Reposted from Tim Richardson

The Things That Make Us Grow

When was the last time you deliberately did something that made you uncomfortable?

Not something reckless or unsafe, but something that stretched your confidence, challenged your assumptions, or required you to become a beginner again. Growth rarely happens when we stay inside the familiar. It happens when we are willing to take a step into the uncomfortable and discover that we may be more capable than we thought.

When was the last time you really stretched yourself?

When did you force yourself to do something uncomfortable?

What was the internal dialogue like before you tried something new?

I imagine it was uncomfortable. Maybe you never tried at all. Maybe you talked yourself out of it before you even began.

I recently finished reading The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter for the second time. In the book, Easter encourages us to push ourselves physically and mentally by participating in a misogi.

A misogi is a difficult challenge that pushes us beyond what feels comfortable. It should be hard enough that success is not guaranteed, but it should also be done safely. The point is not to prove something to others. The point is to discover what we are capable of when we stop letting comfort set the boundaries of our lives.

When we intentionally put ourselves on “hard mode” for a day, ordinary stressors can begin to feel more manageable. Traffic, a difficult email, or a delayed flight may no longer feel like an emergency. Easter explains that when we lack real challenges, our minds can move the goalposts. Small inconveniences can begin to feel like major crises. By choosing a meaningful challenge, we can reset our perspective.

It is certainly easier to do the things that make us comfortable. Yet growth often comes from taking on the things we fear most or the things that make us feel especially uncomfortable.

If the physical side of a misogi seems too difficult, consider beginning with a mental or emotional stretch. You might overcome a fear of public speaking, learn a new language, explore your artistic side through painting, ballroom dancing, or writing, or try something you have convinced yourself you could never do Consider overcoming a fear of public speaking, learning a new language, exploring your artistic side through painting, ballroom dancing, or writing, or trying something you have convinced yourself you could never do.

Tonight, I am doing something I could not have imagined doing just a few years ago. I am performing jazz piano in public.

Though I played piano through my mid-teens, I couldn’t fathom ever performing jazz piano for others. In high school, I joined the jazz band as a horn player, though I was not very good.

I could play a jazz riff and read music reasonably well. I learned one blues scale and played it repeatedly, never bothering to learn it in different keys. I could play a basic 2-5-1 progression, for those who know jazz music, but I did not learn much beyond that.

About 10 years ago, while listening to a jazz trio, I worked up the nerve to approach the young pianist. I asked her if she gave lessons. She was an outstanding musician and a serious student of jazz piano who had studied with a legendary instructor. I began working with her a short time later. Though I had always wanted to perform, the thought terrified me. I still remember the first few times I played in public and the feelings of inadequacy that came with it. I told myself I did not have the skills. I compared myself to musicians who were far better than I could ever hope to be.

Those voices can easily sideline us.

We have to learn to quiet the voices that tell us not to try. We have to remember that everyone starts somewhere.

Isn’t that true in almost every area of life?

When we believe we do not have the right skills, experience, training, or confidence, it is easy to let that internal dialogue determine whether we take action.

It is easy to keep doing the things for which we already have experience and confidence. The greater opportunity may be in the things that are newer, harder, and a little more uncomfortable.

What is one thing you have been talking yourself out of trying?

Maybe it is time to take the first step.

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Reposted from CISA

Good morning, Commercial Facilities (CF) Sector Partners,

This is a reminder to please complete CISA’sFY26 Critical Infrastructure Customer Survey.The information collected from this survey will inform the selection of cybersecurity services offered by CISA to critical infrastructure organizations such as yours in the future. 

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Not Every Delivery Belongs Inside

Every package delivered to your institution represents a potential security and safety consideration. While the vast majority of deliveries are routine, taking a few extra moments to verify them can help protect your staff, visitors, collections, and facilities.

Before accepting or allowing a delivery into your building, ask yourself:

• ✅ Was this delivery expected?
  Unexpected packages or deliveries should be verified with the intended recipient before being accepted.
• ✅ Is the address correct?
  Check that the package is addressed to your institution and the correct department or individual.
• ✅ Does anything appear unusual?
  Be alert for packages that are damaged, leaking, have unusual odors, excessive postage, missing return information, or other signs that something may be wrong.
• ✅ Who is making the delivery?
  Verify the identity of unknown couriers and limit access to only the areas necessary to complete the delivery. Delivery personnel should not have unrestricted access to non-public or secure spaces.

Remember:

A simple verification process can prevent unauthorized access, protect valuable collections, and reduce unnecessary security risks.

Security is everyone's responsibility. Stay alert, ask questions, and report anything that doesn't seem right.

Reposted from CISA

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) appreciates your response to the Critical Infrastructure Customer Survey.

The information you provide will help shape how CISA designs and delivers cybersecurity services for critical infrastructure organizations like yours.

As CISA works to strengthen cyber resilience across the Nation’s critical infrastructure, it is expanding its catalog of innovative, scalable solutions to better meet stakeholder needs. CISA relies on annual feedback to understand how to best support critical infrastructure organizations and their owners and operators. This survey is an important opportunity to share your priorities and needs.

Thank you for your participation. Please contact us if you have any questions

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Reposted from SafeHaven Security

Building Organizations That See Risk Before It Escalates
Violence, fraud, and other organizational threats rarely happen without warning. The challenge isn't whether warning signs exist—it's whether someone recognizes them early enough to act.

