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In these unpredictable times of multipolar tensions, shifting tariffs, AI disruption, and escalating cyber threats, small and medium business owners face more chaos than ever before.

If you're an entrepreneur, solo operator, or leading an SMB team, ignoring these dangers could cost you everything—revenue, employees, and your livelihood.

In this episode of Mastering Risk, Dr. Jeff Donaldson breaks down the 5 critical risks every small business must address in 2026, and delivers practical, step-by-step, mostly free strategies to mitigate them before it's too late.

You'll learn:
Why cyber is still the #1 global business risk and the dead-simple habits (no-click links, air-gapped backups, MFA, patch discipline) that protect you without big budgets.
The real AI danger isn't job loss, it's employees unknowingly handing your sensitive data to public tools. Discover how to use AI safely and powerfully inside controlled, paid systems.
How one supplier failure can shut you down overnight and the "10-contract" redundancy model to keep operations flowing no matter what.
Navigating explosive regulatory changes (EU AI rules, tariffs, privacy laws) by building upstream relationships for early warnings and strategic advantage.
Why your personal online behaviour is now your business reputation, and the crisis communication playbook to survive public backlash.

These aren't theoretical ideas. They're battle-tested tactics from supply chain logistics, cyber defence, and real-world SMB consulting at Preparedness Labs Incorporated.

Whether you're on the fence about entrepreneurship or fighting to keep your business thriving, this episode equips you to turn uncertainty into opportunity and seize market share while others scramble.

Visit preparednesslabs.ca for your FREE entrepreneur risk download, Fractional Chief Risk Officer services, and more tools to master risk in chaotic times.

https://preparednesslabs.ca

Why politics and business do not mix:
https://youtu.be/6ZHiAnydk0I?si=_JWuFFldozS1VLy_

DISCLOSURE
Information shared here is for educational purposes only. Individuals and business owners should evaluate their own business strategies, and identify any potential risks. The information shared here is not a guarantee of success. Your results may vary.
Copyright © 2026.

Support the show

https://preparednesslabs.ca/

Send us a text

In today's hyper-polarized world, politics isn't just background noise, it's a direct threat (and hidden opportunity) to your small or medium-sized business.

One wrong post, one heated opinion, and you could alienate 40%+ of your customers overnight. But what if you could navigate the chaos, protect your brand, and actually turn political turbulence into competitive advantage?

In this powerful episode of Mastering Risk, Dr. Jeff Donaldson breaks down the minefield of online and global politics for SMB owners. Drawing from real-world evidence, disaster research, and decades of experience, he shares the four essential strategies that put you ahead of your peers:

1.) Map the true power landscape & discover who really holds influence over your business (it's rarely just the mayor or prime minister).
2.) Build strategic relationships & cultivate genuine social capital with decision-makers at every level, because people win the day, not plans.
3.) Claim the high ground, stay professional, neutral, and principle-driven publicly. Why broadcasting your politics is almost always a negative ROI.
4.) Turn politics into leverage, use early warnings, linking relationships, and ethical influence to shape regulations before they hurt you.

Whether you're in Canada, the U.S., Europe, or beyond, these free, time-tested tactics help you hold market share, reduce friction, and thrive amid uncertainty, without ever compromising your personal beliefs.

If you're a solo entrepreneur, growing team leader, or fractional risk pro ready to master disruption, this episode is your roadmap.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Politics as a Business Minefield
02:45 – Step 1: Chart the Real Power Landscape
08:20 – Step 2: Build Strategic Relationships
14:10 – Step 3: The High-Ground Neutral Strategy
19:30 – Step 4: Turn Politics into Leverage
25:00 – Recap & Final Thoughts

Drop a comment: What's your biggest political risk right now? Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more no-BS risk mastery for SMBs.

https://preparednesslabs.ca

DISCLOSURE
Information shared here is for educational purposes only. Individuals and business owners should evaluate their own business strategies, and identify any potential risks. The information shared here is not a guarantee of success. Your results may vary.
Copyright © 2026.

Support the show

https://preparednesslabs.ca/

Send us a text

In a world of fractured systems, economic uncertainty, and cascading disruptions, your family's safety shouldn't depend on money, government help, or expensive gear.

In this powerful episode of Mastering Risk, Dr. Jeff Donaldson (PhD in Disaster & Emergency Management) reveals how to prepare your family for 2026: completely free, using evidence-based strategies proven in real disasters from hurricanes to mega-earthquakes.

Forget the myth that preparedness requires a budget. The data shows zero economic barrier to real resilience. Discover the Trifecta of Preparedness Plans every family needs: Shelter-in-place for up to 14 days (backed by hard stats: 94% of critical infrastructure restores in 14 days)

Smart, no-cost evacuation with predetermined destinations and grab lists
Your "when I get fired" career pivot plan for the precarious job market ahead

Learn battle-tested secrets to:
Reunite your family without phones or internet
Build unbreakable social capital in your community (the #1 predictor of post-disaster success)
Master essential skills like first aid using only free resources

Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just a concerned parent, this episode proves one thing: if your home base is strong, everything else follows.

Preparedness isn't a stockpile — it's a lifestyle.

Download the FREE 4-page Family Preparedness Primer: https://preparednesslabs.ca/products/4-step-guide-to-beginning-your-preparedness-journey

Watch the full Roadmap to Resilience video series on our YouTube channel, no email required: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7b7or5anKA&t=114s

The only barrier to preparedness is you, it's your choice, choose wisely

Support the show

https://preparednesslabs.ca/