Disaster Recovery: People and Preparedness with Gerald Thomas, COO, American Red Cross LA Region

By directed2017 on

In an effort to dig deeper, I interviewed experts in our region that focus on each of these three critical methods for approaching preparedness – Recovery, Continuity and Resilience.

The first of these with Gerald Thomas, COO of the American Red Cross in Los Angeles focuses on Disaster Recovery.  We discuss the nuances of disaster preparedness, the critical role of volunteers, and the importance of community trust in recovery efforts. Thomas shares strategies for responding to disasters and highlights the human element that drives successful recovery.

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An office building of black steel and glass with the banner Adapting to Change: Back to the Office beneath the photo

Adapting to Change: Going Back to the Office

By directed2017 on

As the business landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, several organizations are reevaluating their work models, shifting from remote to in-person work. Companies such as Dell, AT&T, Toyota, and the federal government have recently implemented policies requiring employees to return to the office. This transition carries both potential benefits and challenges, including the possibility of workforce…

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A picture of first aid kit elements with the words recovery, continuity, resilience written underneath

Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity, and Resilience: Understanding the Spectrum of Crisis Response

By directed2017 on

In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. But let’s be real—these aren’t just technical problems; they impact people, livelihoods, and communities. The way a business responds to a crisis can make all the difference, not just in restoring systems but in supporting employees, customers, and stakeholders through…

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Directed Action COO Kevin Keane poses with a statue of Jim Valvano at NC State. Underneath the photo is a banner that reads navigating the world beyond the numbers.

Navigating the World Beyond Numbers

By directed2017 on

Lessons Learned and Taught with Accounting Students Last year I spoke to a class of accounting students at NC State. While there, I took this picture with the statue of Jim Valvano, the iconic basketball coach whose career culminated at NC State. I wrote this on LinkedIn after the experience:  “In the spirit of great…

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Palm trees silhouetted against a hazy sky in LA with the words: Innovative Ways of Giving: Grassroots Responses to the LA Wildfires

Innovative Ways of Giving: Grassroots Responses to the LA Wildfires

By directed2017 on

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have once again demonstrated the resilience and compassion of communities coming together in times of crisis. While the flames tore through neighborhoods and threatened lives, the stories emerging from these disasters are about loss, certainly. They’re also about ingenuity, solidarity, and the innovative ways people are stepping up to…

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The Scariest Digital Transformation Fails: Lessons Learned 

By Kevin Keane on

Digital transformation promises to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and propel businesses into a tech-driven future. Yet, when poorly managed, it can lead to massive failures, leaving companies scrambling to recover. These failures offer critical lessons on the importance of thorough planning, strategic leadership, and a robust risk mitigation framework. In our post at the beginning…

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In the picture a set of check marks lined are lined up on a brown background in an oval. They are laid over a red background and in black text at the bottom it says A Roadmap to Business Process Transformation

Business Process Transformation: A Roadmap to Efficiency and Growth

By Kevin Keane on

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizations must continuously adapt to stay competitive. Business process transformation (BPT) is a strategic approach that enables companies to overhaul inefficient processes and integrate new technologies, fostering growth and innovation. Successful transformation involves a structured, collaborative approach, ensuring that changes are not only implemented but fully embraced across all…

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