“Bad Things Are Going to Happen”—Mike Swenson on Why Every Business Needs Crisis Prep

Cut The Tie Podcast with Mike Swenson

What do you do when your lifelong dream career takes a sudden turn—and leads you somewhere better than you imagined? In this episode, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Mike Swenson, a retired PR executive, former journalist, and creator of the CrisisTrak system.

Mike’s journey started with a childhood dream of being a broadcaster, shifted into politics when he became press secretary to the Kansas governor, and ultimately led him to build a nationally respected PR firm. Along the way, he discovered the importance of keeping communication simple, focused, and strategic—especially in times of crisis.

Now in retirement, Mike isn’t slowing down. He’s reigniting his spark by sharing CrisisTrak with small businesses and nonprofits who need practical, do-it-yourself tools to handle the unexpected.

About Mike Swenson:

Mike Swenson is the founder of CrisisTrak and the retired CEO of a Kansas City PR firm he helped build from scratch. His career spans decades in journalism, politics, and public relations—including serving as press secretary to the Kansas governor and directing communications for major corporate and nonprofit clients. Known for distilling complex problems into simple, actionable steps, Mike’s CrisisTrak framework helps organizations of all sizes prepare for and manage crises. Today, he continues to consult, podcast, and mentor entrepreneurs—while enjoying time with his wife, four kids, and eight grandkids.

In this episode, Thomas and Mike discuss:

• Cutting ties with a childhood dream
  How Mike walked away from his broadcasting career to take a leap into politics—and why it became his “graduate school” in crisis management.
• The jump from politics to PR
  Leaving government meant leaving security. Mike shares how he navigated the uncertainty, took a pay cut, and launched into building a firm from the ground up.
• Why strategy beats noise
  The mantra Mike carried throughout his career: communication without strategy is a lost opportunity.
• The tie he refuses to cut
  Retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Mike explains why CrisisTrak keeps him sharp, fulfilled, and still contributing after leaving agency life.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy gives communication power
  Words without clear action and purpose are wasted.
• Opportunities come when you’re prepared to pivot
  Be open to big shifts—even if it means leaving behind a dream.
• Crisis planning isn’t optional
  Something will go wrong; the question is whether you’re ready.
• Keep it simple
  The best frameworks are easy to use, easy to teach, and easy to act on when it matters most.

Connect with Mike Swenson:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/
🌐 Website: https://crisistrak.com/

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com: https://www.instantlyrelevant.com

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