Democracy That Delivers

425 - Everything is Fine (Until It Isn't) – What NGOs Can Learn from Crisis Leadership

In a moment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, social media and AI-driven information flows, crisis leadership depends on much more than a communications plan. In this episode, Michele Crymes of CIPE speaks with crisis communications adviser Ellen Barry about how organizations can prepare before pressure hits, build trust with stakeholders and communicate honestly when answers are incomplete. Barry emphasizes that relationships with NGOs, regulators, journalists and communities must be built before a crisis, not during one. The conversation also highlights the importance of clear decision-making, credible local information, empathy and values-based leadership. The central takeaway: technology may accelerate access to information, but resilient leadership still begins with people. For more than 30 years, Ellen Barry [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-barry/] has provided strategic advice to C-Suite members and Boards of Directors navigating crises ranging from cyberattacks to natural disasters to financial malfeasance. Working both in-house for Fortune 20 companies and with global consultancies, she has provided high-level crisis counsel, CEO advisory, financial and corporate messaging, employee communications, and community, investor and government relations. Her work has included NGO outreach, non-profit management, and communications leadership of teams throughout the world for both corporate and private entities. Barry holds a degree from Georgetown University and is a guest lecturer at USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Eluna, a non-profit helping those navigating childhood bereavement and family addiction. Born and raised in Canada, she's lived and worked throughout the US and Western Europe and currently resides in Southern California.

424 - Navigating Volatility, Risk, and Collaboration

At a moment when organizations are navigating volatility, fragmentation, and mounting compliance pressure, small- and medium-sized enterprises increasingly rely on trusted external networks to navigate legal, regulatory, and compliance challenges they often lack the capacity to manage alone. In this episode of Democracy That Delivers, Michele Crymes speaks with Rick Johnston about crisis response, reputation, regulatory complexity, and how business associations, chambers of commerce, industry groups, and organizations like CIPE can help businesses build resilience. The discussion also explores where civil society can be a practical partner rather than an outside critic. The takeaway is clear: collaboration works best when it starts with trust, shared interests, and concrete issues like anti-corruption. Rick Johnston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-rick-johnston-b88662213/] is Chair of the Executive Board of Business at OECD (BIAC) and Managing Director of Global Government Affairs at Citibank. In his BIAC role, he represents the global business community in engagement with the OECD and helps guide business input on international economic policy. At Citi, he leads engagement with governments and political stakeholders, overseeing geopolitical analysis, issue advocacy, and relationships with policymakers across more than 100 countries. An expert in international trade and investment, Johnston has advised U.S. and foreign government leaders as well as multinational companies on complex transnational issues. He previously served as International Trade Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and as an advisor at the U.S. International Trade Commission.

423 - How Corporate Communication Drives the Fight Against Corruption

This episode, part of CIPE's Rapid Response series and hosted by Frank Brown, explores how corporate communication drives the fight against corruption. Guests Nicola Allocca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaallocca/] and Mohammed Ahmed [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-ahmed-60918a1/] share insights from their global work in business integrity, highlighting the importance of culture, behavior, and innovative training like Deloitte's "Dilemma" ethics training program. The discussion covers "Talk Integrity [https://www.businessatoecd.org/hubfs/Talk%20Integrity%20-%20How%20Corporate%20Communication%20Drives%20the%20Fight%20Against%20Corruption.pdf]," a new policy paper by Business at OECD, emphasizing practical solutions, simplification of standards, and the virtues of a strong communication program. Key takeaways include integrating integrity into daily practice, tailoring communication, and fostering trust and resilience. The future may call for smarter governance and responsible use of technology. Nicola Allocca is an international executive, independent consultant, and board advisor with more than 25 years of experience across the infrastructure, steel, aerospace, consulting, and retail sectors. He specializes in governance, risk, compliance, business integrity, and responsible AI, helping organizations strengthen resilience, navigate complex regulatory environments, and drive sustainable growth. Nicola currently serves as Chair of the Business at OECD (BIAC) Integrity & Anti-Corruption Committee [https://www.businessatoecd.org/policy/anti-corruption] and Co-Chair of the B20 Integrity & Compliance Task Force. He is also Professor of Responsible Business Conduct at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Mohammed Ahmed is the Global Anti-Corruption and Financial Crime Compliance Leader at Deloitte Global, where he oversees global policies, standards, and monitoring processes related to anti-corruption and financial crime compliance. He has led Deloitte Global's anti-corruption and financial crime compliance function since its inception and has helped shape the strategy on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, economic sanctions, and export controls in-house compliance. Mohammed currently serves as Vice Chair of the Business at OECD (BIAC) Integrity & Anti-Corruption Committee and is a Board and Audit Committee member of CIPE.

422 - Anti-corruption Windows of Opportunity

Moments of political change don't last long — and whether they lead to reform depends on who is ready to act. In this episode of Democracy That Delivers, CIPE's Michele Crymes speaks with Cheri-Leigh Erasmus of Accountability Lab about how civil society can seize democratic windows of opportunity. They explore why trust, coordination, and preparedness matter more than speed, how funding constraints limit response capacity, and why private sector partnerships are critical to sustainable reform. The takeaway is clear: meaningful democratic progress requires relationships built before the moment arrives — and collaboration across sectors is no longer optional.

421 Australian Perspectives on Southeast Asia and the Pacific with Bill Costello

With Australian Foreign Minister Wong explaining [https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/transcript/interview-david-speers-abc-insiders-0] that Australia and China "are in a state of permanent contest in the Pacific" what are Australia's priorities in the Pacific, as well as in Southeast Asia? How does Australia engage in creative diplomacy, and how can the United States and Australia reinforce each other's efforts in supporting market-oriented democracy in this critical region? CIPE's John Morrell is joined by Bill Costello for a conversation about Australia's perspectives on ASEAN and the Pacific. Bill is Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Development and Programs with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was previously Australia's Ambassador to Timor-Leste.