This week on the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with Kathleen Lucente, founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications, to unpack what really happens when leaders face their toughest public moments. Drawing on experiences from 9/11 to global health crises and corporate upheavals, Kathleen explains how smart crisis communication can protect both people and brand reputation. She shows why every CEO needs a clear plan, an aligned leadership team, and an honest narrative before a crisis ever makes the news.
The conversation dives into the psychology of employees after traumatic events, the realities of data breaches and public protests, and the importance of practicing crisis scenarios so leaders can respond with confidence instead of panic. Kathleen also shares why she turns down ethically questionable “fix it” work and how values-driven communication builds long-term trust with customers, investors, and teams. Whether you’re running a startup or a global brand, this episode will change how you think about preparedness, reputation, and leadership under pressure.
5 Key Takeaways
- Every organization needs a crisis communications plan before a crisis hits.
- Internal communication and employee trust are just as important as external PR.
- Practicing scenarios and simulations builds the muscle memory to respond well.
- Ethical, transparent messaging is the foundation of a lasting reputation.
- A clear brand narrative helps leaders turn high-stakes moments into opportunities for trust and credibility.
Learn more about Kathleen Lucente and Red Fan Communications at https://redfancommunications.com and connect with her on LinkedIn to explore how her team supports high-growth B2B and tech brands.