Even though Intermountain Healthcare was already a leader in telehealth response time for stroke victims, they knew they could further reduce the time required to connect neurologists with patients in need. With xMatters, they could streamline their notification processes, reduce the operational pain of reaching doctors over long distances, and provide patients with the best possible care even faster than before.

Anytime there is a major event—outages, weather situations, or things of that nature—we use Everbridge Mass Notification.

Resilience goes beyond crisis response; it’s about organizations anticipating, adapting, and thriving post-disruption. CEO Dave Wagner discusses leading through uncertainty.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s impacting businesses today. In this blog, Dave Wagner shares why resilience is now a core leadership priority. He offers practical steps organizations can take to adapt, protect their people, and strengthen their operations against climate risks.

Climate change has transitioned from being a distant threat to a pressing reality, affecting businesses and communities worldwide. From hurricanes and wildfires to heatwaves and flooding, extreme weather events are increasing in both frequency and intensity. Organizations must now ask themselves a critical question: are we prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change?

Building resilience isn’t just about surviving a crisis—it’s about thriving in a world of uncertainty. Organizations that take proactive steps to address climate risks can safeguard their operations, protect their people, and maintain trust with stakeholders. Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation, ensuring resilience becomes a core part of the organizational strategy.

Why climate resilience is critical

The need for climate resilience is clear. According to the United Nations, economic losses from climate-related disasters exceeded $3 trillion globally between 2000 and 2019. The physical risks posed by climate change—from damaged infrastructure to disrupted supply chains—are undeniable. However, there are also reputational and regulatory risks to consider.

Stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, increasingly expect organizations to take climate change seriously. Regulatory bodies around the world are introducing new mandates requiring businesses to assess and disclose their climate risks. For example, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require detailed climate reporting, pushing businesses to prioritize resilience.

Organizations that fail to act risk falling behind—not just operationally, but reputationally as well. By contrast, those that lead on climate resilience demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, earning trust and positioning themselves as forward-thinking leaders.

Key strategies for building climate resilience

Building climate resilience requires a multifaceted approach, integrating risk management, technology, and collaboration. Here are three strategies every organization should consider:

1. Conduct comprehensive risk assessments

Climate risks vary widely depending on geography, industry, and operations. A manufacturing plant located near a coast faces different risks than a tech company headquartered in a city prone to heatwaves. Organizations must identify and prioritize their specific vulnerabilities.

Risk assessments should extend beyond physical risks to include financial and reputational impacts. For instance, how would a prolonged drought affect supply chains, and what measures can mitigate those impacts? These assessments provide the foundation for informed decision-making and proactive planning.

2. Embrace climate scenario analysis

Climate scenario analysis allows organizations to prepare for multiple potential futures. By considering different climate scenarios, businesses can evaluate how rising temperatures, sea-level rise, or shifting weather patterns might impact operations.

For example, a retail company might simulate how a Category 5 hurricane would disrupt its logistics network and then develop contingency plans to maintain continuity. These exercises not only highlight vulnerabilities but also build organizational confidence in handling disruptions.

3. Invest in resilient infrastructure and technology

Technology plays a critical role in building resilience. From early-warning systems that monitor extreme weather to AI-powered analytics that predict supply chain disruptions, advanced tools can help organizations stay ahead of climate risks. Infrastructure investments are equally important. For example, flood-resistant buildings or renewable energy systems that ensure power continuity during outages can significantly reduce vulnerabilities.

The key is to treat these investments not as costs but as long-term safeguards. Resilient infrastructure protects assets and operations while enhancing the organization’s ability to adapt to future challenges.

The role of leadership in driving resilience

Resilience starts at the top. Leaders have the unique responsibility to ensure climate resilience is prioritized across their organizations. This involves fostering a culture that values sustainability, innovation, and adaptability.

1. Embedding resilience into strategy

Climate resilience should not be viewed as a standalone initiative—it must be integrated into the organization’s overarching strategy. Leaders can set clear goals, allocate resources, and measure progress to ensure resilience becomes part of the organization’s DNA. For example, setting a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a specific percentage demonstrates a tangible commitment to sustainability.

2. Championing cross-departmental collaboration

Climate resilience is not the responsibility of one team or department. It requires collaboration across functions, from operations and IT to HR and communications. Leaders can break down silos, encouraging teams to work together on resilience initiatives. For example, IT teams can partner with operations to implement data-driven tools that monitor risks in real time.

