As part of her work as a communications consultant at Engel & Zimmermann, a member of the Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE), Sophia Oberhuber recently took part in a one-week exchange with PM • Risk Crisis Change, a crisis agency in Ghent, Belgium. This exchange program, organized by the CCNE, aims to connect European crisis agencies and share insights across borders. In this posts, she shares a few key moments from her experience.
Insights into Real-Life Crisis Response and Simulation
During my week with PM, I had the chance to shadow Robbert Meulemeester, a senior advisor and trainer with years of experience in crisis management. One of the highlights was accompanying Robbert to a crisis communication workshop at a major hospital, where I gained a firsthand look at how PM advises clients on developing and applying crisis strategies.
I also joined Robbert for a crisis simulation involving a cyber attack, which showed how agencies can train clients to respond calmly and effectively under pressure. Observing these exercises helped me see the challenges and fast-paced decisions that come into play in a real crisis.
Brainstorming and Strategy Development
Outside of workshops, the PM team and I spent time discussing different crisis scenarios and methods for helping organizations prepare for unexpected events. I was especially interested in a tool PM has developed—a card game that prompts teams to respond to random crisis scenarios. This game allows companies to test their strategies and decision-making processes in a practical way, preparing them to respond more effectively to real-life crises.
Takeaways: The Value of Preparedness and Collaboration
Throughout the week, we covered essential topics like building readiness for crises, establishing clear processes, and assigning roles in advance. This experience highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing within the CCNE and reinforced the strength we gain from collaborating across borders.
My exchange with PM was a meaningful opportunity, both professionally and personally. I am thankful to Robbert and the whole PM team for their openness and look forward to seeing more CCNE colleagues participate in this program. The CCNE truly embodies the value of international partnership.