In this hallway-style conversation with a16z's Margit Wennmachers, longtime operating partner for Marketing, and Kim Milosevich, CMO for a16z crypto, open up the black box of crisis communications with Sonal Choksi and explore the process and mindsets before, during, and after a crisis.They discuss common FAQs like: What constitutes a crisis? Can someone inside a company "call it" early and prevent a crisis from becoming a bigger deal? How do you respond when there's a lag or too much time between acknowledging the issue and finding out all the facts? Who should be in the (war) room ? Should you share the off-the-record background story with reporters? How do you know when a crisis begins and ends -- or that you're ready for a "comeback" story? We explore all this and more.

Margit Wennmachers, head of marketing at Andreessen Horowitz and co-founder of the OutKast Agency, joins Kim Milosevich from the same firm, previously at Skype, to discuss crisis communications. They explore how crises can transform corporate culture and the importance of early recognition in crisis management. The duo dives into challenges unique to the tech industry, the nuances of corporate apologies, and the essential role of transparency. Ultimately, they reveal how effective crisis management ties to business strategy and values.

Margit Wennmachers, Head of a16z marketing and co-founder of Outcast Agency, and Alex Constantinople, CEO of Outcast Agency, dive into the essentials of building a personal brand. They emphasize that your brand is what others say about you when you're not present. The duo discusses the power of authenticity, crafting narratives, and using personal branding as a filter for career decisions. They also share insights for military veterans transitioning to civilian life, illustrating how to showcase diverse skills effectively while staying true to oneself.