a year when risks and threats abound – everywhere from climate change, cyber and supply chain risks to severe weather and geopolitical unrest – it makes us wonder – what are we as resilience professionals not doing enough of to show our executive teams that we add value? The answer? It’s time for Instantaneous Improvement.

We share a fundamental principle with this week’s guest. Be easy to do business with. As resilience professionals that translates to one thing: Showing value in everyday activities. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 134 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are joined by Frank Shultz, founder and CEO of Infinite Blue. In this episode Frank and Mark talk about breaking traditional BCP rules, demonstrating value every day and how to not annoy your stakeholders. Frank says the conversation about value has to be about resilience, not ROI. And that it’s critical for us as resilience professionals to really understand what it is that our organization is trying to achieve. And what does Mapquest and Waze have to do with all this?   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This week’s episode is a story about the word “and”. It’s a living blueprint about vulnerability AND resilience, love AND compassion, transformation AND empowerment. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 133 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we invite you to listen to an intimate conversation about suicide, life choices and a blueprint for transformation as we are joined by author Wendy Beth. Wendy explains the changes in her mindset after she survived a suicide attempt 35 years ago. She went from wanting everything to go dark to being a person who has a story to tell and now realizes she has a right to be happy…and to create happiness. And Wendy has advice that we all need to hear, including a reminder that You. Are. Irreplaceable.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Last week we talked about change, and how change is constant. This week’s guest says that we need to change and adapt – and frankly the value you demonstrate to your executives could hang in the balance. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 132 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, we are joined by Chad Robbins, Sr. Vice President of Platform Strategy at CL Digital. Chad and Mark talk about the importance of using data in our resilience programs. Chad emphasizes the need to know your audience when reporting – and use information that demonstrates value – not just statistics. According to Chad, as resilience professionals, we should be able to present valuable information to every level. This isn’t about how many plans you have and how many BIAs you’ve done. It’s time to change and adapt.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

John F Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life> And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Today’s guest puts it this way, “Change is constant”.  So how does this apply to us? Stick around and find out. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 131 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark isn’t joined by “A” resilience coach – he is joined by “THE” resilience coach – Russell Harvey. Russell and Mark talk about VUCA – and how our world is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous – but that we need to have Vision, Understanding, Clarity and Agility. Russell encourages us to play to our strengths – and he says that our homework coming out of this will be to go away and do more of the things we love. This episode is full of curiosity and optimism.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This is part two of our special polycrisis podcast event. And it’s packed full of information that will make your resilience program better. The real question that we’re answering today is “What does all of this have to do with you”? Hello everyone and welcome to a very special episode 130 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week, Mark is joined by resilience legend Regina Phelps. Regina and Mark continue the conversation about polycrisis, the failing infrastructure and why you should care. Regina says that we as resilience professionals don’t dig deep enough into world news and the way we sell ourselves in this profession is deeply flawed. She talks about the need for each of us to have situational awareness and be a bit more assertive. This is a fast-paced, full circle conversation about polycrisis – and you don’t want to miss it.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Hey, how’s the weather? Do you think it will rain? Is it hot enough for you? You know, it’s not the heat, its the humidity. Everywhere you turn, people are talking about the weather. The thing is – everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. Hello everyone and welcome episode 129 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we are pleased to welcome Staci Saint-Preux to the Resilient Journey as we begin a two-part polycrisis podcast event. Mark and Staci talk about climate change, severe weather and even tacos! Climate change is an active player in the polycrisis world. Staci explains the impact that severe weather could have on your supply chain. She adds that our infrastructure isn’t equipped to handle the weather that’s coming. And yes, she says it’s time for those of us in the resilience industry to do something about it. We can start by preparing for the weather we are already experiencing. There’s even a weather-related conversation about tacos and the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season that you won’t want to miss.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.    

Several years ago, author Tom Peters asked this question: If there is one thing that you could change – that would fundamentally improve the way you do business, what would it be? On this week’s episode, we’re offering you one very important suggestion. Hello everyone and welcome episode 128 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week Mark is joined by Erick Anez who says that he had done business continuity for years but always felt like something was missing. It wasn’t until he got into risk management that business continuity seemed to feel complete. Erick explains that as practitioners  we need to embrace adaptability and flexibility in order to build a program that resonates with our leadership team. He talks about the one thing you may want to do that could fundamentally improve your practice, and that is – really knowing the business. According to Erick – it’s our responsibility to do so.     Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about AI. Some complain that AI will make people lazy. Can AI be trusted? What about the ethical concerns of using AI? Well this week’s guest has a pretty good grip on the subject. Hello everyone and welcome episode 127 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we’re doing something different as we welcome Microsoft’s Co-Pilot to the podcast. You heard me right. This week we are interviewing AI itself. You want to learn about AI…ask AI. The conversation goes beyond the theoretical use of AI. Mark and Co-Pilot talk about how AI can assist YOU in your business continuity program and provide real life examples of how some companies are using AI to improve resilience. Co-Pilot offers sound advice on how to start using AI, what to we aware of – and see if Co-Pilot can answer our iconic question about picking walk up music.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

