In an era of always-on digital communications and the ability to instantly share information, opinion and “fake news," organizations of all stripes need to rethink how they prepare for a reputational crisis.
Six Ways to Prepare for a Crisis Before it Hits
Fri., Jan. 20, 2017
By Jacqueline Kolek
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Main Category: Crisis Communications
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More Crisis Communications posts from O'Dwyer's:
| • | Noem Spokesperson ExitsTue., Feb. 17, 2026 |
| • | Why Problem-Finding Is Becoming the Real Differentiator in CommunicationsFri., Feb. 13, 2026 |
| • | Crisis Vet Sandhu Joins OrchestraThu., Feb. 12, 2026 |
| • | The Problem with 'Tough Guys' and ApologiesMon., Feb. 9, 2026 |
| • | Allan Leaves Starmer in LurchMon., Feb. 9, 2026 |

Tricia McLaughlin, the combative spokesperson for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is leaving her post.
While finding the right solution to a problem is still important, the work that differentiates effective communications leaders is problem-finding—identifying the real risk before it becomes visible, reputational or irreversible.
Orchestra has recruited Deepika Sandhu for the senior VP-legal & crisis communications slot.
Apologies are often seen as a weakness or as proof that a leader has lost control of the narrative. But Donald Trump's failure to apologize after he posted—and then deleted—a video with a racist clip of Barack and Michelle Obama shows how flawed this mindset is.
Tim Allan, communications director for embattled British prime minister Keir Starmer, has quit as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has engulfed Ten Downing Street.



