Crisis Designer Podcast Designing Holistic Crisis Exercises - A conversation with Maura Santunione
In this episode of the Crisis Designer Podcast, we speak with Maura Santunione, Global Business Continuity Manager and Leader of the BCI Italy Chapter. With over two decades of experience across security, crisis preparedness, and operational risk, Maura has helped shape international resilience strategies that turn theory into action and foster true organizational capability.
We dive into what a holistic crisis exercise programme really looks like, and why it goes far beyond a one-off tabletop. Maura explains how aligning with ISO standards, designing from the After-Action Review backward, and engaging the right stakeholders leads to meaningful, measurable progress.
We explore:
Why capability (not just compliance) must be the goal
How to select realistic but challenging scenarios
What makes a good simulation truly engaging
How to design with After-Action Reviews in mind
The art of facilitation and participant preparation
Her most complex exercise: 3,000 people and no disruption
Why many organizations are more resilient than they think
This episode is packed with practical insight and deep experience, and a powerful reminder that active listening is just as important as operational readiness.