A press conference with officials standing behind a podium with the Florida state seal, including FEMA representatives, government officials, and emergency response team members, with screens and flags in the background

Online Course:
Leading During Crisis

Learn from Pete Gaynor — Former FEMA Administrator, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Marine Veteran

When disaster struck—from COVID-19 to record-breaking hurricanes—Pete led the nation’s response.

Now, he’s sharing the same no-fluff, crisis-tested playbook to help leaders like you act with clarity under pressure.

Three men standing in a row, side profile, during an official White House press conference event.

The Most Effective Leaders are Ready Before the Crisis Begins.

When chaos hits, there’s no time for second-guessing.
You’ll either lead with confidence—or freeze.

This course arms you with the exact tools Pete used while:

  • Coordinating the federal response to COVID-19

  • Leading FEMA through 300+ presidentially declared disasters across all 50 states and territories

  • Managing some of the most complex and resource-intensive disaster responses in U.S. history

This isn’t theory. This is real-world leadership training for people who have to make it happen.

This course gives you the no-nonsense tools you need when everything’s hitting the fan and you've got to deliver. – Pete Gaynor

Large black quotation marks with orange backgrounds on each side
Multiple devices displaying an online course titled "Leading During Crisis" with modules on defining a crisis and success, including video lessons and course materials.

Course Modules

5 Core Modules.
23 Lessons.
Real-World Leadership Strategy.

    • Learn how to identify real threats, understand the anatomy of a crisis, and cut through the noise.

    • Discover how to build unshakeable teams, clarify mission, and lead without getting caught in politics.

    • Influence decision-makers, take decisive action, and maintain 360° crisis awareness.

    • Lead with credibility, calm, and the confidence your team needs—even when your world is on fire.

    • Cultivate the mindset to see it through, finish strong, and lead your team to safety.

What’s Included:

Everything You Need to Lead in a Crisis—Delivered Online.

✓ Lifetime Access to all Course Materials

✓ 5 Video Modules (23 Lessons Total)

✓ Downloadable Audio Files

✓ Key Takeaways + Action Items

✓ 8 CEUs (Recognized by IAEM & NEMA)

✓ Certificate of Completion

✓ Crisis Leader's Reading List

✓ 10% Discount on In-Person Training

$279.00
One time
A man wearing glasses and a checkered shirt working on a desktop computer in a busy office with multiple monitors of natural disaster response and crisis management experts working at desks.

Who This Course is For:

This Course is Built for Leaders Who Make the Hard Calls.

  • Emergency Managers

  • First Responder Command Staff

  • Government Leaders & Public Safety Directors

  • Military Officers Transitioning to Civilian Roles

  • Corporate Crisis Managers

  • Healthcare & Nonprofit Leaders

If people rely on you when things go wrong—this course is for you.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials holding a meeting, with a large screen displaying the department's emblem behind them.

About Pete Gaynor

Proven in America’s Toughest Crises.

Pete Gaynor isn’t a theorist. He’s been there. Done it. Led it.

  • FEMA Administrator & Acting Secretary of Homeland Security

  • Directed national COVID-19 emergency response

  • Led responses to 300+ presidentially declared disasters

  • Oversaw the busiest hurricane and wildfire seasons in U.S. history

  • 26-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps

You’re not just getting trained—you’re learning from a leader who’s lived it.

Testimonials & Trust

  • Emblem with a golden lion standing on a royal crown, crossed swords behind, with the word 'ARMY' in red below.

    "Pete has the sort of easy grasp of crisis leadership that only comes from being tested in the fire. His laser-like ability to dissect complex problems and rapidly build effective teams is remarkable. After hearing him speak, you'll find your entire approach to crisis leadership transformed."

    — Lt. Col. Steve Johnson, SO-1 Counter CBRN Policy and Assurance, British Army

  • Seal with a whale in water, surrounded by the text 'Town of Nantucket, Mass, Incorporated 1671', and a rope border.

    "My organization hired Pete to discuss the challenges he faced in various leadership roles. He described navigating serious issues through practical means and shared his decision-making process. I came away with valuable tools to solve problems—both expected and unexpected. I highly recommend his services to any organization."

    — Michael Cranson, Fire Chief, Town of Nantucket, MA

  • Virginia Tech logo with maroon circular background, featuring white 'VT' initials and orange 'Virginia Tech' text.

    “Pete Gaynor’s Leadership During Crisis training is time well invested...” His unparalleled experience—from leading FEMA and DHS to serving at state, local, and military levels—brings unique insight into crisis leadership challenges and decision-making.”

    —Michael J. Mulhare, P.E., Associate Vice President, Public Safety, Virginia Tech

Join Hundreds of Leaders Who Trust FEMAPete
Group of eight people sitting around a table in a warehouse, all wearing masks, having a meeting or discussion.

Why This Approach Works

This Course Isn’t “Leadership Theory.”
It’s a Tactical Advantage.

Real-World Tested
Every lesson is pulled from actual crisis leadership—not textbooks.

Tools You Can Use Immediately
Each module includes tools you can implement immediately.

Built for High-Stakes Decision Makers
From boardrooms to command centers—this works wherever you lead.

New England Straight Talk
No corporate jargon or wasted time—just what works.

Take Action Today

Look, disaster doesn't wait for perfect conditions, and neither should your training. Enroll in "Leading During Crisis" and gain the skills you need to lead decisively when it matters most.

FAQs

    • Unlike theoretical courses taught by academics, this program is built on real-world experience managing actual national crises. You're learning from someone who's made the tough calls when lives were on the line.

    • The online course includes five modules totaling about 8 hours of content. Most participants complete it within 2-3 weeks, but you have lifetime access to work at your own pace.

    • The course draws heavily from my experience leading the national COVID-19 response, numerous disaster responses at the local, state and federal level, western wildfires management, and various national security situations. I provide specific examples from each of these events to illustrate key principles.

    • Not at all. While the principles were forged in emergency management, they apply to any leader who needs to make high-stakes decisions under pressure—whether that's in public safety, healthcare, business, or nonprofit sectors.

    • The online course is $279 with lifetime access to all materials and updates. The in-person training starts at $9,500 for up to 25 participants. Volume discounts are available for government agencies and departments.

    • Absolutely. We can tailor the in-person training to address your organization's specific challenges and scenarios. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your needs.

    • Yes, our course provides 8 Continuing Education Units recognized by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA).

    • We stand behind our training with a 30-day money-back guarantee for the online course. If you don't find value in the material, we'll refund your investment—no questions asked.