Creating a sense of belonging for everyone is a core value for most, but formal efforts to achieve inclusion, like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, are receiving significant backlash. Critics across academia, politics and corporations argue these initiatives stifle free speech, discriminate against the majority and diminish the ideal of rewarding the most qualified. The Crisis Files' inclusion expert Dr. Abdul Omari and host Roshini Rajkumar delve into the debate, exploring why the state of inclusion is in a state of flux. Find out how language surrounding DEI can make or break formal initiatives for improvement and the actual roles of people delivering them. Plus, why CQ – your cultural intelligence – is  so important to building a more inclusive world.

Case File #96: State of Inclusion

As we kick off Season 4 of The Crisis Files, host Roshini Rajkumar weighs in on a topic everyone in the world was aghast over. With her unique crisis strategy lens, Roshini dissects the Astronomer CEO - Chief People Officer brouhaha. Getting past the shock value, she uncovers layers we can all learn to clear ourselves from a collision course to crisis. Whether you're a business owner, corporate executive, or just a regular person trying to live a scandal-free life, you'll find lessons you can use immediately. Roshini also shares her 3-part crisis prevention test that you can take to the bank. Plus, find out why Roshini gives Maximum Effort's ad for Astronomer – featuring Gywneth Paltrow – an A+.

Case File #161: Kiss Cam Slam

Choosing something to watch these days can feel more like a full-time job than a relaxing evening. With endless options like Peacock and HBO Max, constant media mergers, and shows changing platforms, how do you even begin to decide? Is the sheer quantity of content we're getting from streaming services like Netflix sacrificing quality? The Crisis Files entertainment contributor Paul McGuire-Grimes untangles the plotlines of your favorite streaming services and must-watch shows with host Roshini Rajkumar. He shares insider takes on everything from the contrived meanness in Bravo's Housewives universe to how shorter TikTok attention spans are impacting the industry. Learn why the dreaded “c” word — content — is no longer king and how the marketplace is having the final word on inclusive programming. Plus, find out how upheaval in Hollywood actually holds valuable lessons for business brands when it comes to customers and continuity.

Case File #162: Streaming Dreams

From unhinged tirades to public indiscretions, bad behavior from leaders can make headlines and send shockwaves beyond the brand. Easy to blame an inflated ego or a lack of oversight, but is that the full story? Leadership comes with immense pressure and stress, which can lead to a loss of emotional and mental regulation. Clinical psychologist Dr. Tyler Arvig applies his behavioral health expertise to shed light on the root of these outbursts and the long-term effects of a leader's bad behavior as well as how workplaces can respond when a bad actor enters their scene. As Associate Chief Clinical Officer for R3 Continuum, Dr Arvig explains to host Roshini Rajkumar how to identify effective strategies for leaders, employees and everyone else to lower the temperature and find inner balance.

Case File #163: Ego Dysregulation

Stop the presses! With news fatigue on the rise and new outlets popping up every day, newspapers are fighting to stay relevant. What's the role of a daily publication in today's constantly changing media landscape? How can outlets thrive when they compete with numerous local and national platforms, infotainment and political dissonance? CEO and President of The Minnesota Star Tribune, Steve Grove, explains to host Roshini Rajkumar why it's crucial his brand evolves. Bringing lessons he learned as employee #85 at YouTube, a leader at Google and head of a government department for the State of Minnesota, Steve reveals the superpowers of crisscrossing skill sets. Steve also gets real about personal awakenings – captured in his memoir, How I Found Myself in the Midwest. Find out specific advice he received from his Simon & Schuster editor that led him to write about going on man dates after moving back to his home state, big-time crisis management during COVID, and the fertility journey he went through with his wife Mary.

