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Todd T. De Voe

This podcast features strategies and advice from today’s leaders and experts in emergency management. Its purpose is to empower and enrich current and future leaders. 

emnetwork.substack.com

The Emergency Management Network Podcast

It is 2 AM, and the phone rings. It is never good when the phone rings at 2 AM. Your heart is racing, and dispatch tells you that a major fire has ripped through a senior housing development. The watch commander is requesting resources and the EOC to be activated. 

Decisions are being made, and you need to get into your OODA Loop fast, or you will be behind the eight ball. 

When making decisions under pressure keeping things simple makes a huge difference. One of the flaws of being human, we are drawn to complexity. 

"Build a tower, build a team" is a six-minute TED talk by Tom Wujec, which has been viewed well over 2 million times. We watch small teams, from CEOs to recent kindergarten graduates, given 20 sticks of spaghetti, a yard of string and a yard of tape, one marshmallow, and 18 minutes to build the tallest, free-standing tower they can – typically in competition with other teams. The marshmallow has to wind up on top. 

The fantastic part of this talk is that the kindergarten students had taller and better towers than the complex towers that civil engineers made. Why is that the case? It was a simple decision-making process. 

The kindergarten students did not make lists of what was necessary and did not have an ego about who was in charge. See, when everything becomes a priority, nothing is a priority. And at times, a complex system slows down the decision-making process. 

Einstein may have been known for being a math genius; however, his ability to sift the essential from the non-essential made him think better and make better decisions. Of course, this is harder than it seems.

In emergency management, there is an ever-increasing amount of information coming at us. Why is it so hard to sift the essential from the inessential? It is the ability to zero in on what matters most. And yet most of us spend time cluttering our minds with things that don't matter rather than focusing on the simplicity that does.

How do we turn complicated problems into simple ones? We need to break down a problem into its components but look at the problem holistically. Keep things as simple as possible. Simplicity has a way of improving performance by enabling us to understand better what we are doing.

It focuses on finding easy decisions, breaking down what is hard into its simple components, and stripping away anything extraneous. Focus enables simplicity and clarity of thought, leading to a more positive investing result.

Simplicity is Filtering

William James said: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." And there are no truer words that have been spoken.

In Arthur Conan Doyle's The Reigate Puzzle, Sherlock Holmes says: "It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which are vital."

And part of filtering is understanding what you know and what you don't know, that is, understanding your circle of competence.

Socrates said that actual knowledge is knowing the extent of one's ignorance. He argued that most of the disputes and miseries of the world are due to the prevalence of ignorance. People tend to believe in a particular set of theories and enter into conflict with contrary opinions, sometimes intellectually suffering from a lack of knowledge which implicitly is ignorance. That in some cases we are making life-altering decisions with hairball problems without looking for the right string to pull. 

Donald Rumsfeld stated: Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say, we know there are some things we do not know.

To simplify the decision-making process, you must act on what you know. Understand that you may have to pivot when you get more information that may shift your knowledge of the situation. And keep your eye on the horizon for potential unknown problems that pop up. 

Is it a skill that can be taught or learned? It probably can if you have enough of a stake riding on the outcome. Some people are extraordinarily good at knowing the limits of their knowledge because they have to be. 

When you get that phone call at 2 AM, It is easy to make issues and decisions complex, it is skillful to make the complex easy. 

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

How Do We Turn Complex Problems Into Simple Ones?

I’m 54 Years Old, and I Believe in Santa: A Reflection on Faith, Imagination, and the Spirit of Christmas

At 54, when life yourself tethered to realism, routine, and rationality, I stand unashamed in saying that I believe in Santa. Not as a literal man sliding down chimneys but as a symbol, an idea, and perhaps even something more profound than the myth. Believing in Santa at this stage in life is an act of philosophical defiance—a conscious decision to keep faith in things unseen, embrace wonder, and acknowledge the value of imagination in a world too often consumed by cold facts.

Faith Beyond the Empirical

The modern world urges us to reject what cannot be measured. It insists on what the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard called objectivity—truths dictated by science, reason, and evidence. And yet, I find that some truths transcend the measurable. Believing in Santa, in my mind, falls into the realm of what Kierkegaard called the leap of faith. It’s about holding onto something more than what logic can explain—a belief in kindness, generosity, and joy. It is not about whether Santa Claus exists materialistically but whether we can live as though the principles he represents are real.

