Crisis Lab

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King catches up with Todd DeVoe, a seasoned emergency management professional, on what’s been happening in the field of disaster preparedness and community resilience. This is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how the field of emergency management is evolving—and why we need to rethink our strategies to meet new challenges. Kyle and Todd dive into the foundational ideas shaping the profession, from the importance of trust-building with communities to the critical need for innovation in preparedness. They share opinions and insights into how emergency managers can pivot from just maintaining stability (resilience) to fostering growth after adversity (anti-fragility). Show Highlights: [03:41] The foundation for the research and advancement of EM [06:06] The importance of a body of work in EM [07:10] Challenges and misconceptions in EM [14:01] The role of emergency managers in government and society [20:26] Practical steps for community engagement [23:03] Outsourcing mundane tasks [23:24] Resilience vs. anti-fragility [24:24] Real-world examples of resilience [26:58] Building trust in communities [28:03] The importance of anti-fragility in construction [34:39] Learning from historical lessons [41:37] Urban planning and eminent domain [44:28] Preserving historical and cultural significance Connect with Todd DeVoe Linkedin 🎧 Stay Tuned for Part 2! In the next episode, Kyle and Todd take the discussion further, exploring the challenges of building trust between government and the public in crisis situations. Todd DeVoe shares ideas on responding to the rapid spread of information and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and community involvement. We’ll also discuss engaging younger generations in public service and ways to strengthen community preparedness. Stay tuned for insights on these critical aspects of emergency management.

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Sophia Klewer, the COO of PREVENCY and an expert in crisis management simulations. Kyle and Sophia discuss why crisis simulations are essential, showing how these exercises help organizations adapt by testing systems, decisions, and teams in realistic scenarios. They cover the role of technology, common challenges, realistic scenario design, after-action reviews, and involving senior leaders in preparation. With experience spanning government, military, and private sectors, Sophia brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She shares her expertise in developing PREVENCY’s proprietary crisis simulation software and explains how these exercises build resilience, prepare teams for the complexities of real crises, and go beyond theory. Sophia also talks about her academic role at the Leipzig School of Media, where she trains future professionals in crisis communications. Tune in to learn how crisis simulations can elevate your organization’s preparedness for the unexpected. Show Highlights [03:03] Cross-sectoral lessons in crisis management[03:38] Challenges in situational awareness and communication[06:56] The need for cross-sector training[11:44] Managing pushback and participant frustration in exercises[14:55] Incorporating cascading events in simulations[18:48] The role of technology in crisis simulations[21:41] Designing effective crisis exercises[27:58] Common misconceptions in crisis preparedness[32:34] The role of After Actions Review [37:55] The future of crisis simulations Connect with Sophia Klewer -Linkedin

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King explores disaster diplomacy, highlighting the inaugural World Fire Congress held in Washington D.C. in May 2024. Guests LamarGonzález-Medlock, an emergency manager, and Lee Howell, a chief fire officer from the UK, discuss the event's themes, which included international cooperation in firefighting, climate change, and emerging technologies. They emphasize the impact of building global networks for resilience and the importance of sustainable diplomatic efforts. They also provide insights into the future of the World Fire Congress and disaster diplomacy. Lamar brings over 30 years of experience supporting and working for the U.S. government, including as Director of International Affairs for the U.S. Fire Administration. She shares her background and role in organizing the World Fire Congress. Lee, with extensive experience in both advisory roles and fire service leadership in the UK, shares the collective efforts and partnerships that shaped the Congress. Tune in to hear their perspectives and experiences on the future of disaster diplomacy and international cooperation. Show Highlights [03:06] Overview of the World Fire Congress [03:50] The Genesis and Execution of the World Fire Congress [07:21] Planning for the 2026 World Fire Congress [08:30] The Importance of International Cooperation [17:06] Mechanisms of Cooperation and Diplomacy [26:39] Ensuring Sustainability and Future of Disaster Diplomacy [33:26] Closing Remarks and Future Directions Connect with our Guests Lamar González-Medlock on LinkedIn Lee Howell on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Lorraine Schneider, Chief Operating Officer of the Resiliency Initiative and an expert in crisis management and emergency preparedness. Kyle and Lorraine discuss the challenges faced by people working in emergency management, whether they’re in large companies or small nonprofits. They talk about why it’s important to have support from leadership, how the lessons taught in schools can differ from real-world practices, and why resilience is crucial in dealing with today’s complex crises. Lorraine Schneider shares her experiences from working with companies like Disney and UCLA. She explains how the Resiliency Initiative helps smaller communities and businesses develop strong crisis management plans. Lorraine also talks about her work with the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and the FutureRisk newsletter, which focuses on upcoming global threats. Tune in to learn more about the future of emergency management and how to be better prepared for the challenges ahead. Show Highlights [02:17] An introduction to the Resiliency Initiative and its mission [07:15] Lorraine shares insights into the unique challenges of working in public, private, and academic sectors [08:06] On the need for leadership commitment and adequate resources in emergency management [09:16] The disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application [09:50] An in-depth look at the the Emergency Management Growth Initiative and its aim to enhance leadership and resilience [11:26] How psychological principles can strengthen resilience in crisis situations [13:12] Lorraine’s predictions on how the field will evolve in the coming years [21:47] The interplay between governance structures and effective crisis management [23:33] The importance of cross-cultural learning in emergency management [24:50] Lorraine provides the latest developments in the initiative [29:56] The debates and concerns surrounding FEMA's proposed university [38:11] FutureRisk Newsletter and Emerging Threats Connect with Lorraine Schneider Linkedin FutureRisk Newsletter