The hottest Crisis Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The Hostage Negotiator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Crisis Management
  1. Alana shifted her focus from directing musicals to working on evacuations in Afghanistan after seeing a friend in need. She had to quickly adapt to a high-stakes situation, making critical decisions that affected people's lives.
  2. The experience of negotiating for Idris's release brought Alana and Idris closer together. They formed a strong bond during the crisis, which led to them getting engaged under unusual circumstances.
  3. Despite the intense trauma they faced, Alana learned that people can rise to the occasion when driven by passion and purpose. She realized that having the determination to help others can lead to unexpected growth and change.

One Of CDC's Chief COVID Vaccine Messages Was Based On Misleading Information

Unmasked • 65 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Crisis Management
  1. The CDC's messaging during the COVID pandemic was often based on misleading information. This has raised concerns about their credibility and calls for reform.
  2. Issues have been noted regarding the studies the CDC used to support mask recommendations, with some results being misrepresented or not scientifically significant.
  3. The CDC's justifications for recommending COVID vaccines were also questioned, suggesting that their decisions weren't always based on accurate data.

Everything is broken, right on schedule

Startup Strategies • 128 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. History goes in cycles, where each generation faces a crisis that leads to change. After a huge crisis, society often rebuilds and everything seems stable again for a while.
  2. Current events are part of a major crisis that could really shake things up. While it feels bad now, crises can also lead to new beginnings and improvements.
  3. Even when things seem really tough, people have a strong ability to adapt and survive. Change is constant, and we might end up with a better world after this crisis.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. Modern liberal democracies often react to issues with heightened emotion and hysteria. This can lead to many government interventions that might not be effective in solving the actual problems.
  2. Over time, people's attention on issues wanes, and the original concerns often fade away, leaving behind new laws and bureaucracy without significant change.
  3. Inertial politics affects everyday life, focusing on issues like health and safety or humanitarianism. It often starts with a strong emotional appeal that encourages people to act based on a sense of urgency.

✅ When to speak out versus stay quiet?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Organizations face pressure when deciding whether to speak on social and political issues. They need to balance their statements with the risks of backlash or funding cuts.
  2. Engaging with stakeholders during decision-making can improve communication and avoid reputational issues. It’s better to collaborate with those affected before making announcements.
  3. Fake news spreads quickly, and it's important to be cautious when responding. Evaluate the situation carefully to ensure the best course of action.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

On Israel, Gaza, and the truth

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. The hunger crisis in Gaza is a serious issue that needs attention, even if it's uncomfortable to discuss. It's important to face difficult topics head-on, despite differing opinions.
  2. Many readers feel that mainstream media does not cover Israel fairly, often showing anti-Israel bias. This causes frustration for those who want a balanced view.
  3. While it's essential to support Israel's right to defend itself, that right must have limits. Being open about those limits can lead to more honest discussions.

The World In Fragments

KERFUFFLE • 43 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. It's tough to focus on family and real life when news of serious events often pulls our attention. Sometimes, it's okay to pay attention to important news, especially during times of crisis.
  2. Today, we receive major news mixed in with less important content in a distracting way. This blurs the line between serious issues and everyday gossip, making it hard to feel the impact of what we see.
  3. Many leaders may be out of touch with real-life events due to their engagement with social media. This raises questions about whether world events are driven by real needs or by the desire for online approval.

Silenced Warnings

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Ignoring warnings can lead to significant consequences in any endeavor.
  2. Desensitization to repetitive cues can result in catastrophic loss.
  3. Leaders should encourage open challenge and avoid an autocratic approach to prevent missing important cues that could save the organization.

How To Swear At Your Coworkers

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. The use of swearing in the workplace can indicate a lack of self-discipline and quality of thought.
  2. Swearing, when used strategically and thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for impactful communication.
  3. Maintaining a balance between reasonableness and assertiveness is crucial, knowing when to speak up even if it requires using strong language.

CDC Director Is Exhibit A That 'Experts' Have Learned Nothing From COVID

Unmasked • 73 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Crisis Management
  1. The CDC made mistakes in managing COVID-19, like failing to roll out tests properly and giving confusing mask advice. This led to a lot of public criticism.
  2. Their guidance on masks changed too many times without strong evidence to support the changes. They often relied on poor studies that were quickly disproven.
  3. Despite the backlash and criticism, the CDC didn't seem to learn from their mistakes or adjust their approach effectively during the pandemic.