Case File #164: Going Local

When you hear the word gossip, you probably expect something juicy or forbidden, but do these “info trails” actually help us? Can gossip actually do good? Experience Life magazine editor-in-chief Jamie Martin flips the script on what we think we know about gossip. She breaks down what good gossip is and explains to host Roshini Rajkumar how it can build trust, strengthen communities and drive meaningful changes. Jamie also unpacks the darker side of gossip and how to navigate it thoughtfully. She urges us to stop and think: Does this align with my values? Is this mine to share? Drawing from her own experiences in media and wellness, Jamie helps us rethink how small conversations can have a big impact. Hear more of Jamie on LifeTime Talks podcast, which she co-hosts.

Case File #165: Good Gossip

Just as event spaces bounce back and restaurant closures slow down, new challenges are emerging for the hospitality industry. Hospitality insider Stephanie March unpacks industry changes with host Roshini Rajkumar. Stephanie brings a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive in an industry built on people, connection, and constantly-shifting expectations. From the impact of AI and local morality to emerging trends and the importance of authenticity, she explains why managing change has become the new metric and the most essential skill in hospitality. Stephanie argues that restaurants need to rethink their presence, both online and in-person. 

As co-founder of Smarch + Co Strategies, she guides clients through why personal touch and storytelling can transform hospitality from a simple service into an opportunity for genuine connection and community. These are lessons any brand can take to the bank.

Case File #166: Hospitality Reality

Just because you can put it on a billboard or in a TikTok video doesn’t mean you should. Host Roshini Rajkumar and marketing strategist Melissa Fors Shackleford unpack how marketers can be a force for good by delivering trusted, truthful information. With a background in brand transformation and growth initiatives in healthcare, technology and nonprofits, Melissa walks us through ethical boundaries of modern marketing. From protecting vulnerable audiences to recognizing the lines between persuasion and manipulation, she shares why the American Marketing Association's Code of Ethics is a valuable starting point for any marketing campaign. Learn how marketers can avoid deception in a world full of misinformation. Marketing isn’t just about reach. Effective marketing is about responsibility. For more insider tips, check out Melissa's book: Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection.

Case File #167: Ethical Marketing

Fighting fires is a dangerous job, but the biggest threats firefighters face are often more long-lasting than the blazes themselves. 32-year firefighter veteran George Esbensen knows firsthand the most serious risks are often invisible. George breaks down the “Big Three” for host Roshini Rajkumar: Cancer, cardiac and emotional trauma. All silently take a toll on those who keep us safe. As founder of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), George is driving a cultural shift and inspiring agencies across the United States. He shares how MnFIRE focuses on prevention, education and access to mental health resources because what’s predictable is preventable. He walks us through the steps firefighters and fire departments can take to protect themselves, reduce risks and build a stronger, healthier fire service for the future. The Crisis Files is honored to help MnFire fuel the call to action for legislatures around the country to pass legislation to protect the firefighters who risk their lives for all of us.

Case File #168 Fire Hazards

With negative headlines dominating, brands find themselves dramatically and unwillingly pulled into the spotlight, even when the controversy has nothing to do with their business. Jill Renslow returns to the studio with host Roshini Rajkumar to bring sanity to the media firestorm and its unintended targets. As Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer for Mall of America, Jill shares savvy guidance on when to engage and when to step back on social media. We get an inside look at how she keeps her team grounded in core brand values. From avoiding unwanted headlines to ensuring digital and physical safety, this conversation is an essential guide for leaders navigating uncertain times.

Case File #169: Pulled into the Storm

With artificial intelligence quickly evolving and cyber threats growing by the day, cybersecurity is everyone’s problem. Rob Patterson, Regional Vice President at Comcast Business, walks host Roshini Rajkumar through the realities of today's cyber threats across all your screens. A leading expert in network infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud solutions, Rob uses real-world examples to show how cyber-attacks happen, how AI is finding vulnerable victims and how one malicious link can lead to major consequences. He shares why Comcast must operate locally and globally. Learn why simply deterring, detecting, or defending isn't enough – security must be a comprehensive, all-encompassing strategy.

Case File #96: State of Inclusion

The Crisis Files

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