EP 34 Inside Occidental Petroleum's Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Drill with Will Fitzgerald and Celina Cardenas

The Leading in a Crisis Podcast

May 19 2024 • 21 mins

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On this episode, two first time leaders in a major oil spill response drill share their experiences, thoughts, and insights into leading during a major crisis. Occidental Petroleum tapped Will Fitzgerald and Celina Cardenas to serve as public information officer and deputy PIO for a recent drill, giving them their first taste of leading the team in a crisis. They recount for us their pulse-quickening experience in a Gulf of Mexico oil spill drill. Step into their shoes as they grapple with a game of high-stakes information chess where every move could sway public perception. Will and Celina peel back the curtain on the relentless pace of media relations, the crafting of crucial first impressions, and the dance of disseminating information under the watchful gaze of an ever-evolving media landscape.

Venture behind the scenes with us to unravel the meticulous orchestration of a Joint Information Center during an emergency, where the pressure can be intense and deadlines short. Celina takes us through the strategic play of aligning her team to navigate the complexities of this crisis response—showing us that adaptability is the name of the game.