Fundamentals of
Crisis Communications

Lead with clarity under pressure

Build confidence with ALCHEMY’S free workshops

Learn to lead with confidence & control when it matters most

Build a crisis plan, craft first-hour messages, and protect your organization’s reputation in this 5-week, cohort-based course.

Next Cohort: January 12 – February 16, 2026

Investment: $495 USD

Location: Live on Maven

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ABOUT THE COURSE

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Master the Fundamentals of Crisis Communications with Confidence and Clarity

Students will leave this course with the confidence and practical skills to navigate any crisis with clarity and control.

You’ll master the core fundamentals of crisis communications — from recognizing early warning signs and managing stakeholder expectations to crafting timely, credible messages and guiding recovery with integrity.

By the end, you’ll not only understand how to respond under pressure — you’ll know how to lead with calm, credibility, and purpose.

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You’ll Learn How To:

  • Hold a complete, organization-specific crisis communications plan tailored to your structure and risks

  • Activate your team in minutes, not hours — with clearly defined roles and response protocols

  • Use proven templates, checklists, and stakeholder maps to stay organized and effective

  • Build the mindset and leadership presence to step forward as the voice of calm and authority

    • Live Sessions: Learn directly from Kathryn Kolaczek in real-time, interactive workshops

    • Lifetime Access: Revisit recordings and materials anytime you need them

    • Community of Peers: Share insights and stay accountable with other professionals

    • Certificate of Completion: Showcase your new credentials on LinkedIn or with your employer

    • Maven Guarantee: Get a full refund up until halfway through the course

Reserve Your Spot

GUEST SPEAKERS

Learn From Leading Crisis Communicators

Throughout the course, Kathryn welcomes leading experts who’ve managed some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes crises.

Featuring:

  • Greg Trevor

    Former VP for Marketing & Communications, University of Georgia; veteran crisis leader in higher education and public safety.

  • Dustin Sternbeck

    Director of Communications, Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC; recognized voice during national emergencies.

  • Nelly Miles

    Public Affairs Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation; experienced in community and media relations during law enforcement crises.

  • Amanda Coleman

    UK-based crisis consultant and author of Crisis Communication Strategies, expert in post-crisis recovery and resilience.

Explore the syllabus 

  • Live Workshop (Monday 9 AM): Defining a Crisis & Mapping Vulnerabilities

    Guest Session (Thursday 10 AM): Yvonne Anyon

    What You’ll Learn

    • What defines a crisis vs. an issue or incident  

    • How misinformation spreads and impacts trust 

    • The psychology of crisis response: stress, rumours, and decision paralysis 

    • Using the four-tier risk classification system (Levels 1–4)  

    • How to map and monitor risks before they escalate 

  • Live Workshop (Monday 9 AM): Building Command Centre Protocols & Ethical Frameworks 

    Guest Session (Thursday 9 AM): Greg Trevor – Lessons from 9/11 

    What You’ll Learn 

    • How to synchronize internal and external messaging  

    • Stakeholder mapping: influence, interest, and communication strategy 

    • Writing internal and external holding statements  

    • Navigating ethical decisions in crisis (transparency, accountability, cultural awareness)  

    • Legal boundaries: defamation, liability, confidentiality 

  • Live Workshop (Monday 9 AM): The First Hour: Speed, Accuracy, and Team Activation 

    Guest Session (Thursday 9 AM): Dustin Sternbeck – Inside the Capitol Crisis (Jan 6, 2021) 

    What You’ll Learn 

    • Activating the crisis communications team and escalation pathways  

    • Real-time media and social monitoring frameworks 

    • Managing misinformation and “curveballs” during a live crisis 

    • Building a message approval workflow under pressure 

    • Media training essentials: sound bites, tone, and hostile Q&A 

  • Live Workshop (Monday 9 AM): Turning Crisis Into Resilience 

    Guest Session (Thursday 9 AM): Amanda Coleman – The Darkest Day 

    What You’ll Learn 

    • Post-crisis debriefing frameworks and recovery planning  

    • Evaluating response effectiveness and lessons learned 

    • Rebuilding stakeholder trust and managing reputation recovery  

    • Embedding resilience into culture and communications planning 

  • Live Session (Monday 9 AM): AI Tools for Predictive Crisis Management & Message Testing 

    Guest Session (Thursday 9 AM): Nelly Miles - Owning the Message When the Spotlight Finds You 

    What You’ll Learn 

    • How to use AI for crisis monitoring, sentiment tracking, and predictive modeling  

    • Designing a full-stack AI workflow for PR response (monitoring → drafting → approval → reporting) 

    • Human oversight and ethics in AI-assisted messaging 

    • Tools overview: Meltwater, CoLoop.ai, Zapier, Teamwork, ChatGPT integration  

WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

You Don’t Rise to the Occasion — You Fall to Your Preparation.

When the story breaks, your preparation determines your response.

This course gives you the blueprint, confidence, and tools to take control of the narrative, protect your organization, and lead your team through the storm.

Enroll Now

testimonials

  • “Kathryn facilitated a full-day crisis simulation workshop at a conference I attended. The workshop was realistic, insightful, and full of hands-on learning. Kathryn’s approach was engaging, warm, and funny — I’d recommend this course to anyone!”

    — Ginger Plumbo, Collaborative Communications Strategist

  • “Kathryn is an outstanding speaker with a clear, engaging style. She communicates complex topics with ease and keeps audiences captivated.”

    — Marina Cosentino, Intact Insurance

  • “Kathryn hosted a compelling tabletop exercise at a Crisis Communications Bootcamp that challenged every comms professional in the room. Her expertise is deep and practical.”

    — Deb Lima, Managing Director, Sensei Advisory

instructor

A smiling blonde woman with curly hair in a black leather jacket and black turtleneck in a library with shelves of books in the background.

Kathryn Kolaczek

FOUNDER AND CEO

(She/Her)

in

Meet Kathryn Kolaczek

Founder & CEO, Alchemy Communications

Kathryn Kolaczek is a seasoned crisis strategist and communications leader who has guided organizations through national and international crises — from product recalls and environmental emergencies to workplace fatalities and board governance issues.

She helps brands and leaders find their voice under pressure, build trust with stakeholders, and lead with calm, clarity, and credibility when it matters most.

Get in touch

Join the Next Cohort of Fundamentals of Crisis Communications

Next Cohort: January 12 – February 16, 2026

Investment: $495 USD

Location: Live on Maven

Enroll Now
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