Insights from TAL Global’s Managing Directors on the Future of Risk…
What threats are emerging, and what will shape the way individuals, organizations, and nations manage risk? TAL Global’s senior advisors share their perspective on what’s coming, and what leaders must be ready for.
These are professionals who have shaped crisis responses for governments, designed risk strategies for Fortune 500 companies, and guided organizations through the most volatile moments of the last two decades.
Jonathan Bernstein, Chairman & Founder of Bernstein Crisis Management, examines the rising tide of reputational threats fueled by misinformation, media fragmentation, and organizational unpreparedness.
The Future of Crisis Management
True to his crisis-handling approach, Jonathan Bernstein does not mince words when he describes his perspective on the future of crisis and its management over the coming years. Bernstein sees a complicated world, on all fronts, at home and abroad, in business, international relations and personal engagement. He expects the near future to be challenging and demanding, rife with crisis and very much in need for professional knowledge, skills and experience.
Social Changes and Social Media
Bernstein is in full alert mode when he examines the social landscape in the United States. For the near future, he foresees a period of civil unrest, followed by interruptions to social services. With American society sharply divided across party and ideology lines, cooperation and collaboration to solve local and regional problems will become a challenge.
Bernstein worries about the rapid evolution of a “fake”, “bot filled” social media platforms that will operate alongside what he calls “real social media”. The immediate future, in his view, will see the appearance and growth of new social media platforms such as Blue Sky, increasing the war of words across the political and ideological divides, and spilling more frequently into real crises, involving violence – physical and verbal.
“Cyber bullying will increase in both volume and impact,” says Bernstein. “If you sound credible, even if you constantly lie, people will listen to you and respond to what you assert and propose.” Countering cyber bullying properly, at both the personal and organizational levels, requires a coherent, professional approach, one that takes into account the legal constraints, economic and psychological implications, and the best strategy to survive the crisis and function despite its disruptive nature.
Crisis Management in the Age of AI
In Bernstein’s view, “AI is going to be big in the coming years, bringing with it both advantages and challenges.” AI, according to Bernstein, can be a fantastic aid in the creation of publicity materials, significantly shortening the time and effort required to produce quality communications collateral.
High quality intelligence gathering and analysis is crucial to crisis management, and here too, Bernstein sees a productive place for AI, with its capability of sifting rapidly and intelligently through vast volumes of data.
On the other hand, AI, according to Bernstein, will probably bring about layoffs across many industries and businesses, leading to multiple crises, such as resentful and resisting employees, operational disruptions and even the eruption of workplace violence. Bernstein cautions against over-reliance on AI, and the uncritical acceptance of its inputs. “False AI will cause problems,” warns Bernstein.
Summing it up, according to Jonathan Bernstein, tomorrow’s world, from the perspective of crisis management, is going to present new challenges, requiring organizations of all sizes to be resilient, ready and alert. The complex geopolitical landscape, rife with violent and ideological conflicts, will most likely persist, even worsen, requiring constant vigilance, and the ability to respond with swift, strategic and sensitive tools.
About Jonathan Bernstein
Jonathan Bernstein’s crisis and issues management experience has encompassed a wide range of industries (corporate, agency and non-profit public relations positions), and a multitude of subjects, including accounting, architecture, associations, banking, charities, education, environment, financial services, food (retail and B2B), governmental organizations, health care, housing, hospitality, insurance, labor & employment, litigation, manufacturing, product recalls, professional services, real estate development, religious institutions, securities, security, senior housing, and white collar crime.
Jonathan brings to crisis management a rich skillset and experience, including five years of investigative and feature journalism (a stint with investigative reporter/columnist Jack Anderson), and an extended military service in U.S. Army Military Police and Military Intelligence operations.
Bernstein, a self-admitted “Internet nerd,” went online in 1982 and is still fascinated and challenged by the ever-evolving digital universe. Along the way, he has pioneered strategies and tactics for Internet-centered crisis and reputation management.
Bernstein’s Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Media Training manual has been described as “an outstanding foundation for preparing individuals and organizations for effective crisis management.” He also authored Manager’s Guide to Crisis Management (McGraw-Hill). Bernstein is frequently interviewed by national and international media outlets about various “crises du jour.” A PR Week feature story entitled “The Crunch-Time Counselors” identified Bernstein as one of 22 “people who should be on the speed dial in a crisis” and Business Week featured his perspectives in an article entitled “Masters of Disaster.”
The son of a career American diplomat, Bernstein was raised in six countries (France, Italy, Nigeria, England and Korea) and, as such, brings a truly international perspective to his consulting. He is also a father, grandfather, folksinger and is very active in community service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications, magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland.
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About TAL Global
TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic plans, and delivering engaging training programs.
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