Preventing and Managing Corporate Crises with FBI Negotiator and PR Comms Expert
When your company faces a crisis—whether it’s a PR disaster, a product failure, or a social media storm—the clock starts ticking. FBI hostage negotiator Chip Massey and crisis PR expert Adele Gambardella share how calm communication, quick action, and empathy can save a company’s reputation. Together, they blend negotiation tactics and public relations strategy to help leaders manage chaos before it destroys trust.
Key Takeaways
The first few hours matter most. Don’t wait 48 hours to respond. Even a short holding statement—acknowledging the issue and promising an update—can stop speculation from spiraling.
Emotions drive bad decisions. During crises, leaders often freeze or react emotionally. Training and calm guidance help move them back to logical thinking.
A crisis can be a reset. With the right actions, companies can emerge stronger—by fixing internal issues, earning back trust, and proving resilience.
Notable Quotes
“Executives say it’s not fair. Well, put on your flame-retardant vest—because fairness doesn’t matter in a firestorm.” – Adele Gambardella
“No one trusts a hostage negotiator right away—but they start to when they see you’re competent and calm.” – Chip Massey
“The biggest myth is thinking a crisis will blow over on its own. It never does.” – Adele Gambardella
Real-World Applications
Crisis Prep:
Example: A hospital prepares for potential data breaches with pre-drafted responses and clear spokesperson roles. When a cyberattack hits, they respond within an hour instead of a day.De-Escalation Training:
Example: A CEO facing media backlash works with a comms coach who uses negotiation methods to calm emotions before public statements.Owning Mistakes:
Example: A consumer brand issues a full apology without excuses for a defective product and outlines exact fixes—earning public support instead of anger.
Crises don’t destroy companies—bad reactions do. Adele and Chip show that with calm leadership, empathy, and speed, you can turn chaos into credibility. Preparation, honesty, and human connection remain the best tools for managing any corporate firestorm.
Time Stamps:
01:06 Adele's Crisis Management Journey
03:53 Founding the Convincing Company
07:42 The First 48 Hours of a Crisis
13:08 De-escalation Techniques in Crisis Management
23:31 Crisis Communications and Personal Branding
28:47 The Art of Apologizing
30:34 Practical Tips for Crisis Communication
32:07 Understanding Public Perception
34:38 Navigating Political Stands as Executives
37:31 The Role of CEOs in Crisis Situations
38:50 Common Misconceptions in Crisis Management
39:30 Why We Love Crisis Management
43:28 How to Reach Out for Help
Links Mentioned:
Adele and Chip’s Book: Convince Me: https://a.co/d/1ThDYBM
Convincing Company Website: https://convincingcompany.com/
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.