Attention Shift Navigating Crisis and Misinformation with Nick Shapiro
In this episode, we talk to Nick Shapiro about how the lessons he learned in the Situation Room, where seconds and precise context can shape history, now guide the way he helps leaders and companies navigate today’s most pressing crises. From managing high-stakes decisions at the CIA to serving as national security spokesperson for President Obama in the White House, he learned the importance of arming decision-makers with the right information at the right time. That same discipline guides his approach to crisis management for organizations now, where speed, clarity, and credibility can make or break a reputation.
We also dive into the challenges of the modern communications landscape: viral scandals, disinformation campaigns, and the internet as its own unpredictable stakeholder. Nick unpacks case studies like his work with Governor Newsom during COVID-19 and the astronomer crisis, showing why effective crisis response isn’t just about speed but about thoughtful stakeholder communication. His reflections on deepfakes, misinformation, and the pressure of “instant response” offer practical lessons for comms professionals navigating an era of constant scrutiny.
About Nick Shapiro
Nick Shapiro is the founder of 10th Avenue Consulting, a crisis management and strategic communications firm that has worked with leaders across politics, technology, entertainment, and beyond. Before launching his own company, Nick built a career at the highest levels of public service and private enterprise, serving as national security spokesperson for President Obama, deputy chief of staff to CIA Director John Brennan, and later as a global communications executive at Airbnb.
Across his career, Nick has managed crises that spanned global politics, national security, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood. Today, he applies those lessons to help clients navigate their most difficult moments, balancing speed, clarity, and integrity in a world where information and misinformation spread instantly. His unique experience gives him a perspective that few others in the communications field can offer.
Sponsored by:
Delve.
It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
Learn more at delve.news/shift
Resources discussed in this episode:
- Delve
- MikeWorldWide
- Astronomer response to CEO scandal
- Cracker Barrel brand/logo redesign controversy
- Jaguar rebrand
- Microsoft lays off four workers
- Microsoft lays off two workers
- 996 work culture
- 996 working model in Silicon Valley
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Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
Contact Nick Shapiro: