Brian Evans: Entrepreneur & Disaster Response Expert

Brian Evans is an entrepreneur who exemplifies the spirit of resilience and adaptability. His dual roles as a tech recovery expert for AT&T and a lead chef for the company's mobile disaster basecamp during natural disasters highlight the importance of combining diverse skills to navigate challenging situations.

• Brian's work focuses on restoring phone networks and providing meals during natural disasters.
• He has traveled across 42 states in the past year, responding to various disaster situations.
• Both of his roles require quick thinking and decisive action, making him an expert in crisis management.

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Multitasking

Balancing multiple roles, as Brian does, requires strategic planning and a strong support system. His advice to entrepreneurs is to have a backup plan for each role, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruptions.

• Brian has a network of volunteer responders and kitchen trailer volunteers with diverse skill sets, ensuring he has a strong backup team.
• He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "bench" of trained individuals to support critical operations during disasters.
• Communication with superiors is crucial to effectively advocating for resources and showcasing the value of both roles.

Moving Fast and Staying Smart During Crisis

Brian stresses the importance of planning and preparation, even in fast-paced, stressful situations. He advises entrepreneurs to prioritize the setup phase to create a solid foundation for swift and efficient execution.

• His team at AT&T prioritizes setting up a secure basecamp before moving on to the next phase.
• In the event of a disaster, Brian's team focuses on ensuring employee well-being by providing hot meals and comfort during stressful times.
• Maintaining morale and creating a sense of community are crucial for successful crisis response.

Building a Disaster Preparedness Toolkit

Brian strongly recommends having an emergency kit (also known as a "bug out bag") ready at all times. This kit should include essentials like extra clothes, water, blankets, and snacks.

• These kits provide basic necessities during disasters when resources might be limited or unavailable.
• The peace of mind gained from knowing you're prepared can significantly reduce anxiety during challenging situations.
• Brian's team keeps these kits readily available, ensuring their personal safety and preparedness for emergencies.

Team Leadership in Crisis Management

Brian highlights the importance of strong leadership in crisis management. He emphasizes the need for confidence and clear communication to guide teams through challenging situations.

• During emergencies, teams rely on their leader for direction and reassurance, making confidence a crucial factor in effective leadership.
• Brian emphasizes the importance of decompressing and taking breaks to manage stress effectively and avoid burnout.
• He suggests imagining a confident role model as a tool for maintaining composure under pressure.