Leading After the Storm: How to Communicate, Calm, and Coordinate in the Wake of Disaster
When disaster strikes, the world looks for leaders-not always the ones with titles, but the ones who stay.
Leading After the Storm is a global leadership guide for those called to steady others when systems break down. Whether you are a school principal in South India, an NGO field coordinator in Kenya, a community elder in Haiti, or a shelter manager in California, this book is written for those who rise without invitation, hold space when others fall apart, and guide with presence-not perfection.
In today's world of escalating disasters, humanitarian crises, and institutional collapse, emotionally intelligent leadership has become essential. Those on the ground-educators, aid workers, community leaders, faith leaders, and local officials-often carry the responsibility long after the media leaves and the immediate crisis fades. This book is for them.
Blending real-world case studies, trauma-informed insights, leadership anchors, and culturally adaptable tools, Leading After the Storm offers a practical and compassionate framework for navigating the human side of disaster response. Rather than rigid protocols or abstract theories, readers will find actionable guidance to help them:Communicate with steadiness in moments of chaos
Lead across cultural, generational, and institutional differences
Sustain personal energy, emotional resilience, and leadership stamina
Rebuild trust, belonging, and morale in the aftermath of crisis
Carry the work forward without carrying the full weight alone
Because leadership after disaster is not about control.
It is about care.
And the future depends on how we lead-together-when everything else has fallen apart.
And the future depends on how we lead-together-when everything else has fallen apart.

Portrait

Dr. Karissa Thomas is a global leadership strategist, award-winning author, and creator of the Mosaic Intelligence Method(TM) and Efficient Adjuster(TM) framework. With over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, education, and emotional intelligence training, she empowers individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, integrity, and cultural awareness. Her books and courses span industries-from education and insurance to global business-and are used worldwide to support professional resilience, inclusive leadership, and emotional growth. Through her dynamic storytelling and research-informed insights, Dr. Thomas equips readers to navigate personal and professional upheaval with purpose and presence. Learn more at www.DrKarissaThomas.net