HyperNormalisation Is Breaking—What Happens When the System Can No Longer Hide the Truth?

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. HyperNormalisation is when people pretend things are fine, even when they know problems are getting worse. This can lead to a false sense of security and misdirection.
  2. Leaders like Musk and Trump create simple narratives to distract from complex issues. They offer easy solutions instead of tackling real problems, making it harder for people to see the truth.
  3. We are facing multiple global crises, and we need to build a new system focused on regeneration and sustainability. A shift towards creating more energy and resources could lead to a more abundant future.

The New and Horrible Moderna Shot: How to Stay Sane

Tessa Fights Robots • 30 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Crisis Management
  1. It's important to stay aware of what we get injected with, especially with new vaccines like Moderna's. Many people feel uncertain about the safety and effectiveness of these shots.
  2. We have the power to control our own lives and decisions. Recognizing that we're not victims of political actions can help us focus on our own well-being.
  3. Taking care of ourselves and making informed choices is essential, especially in a world filled with unhealthy influences. Connecting with our own inner strength can guide us through tough times.

René Girard and the Port Strike Revelation

Neckar’s Notes • 75 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. The port workers' strike revealed deeper issues in American labor and efficiency. This moment showed how tensions in our culture can be tied to economic inequalities.
  2. Harold Daggett's comments during the strike hint at a reluctance to hide labor practices that benefit the few. His straightforward approach sparked conflict and public backlash.
  3. The situation highlights a contradiction in capitalism where avoiding competition is crucial for success. This creates tension between unions and innovation in industry, leading to larger societal implications.

An unforced error for Donald Trump

Unreported Truths • 51 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. It's important to show empathy and support for the families affected by tragedies, especially immediately after such events. Instead of discussing political topics, leaders should focus on comforting those in grief.
  2. Having a diverse workforce in fields like aviation is important, but safety and competency should always come first. Standards should not be lowered just to meet diversity goals.
  3. Making political comments during sensitive times can come off as insensitive. It's better to take a respectful approach than to push a political agenda when people's lives have been lost.

Crisis of the 23rd Century

Nemets • 198 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💾 History Crisis Management
  1. Civilizations have risen and fallen many times throughout history, facing apocalypses like the Fall of Rome.
  2. During eras of crisis, civilizations bend but do not break, enduring wars, disease, and devastation.
  3. The Crisis of the 23rd Century brought ruin to many regions, causing shifts in climate, migrations, and conflicts that changed the course of history.

Subscriber Commentary and Review Thread (#14)

The Upheaval • 219 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Crisis Management
  1. The British government runs a program called Prevent that encourages people to report on their neighbors for having 'wrong' thoughts.
  2. Some taxpayer-funded documents have flagged seemingly harmless books and TV shows as signs of potential extremism.
  3. International Substack users may soon see new features like pricing in local currencies and alternative payment options.

176 | Surprising Fraud in a Cheap Food | Planning for Crises |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Crisis Management
  1. Crisis management is important in the food industry. Having a plan helps businesses respond quickly to issues and reduces damage.
  2. Rice fraud is surprisingly common, with many incidents occurring that involve mislabeling and smuggling. It shows that even everyday foods can be at risk.
  3. Being honest during a crisis can help maintain customer trust. Transparency in communication is key to managing a company's reputation.

The CDC Planned Quarantine Camps Nationwide

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 44 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. There were plans for nationwide quarantine camps during the pandemic that aimed to isolate high-risk individuals, which raised significant concerns about personal freedom and human rights.
  2. The CDC's proposals included separating vulnerable people from their families and communities, which many viewed as a severe and troubling approach resembling concentration camps.
  3. The document detailing these plans stayed on the CDC's site for a long time with little attention, highlighting issues of transparency and the power held by public health authorities.

The Cool Head in a Crisis

Fish Food for Thought • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Great leaders remain calm under pressure, which helps them to make better decisions. Calmness is not just about handling situations; it also allows others to feel secure and focus better.
  2. Stress can actually help leaders grow, as they train themselves to deal with challenges. Embracing stress as part of the leadership journey fosters resilience and learning.
  3. Composure can be developed through practice and habits. Simple actions like controlling your voice and breath can make a big difference in how you and your team respond to crises.

