Are You Crisis Ready? Why Most Organizations Fail Before the Pressure Even Hits

Updated: Jul 15

“Crisis doesn’t create character — it reveals it.” – Melissa Agnes, Founder of the Crisis Ready® Institute

In this powerful new episode, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with world-renowned crisis expert Melissa Agnes to explore one of the most overlooked truths in leadership:Most organizations fail before the crisis even starts.

Melissa isn’t just a theorist — she’s a practitioner who has advised organizations at the highest levels, from NATO and the Pentagon to Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and local municipalities. Her message? Crisis leadership isn’t about reacting quickly, it’s about building the mindset, skillset, and capability before pressure strikes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why crisis leadership is less about reaction time — and more about mental readiness
The Crisis Ready® Model: A 3-part framework to help you build long-term trust and stability
How fear-based leadership sabotages progress — and what to do instead
A real-world case study of how one leader saved $9M by leaning into vulnerability
Why “separateness” is one of the most dangerous strategies a leader can adopt
How to communicate clearly and build emotional safety in times of uncertainty
What the best leaders do to prepare for disinformation, AI disruption, and digital chaos
Actionable advice for the next generation of leaders stepping into high-stakes roles

A Shift in Leadership Thinking

Throughout this episode, Melissa challenges leaders to reframe their approach to crisis. This isn't about having a binder on a shelf, it's about embedding resilience into your culture, understanding human behavior under pressure, and creating an environment where clarity, connection, and trust lead the way.

“You can’t beat emotion with logic,” she explains. “The best leaders know how to lead through the heart — not just the head.”

Whether you’re leading a company, a government agency, or a nonprofit, the insights in this episode will challenge the way you think about disruption — and prepare you to lead with more courage, empathy, and foresight.

Meet Melissa Agnes

Melissa Agnes is a globally recognized expert on crisis communication and resilience. As the founder and CEO of the Crisis Ready® Institute, she’s helped leaders across sectors build invincible brands in uncertain times. Her book, Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, was named a Top 10 Business Book by Forbes. She’s also helped shape international standards for crisis management and teaches at institutions like Harvard, NYU, and McGill.