Faith in Santa is a deliberate resistance against cynicism, an acknowledgment that the most valuable things in life—love, hope, joy—often elude the rigid structures of reason.

The Necessity of Imagination

As children, we are encouraged to imagine freely and explore worlds where reindeer fly and elves make toys. But as we grow old, imagination often falls by the wayside, crowded out by schedules, responsibilities, and the so-called serious matters of life. Yet imagination, as philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre noted, is not a childish indulgence—it is an essential part of our freedom. Imagination allows us to conceive of what does not yet exist, dream of worlds better than our own, and engage with life's infinite possibilities.

Believing in Santa, even at 54, is my way of keeping that imaginative spark alive. It’s a reminder that life can be more than just predictable outcomes and measurable gains. It’s permission to dream, even as we face the sometimes harsh realities of the world. Imagination is not escapism—it’s a form of resistance, a way to say that the magic of life remains, even in adulthood.

Santa as a Metaphor for Kindness

Santa embodies the idea that goodness does not need an audience. He works in secret, expecting no recognition or reward. In this way, Santa reflects Immanuel Kant’s notion of goodwill, where actions are judged not by their outcomes but by the purity of intention behind them. Santa’s real or symbolic gifts remind us that kindness has intrinsic value, regardless of whether it is acknowledged.

Believing in Santa means believing that altruism, though often hidden, is still possible. It is an invitation to embrace what Martin Heidegger might call being-for-others, a way of being that considers the welfare of others as inherently tied to our own. In a world where self-interest often dominates, Santa’s spirit reminds us that there is still room for selflessness and that joy multiplies when shared.

Christmas and the Time to Be Childlike Again

There is a distinction between being childish and being childlike. The former implies immaturity, while the latter suggests an openness to wonder and delight. At its core, Christmas invites us to rediscover that childlike spirit—a time to believe in miracles, however small, and to allow ourselves to be moved by beauty and generosity. As C.S. Lewis said, "When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of being childish."

At 54, believing in Santa means embracing that childlike sense of joy without apology. It means not being afraid to celebrate, to give without expecting anything in return, and to see magic in the mundane. It’s a reminder that some of the most profound experiences in life—laughter, love, connection—require us to let go of our guarded selves and allow joy to seep in.

The Spirit of Christmas: A Philosophy of Hope

Ultimately, my belief in Santa is not about the man in the red suit. It is about hope. The hope that light can be found even in the darkest moments. Christmas, with all its stories and symbols, is a reminder that joy is possible, even when life feels heavy. It is a call to believe in things that cannot be proven but can be felt—a nudge to live as though the world is still filled with wonder.

To believe in Santa at 54 is to resist the temptation to become jaded. It is a conscious choice to say that life, even in its complexity, still holds room for magic. And perhaps that is the real gift of Santa—reminding us, year after year, that joy is not a relic of childhood but something we carry with us, if only we dare to believe.

So yes, at 54, I believe in Santa. And in doing so, I believe in kindness, imagination, generosity, and hope. Life is better when we allow ourselves to be enchanted by it, even if only for a season. And that, to me, is the true spirit of Christmas.

From mine to yours, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, happy holidays, and a great New Year!
 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

I Believe in Santa:

For our first episode, we welcome Ambi Silk, Director, Governance, Risk & Compliance, and Mohinder Kainth, Senior Global Risk Consultant both from CyberCX. CyberCX provides business continuity services for a range of global clients including RELX and its exhibitions subsidiary Reed Exhibitions, host of this podcast. Ambi and Mohinder dive into a range of topics including the current COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain management, the importance of the “pivot”, risk management for your staff in the office or working from home, and more. The episode wraps up with the importance of a robust incident management plan using the real-life example of when Reed Exhibitions employees were in Las Vegas for one of RX’s largest trade shows during the 2017 mass shooting.

CQR - https://www.cybercx.com
NDEMhttps://www.ndemevent.com/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Keeping Your Business Valuable During a Crisis, Why Planning Matters

David Burke, Team Rubicon’s Senior Vice President of Programs and Field Operations, joins the Prepare. Respond. Recover. Podcast in time for Veterans Day. David tells us about his service in the Marine Corps and how through continued service in disaster response, he found a new uniform as a Team Rubicon Greyshirt.