199 | Olive Crisis Update (is it over now?) | A Comprehensive Guide to Glass Management |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Crisis Management
  1. Olive oil is often targeted by fraudsters because it's valuable and has many grades, making it hard for people to tell what's real. Buying from trusted vendors can help reduce the risk of fraud.
  2. The olive oil industry faced a crisis due to climate change and diseases like Xylella fastidiosa, which caused significant crop losses. While harvests are recovering, ongoing challenges from pests and droughts remain.
  3. Recently, the number of reported olive oil fraud cases has increased, especially during times of high prices. As supplies improve and prices stabilize, fraud rates might go down, but olive oil will always be at risk.

☑️ Monday briefing: The role of professional communicators during the period of National Mourning

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. During National Mourning, news cycles will focus on the event, making it hard to pitch other stories. People should be mindful of how their topics fit into the current news agenda.
  2. On social media, businesses should be sensitive and avoid using the situation for marketing. It’s important to monitor conversations and be respectful during this time.
  3. All types of media communication should reflect the significance of National Mourning, using appropriate symbols like black borders. Advertising may continue, but brands should think carefully about their messaging.

How to lead teams through war [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Communicate with your team as people, showing empathy and understanding during tough times can help them feel connected and supported.
  2. Include the entire team in important information and decisions to foster a sense of unity, responsibility, and transparency.
  3. Lead by being a guiding light during crises, providing clarity, direction, and ensuring the team stays focused on the common goal.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media challenges, COVID-19 lessons, timesheet debate, value of public relations, B Corp and big business, shit posting, anti social strategy, non apology, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 22
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Building good relationships with journalists is important for public relations. Learning how to pitch effectively can make a big difference in communication.
  2. Public relations played a crucial role during COVID-19, helping organizations manage crises and support transformations. This has increased the value of PR in many businesses.
  3. Some companies are criticized for being B Corp certified, but it's actually a positive step towards driving change in the business world. Large companies can still have a big impact.

"Tech-Fash"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. People are feeling defeated by the current political culture, feeling like greedy billionaires are leading society into problems. There's a concern about giving too much power to these wealthy individuals.
  2. There's a struggle happening between old systems and new ideas, with many not knowing what should replace the failing system. This creates confusion and makes it hard for people to come together for a common goal.
  3. Social media and tech billionaires are changing how politics work, often sidestepping traditional approaches. This can lead to manipulation and a focus on short-term gains instead of real solutions for society.

#19: Unreasonable measures

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 139 implied HN points • 11 Mar 20
🏥 Health Politics Crisis Management
  1. Extraordinary situations, like a rapidly spreading virus, require extreme measures. Normal responses may not be enough to prevent serious issues.
  2. It's important for both individuals and governments to take immediate, strong actions to slow the spread of infections. Delaying these actions can lead to much bigger problems later on.
  3. By practicing social distancing and being cautious, you can help protect yourself and others. Small inconveniences now can save lives and prevent overwhelming the healthcare system.

The $1M COVID vaccine debate is now fully funded

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Crisis Management
  1. A $1 million debate about the COVID vaccine has been funded by two people, each putting up $500,000. The winner will take all the money.
  2. The debate is focused on whether the COVID vaccine caused more deaths than it saved. This topic has generated a lot of discussion and disagreement.
  3. The debate will have impartial judges and be mostly written, with possible live-streaming. It's seen as a chance to settle a big issue with serious financial stakes.

Learning from the Current Crisis

DruGroup • 59 implied HN points • 28 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. Crises compound rather than just add up. When multiple crises happen at once, it’s much harder to cope than when dealing with them one by one.
  2. Distrust in leaders spreads easily. When people start to distrust one authority figure, they often end up distrusting others too, which can damage organizations.
  3. Misinformation is a constant challenge. Leaders need to communicate clearly and consistently to combat false information, despite some people believing the wrong things.

Illumina: Icahn's Gambit

Nongaap Investing • 50 implied HN points • 08 May 23
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Illumina's response to a blogger's questions might lead to resignations in the company.
  2. Addressing unanswered issues could influence significant governance matters at Illumina.
  3. Investors should pay attention to unaccounted shares, financial dealings, and potential conflicts within Illumina and Grail.

