The Uncomfortable Truth: We Need to Sweat a Little to be Crisis Ready

  • 19 May 2026
  • , 09:00 UTC+1

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This lecture challenges the assumption that routine crisis exercises equate to real preparedness. It argues that many organisations design exercises to reassure, comply, and avoid discomfort rather than to expose weaknesses and improve resilience.

Constrained by time, culture, cost, and realism, exercises often become safe, theoretical, and predictable—creating false confidence at senior levels.

By contrasting these practices with the realities of real-world crises—uncertainty, degraded information, prolonged duration, and human pressure—the lecture explains why real disruptions hit harder and move faster than expected.

It concludes by advocating a progressive, purpose-driven exercise programme that develops capability over time, builds genuine decision-making muscle, and trains organisations to respond as they would actually have to operate in a crisis.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Speakers:

  • Robin Bucknall

    Director, Needhams 1834

    Since joining Needhams 1834, Robin has worked for a wide variety of clients in the UK and abroad. Robin specialises in supply chain resilience, business continuity management systems, risk mapping and scenario exercises. He has recent experience with clients in higher education, scientific research, global manufacturing, retail and fast-moving consumer goods.

    Robin is a former senior Royal Marines officer with extensive experience across defence and international relations. Notable roles have included: Chief of Staff of an Army Logistics Brigade; UK advisor to the head of the UAE Navy; and international policy and strategic planning within the Ministry of Defence.

    In partnership with academics from Cranfield University, Robin was the MoD director for a high-profile international outreach programme designed to promote governance, management and leadership of the security sector.

    In 2020 he was seconded to join the MoD team that supported the Cabinet Office and developed a bespoke exercise to help the UK government refine its COVID 19 winter plans.

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