Team Rubicon - https://teamrubiconusa.org/

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Continued Service in a New Uniform

In 2014, Gabrielle Rapport, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Tiny Home, set out to help one veteran battling PTSD and housing instability. That one simple act led to a mission and the creation of Operation Tiny Home. After teaming up with Tiny House Nation star, Zack Giffin, Operation Tiny Home has helped veteran communities across the country build hope and reintegrate into society after years of service. Through workshops, grant programs and the support of individuals and corporations the organization has assisted veterans, tribal nations, and those impacted by natural disasters. When all hope seems lost their mission and their tiny homes have brought communities together, built resiliency, and instilled belief one 2x4 at a time. 

Operation Tiny Home - https://www.operationtinyhome.org/

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

One Tiny House at a Time, Building Community and Bringing Hope

Uber’s former Director of Global Security, Carla Gray, joins the podcast to discuss the company’s role and importance in emergency management. Uber keeps the safety of their customers and drivers top of mind whether it’s helping people evacuate during a natural disaster or as a transportation source during a global pandemic. Carla discusses the need to develop strong public and private partnerships and the importance of leveraging new technologies to advance emergency and community response in the last mile. During this unique time, when faced with COVID-19, civil unrest, and an abundance of natural disasters, the security team at Uber has been tasked with being nimble and creative, showing incredible resilience. NOTE: At the time of recording Mr. Gray held the title of Director of Global Security for Uber.

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

How Uber Leverages Technology to Ensure Safety and Security

Many can argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected small businesses tremendously but restauranteurs have been hit the hardest. Limitations on restaurant capacity have forced restaurant owners to be nimble and innovative during these challenging times. In this episode, we speak with Linda Kavanagh, former chef and founder of Max Ex Public Relations on how the hospitality industry has adapted during COVID-19. From outdoor dining to changes in menus, and creative solutions for food delivery this episode discusses continuity planning to help restaurants and other hospitality businesses build towards a stronger more resilient future.

Max Ex PR: https://maxexposure.net/

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

How the Restaurant Industry Has Adapted to Survive During COVID-19

Tribal lands hold unique challenges for emergency managers. Jeff Hansen, Director of Emergency Management for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma joins us to discuss some of these challenges. From jurisdictional issues to managing relationships with the federal government, Jeff talks about how the Choctaw Nation is handling the current pandemic, infrastructure development focusing on preparedness, and piloting drone programs in tornado alley.

Choctaw Nation: https://www.choctawnation.com/ 

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Tribal Nations and Emergency Management: A Closer Look at the Choctaw Nation

While traveling and learning new cultures in South and Central America, Jesse Levin saw a need in a market and capitalized on it. Using his natural entrepreneurial skills, Jesse started a cultural mediation firm in Panama, working with local indigenous populations. This experience sparked a career in disaster relief that brought Jesse and his firm, Tactivate, to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and other disaster zones. Now, Jesse is using the knowledge learned in these situations to rethink and rebrand readiness for local communities. His newest venture, The Readiness Collective, looks to disrupt the prepper model and create resilient communities that leverage every person’s unique skills.

The Readiness Collective: https://readinesscollective.com/
Tactivate: https://www.tactivate.com/ 

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Rethinking Readiness, Bringing Lessons Learned in Disaster Recovery into the Mainstream

Security on a Hollywood production lot has come a long way from just guns, guards, and gates. Today, an all hazard, global threat approach is employed to not just secure “inside the gates” but a wide reaching world beyond the production lot. Jeff Reider, VP of Global Threat and Emergency Management at Paramount Pictures joins us to talk about his team’s role in protecting the studio lot, off site productions and events, and in the current pandemic state how employees who are working from home. From natural disasters, overzealous fans, and even IP leaks from a set, you’ll hear how the role of the “security guard” has changed dramatically. 

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour: Security and Safety in Hollywood

Government policy is important in guiding disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery. In turn, political scientists have devoted considerable attention to the study of hazards and disasters, including the impact of disasters on election outcomes, the capacity of disasters to help set the crowded government agenda, and the various organizational strategies used by emergency management agencies. This week Todd is interviewing Bonnie Kristian, The former Acting Editor and Chief of The Week Magazine and author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

Links: 
Bonnie Kristian
Website: https://www.bonniekristian.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bonniekristian
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bonniekristianwrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie.kristian/

Todd DeVoe
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ToddTDeVoe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtdevoe/
Substack: https://emnetwork.substack.com/
Website: https://toddtdevoe.com/ 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The Intersection of Emergency Management and Politics

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