For many years, my workday was guided by the scope and number of crises in the world; that’s what happens when you work for a national news outlet or manage communications for an organization that responds to disasters.

My training in the field began at my first job as a desk assistant in a network TV newsroom. The job entailed such tedious tasks as distributing newspapers and answering the phone for writers and producers. Several colossal news events occurred that year: the return of the Americans held hostage in Iran, the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Al Sadat and the attempted assassinations of Pope John Paul II and President Reagan. Each time the news wires rang out the latest news flash, I observed a senior editor or producer spur the entire newsroom staff into high-speed action.

I witnessed senior managers rapidly gather, share and analyze data. During the brief period before a reporter went on the air, plans were developed and information was collated for interim news reports and evening programs.

A decade later, I was managing communications for American Red Cross Disaster Services. In that job I honed critical skills for successfully leading a team and communicating with external audiences. Read More >>