

Preparing for the Unexpected
ALEX FULLICK, MBCI,CBCP,CBRA,ITIL,CORS,cABCF,ISO22301,Author
Preparing for the Unexpected is about how people, organizations and communities plan, prepare, test, communicate and respond to sudden unplanned events such as natural and manmade disasters and crises. The show is for everyone who wants an understanding of how plans are created for individuals, organizations and communities and for anyone who wants to know what they can do in their own lives to help protect themselves from unexpected events.
There is a myth that disasters happen to others but in reality, they happen to everyone. It's just a matter of when and how well-prepared you are. The greater the level of awareness, communication and knowledge, the quicker one bounces back from adversity.
The overall aim of Preparing for the Unexpected is to reduce the suffering, effects and impacts caused as a result of disasters and unexpected life events by increasing knowledge and awareness of Operational Resilience, Business Contingency, Disaster Planning, Crisis Management, and related activities.
There is a myth that disasters happen to others but in reality, they happen to everyone. It's just a matter of when and how well-prepared you are. The greater the level of awareness, communication and knowledge, the quicker one bounces back from adversity.
The overall aim of Preparing for the Unexpected is to reduce the suffering, effects and impacts caused as a result of disasters and unexpected life events by increasing knowledge and awareness of Operational Resilience, Business Contingency, Disaster Planning, Crisis Management, and related activities.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2021 • 54min
January 2021 Covid-19 Update w/ Regina Phelps
It's time once again for our monthly talk with expert Regina Phelps and discuss the latest happenings on the COVID19 pandemic. We talk about: - the current state of COVID affairs in the US and Canada, - the current state of vaccine distribution and the challenges being encountered, - the new variants concerning scientists, - companies assessing their 'return to the office' ideas. 2021 hasn't quite started the way we all hoped.

Jan 21, 2021 • 55min
Conquering the Top 5 BCM Roadblocks
There’s no doubt that business continuity has evolved into a critical team that helps organizations become - and stay - resilient. As the risk to reputational damages moves into the forefront for corporations, many BC teams are faced with growing the scope and scale of their programs to meet new demands. Many are struggling with finding the best and fastest path forward, as there are always roadblocks that tend to get in the way. I talk with renown industry expert James Green, who presented the topic 'Conquering the Top 5 Roadblocks' at the 2020 Continuity & Resilience Today conference. James will talk about the top roadblocks BCM professionals face and what we can do to overcome them; from obtaining and keeping executive attention to continuity, resilience, and our well-being. It's a lively discussion with James you won't want to miss.

Jan 14, 2021 • 56min
Cyber-Attack Response: A Focus on Resilience & Reputation
Cyber attacks are on the increase. Organizations are more susceptible to attacks, as a result of Covid-19 and people working from home, and good Crisis Management is needed now more than ever to help manage such attacks. Crisis Management expert, Mark Hoffman, joins host Alex Fullick, as they discuss how the Crisis Management Team and the Cyber-Security team can work together to define a solid response, manage communications, and ensure quality decision making when a cyber attack occurs. Mark will provide some very helpful actions to consider to help organizations with their Crisis Management responses; think 4 x4 considerations. You'll have to listen in to Mark's talk with Alex to learn what the '4x4' considerations are and how it will help your organization. Don't miss Alex' chat with Mark!

Jan 7, 2021 • 53min
Practical Business Continuity Management: Top Tips for Real-World BCM
Whether you're a new or an experienced BCM practitioner, and whatever your specific role within your organization, if you have an interest in implementing and maintaining an effective BCM program, this episode is for you. We speak with highly recognized BCM, Risk, and Crisis Mgmt. industry expert and author, Andy Osborne. We'll talk about many of the concepts, tips, and ideas contained in his book Practical Business Continuity Management: Tops Tips for Effective, Real-World Business Continuity Management. (Volume 2 is expected in early 2021) Andy provides some great insights and examples when discussing the BIA, RA, BCP, and even how to work with Executive Management. Regardless of your level of BCM experience, you're sure to enjoy this episode with Andy.

Dec 3, 2020 • 55min
IT Business Continuity Documents
When one thinks of Business Continuity documentation, one rarely thinks it would be lead by the technology department. It can. Ivan Cordero, IT expert and author of 'IT Business Continuity Documents' shares some of his experiences in creating easy-to-use BCP and DRP documentation. Ivan talks about how his book came about and how is 'keep it simple' approach help create a workable, usable, supported, documented, and validated Business Continuity strategy that anyone - and everyone - can understand and follow. Ivan describes how applying a logical approach to the creation of 4 key BC Program documents, which if planned, and executed properly, can create strong IT Business Continuity Documents.

Nov 19, 2020 • 53min
November 2020 Covid-19 Update w/ Regina Phelps
I continue my monthly chat with Regina Phelps on the latest happenings related to Covid-19 pandemic. We'll touch on: travel concerns, clarifying social bubbles, upcoming holiday season safety considerations, the latest on vaccines, and more. As always, it's an informative chat lots to learn from Regina.

Nov 5, 2020 • 51min
Dr. Larry Barton: Crisis Leadership Now
If there's anything the world can use more of, it's good leadership, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. I talk with internationally recognized Crisis Management expert, trainer, and author Dr. Larry Barton. Focusing on the ideas and thoughts in his book 'Crisis Leadership Now', we chat about what makes a crisis a crisis (think of the 'Big 3'), who is best suited to be an organization's Crisis Leader, characteristics of a good Crisis Leader and the do's and don'ts of managing a crisis. We'll even touch on a subject many people don't fully understand - the role of the Board of Directors during a crisis. It's an incredibly informative discussion not to be missed.

Oct 29, 2020 • 54min
Business Continuity Planning: The Art of Remaining Continuous
Getting Business Continuity wrong can cause many issues - getting it right can be an artform. I speak with noted industry expert and author of 'Business Continuity Planning: The Art of Remaining Continuous', Jeffrey Tefertiller. We'll talk about the Business Impact Analysis, Risk Assessment, and how to get the best from them, and what areas you need to focus on to get the information you need. Jeffrey will also talk how testing and awareness is changing due to Covid-19 and how the pandemic is going to change the BCM industry going forward. Jeffrey talks about his experiences and provides some new and fresh perspectives on Business Continuity Planning industry. Don't miss it!

Oct 22, 2020 • 57min
October 2020 Covid-19 Update w/ Regina Phelps
I continue my monthly chat with Regina Phelps on the latest happenings related to Covid-19 pandemic. We'll touch on: 1. Considerations for the upcoming holiday season for both organizations and families, 2. The latest progress on vaccines, including why a couple of of tests have been paused, 3. Mental well-being, 4. Social Bubbles and much more. As always, it's an enlightening discussion with lots to learn from Regina.

Oct 15, 2020 • 55min
Disaster Preparedness for Woman
Disaster preparation comes in many forms and some would have you believe that 'prepping' for a disaster is a doom-and-gloom mentality; it's not what you might think. I speak with Diane Vukovic author of 'Disaster Preparedness for Women: 52 Steps to Get Ready for Anything' and outdoor survivalist expert. During our chat, we find out what 'prepping' really is and how it's not what movies and television shows have you believe; it's a logical approach to personal risk management. Diane will talk about what we need to consider in our own preparedness plans; from mental preparedness to plans to 'Go Bags'. Diane will also share some hearth-wrenching thoughts on rape and a women's 'politeness', sharing personal experiences along the way. This is an episode sure to surprise you!