A crisis doesn't always start with a product failure, a cyberattack or an accident. Sometimes it starts with one sentence. In this solo episode, Aisling looks at the recent row over Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary's language about competing airlines, which she also discussed on Ireland AM. This incident is a perfect example of how a deliberate communications stunt can turn into a reputational crisis, and how refusing to acknowledge the harm keeps the story alive.Aisling explains why the original misstep is rarely the most important part of a crisis. How you respond decides how far the damage spreads. She also draws on a recent PwC study on Irish business disruption, and lays out what every leader should have in place before pressure arrives: a credible apology, a named spokesperson, a crisis communications plan and a real-life test of that plan.In this episode, you'll discover:Why a crisis can begin with a single sentence, and how a message about low fares became a debate about leadership and cultureHow to define a crisis, and why you don't have to do anything 100% wrong for a grey area to destroy trust in your brandWhy meaning is created by the audience as well as the speaker, and why.Why intent is relevant but doesn't erase impact.Why doubling down is so often mistaken for strength, and how admitting a mistake is the real strengthThe four things a credible apology must do.If you're new here, make sure to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app, and if you're watching on YouTube, hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode.Make sure to check out our YouTube!YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: [email protected] is by Amanda FitzgeraldConnect with Aisling:Website Email InstagramLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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