Podcast – PreparedEx

In episode 163 of the PreparedEx Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked gap between cybersecurity response and public communications during a cyber incident. While many organizations invest heavily in technical controls and incident response plans, far fewer are prepared to manage the reputational, regulatory, and stakeholder consequences that unfold in parallel. Rob Burton is joined by Ann Marie van den Hurk, Founder of Mind The Gap Cyber Public Relations, to discuss how organizations can better align cybersecurity, legal, executive leadership, and communications teams before a cyber crisis occurs—not during it. The conversation focuses on real-world lessons, common missteps, and practical steps leaders can take to protect trust, credibility, and enterprise value when cyber incidents go public. Subscribe to the PreparedEx Newsletter. The post Mind the Gap: Bridging Cybersecurity, Crisis Communications, and Reputation Risk appeared first on PreparedEx.

In this episode, host Rob Burton is joined by Greg Pass, a retired law enforcement lieutenant and nationally recognized expert in active assailant preparedness, organizational security, and high-risk incident response. Marking ten years since the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack, Rob and Greg reflect on the critical lessons learned from that event and examine how the active assailant threat has evolved over the past decade. The conversation is grounded in real-world experience, survivor research, and current trends, including recent incidents that underscore how unpredictable and widespread these threats have become. Greg shares insights from his career in law enforcement, his work interviewing survivors of mass attacks around the world, and his role supporting victims through the VTV Family Outreach Foundation. Together, they explore: What went wrong—and what went right—during the San Bernardino response How denial and confusion impact civilian reactions during attacks Changes in attacker behavior, including the rise in assailants fleeing scenes Gaps in preparedness for businesses, schools, and public agencies Why basic planning, training, and coordination matter more than expensive technology Practical steps organizations can take now to improve readiness, from tabletop exercises to simple building walkthroughs The importance of collaboration between businesses and first responders before a crisis occurs This episode is a practical, no-nonsense discussion for business leaders, public agencies, educators, and anyone responsible for the safety of people and facilities. The takeaway is clear: preparedness does not mean paranoia—but failing to prepare is no longer an option. Subscribe to the PreparedEx Newsletter. The post When Seconds Matter: Greg Pass on Active Assailant Preparedness 10 Years After San Bernardino appeared first on PreparedEx.

In this episode of the PreparedEx Podcast, host Rob Burton sits down with Jack Murphy, one of the world’s leading experts in high-rise safety, fire protection, and all-hazards emergency preparedness. With decades of experience shaping high-rise emergency standards, Jack brings deep insight into how cities, property owners, and first responders must adapt to rapidly evolving threats in today’s vertical environments. Together, Rob and Jack examine the recent Hong Kong high-rise fires, exploring how unique facade materials, fire dynamics, and construction conditions can accelerate catastrophic incidents. Jack breaks down what makes preparedness in tall structures fundamentally different, covering vertical response challenges, stairwell and evacuation considerations, standpipe limitations, and the operational realities incident commanders face when seconds matter and conditions shift floor by floor. The conversation also digs into: Global concerns with vertical evacuation and high-rise fire behavior Lessons learned from incidents involving ACM facades and exterior fire spread How building information cards and true “building intelligence” transform emergency response The growing impact of non-fire threats like active shooters, cyber disruptions, and infrastructure failures Where emerging technologies, including AI-driven sensors and smart building systems—can genuinely enhance preparedness (and where organizations tend to over-rely on them) The importance of multi-agency coordination and why building engineers often become the most critical partner during a major incident Whether you’re a building owner, facility manager, corporate security leader, or part of a crisis and emergency response team, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance on strengthening preparedness for complex, high-rise environments. Preparedness saves lives, and Jack’s insights show exactly how to stay ahead of the risks. Subscribe to the PreparedEx Newsletter to get more insight and updates. The post Above the Skyline: Jack Murphy on High-Rise Preparedness and Modern Emergency Challenges appeared first on PreparedEx.

In episode 160 of The PreparedEx Podcast, host Rob Burton explores why human crisis analysts, particularly those with military and intelligence backgrounds, continue to outperform AI in crisis scenario design. As AI becomes more capable, some predict it will replace human analysts, but the real strength lies in combining both. Force shapers understand intent, emotion, friction, and cascading impacts in ways machines cannot. They create realistic, high-pressure environments that reveal true leadership, adapt dynamically in real time, and design scenarios that push decision-makers beyond predictable patterns. While AI can generate simulations, only humans can shape experiences that build stronger, more resilient leaders for the complex crises of the future. Subscribe to the PreparedEx Newsletter to get more insight and updates. The post The Force Shaper: Why Human Crisis Analysts Still Outperform AI appeared first on PreparedEx.

In this episode of The PreparedEx Podcast, host Rob Burton sits down with Austin Cruz, Associate Director of Crisis Management and Strategic Innovation at Witt O’Brien’s and newly elected leader of the Business Continuity Institute’s AI Special Interest Group. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of crisis management, business continuity, and organizational resilience. From turning static crisis plans into AI-powered assistants to building custom-coded exercise interfaces without writing a line of code, Rob and Austin discuss the rapid evolution of technology in preparedness and what it means for practitioners today. They dive into real-world use cases, the ethical and security implications of AI adoption, and how leaders can strike the right balance between innovation and realism in exercises. The conversation also looks ahead to the next three to five years, envisioning a future where AI-guided crisis simulations, sentiment analysis, and automated after-action reporting redefine how organizations train and respond to disruptions. Whether you’re a resilience professional, emergency manager, or simply curious about AI’s growing impact on preparedness, this episode offers practical insights, cautionary tales, and a glimpse into the future of the industry. Topics Covered: AI as the new organizing principle in crisis management Transforming static plans into conversational tools Enhancing training and exercises with AI-driven realism Data privacy, governance, and ethical risks How organizations can responsibly embrace innovation The post AI in Action: Transforming Crisis Preparedness, Training, and Exercises appeared first on PreparedEx.