25/06/2025
I opened my desktop, opened my brand’s social media, and told the truth. “We are not closed. We are just home, for now. We will be back.” No polish. No corporate filter. Just facts, warmth, and hope. I flooded platforms with reassurance, tagged media contacts, shared throwback photos of vibrant student life, and painted a bright future that would burn through the fog of misinformation. I spoke like a human, not a brand. And somehow, it worked. The media issued a correction! An apology even. Victory, sweet and surreal.
Lessons I Learned:
➡️Authenticity cuts through noise. People needed truth, not corporate jargon. Speaking from my heart connected better than any formal statement would have.
➡️Speed matters. In a crisis, silence fuels speculation. Even a simple, true message shared quickly can shift narratives.
➡️Use every channel, especially personal ones. People trust people. My personal voice carried more weight than an official release.
➡️Never underestimate the power of visual storytelling. Images of hope and the promise of return helped reframe the conversation.
What I would do differently:
Next time, I would set up a pre-emptive crisis communication strategy with pre-approved messages, a rapid response team, and stronger media relations. I would also build a network of internal ambassadors, alumni, staff, and students, ready to amplify verified messages when needed.
How the crisis shaped me professionally:
That campaign rewired how I approach crisis communication. It taught me that truth, urgency, and human connection are more powerful than polished perfection. I emerged more resilient, confident, and deeply aware of the responsibilities of communicators, not just to manage stories, but to tell the right ones, especially when it matters most.
That day, I did not respond to a crisis. I claimed my voice. And it changed everything.