3. Engaging stakeholders

Stakeholder trust is essential for organizational resilience. Leaders must communicate transparently about the organization’s climate risks, plans, and progress. This includes sharing updates with investors, employees, and customers, as well as engaging in meaningful dialogue to address their concerns and priorities.

Case studies: Resilience in action

Retail sector

A global retail chain facing increased flooding risks revamped its supply chain strategy. By conducting detailed risk assessments and integrating real-time weather analytics, the company identified vulnerabilities in its logistics network. It then established alternative transportation routes and pre-positioned inventory in safer locations. As a result, the company reduced delivery delays by 40% during extreme weather events.

Manufacturing sector

A manufacturing firm located in a hurricane-prone region invested in renewable energy solutions, including onsite solar panels and battery storage. When a major hurricane caused widespread power outages, the facility remained operational, minimizing downtime and ensuring employee safety. This proactive investment not only protected operations but also reinforced the company’s reputation for resilience.

The business case for resilience

Far from being a cost center, resilience is a strategic advantage. Research shows that companies that prioritize resilience often outperform their peers:

• Harvard Business Review found that resilient companies saw 18% higher shareholder returns over a decade.
• Edelman’s Trust Barometer reported that 64% of consumers are more likely to trust and stay loyal to brands that prioritize resilience and sustainability.

In addition to financial benefits, resilience also drives employee engagement and retention. People want to work for organizations that take their safety and well-being seriously.

Looking ahead: The future of climate resilience

As climate risks continue to escalate, the importance of resilience will only grow. Organizations that invest in resilience today will be better equipped to navigate the uncertainties of tomorrow. This isn’t just about protecting assets—it’s about safeguarding people, maintaining trust, and seizing opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

The path to resilience requires vision, collaboration, and commitment. By prioritizing climate resilience, organizations can turn challenges into opportunities, building a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Summary

Resilience isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing commitment. As Dave highlights, businesses that prioritize climate resilience can better withstand disruptions and gain a long-term competitive edge. Start assessing your organization’s climate readiness today and begin building a future that’s prepared for anything.

Regulatory demands are growing, and businesses need to be ready. In this interview, Dave Wagner talks about how staying ahead of regulations like DORA isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your business and building long-term resilience.

1. Why is regulatory resilience becoming such a key focus for organizations today?

Regulatory resilience has gained prominence because the risks organizations face today are more interconnected and unpredictable than ever. When a company experiences an operational disruption—whether it’s a cyberattack, a systems outage, or supply chain failure—the ripple effects can impact entire industries or economies. Regulations like the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) aim to create a baseline for preparedness, ensuring organizations are equipped to handle disruptions without endangering their stakeholders.

For me, it’s about more than compliance. It’s about safeguarding trust. Regulations like DORA provide a structure to help companies build resilience not as a reaction to challenges but as a proactive strategy for sustainable operations. Businesses that embrace this mindset not only protect themselves but also contribute to the stability of the broader ecosystem.

2. What unique challenges do organizations face with regulatory frameworks like DORA?

One major challenge is understanding and interpreting the scope of the regulations. DORA, for example, covers not just financial institutions but also the third-party providers they rely on, such as cloud services or IT vendors. Mapping out these dependencies and ensuring compliance across the entire ecosystem can be overwhelming.

Another challenge is cultural. Too often, regulations are seen as a checklist rather than an opportunity for strategic growth. Leaders need to shift their perspective—resilience isn’t about avoiding penalties; it’s about creating an advantage. Finally, operationalizing resilience is complex. It requires collaboration across departments, from IT to risk management to the C-suite, and that’s not always easy to coordinate.

3. How can leaders create a culture of preparedness for regulatory challenges?

Creating a culture of preparedness starts with communication. Leaders need to articulate why resilience matters—not just to meet regulatory requirements but to protect the organization’s reputation, employees, and customers. When teams understand the “why,” they’re far more likely to invest in the “how.”

Leaders should also model resilience themselves. That means staying informed about emerging regulations, actively participating in resilience planning, and encouraging transparency. If something isn’t working, teams should feel empowered to raise concerns and find solutions. Preparedness thrives in a culture where adaptability and learning are celebrated.

Finally, leaders need to make resilience accessible. Provide the tools, training, and resources employees need to understand their role in the bigger picture. Resilience isn’t a one-person job—it’s a collective effort.

