On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Mike Swenson—a seasoned PR expert with deep roots in crisis management and decades of experience helping organizations weather life’s storms. Mike shares the timeless reminder: “You can’t just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk,” alongside his own mantra, “Communication without a strategy is lost opportunity.” Through stories from his broadcast journalism days to founding and growing a national firm, Mike reveals the importance of backing words with intentional action. We dive into the world of crisis management—unpacking how even small teams and individuals can benefit from proactive planning and clear strategies, not just giant corporations. Mike’s wisdom isn't just for business leaders; it’s personal, practical advice for anyone who's ever faced unpredictability. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your reputation, prepare for challenges, or lead with clarity, this episode provides actionable insight to help you turn good intentions into real impact.

Connect With Mike Swenson
Website: https://crisistrack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juvare/

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:30 Mike’s Journey In PR
01:26 Favorite Quote: Walk The Walk
02:46 Communication And Strategy
04:27 Making Words Actions
05:46 Action Plans That Work
07:17 Leadership And Next Steps
08:13 Crisis Management Demystified
09:27 Building A Crisis Team
11:00 Small Moments, Big Impacts
12:41 Planning For Risks
13:38 Avoiding Chaos In Crisis
14:41 Social Media And Instant Crises
16:03 The Value Of Preparation
17:30 Lowering Stress With Planning
18:19 Reputation And Crisis
19:52 Building Goodwill For Crisis
21:13 Recovering After Crisis
22:04 Real Crisis Management
24:44 Finding Mike And Crisistrack
26:03 Closing Thoughts And Farewell