Leading Through the Breach: Crisis, Chaos & Critical Decisions

What does it take to make the right decisions when everything around you is moving fast and the pressure is on?

On this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Sal Lifrieri, Counter Terrorism Expert, President of PCCSecure, and author of Leading Through Chaos, to talk about crisis management, leadership under pressure, and how the way we respond to uncertainty can make all the difference. Drawing from his extensive background with the NYPD, hostage negotiation, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism, Sal shares real-world lessons on staying calm, checking your ego at the door, and making thoughtful decisions when the stakes are high.

Sal also breaks down his STOP Technique and why sometimes the best thing a leader can do in a crisis is slow down before reacting. Kim and Sal discuss how threats have evolved since 9/11, the role technology plays in both protecting us and creating new vulnerabilities, preparing for situations that could overwhelm even the best plans, and why situational awareness remains so important.

From the boardroom to a real-world security crisis, this conversation is a reminder that strong leadership isn’t about having every answer—it’s about knowing how to think, communicate, and lead when you don’t.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation on crisis management, security, preparedness, and what it really means to lead through chaos.