The Prepared Leader: From Crisis to Confidence

Helen Lipscombe

The Prepared Leader: From Crisis to Confidence helps leaders build resilience before they need it. Hosted by Helen Lipscombe, each episode shares real stories and bold strategies to lead through uncertainty with confidence. Because the best leaders aren’t lucky — they’re prepared. 

  1. The Mentor Mindset: Growing the Next Generation of Resilience Leaders

    APR 18

    The Mentor Mindset: Growing the Next Generation of Resilience Leaders

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to grow the next generation of resilience leaders — and what role does mentorship play in building stronger, more confident teams? In this episode, Helen is joined by Sandra Bartley, a former business continuity professional who has journeyed from help desk supervisor to BCI-certified mentor and trainer. Sandra's story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't just about plans and processes — it's about people. Together, Helen and Sandra explore how effective mentorship transforms not just technical skills, but confidence and professional identity. Sandra shares why making business continuity relatable is one of the most underrated skills in the sector, and how continuous learning networks and approachable mentoring relationships can change careers — and cultures. Whether you're an experienced resilience professional looking to give back, or a leader wanting to invest in your team's development, this episode is packed with practical insight. In this episode, you'll discover: How Sandra moved from help desk supervisor to BCI-certified mentorWhy formal qualifications build both competence and confidenceThe power of learning by doing alongside experienced practitionersHow to build supportive networks beyond your own organisationPractical ways to make business continuity accessible for allListen now, wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    41 min
  2. Beyond Risk Registers: Embedding Resilience into the Bones of Business

    MAR 19

    Beyond Risk Registers: Embedding Resilience into the Bones of Business

    Send us Fan Mail What does resilience really look like beyond buzzwords and risk registers? Caroline Field, Partner at PA Consulting and co-founder of the Centre for Whole Society Resilience, explores it is a strategic advantage for organisations and communities facing constant disruption. Drawing on her work across infrastructure, policy and leadership, Caroline shares practical ways to embed resilience into culture and move from rigid risk planning to adaptive, flexible thinking. Discover how resilient leadership enables teams not just to withstand shocks, but to evolve and thrive through them. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    51 min
  3. Mastering Crisis Communication: How to Protect Identity and Trust with Sarah Henderson, Purely Public Relations

    FEB 19

    Mastering Crisis Communication: How to Protect Identity and Trust with Sarah Henderson, Purely Public Relations

    Send us Fan Mail Reputational challenges are no longer rare events; they’re an inevitable part of modern business. This episode unpacks what proactive PR readiness looks like and how leaders can communicate strategically before, during, and after a crisis.  Sarah Henderson, founder and MD of Purely Public Relations, joins The Prepared Leader to unpack what effective crisis communications looks like before, during and after disruption.  You’ll hear why PR is far more than a luxury, how trust and identity underpin resilient leadership, and get practical advice on building a crisis comms plan, keeping your communications team close, and maintaining honest messaging with staff and stakeholders. Plus, learn how the right preparation can help organisations grow through disruption. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    38 min
  4. The Power of Curiosity: Fostering AI Skills in Business with Mary Kemp

    JAN 20

    The Power of Curiosity: Fostering AI Skills in Business with Mary Kemp

    Send us Fan Mail Mary Kemp, co-founder of Brighton AI and CEO of AI Potential, joins for an honest conversation about how AI is reshaping leadership, decision-making, and organisational resilience.  AI isn’t just a technical challenge but a people-focused journey. Mary highlights the importance of curiosity, mindset, and culture in successful adoption. She also shares stories from her own pivot into the AI space, demystifies common fears, and offers practical advice. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    37 min
  5. Cybersecurity: Why It Must Be More Than Just an IT Issue

    12/19/2025

    Cybersecurity: Why It Must Be More Than Just an IT Issue

    Send us Fan Mail Cybersecurity expert Robert Jumpp unpack the crucial intersection of cybersecurity and organisational resilience. Find out why cyber risk is no longer just an IT issue, but a strategic concern for leaders at every level. With real-world stories and practical insights from Robert’s experience across sectors like defence, banking and charities, you’ll hear how the landscape has shifted from compliance silos to an inclusive, whole-organisation approach. Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Robert Jumpp on LinkedIn National Cyber Security Centre Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    47 min
  6. When Crisis Hits: Why Communication Is Your First Line of Defence with Sara McCracken

    11/19/2025

    When Crisis Hits: Why Communication Is Your First Line of Defence with Sara McCracken

    Send us Fan Mail Sara McCracken is an award-winning PR strategist and founder of the PR Club. She joins The Prepared Leader to explore one of the most often overlooked yet critical aspects of resilience: communication.  Drawing from more than 20 years of experience helping organisations manage their reputation and prepare for media storms, Sara shares her insights on building robust communications plans, the vital role of PR in crisis management, and why planning your messaging matters just as much as planning your business continuity response.  Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Sara McCracken on LinkedIn The PR Club Sara McCracken PR On Instagram Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    32 min
  7. Beyond the Myths: Unlocking Growth in the Public Sector with Shiona Campbell, BDS

    10/18/2025

    Beyond the Myths: Unlocking Growth in the Public Sector with Shiona Campbell, BDS

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode tackles a commonly missed growth avenue – selling to the public sector. Why do so many smaller firms avoid it? Is it really too complex or competitive, or are those just myths? Helen Lipscombe is joined by Shiona Campbell, founder of BDS – Business Development Support Ltd. With 15 years’ experience in local government and the third sector, Shiona now helps owner-led businesses bid for and win public contracts. You’ll hear her journey from project management to business consultancy, unpack the misconceptions around public sector sales, and get practical guidance on how to find opportunities and stand out in tenders. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    49 min
  8. Operational Resilience: More Than Regulation

    09/18/2025

    Operational Resilience: More Than Regulation

    Send us Fan Mail Operational resilience isn’t just about compliance — it’s about culture, customers, and the way organisations think about disruption. In this episode of The Prepared Leader: From Crisis to Confidence, host Helen Lipscombe speaks with Nick Simms from Cornwood Consulting, who brings nearly 40 years’ experience in business continuity and resilience. Together, they explore what makes operational resilience different, where regulation helps (and hinders), and why culture often determines whether resilience efforts succeed or fail. You’ll hear: The shift from “if” to “when” disruption happens.Why resilience must focus on services, not just departments.Real-world disruptions — from escaped rhinos to IT failures.How regulation can both drive progress and create false confidence.Why soft skills and influencing matter more than technical training.“At its heart, operational resilience is about looking after your customers. Everything else should flow from that.”Whether you work in a regulated industry or not, this conversation offers practical lessons for leaders aiming to build resilience that lasts. Connect with Helen Lipscombe: Website: Resilience Continuity | UK Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave a review to help more leaders build confidence before the crisis. Until next time, stay ready and stay resilient.

    27 min
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The Prepared Leader: From Crisis to Confidence helps leaders build resilience before they need it. Hosted by Helen Lipscombe, each episode shares real stories and bold strategies to lead through uncertainty with confidence. Because the best leaders aren’t lucky — they’re prepared. 

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