High Stakes Decision Making In Crisis & Risk Communications

In the inaugural episode of the Piar podcast, host Tan Sukhera sits down with Philippe Borremans—a crisis communications authority with 25+ years advising organizations including the World Health Organization and European Council across 30+ countries. Philippe dismantles the dangerous assumption that comprehensive crisis plans create preparedness, arguing that flexibility and constant training beat thick binders every time. He delivers a direct challenge to communications professionals: stop speaking in media impressions and start speaking in business impact, or accept permanent status as a cost center. The conversation explores why risk communication (strategic, preventive) and crisis communication (reactive, response) require fundamentally different approaches, why the Heathrow blackout revealed a dangerous disconnect between business continuity teams and comms, and what it takes to earn a genuine seat at the leadership table. Whether you're an agency leader, in-house manager, or consultant, this episode delivers the frameworks and mindset shifts needed to move from tactical executor to strategic advisor in an age of continuous volatility.