Case Studies in Crisis

DruGroup • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 21
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Every leader will face a crisis at some point, whether in big organizations or small ones. It's important to be prepared for unexpected challenges.
  2. Using a four-quadrant chart can help leaders make decisions during a crisis. They can categorize actions into what to avoid and what to seize.
  3. In tough times, looking for new opportunities can lead to positive changes. Leaders can redefine their strategies to adapt and even improve their situations.

✅ Monday briefing #13: COVID-19 comms, informed retweets, overshadowed sisters, pandemic paralysis, say do gap, troll spotting, pitch bitch, CommsHero Week…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 28 Sep 20
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Social media talks about COVID-19 are getting more divided. People prefer memes and local health messages over brand-written content.
  2. Twitter is introducing prompts that encourage users to read articles before sharing them. This helps to stop the spread of false information.
  3. Venues like CommsHero Week show that professionals are sharing knowledge and experiences during the pandemic, aiming to improve how they communicate.

✅ Monday briefing #12: AI bias, hype and creativity, search alerts, lockdown lookup tool, BAME voices, dark social primer, and freelance talent

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 21 Sep 20
🕹 Technology Crisis Management
  1. AI bias is a big issue, as shown by problems where software can misidentify people of different races. It's important to recognize and address bias in technology.
  2. There is a lot of hype around AI, especially in marketing, but much of it is just automation or data analysis. We need to focus on the real capabilities and limitations of AI.
  3. Freelancers are often underused in the PR industry, and companies need to be clearer about how they use freelance talent to improve their services.

The Crisis Decision-Making Quadrant

DruGroup • 19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 21
🚌 Education Crisis Management
  1. Diagrams can help make complex ideas easier to understand. They are simple, visual tools that stick with us and can be very effective for communication.
  2. In a crisis, leaders must balance what they want to do with what they need to do. Using a decision-making quadrant can help clarify priorities and actions in challenging times.
  3. There are different types of diagrams for different purposes, like synergy diagrams for exploring complex relationships or process diagrams for visualizing steps. Leaders can use these tools to enhance their decision-making skills.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Wagner Uprising

Big Serge Thought • 14 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Crisis Management
  1. The events surrounding the Wagner Uprising were dramatic but did not pose a significant threat to the stability of the Russian state.
  2. Different ideological perspectives led to varying interpretations of the event, but it was mainly driven by Prigozhin's attempt to protect the independence of his PMC, Wagner.
  3. Despite the challenges posed by the uprising, the Russian government managed the crisis competently, showcasing overall stability and control.

The Power Of Absent Things.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Crisis Management
  1. Understanding the history, symbolism, and previous political decisions is crucial to analyzing current political statements and actions.
  2. Political decisions and actions are heavily influenced by a complex accumulation of past statements, commitments, and decisions, creating constraints on present actions and limiting future possibilities.
  3. In times of crisis, decision-makers often operate in a state of confusion, following preset narratives and sedimented beliefs, unable to adapt to changing circumstances or consider alternative policies.

Congress in crisis is Congress at work

Matt’s Five Points • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management
  1. Congress can act quickly during a crisis, as shown by the rapid passing of major relief bills in response to the pandemic. Bipartisan support helped get these important laws through both chambers.
  2. Even in urgent situations, Congress's decision-making can be messy. Public disagreements and pushing for different interests are part of how it works, ensuring various opinions and local needs are considered.
  3. The coronavirus posed unique challenges for Congress, making in-person meetings risky. Discussions have started about allowing remote voting to keep the legislative process going while keeping everyone safe.

Boom Time

Perspective Agents • 0 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. AI spending is increasing rapidly, specifically in generative AI tools with various applications like search, text-to-video, programming, writing, and thinking.
  2. Leaders face a strategic gap in deploying generative AI effectively, lacking clear use cases and human effort to deliver demonstrable value.
  3. Companies are at risk from online attacks and reputation damage, requiring a shift in strategy towards leveraging AI for defense, understanding public concerns, and authentic communication.

War Stories - Defusing an executive kerfuffle

Joseph Gefroh • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Crisis Management
  1. Leaders sometimes face no-win scenarios and may need to personally take the loss for the greater good of the organization.
  2. In times of crisis, a sudden flurry of messages or alarms can indicate an unexpected problem that needs immediate attention.
  3. Effective communication and conflict resolution are crucial skills for leaders to handle situations where executive feathers are ruffled.