I consider this conversation to be a great companion episode to the previous one about disaster complexity and complex adaptive systems. Fitting the theme of emergent states, this conversation with Space Force Systems Engineer, Carl “C.J.” Unis, is about how emergency managers can (and should) consider the cascading impacts from unique disaster interactions way before the incident begins to scale.

Carl “C.J.” Unis is a systems engineer with the United States Space Force. He leverages his operations expertise in DOD, enterprise security, homeland security, and national security experiences to support mission critical objectives.

His role emphasizes technical systems analysis, systems engineering, integration, and mission assurance to advance national security objectives. His professional journey includes roles in logistics, special operations, incident response, embassy security, critical infrastructure protection and analysis, systems analysis, supply chain resilience, and systems engineering.

He delivers innovative and secure solutions, collaborating across governmental, private, and public sectors, ensuring operational effectiveness and execution. He brings a structured approach to complex systems challenges and a dedication to safeguarding vital assets. He is an internationally recognized expert in his field, and is regularly sought out for his insight, knowledge, and expertise.

Systems Thinking: Skills and Insights to Resolve Wicked Problems

Crisis Lab Course: Systems Thinking in Emergency Management

*More will be sent to premium subscribers in the follow-up study guide

Did you know that I’ll be emceeing and streaming the first Disaster Gaming Convention? And that general admission is FREE??

Disaster GamingCon is where emergency management, military & defense, and gaming innovation collide creating a one‑of‑a‑kind experience you won’t find anywhere else. This year’s convention brings together the best in: Disaster Gaming immersive learning through play. Serious Games & advanced exercise design. Modeling & Simulation. Defense Tech, AI, and cutting‑edge tools shaping the future.

Plus: Next Generation Leaders Track, Practitioner & Academic Workshops, Industry Innovators Showcase, Live tech demos and panels. And the best part? The entire event will be livestreamed right here at stateofdisaster.com!

Whether you’re an EM professional, a defense strategist, a simulation nerd, or a gamer who loves pushing boundaries, this is your con.

After working six World Cup games, traveling for three weddings, and adopting one dog, I’m back in my studio and editing so much content for all of you. Here’s part one of a currently two-part series with Gregory Vigneaux with to come, I’m sure. Premium subscribers on Substack have already had access to the majority of this episode, plus a lot of show notes with references, links, and other resources from this very philosophy heavy series, which is really at the heart of Emergent States.

I’m compiling this all into an emergency management complexity resource guide that I’ll be sending to premium folks soon. I also lowered the price for premium and I’m probably going to hold that price moving forward.

I am so excited to bring you something old, and something new. The research and concepts of organizational theory, chaos, and complexity are not new to academia, but I believe they may be the disruption emergency management needs (opposed to the one it has). This Emergent States series doesn’t take anything for granted, including our most basic doctrine.

My guest, Gregory Vigneaux, is a former federal wildland firefighter who worked primarily on Hotshot Crews. He has fought fires in twelve states, from coast to coast, including Alaska, with the majority of his time spent in California. Through this experience, Gregory gained an enduring interest in operations and their environment. During his graduate studies, he was introduced to the interdisciplinary study of complex systems that would begin to offer unexpected insight into his areas of interest and much more. He has been studying complex systems for eleven years, still finding new questions and answers, which he is always excited to share. You can find his work here, and also connect with him on LinkedIn.

TLDR: I’m back from my brief summer hiatus that I now need an actual vacation from. I’m back doing what I love, which is managing emergencies and running my mouth. Enjoy this episode of State of Disaster - Emergent States.

Welcome to State of Disaster, Season 3. It’s been just about a year since I published my first episode, but it feels like an entire lifetime. This show has become a staple of my life and I’m as always, so grateful for everyone I’ve gotten to know through this adventure.

This season is called Emergent States. For the last year, I have been recording interviews with some really smart people about what happens when big systems fail and what emerges when individuals, organizations, and communities self organize to solve the seemingly unsolvable. We’re going to talk about complexity science, systems thinking, and grassroots emergency management models. We’re also going to take a look at the emerging technologies, startups, and solo emergency management entrepreneurs that are shifting the paradigm of the work we do.

I’m starting this season off with Brandi Hunter, celebrating the work she’s done as the founder of Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), a supportive community bridging the gap between education and careers in emergency management.

Brandi and the AEMO team empower students and emerging professionals with mentorship, job resources, and real-world insights. With the competitive nature of EM hiring, where experience is often a barrier, AEMO helps members navigate challenges like networking, certifications, and interview prep. Joining AEMO offers access to a network of peers and seasoned experts, including me, who are passionate about making emergency management more inclusive and accessible for all backgrounds.

Premium subscribers will be able to access Emergent States early, extended, uncensored, ad-free, and with enhanced show guides giving you more immersive resources, links, discounts, research, access to ask guests questions, and more.

We’re also reducing premium subscription costs to reduce the barrier to entry for this awesome content. An annual subscription is now $50 instead of $100 and will remain at this price through the end of the year.