Mostly Crisis Management Podcast

In this conversation, Craig and Simon discuss the intricacies of crisis management training, with a focus on scenario-based learning. They explore the challenges of designing effective training scenarios, the importance of building trust among participants, and the role of attitude in successful training outcomes. The discussion also highlights the need for critical thinking, the balance between realism and learning objectives, and the significance of core skills in rescue training. They emphasise the value of variable practice and the necessity of measuring success beyond just passing a course. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of simplicity in complex learning environments. Links:  Murphy Solution R3 Norge

What can crisis management teams learn from aviation safety? In this episode, we meet Erik Hoogendoorn, a human behaviour expert focusing on cockpit crews, operations rooms, and the psychological dynamics that drive our success. We explore the behavioural framework known as Crew Resource Management (CRM), and how it can be used to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. From fighter jets to boardrooms—this is a must-listen for anyone responsible for building high-functioning crisis teams.

What does it really mean to be resilient in today’s fast-moving, high-risk environments? In this episode, we meet Alan Crozier – Resilience Manager for one of the UK's Regional Ambulance Services – who shares his personal views and opinions as we explore the dynamic relationship between training, incident response and long-term organisational resilience. From designing smarter exercises to handling cognitive overload in real-time crises, this is essential listening for anyone responsible for building robust response capabilities.

What does hybrid warfare mean for civil preparedness – and how can organisations prepare for it? In this episode, Craig and Mats meet Tomas Couch, who is a European Defence Sector Specialist. We explore NATO integration, evolving defence strategies, and how hybrid threats challenge traditional crisis planning. From disinformation to critical infrastructure disruption, we discuss how civilian and military actors must collaborate to build resilience in uncertain times. The episode is presented in collaboration with Murphy Solution. With Murphy's measurement tool TMS, you can measure your business's crisis management capabilities. With the measurement in hand, you can clearly see what actions you need to take now to best increase your capabilities. Often it is something different than you think. Book a demo to test here! If you want to contact Tomas, you can find all the information on the Westberi website here.

What happens when military precision meets humanitarian purpose? In this episode, Matt and Mats meet Sarah Mellis, a former Operations Manager in the British Army who is now Operations Coordinator at REACT. We explore the transition from military service to NGO leadership and crisis response. Through the lens of REACT’s operational model, we discuss how values, training, and mission command come together to build highly effective small teams operating under pressure. If you're curious about how purpose-driven organisations empower people to act swiftly and ethically in challenging environments—this one is for you.

In this episode, Craig and Mats meet Matt Ireland – a former Royal Artillery Officer – to discuss transitioning from military service to crisis management consulting. They explore the challenges faced during this transition, the importance of self-awareness and reflection, and the differences between military and civilian training approaches. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and the need for structured career planning after leaving the military. They also touch on the skills veterans bring to civilian roles and the potential for future discussions on topics like quick planning in crisis management. Takeaways •  Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. •  Self-awareness is crucial for successful career transitions. •  Reflection helps in understanding past experiences and future goals. •  Military training differs significantly from civilian training. •  Community support plays a vital role in the transition process. •  Career planning is essential after leaving the military. •  Veterans possess transferable skills valuable in civilian roles. •  Adjusting to a consulting role requires a shift in mindset. •  Quick planning is a critical skill in crisis management. •  Continuous learning and reflection are important throughout one's career. Keywords military transition, crisis management, self-awareness, training, consulting, community support, career planning, reflection, skills transfer, civilian life

In this episode, Mats and Craig are joined by Paul Mitchell to explore the interconnectedness of national critical infrastructure. Based on Paul's experience as a consultant in resilience and continuity, they dive into crucial elements like energy, water, and telecommunications and discuss the importance of redundancy and preparedness. How do different events and disruptions, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks, impact these infrastructures and our daily lives? What makes our technology and infrastructure vulnerable, and how does this affect various industries and society? Tune in for an engaging conversation on the significance of planning and preparedness in facing potential disruptions.

Craig and Mats discuss a traffic incident on the E22 road in Sweden. The snow was extremely bad, and it was difficult to get ahead. Communication and cooperation between different actors were deficient. This episode emphasises the importance of creating a situational picture and acting proactively instead of waiting for problems to escalate. It is stated that there are lessons to be learned from the incident and that better cooperation and communication are needed to handle similar situations in the future. Craig and Mats also discuss the report on the snow chaos and the importance of spreading information quickly and effectively in a crisis and implementing improvements quickly instead of waiting for a perfect solution.   Keywords traffic incident, cooperation, communication, decision-making, information compilation, snow chaos, Sweden, leadership, communication, cooperation, safety, implementation, improvements, information

Mats and Craig introduce a new standard for crisis management: The Murphy Standard, which helps when it comes to visualizing an organization's capacity and getting a hold on the steps needed for improvement. The podcast goes through the five parts of the standard: people, organization, plans, tools and communication. It's a conversation about flexibility and adaptation, learning and improvement, and whether everyone needs to reach the highest level. 

How to think when setting up a training program. Listen to Mats and Craig discussing everything from the big picture to small details. Combining exercises, theoretical education, and other pieces to reach competence is a delicate challenge.

Mats and Craig will break down Murphy's seven guiding principles into short, sharp, introductory blitzes. Here's a talk with Johanna Williams about the second blitz and principle: Understanding. 

Homicide and tactical firearms, Andre Regan, discusses his take on Crisis Management following 30 years of police service in London. Discussing how to extract ourselves from the tactical and understand the strategic in a generalist system, exploit strengths, and build a capable team before it is needed. 

Craig and Mats speak mostly about river rescue with Simon Hansen, CEO of adventure rafting company Troll Aktiv. Transferring Simon's experiences into crisis management and decision-making. Starting with the idea of training courses and building experience, talking about managing dynamic situations, learning, and transferring learning from every situation, and ending up with the importance of recovery.     

Mats and Craig will break down Murphy's seven guiding principles into short, sharp, introductory blitzes. Here's the first blitz and principle: Simplicity. 

Craig and Mats debate whether crisis teams should operate in the virtual space or if it is better to do it in person.

Meet Jesper "Bella" Berlin, a former elite soldier in the Swedish special forces, and Craig Sumner, a former officer from Royal Signals, UK – in a conversation about what the military and civil society can learn from each other. Listen to a dynamic discussion with examples of what experiences long military careers have provided regarding management.

Checklists and ultra-marathons – is it possible to preload decisions before a crisis? Mats and Craig discuss decision-making in Crisis.

Mats and Craig Mostly debate - What is a Crisis? Breaking it down into smaller areas, is it sudden, creeping or known? And how does a Swedish Prime minister demonstrate the importance of taking time to stop, think and then react to get ahead of any crisis? There are many descriptions of crisis, and not a one size fits all, but following this episode, you should be some way to working out, what is a crisis to you?

Mostly, crisis management is saved for the crisis and security managers. But on Mostly Crisis Management, Mats and Craig open the doors to wider context and relatable topics. To condense crisis management into bite-size and transferable learning – introducing and exploring topics through stories, guests and audience interaction – they hope to simplify crisis management, mostly.