What type of work environment inspires you? Do you prefer hierarchy or freedom? Boundaries or openness? Tradition or blazing new trails? People approach the workplace differently – the challenge is: how do you navigate those differences? Hello everyone and welcome episode 126 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we welcome Steph McCluskey to the podcast. Steph and Mark leverage their presentation from DRJ Spring to talk about working across different mindsets that we find in today’s workforce.   They talk about the importance of respecting other points of view, and how to embrace integration and collaboration. Steph explains how to surround yourself with people who will help you build a mindset of growth, learning and curiosity. Whether you’re about to retire or just new to the industry, this episode will help you bridge the gap between different mindsets and rejuvenate your career.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Imagine this: you step into the elevator, heading to your office. As the doors close, you find yourself face-to-face with the CEO, who asks about your business continuity program. You have just 30 seconds to deliver the perfect elevator pitch. What do you say? Hello everyone and welcome episode 125 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we welcome back a friend of the podcast – Jason Hoss. Jason and Mark have a conversation about building the perfect elevator pitch including: avoiding jargon, building a connection with the individual and how the term “resilience” can be a secret weapon in sharing your pitch. They offer advice about not using words that send the wrong message and even how to exploit the conversation for your own good. They even offer free drinks at DRJ Spring? What’s going on here??? Let’s build the perfect elevator pitch for resilience professionals…   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Does moving your systems to the cloud eliminate the need for a disaster recovery strategy? Is it accurate that high availability renders DR obsolete? This episode of the Resilient Journey has a bit of a MythBusters vibe to it. Let’s talk about IT DR. Hello everyone and welcome episode 124 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we’re joined by David Hall, Disaster Recovery Architect for the City of Tulsa. David explains the connectivity between business continuity and disaster recovery, and the need for developing a completely fleshed-out backup strategy. David and Mark talk about ways to interact with our IT partners and how to translate tech-speak into language anyone can understand…and be sure to listen until the end as David drops a nugget about how to approach IT to get the conversation started. This is a good one – let’s check it out.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Maybe your organization isn’t in a regulated industry. Maybe you don’t think operational resilience is something that applies to you. But what if we told you that some of the principles of “OR” can still be used to improve your program?   Hello everyone and welcome episode 123 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we’re joined by Gillian Catalano, Senior Director of Enterprise Resilience Risk for RBC. This week, Gillian and Mark talk about business continuity and operational resilience in the financial sector and how those principles can be effective in your organization regardless of its size or industry. Gillian explains how threats and risks related to technology recovery, 3rd parties, and geo-political matters are shaping the strategies of their resilience program. Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

What comes to mind when you think of spring? Warmer weather? March Madness? Spring training? Warming up your golf swing? Well, all of those are fine answers – but for many the thought of spring means the beginning of conference season. Hello everyone and welcome episode 122 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we’re joined by Bob Arnold, President of Disaster Recovery Journal and the emcee for DRJ Spring 2024 – Lisa Jones. Lisa and Bob talk about the evolution of the world’s best resilience conference. Lisa talks about what attracted her to accept the role of emcee and how DRJ has paved the way for many in our organization. They share the value of networking and offer tips for getting the most out of the conference and we talk about the partnership between DRJ and the Resilience Think Tank.

You know what one of the best things is about having a secret? It’s that overwhelming desire you feel – you just can’t wait to tell somebody. Well, today’s guest tells us all about her secrets of resilience – and you don’t want to miss this. Hello everyone and welcome episode 121 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. In this episode I’m joined by Kristin Torres, a resilience professional with over 20 years in the public and private sectors with a wide range of competency including business resilience, crisis management, IT Disaster Recovery and medical response. Kristin and I talk about five secrets of the resilience industry – and frankly these are things that not enough of us are doing – including better reporting, change management and data integration. And listen to hear how mindset and attitude round out the list of the secrets of resilience.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Hello everyone and welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Right-hand Pirate Alex Barker from Be More Pirate. This is episode 120 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. And I’m your host Mark Hoffman. In this episode Alex and I wrap up our conversation about what it takes to make a pirate and then we talk about the pirate code – something that all of us should be doing as a call to action and set of rules we agree to live by. We talk about how just like in today’s world of resilience, the pirates found themselves embedded in rules that were written in a different era, for a different era by a self-serving establishment. Let’s kick off part 2 by wrapping up what we discussed last week as we learn how to weaponize our own tall tales.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

