The choice of the ideal speaker for a crisis management conference depends first and foremost on the specific objective of your event, and not solely on the topic being addressed. Edgar Grospiron, Laurent COMBALBERT, Eric MESNIER, Laurent BERNAT, and Christopher Pratt each offer a different approach, highlighting various perspectives such as strategy, management, operations, decision-making, or the human dimension. This is not a ranking of the top five speakers, but rather a comparison of their respective viewpoints and contributions. The table below will help you identify, for each speaker, their preferred angle, the intended objective, as well as the target audience, making it easier for you to select the right one according to your organization’s needs.
How to Decide Quickly
Identify the priority of your event, then follow the rule that applies.
- If you want to inspire your teams to bounce back collectively after a failure or a difficult period. →
Edgar Grospiron — to boost motivation after a crisis - If you want practical, field-tested tools for managing uncertainty and organizational complexity. →
Laurent COMBALBERT — to strengthen collective agility in uncertain contexts - If you want to illustrate crisis management with real-life feedback from rescue operations in extreme conditions. →
Eric MESNIER — to reinforce risk management in extreme situations - If you want a powerful testimony about rebuilding after a deep crisis, with emotional impact. →
Laurent BERNAT — to illustrate resilience in the face of extreme adversity - If you’re looking for concrete parallels between crisis management and sailing, with a focus on anticipation and team cohesion. →
Christopher Pratt — to anticipate and steer your way out of a crisis
| Speaker | Overview | Angle | Objective | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgar Grospiron Français | Angle He shares how to turn adversity into positive energy through motivation and a champion’s mindset. Objective Boosting motivation after a crisis Target Managers, sales teams, motivational seminars | He shares how to turn adversity into positive energy through motivation and a champion’s mindset. | Boosting motivation after a crisis | Managers, sales teams, motivational seminars |
| Laurent COMBALBERT Français | Angle He conveys the expertise of crisis negotiators and special forces to act effectively in complex environments. Objective Strengthen collective agility in uncertain contexts Target COMEX, CODIR, executives, crisis management teams | He conveys the expertise of crisis negotiators and special forces to act effectively in complex environments. | Strengthen collective agility in uncertain contexts | COMEX, CODIR, executives, crisis management teams |
| Eric MESNIER Français | Angle The keys to optimizing crisis management Objective Strengthen risk management in extreme situations Target Managers, operational teams, team-building seminars | The keys to optimizing crisis management | Strengthen risk management in extreme situations | Managers, operational teams, team-building seminars |
| Laurent BERNAT Français | Angle He explains how to survive and rebuild after a major shock, embodying resilience and post-traumatic leadership. Objective Illustrate resilience in the face of extreme adversity Target Companies in transition, conventions, audiences sensitive to human experience | He explains how to survive and rebuild after a major shock, embodying resilience and post-traumatic leadership. | Illustrate resilience in the face of extreme adversity | Companies in transition, conventions, audiences sensitive to human experience |
| Christopher Pratt Français | Angle He shares a skipper’s strategies for anticipating, managing, and overcoming a crisis as a team under pressure. Objective Anticipate and manage the exit from the crisis Target Managers, project teams, team-building seminars | He shares a skipper’s strategies for anticipating, managing, and overcoming a crisis as a team under pressure. | Anticipate and manage the exit from the crisis | Managers, project teams, team-building seminars |
Angles and Specificities of Each Speaker
Angle: He shares how to turn adversity into positive energy through motivation and the champion’s mindset.
For which audience / event: Managers, sales teams, motivational seminars
Choose if… Choose if you want to inspire your teams to bounce back together after a failure or a difficult period.
Conference to watch: How to bounce back after a crisis?
Angle: He shares the expertise of crisis negotiators and special forces to act effectively in complex environments.
For which audience/event: Executive committees, management boards, leaders, teams in charge of crisis management
Choose if… Choose if you want practical, field-tested tools to manage uncertainty and organizational complexity.
Conference to watch: Collective Agility
Angle: The keys to optimizing crisis management
For which audience / event: Managers, operational teams, team-building seminars
Choose if… Choose if you want to illustrate crisis management with concrete feedback from rescues in extreme conditions.
Conference to watch: The keys to optimizing crisis management
Angle: He shares how to survive and rebuild after a major shock, embodying resilience and post-traumatic leadership.
For which audience/event: Companies undergoing transformation, conventions, audiences sensitive to human experience
Choose if… Choose if you want a powerful testimony about rebuilding after a profound crisis, with strong emotional impact.
Conference to watch: DEFLAGRATION AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE ART OF GETTING BACK UP
Angle: He shares a skipper’s strategies for anticipating, managing, and overcoming a crisis as a team under pressure.
For which audience/event: Managers, project teams, team-building seminars
Choose if… Choose if you’re looking for concrete parallels between crisis management and sailing, with a focus on anticipation and team cohesion.
Conference to watch: Managing Crisis and Anticipating Recovery
FAQ
How do I choose a speaker suited to the objective of my crisis management conference?
First, identify whether you want to raise awareness, train, or inspire your audience. For example, Edgar Grospiron can illustrate resilience, while Laurent COMBALBERT brings operational expertise from crisis negotiation.
Which speaker would be best suited for an audience of executives or managers?
For an audience of decision-makers, prioritize speakers like Eric MESNIER or Laurent BERNAT, who have hands-on experience in high-level crisis management and know how to tailor their message to strategic challenges.
What format do you recommend for a crisis management conference?
Depending on your needs, opt for an interactive conference with Q&A or a practical workshop. Christopher Pratt, for instance, offers immersive formats based on his experience as a sailor faced with the unexpected.
How do I assess the technical level required for the speaker?
Determine whether your audience is looking for inspiring feedback or concrete tools. Laurent COMBALBERT addresses both beginners and specialists thanks to his educational approach and varied examples.
What information should be shared with the speaker during the briefing to ensure the relevance of their presentation?
Specify the audience profile, your expectations, and the event context. Lespeakers can assist you in preparing the brief to ensure a tailor-made presentation.
What’s next?
Once the angle is clarified, the simplest step is to formalize your brief (objective, audience, format, duration, constraints). We can help you match with the right speaker on crisis management.
For a detailed shortlist with biographies, see also our selection of speakers on crisis management.