Learn directly from Kathryn Kolaczek

This course met me exactly where I needed it to. I came in as a senior communications professional looking to add crisis and issues management to my skillset, and I learned something in every module. What made it valuable wasn't the theory — it was the application. Working through real scenarios from my own organisation forced me to think rigorously about things I hadn't formally approached before: how to classify a risk honestly, how to build an approval chain that holds under pressure, what the first hour of a crisis demands of a communicator, and what it means to recover with integrity. The most important shift for me was moving from reactive to anticipatory. The frameworks in this course gave me a practical infrastructure I can actually use. I have already started integrating this work into my organisation's crisis communications strategy. If you work in communications and you haven't thought systematically about crisis preparedness, take this course. The discipline of doing the work, writing it down, and pressure-testing it is where the real learning happens.

This course provided valuable insight into how to navigate a wide range of real-world communication challenges. Kathryn does an exceptional job of applying each discussion topic in the actual professional contexts of the participants, consistently connecting theory to each member’s current field. Her teaching approach is both creative and engaging, making complex lessons feel accessible and relevant. The guest speakers further elevate the experience by being inspiring professionals who have confronted—and successfully managed—some of the most challenging and high-stakes communication crises. Their firsthand experiences bring the material to life and reinforce the practical importance of the skills taught throughout the course.

This is a great and practical course. The useful assignments and interesting case studies add to the experience, including helpful examples provided through weekly sessions with guest speakers. With the expert guidance and feedback from Kathryn and Katelyn, we've been able to use the lessons and materials from this course as a jumping off point to set up a strong foundation for our own crisis communications plan.

I recently completed Media Training 101 through Maven, and it was an incredibly valuable experience. Kathryn led a thoughtful, engaging, and highly informative course that really stood out. Her approach to crisis communications was practical, insightful, and directly applicable to the work I do every day. Kathryn created a comfortable learning environment while still challenging us to think critically and step outside our comfort zones. I walked away with tools and confidence that I know will make a real difference in how I communicate in high-pressure situations. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to strengthen their media and crisis communication skills.

This course offers clear, practical guidance that can be applied immediately in real‑world situations. Key highlights include relevant case examples, actionable frameworks, and opportunities to reflect on how the material applies to your own role. Kathryn's sessions are well‑structured and engaging, making complex topics easier to understand and use with confidence. Overall, it’s a valuable learning experience for anyone looking to strengthen their skills and approach their work more thoughtfully and effectively.