When an outbreak unfolds, the right decision at the right moment can change everything. But those decisions aren’t made in isolation—they’re shaped by the networks, planning and leadership strategies developed in advance.
The Fireside Chat series is a quarterly, virtual engagement designed for high-level public health leaders. This exclusive forum provides a behind-the-scenes look at pivotal leadership decisions and strategies, past and present, that shape global epidemic prevention efforts. Each session will feature a distinguished guest speaker with firsthand experience bringing real-world insights to moderate a candid, interactive discussion. Invited participants will have the opportunity to walk through complex health challenges with the guest speaker and each other. Topics will focus on leadership in crises and address issues including how to build networks during “peace time”, communication and negotiation strategies.
Why fireside chats
The fireside chat format creates a private, peer-driven space where leaders connect beyond roles and titles to share hard-won insights. The informal setting encourages open conversation and deeper reflection on the real challenges facing today’s public health leaders. By participating, leaders gain perspective on how others navigate complex decisions and have the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers facing similar pressures.
Program Goals
Foster peer-to-peer learning within a community of high-level decision-makers who can discuss lessons from effective infectious disease outbreak response.
Surface personal experiences, hard-won lessons, and decision-making strategies that aren’t often captured in technical discussions or formal training.
Encourage leaders to reflect on their own leadership practices, identify shared challenges, and spark new ideas or approaches they can take back to their teams and systems..
Audience
National-level leadership in epidemic and emergency response systems. French, Spanish, and Portuguese interpretation will be provided, as needed.
RSVP
Please email [email protected] to confirm your participation.