This week’s guest reminds us that things change when a network of people work together on a common cause. I have a question for you: If there was one thing that you could change about the risk and resilience industry, that would fundamentally improve the way we deliver resilience, what would it be? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 119 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This is part one of a special two-part series that is based on the book Be More Pirate – How to Take on the World and Win and I’m joined by Right-hand Pirate Alex Barker. Alex explains the difference between being a rebel and pirate, and tells us why golden age pirates are perfect role models for those of us who want to improve our industry and what we can learn from pirates about breaking and re-writing rules. Part one Being a Resilience Pirate starts right now.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

This week’s guest explains that if you twisted your ankle, most likely you would immediately know what course of action to take. But for those who suffer with mental health issues, it’s often not readily understood. And, he challenges, it’s time for that to change. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 118 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week I’m joined by Sean Kennedy - an innovator and collaborator, bringing the worlds of mental health and technology together. In this episode, Sean talks about his own mental health journey, the need for psychological health and safety in the workplace, and the fact that education and literacy are starting to open doors. We talk about suicide prevention and how technology can improve mental health treatments. This is an important episode and I invite you to listen and share it across your network.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

I would like you to picture this scenario: You’re a well-respected resilience professional running a global business continuity program for a Fortune 300 company. Things are going well. Until the organization makes a sudden and drastic move. Your entire resilience team is being let go. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 117 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week I’m joined by yet another resilience A-Lister as industry icon Margaret Millett joins the podcast. In this episode, Margaret walks us through her emotions as she suddenly found herself on the job market. We talk about the importance of not only finding a job but finding the RIGHT job. And it’s interesting to learn the Margaret doesn’t feel like what happened with her previous employer is an odd one-off. It seems that more and more among us, many in senior roles, are also looking for work. It’s our goal that this episode will inspire and guide others who might find themselves in a similar situation.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

Do you think business continuity is boring? How are you dealing with the risk of war, global fuel and energy crisis, inflation, supply chain disruption, cyber crime, climate change, extreme weather, economic stagnation, and heaven forbid any of these things happen simultaneously? Hello everyone and welcome to episode 116 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week I’m joined by another resilience A-Lister as powerhouse Ratna Pawan joins the podcast. Ratna shares her experience in the risk and resilience world and tells us that the old school approach to business continuity planning is “child’s play” compared to what we should be focusing on today. She talks about simultaneous risk and she recommends resilience professionals need to up their game, be fluid on their feet and have plans that are responsive to multiple events. We talk about how essential it is that we collaborate with professionals in adjacent disciplines. And somehow, Alex Fullick ends up as part of this episode. What is going on around here?   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

Many of us use Excel spreadsheets and Word documents to collect data and build our plans. But this week’s guest says that it’s time for resilience professionals to build a better tool box. And he believes technology is the key. Hello everyone and welcome to 2024. This is episode 115 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week we start 2024 off with a resilience A-Lister as Marcus Vaughan joins us. Marcus tells us that we don’t often look hard enough at the tasks we need to do. He says that it’s our jobs to allow those who use our plans to make really good decisions. Marcus explains that we need to start with “Why”, and that by using technology, we can remove friction, generate interest in the work we do, build the capability of our plans and our program and yes – we can build a better tool box.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.  

Did you know that 13% of families in the US struggle with food insecurity? In the UK, the number is 14%. And in Canada, it's 18%. If you don’t have food insecurity then stay tuned, because I’m going to take you somewhere you may have never been. We’re going inside a local food bank. Hello everyone and welcome to a holiday episode of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. I want to encourage you to consider making a difference this holiday season by donating to your local food bank. This week I’m joined by Executive Director of my town’s Food Bank – Sharon Palmer. Sharon and I talk about the social isolation associated with food insecurity. We dispel some myths related to food banks, and talk about the importance of treating people with dignity and the best way you can make a healthy donation. Sharon tells me a story that reminds us that everyone matters – and that food banks make a difference.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.

When it comes time to build that crisis communications strategy, wouldn’t it be nice to know the tricks of the trade? Wouldn’t it be helpful if you knew what the media was thinking? Well stay tuned because today’s guest has seen them first hand. Hello everyone and welcome to episode 113 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. I’m your host Mark Hoffman and this week I’m joined by former journalist, government press-secretary, crisis management legend, author, speaker and thought leader Suzanne Bernier. Suzanne and I got off on a bit of a tangent talking about crisis communications, answering tough questions, the pitfalls and traps to watch for and what to do to avoid causing headlines that you don’t want to see. She talks about social media response and we even dig into her book Disaster Heroes.   Be sure to follow The Resilient Journey!  We sure do appreciate it! Learn more about the Resilience Think Tank here. Want to learn more about Mark? Click here or on LinkedIn or Twitter. Special thanks to Bensound for the music.