4. How does regulatory resilience tie into broader business resilience?

Regulatory resilience and business resilience are deeply interconnected. Both are about anticipating risks, mitigating disruptions, and ensuring continuity. A strong regulatory framework supports business resilience by establishing protocols for crisis management, incident reporting, and system recovery—all of which are critical in today’s unpredictable landscape.

For example, a company that’s prepared to comply with DORA’s requirements for operational resilience is also likely better equipped to handle a cyberattack or supply chain disruption. The overlap is significant because regulatory frameworks often reflect best practices for broader resilience.

5. Can you share an example of resilience helping a company navigate a regulatory challenge?

One example that stands out is a financial institution preparing for DORA’s implementation. They conducted a series of crisis simulations to test their systems against potential IT outages and third-party vendor failures. These exercises revealed gaps in their processes, but they also sparked innovation.

By the time they aligned with DORA’s requirements, they had not only strengthened their compliance posture but also streamlined their operations and reduced their downtime during incidents. What started as a regulatory requirement became a catalyst for operational excellence.

6. How do global trends in regulation impact organizations operating across borders?

Global organizations often face overlapping or even conflicting regulatory requirements. For example, a company operating in the U.S. might need to comply with cybersecurity reporting laws under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) while also meeting DORA’s standards in the EU.

This complexity requires a unified resilience framework that can adapt to different regional requirements without creating inefficiencies. It’s also a reminder that resilience is a shared responsibility. Organizations need to stay engaged with regulators, industry groups, and peers to navigate these challenges effectively.

7. What role does technology play in regulatory resilience

Technology is an enabler of resilience. It helps organizations automate compliance processes, monitor risks in real time, and generate insights that guide decision-making. For instance, advanced risk analytics can identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s supply chain, while automation can streamline incident reporting.

That said, technology isn’t a silver bullet. It must be paired with the right governance frameworks and skilled teams who know how to interpret and act on the data. The most effective technology solutions are those that integrate seamlessly into an organization’s existing workflows, enhancing—not complicating—operations.

8. What’s your advice for organizations just starting their journey toward regulatory resilience?

Start with a gap analysis. Take stock of where your organization currently stands in terms of resilience—what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs improvement. From there, develop a roadmap with clear priorities and timelines.

It’s also important to engage your entire organization in the process. Regulatory resilience isn’t just an IT or compliance issue—it’s an enterprise-wide priority. Finally, don’t try to go it alone. There’s a wealth of expertise available, whether through industry forums, consultants, or peer networks. Leverage those resources to accelerate your progress.

9. How should organizations prepare for future regulatory changes?

Future-proofing your organization means building flexibility into your resilience frameworks. Regulations will continue to evolve as new risks emerge, and organizations need to be able to adapt quickly. This requires staying informed, maintaining open lines of communication with regulators, and regularly testing your systems and processes against potential scenarios.

It’s also helpful to take a proactive approach. Don’t wait for regulations to mandate resilience—start building it into your operations now. Organizations that stay ahead of regulatory trends are better positioned to lead in their industries.

10. What’s the biggest opportunity that regulatory resilience offers organizations?

The biggest opportunity is trust. When customers, employees, and stakeholders see that an organization is prepared for disruptions, it builds confidence. Trust is a competitive advantage in today’s world, where uncertainty is the norm.

Regulatory resilience also drives innovation. When organizations embrace resilience as a strategic priority, they often uncover new ways to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and even reduce costs. Ultimately, resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Summary

Regulatory resilience is more than meeting requirements—it’s about safeguarding your future. Dave’s advice makes it clear: proactive planning and a culture of accountability put your organization in the best position to adapt and thrive. Start reviewing your compliance approach today.

Digital Operations underpin the resilience of contemporary businesses. Esteemed Chief Marketing Officer at Everbridge, David Alexander, delves into the crux of this concept in this video. He discusses the role of automation, AI, and cross-disciplinary teamwork in equipping organizations to minimize downtime, optimize responses, and maintain seamless operations. David underscores the fact that Digital Operations transcends mere IT functionalities—it is indeed a pivotal strategy for securing long-term business success.

The safety arena is undergoing swift changes, and it’s crucial for leaders to remain one step ahead of the forthcoming risks. In this Perspective in Resilience, our Global Chief Security Officer, Tracy Reinhold, imparts valuable knowledge on how to fortify your organization’s security resilience, adjust to novel dangers, and cultivate a forward-thinking culture of readiness. Tracy provides concrete advice for leaders traversing the unpredictable environment of today, tackling both virtual threats and physical security hurdles.