Stay Calm in the Hot Seat: A Leader’s Guide to Thriving Amid Crisis

Communicators face more crises and change initiatives than ever before. A study by PwC found that 70% of leaders have experienced at least one crisis in the past five years—with the average number of crises doubling over that time. To navigate these challenges, communicators must adopt a leadership mindset and employ smarter strategies. Join this panel to learn how to stay “calm” and thrive under pressure when all eyes are on you. We’ll discuss how to:

  • Communicate Clearly: Proven techniques for swift, transparent and empathetic crisis comms, including social listening and monitoring tools to consider and how to ensure executive alignment before bad news breaks.
  • Assess the Situation: The who, what, where and when of scenario mapping, tabletops and crisis drills to help you develop a vetted, viable. crisis plan.
  • Lead with Empathy: How to craft clear narratives in a crisis—while demonstrating active listening, vulnerability and authentic leadership (including practicing self-care for you and your team in the trenches).
  • Message, Manage and Monitor: How to develop the authority to lead during crises, how to cascade crisis messaging—and how metrics can help assess, adjust and fuel your leadership presence.
  • Election Year Bonus: How to adapt crisis comms for potential employee unrest or external events tied to politics, the election and even recent campus protests and encampments.

  • Elizabeth Clements
    Vice President, University Communications
    DePaul University
  • Jennifer Hawton
    Public Relations and Executive Communications Manager
    PEMCO Insurance
  • Assaf Kedem
    Head of Internal Communications and Content, Global Banking
    BNP Paribas