Crisis Compass: Navigating Chaos with Transparency, Compassion, and Gen X Grit

Joe Pardavila chats with crisis communication expert Michele Ehrhart, author of Crisis Compass: How to Communicate When It Matters Most.

With over two decades of experience navigating high-stakes crises for global organizations like FedEx, Michele unpacks what truly defines a crisis, shares actionable strategies for leaders, and reveals why transparency and compassion are non-negotiable in crisis management.

Dive into riveting case studies, from Tylenol’s legendary response to product tampering to Subway’s missteps during the Jared scandal. Michele also discusses the evolving role of social media, the “Goodwill Bank” concept for brand resilience, and her unexpected journey from theater enthusiast to crisis strategist—including behind-the-scenes stories about FedEx’s iconic Cast Away movie cameo.

Whether you’re a leader preparing for the unknown or curious about turning chaos into opportunity, this episode offers timeless insights on steering through storms—and why “if it isn’t bleeding or dying, you can fix it.”