Makati, Philippines – In the dynamic world of public safety, the demands on leaders extend far beyond tactical response. On 05 April 2024, The Asian Institute of Management’s (AIM) Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management (SZSDM), welcomed the students of the Philippine Air Force Officer School (PAFOS) to the AIM campus for a masterclass on leadership and management.
Professor Olivier Roche, PhD, School Head of SZSDM, warmly welcomed the PAFOS students and emphasized the importance of leadership in disaster preparedness. He underscored that effective response hinges on pre-established plans and training.
Professor Olivier Roche, PhD, School Head, Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management sets the tone for the benefits of the masterclass in the military
The masterclass was led by Professor Chad Briggs, PhD, Academic Program Director of the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program at AIM and an executive member of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change (GMACCC).
Professor Chad Briggs, PhD, Academic Program Director, Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management inspiring the Philippine Air Force officers to be strategic thinkers
As a globally recognized expert in environmental risks, climate change, and implications for military and security planning, Professor Briggs shared a feast of invaluable insights on effective leadership and management with the PAFOS officers—empowering them to think strategically beyond tactical commands.
His discussion covered key strategies for effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s surroundings, fostering visibility, and establishing full-spectrum awareness through comprehensive risk assessment of operations, missions, and communities.
Professor Briggs also advocated building trust within communities to gain access to critical information for effective response planning.
Moreover, Professor Briggs elaborated on various types of threats, including military and non-military ones. He particularly stressed the strategic approach of undermining resilience in communities, which poses a significant threat to any defense. This underscores the pivotal importance of fostering community resilience, especially in the face of disasters and crises. “It is never just a disaster…. climate change changes the whole game,” Professor Briggs shared.
The PAFOS officers were left with thought-provoking learnings and key takeaways to not just direct their perspectives on what was in front of them but to keep an eye on their peripheral views.
In his closing remarks, Professor Briggs invited and challenged the class to stretch themselves and do something beyond their known capabilities to continuously elevate their leadership and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.
Towards the conclusion of this special event, Mark Ross Rubio, School Manager of SZSDM, announced to the class a special opportunity for qualified PAFOS applicants interested in furthering their leadership development in disaster preparedness. The announcement highlighted the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program.
Effective leadership in public safety demands constant learning and adaptation. The masterclass provided insights for the Philippine Air Force officers, equipping them with critical thinking, strategic planning, and leadership skills required to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By applying these strategies and potentially pursuing further specialized education in disaster preparedness programs like the EMDRCM, public safety professionals can build a more resilient and prepared future for all.
