Crisis Communication for a SaaS Scale-Up After a Data Breach
Overview
What this challenge is about.
You draft a crisis comms plan for a SaaS data breach: stakeholder map, CEO script, internal memo, and Q&A. End with a verifiable certificate.
The scenario
DataSync has 500 customers, $5M ARR, and a strong reputation for reliability. The breach was due to an unpatched server, now fixed. The CEO is a 35-year-old engineer who avoids media; the CTO is more communicative but lacks authority.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
How can the leadership team communicate transparently about the breach while protecting the company from legal fallout and maintaining customer trust?
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Apply crisis communication frameworks (e.g., Situational Crisis Communication Theory)
- Develop executive presence coaching for a technical CEO
- Balance transparency with legal constraints in messaging
- Align internal and external communication to preserve reputation
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Aligned coursework coming soon.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
- Crisis Communication
Apply crisis communication to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Stakeholder Management
Navigate competing priorities and communicate clearly with decision-makers.
- Executive Presence
Apply executive presence to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Reputation Management
Apply reputation management to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Team Collaboration
Apply team collaboration to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
Careers
Career paths this challenge builds toward
Completing this challenge demonstrates skills that transfer directly to these roles: