It’s All About People: Crisis Simulations with Purpose - A conversation with Clémentine Gaspar

In this episode of the Crisis Designer Podcast, we speak with Clémentine Gaspar, Senior Project Officer in Crisis Management at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and Swiss Army officer. With over eight years of experience designing and delivering immersive crisis training, from high-level diplomatic workshops to field simulations in high-risk environments, Clémentine brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on facilitation.

We dive into what makes a crisis simulation feel real: ambiguity, immersion, decision pressure, and trust. Clémentine shares how her team uses background research, mixed media injects, dynamic facilitation, and behavioral reviews to stretch participants and build genuine muscle memory.

We explore:

• How to design realistic simulations across sectors

• What makes an inject meaningful and what breaks immersion

• Why parallel narratives and misinformation matter

• Best practices for behavioral After-Action Reviews

• Using live injects and role players to boost engagement

• How trust, leadership, and pressure shape decision-making

If your goal is to move beyond static tabletop exercises and into living, evolving simulations, this conversation is full of practical wisdom.