Mastering Crisis Communications with Tieja MacLaughlin

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Tieja MacLaughlin, Founder and Communications Strategist at Tieja MacLaughlin Communications. Tieja is a seasoned crisis communications consultant who helps individuals and organizations protect their reputations, manage challenging media situations, and respond effectively when it matters most. In this conversation, Tieja shares practical strategies for navigating crises, building proactive communications plans, and maintaining emotional clarity under pressure.

The Art of Reputation Defense: What Business Leaders Need to Know

Tieja’s path into crisis communications is a story of purpose and preparedness. Her mission is to help clients manage their reputations—especially when things go wrong. While many of her projects are reactive in nature, she’s a strong advocate for proactive crisis planning. Just like an insurance policy, investing in public goodwill and preparing your crisis playbook in advance helps mitigate long-term reputational damage.

In the episode, Tieja also opens up about a surprising personal passion: jiu-jitsu. More than just a sport, she explains how the discipline and strategic thinking required on the mat translate directly into her work. In jiu-jitsu, you anticipate your opponent’s next move. In crisis communications, you must be equally strategic—assessing threats, staying composed, and responding with precision. This metaphor powerfully reinforces her approach to handling crisis under pressure.

Throughout the conversation, Tieja offers actionable advice: prepare a crisis communications plan, conduct regular team training, and continuously update your strategies based on emerging risks. She shares real-world examples that illustrate how communication missteps can amplify a crisis—and how a well-prepared leader can instead use that moment to build trust. Tieja also emphasizes the emotional side of crises: when tensions run high, leaders must lean on structured strategies rather than reactive decision-making. Her work is not only strategic—it's deeply human.

About Tieja MacLaughlin

Tieja MacLaughlin is a crisis communications expert, media strategist, and the founder of Tieja MacLaughlin Communications. With years of experience navigating high-stakes public relations issues, she empowers brands, executives, and individuals to communicate with clarity and confidence—especially in moments of crisis. Tieja’s work blends sharp strategy with emotional intelligence, making her a trusted partner for clients in need of reputation protection.

About Tieja MacLaughlin Communications

Tieja MacLaughlin Communications is a Toronto-based consultancy specializing in crisis communications, reputation management, and media relations. The firm helps individuals and organizations build, protect, and restore public trust through clear, strategic messaging and proactive planning.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Tieja MacLaughlin on LinkedIn
• Tieja MacLaughlin Communications Website
• Blog: 10 PR-Themed Movies & TV Shows
• Follow Tieja on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for expert PR insights

Episode Highlights:

• Why crisis communications should be proactive—not just reactive
• How jiu-jitsu sharpened Tieja’s crisis strategy skills
• Steps to build and regularly update your crisis communications plan
• The importance of emotional resilience and structured thinking during a crisis
• How to create a “crisis playbook” with stakeholder contacts and pre-drafted responses

Conclusion

Tieja MacLaughlin delivers a masterclass in crisis preparedness—emphasizing the balance between strategic planning and emotional awareness. Whether you're a founder, executive, or public-facing professional, her advice is a must-hear for anyone looking to safeguard their brand’s reputation in today’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment. With the right preparation, a potential disaster can be turned into a defining moment of clarity and leadership.

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