In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser, Principal and Chief Executive at Bryghtpath, unpacks the key findings from the 2025 National Risk Study by Deloitte and NEMA. This nationwide assessment reveals the stark realities facing state emergency management agencies—rising disaster complexity, funding challenges, workforce gaps, and outdated systems. Bryan explores why these …
Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #314: When the Cloud Breaks: What Leaders Must Learn from the AWS Outage
In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryghtpath Principal & Chief Executive Bryan Strawser explores the operational, reputational, and strategic risks organizations face when a major cloud provider like AWS experiences an outage. Bryan breaks down why most companies are underprepared for large-scale cloud disruptions and what executive leaders must do differently to ensure …
Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #313: Running Exercises with your Board of Directors
In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryghtpath Principal & Chief Executive Bryan Strawser explores how to design and lead effective crisis or continuity exercises with your Board of Directors. These sessions are often filled with hesitation, but when approached with clarity and strategic framing, they become a powerful opportunity to build influence and …
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Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #312: 10 Crisis Scenarios Every Company Should Be Ready For
In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser walks through ten high-impact crisis scenarios that organizations should prioritize in their tabletop exercises for 2025. From cyber extortion and data exfiltration to executive malfeasance and misinformation, these scenarios are drawn from real-world threats affecting the world’s leading companies. Bryan outlines how each scenario challenges …
Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #311: Don’t do check the box shit
In this episode, Bryan Strawser tackles one of the most frustrating patterns in resilience and continuity programs: the trap of check-the-box compliance. He unpacks how performative efforts that focus solely on documentation or audits undermine actual readiness and stall progress toward maturity. Bryan also explores the equally dangerous alternative—doing nothing—and why that’s no better. Instead, …
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Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #310: The Board’s Role in Crisis Management
In this episode of the Managing Uncertainty Podcast, Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath explores the critical role of the Board of Directors during times of crisis. Boards are often looked to for leadership and assurance, but their responsibilities are frequently misunderstood. Bryan outlines how directors can provide strategic oversight without stepping into operational decision-making. Drawing on …
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Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #309 – Exercising more than Cyber Muscles
Too many organizations treat crisis exercises as one-dimensional drills focused on ransomware and cybersecurity. While those scenarios are critical, they don’t prepare leaders for the full spectrum of disruptions that can impact operations, reputation, and people. In this episode, Bryan Strawser breaks down why your exercise program can’t live on cyber alone. He explores what’s …
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Managing Uncertainty Podcast – Episode #308 – Why Exercises Fail Without Prepared Executives
Crisis exercises are meant to test decision-making and build organizational confidence. But too often, they fail because executives and other key players haven’t been trained on the crisis management framework. Instead of practicing decisions, the exercise gets bogged down in debates about the scenario or the process. In this episode, Bryan Strawser of Bryghtpath explains …