This month, we're sharing practical resources to help leaders strengthen workplace violence prevention, improve situational awareness, and build security programs focused on identifying risk before it becomes a crisis.

Why Every Business Needs a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan For many organizations, the workplace violence prevention plan falls somewhere between "hope nothing happens" and "call the police."

Unfortunately, neither option is enough.
Violence rarely occurs without warning signs. Organizations that understand how to recognize concerning behaviors and intervene appropriately can significantly reduce the likelihood of violence occurring in the first place.

The better question isn't, "What do we do if the bad guy shows up with a gun?" It's, "What if the bad guy never shows up with a gun at all?"

Run. Hide. Fight. The Basics in Less Than A Minute.
If violence occurs in your workplace, every second matters. This video walks through the principles of Avoid, Deny, Defend—a proven response model that can help individuals make critical decisions during an active violence incident.

Preparation and training build confidence before a crisis occurs. Watch the video and share it with your team.

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Reposted from LandSkyAI

"When you work with us, you don't think about service, you don't think about keeping drones flying, you don't think about pushing updates. We handle all of it, and we're constantly trying to make it more efficient."

– Jake Shild, Founder of LandSkyAI

Inside This Month at LandSkyAI

LandSkyAI Takes the Main Stage at GSX 2026
New Operator Platform: Swarm
July 2026 blog Round-Up
SkyGuard Passes 80,000 Flights
Up Next: Live Demos with MissionControl Ep.7

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Reposted from Tim Richardson

The Lessons Waiting on the Other Side of Failure

Five years ago this week, I face-planted during an early morning bike ride. To add insult to injury, the cyclist riding behind me ran over my neck while I was still on the pavement.

It was not my first cycling accident, and it likely will not be my last.

It was an epic cycling failure.

Failure is a necessary part of life. Looking back on that day, I realized that if I had done a few things differently, I might have avoided the accident. The same can be true in our professional lives.

We are going to fall. We are going to fail.

I failed repeatedly in my first job with IBM and was almost fired.

I failed in the training field when I first began speaking for a public seminar company.

I have failed more times than I can count in my current work as a professional speaker.

I failed over and over again in multiple ways.

Failure is part of growing.

Though in the moments following failure, it can be difficult to see any value in a mistake, a missed opportunity, or an unpleasant outcome. But evaluating what happened is an important part of growth.

The list of leaders and entrepreneurs who experienced failure before finding greater success is long.

Walt Disney’s first animation business, Laugh-O-Gram, collapsed and went bankrupt in 1923.

Steve Jobs was forced out of Apple, the company he helped create, before returning years later to lead one of the most remarkable turnarounds in business history.

Abraham Lincoln experienced a number of political losses before being elected president.

Oprah Winfrey was removed from an early news-anchor role before finding success in a format that better suited her strengths.

Henry Ford’s early automobile ventures struggled before he built Ford Motor CompanyMotor Company. Bill Gates’ first company, Traf-O-Data, did not succeed.

Sara Blakely’s idea for Spanx was initially dismissed by manufacturers before she found someone willing to take a chance on it.

Failure can be good when we use it to propel us forward.

Failure is not always the opposite of success. Often, it is the tuition we pay for better judgment.

Steve Jobs’ departure from Apple forced reinvention. Walt Disney’s bankruptcy became the beginning of a new creative chapter later resulting in The Walt Disney Company . The question is not whether we will fail. The question is whether we will pause long enough to learn what the failure is trying to teach us.

We should not romanticize failure. Failure becomes a stepping stone only when we do three things:

Own the result without blame-shifting

Extract the lesson: What assumption, behavior, process, or decision needs to change?

Change something concrete before trying again

The next time you fall short, make the mistake, lose the opportunity, or face an outcome you did not want, pause before you move on.

Ask yourself: What can this teach me that success never could?

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Reposted from NSCC

What is Interpretation?

By John A. Veverka

Many people have heard the word interpretation. Yet, this word may have a wide range of meanings for people based on their background, training, or experience in the interpretive profession. However, I feel that the best definition of interpretation is the one developed by a task force of Interpretation Canada which set out to develop the definition that would be used within Canada (1976). That definition has been picked up over the past 17 years by many other organizations, and is the one most often taught in university courses in interpretation. This definition is:

"Interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage, to the public, through first hand involvement with objects, artifacts, landscapes and sites." - Interpretation Canada

It should be stressed that interpretive communications is not simply presenting information, but a specific communication strategy that is used to translate that information for people, from the technical language of the expert, to the everyday language of the visitor.

Where do the basic strategies, techniques and principles of Interpretive Communications come from?

It is important to remember that the communication process of interpretation did not spontaneously appear one day.  Interpretation (the profession, and the techniques and approaches) are a wonderful mix from communication principles from many other professions including:

* Journalism

* Marketing

* Psychology

* Non-formal and adult education theory and presentations.

* Business management and finances.

* Recreation and tourism planning/principles

* Media planning/design principles.

In reality, we see the use of interpretive techniques and principles every time we see an advertisement in a magazine or on television.

Understanding the Audience

One of the key areas of knowledge that interpreters must have to be effective in their presentations is an understanding of how visitors learn and remember information in a recreational learning environment. A recreational learning experience is one where

the person has self-selected to attend or participate in a program for "fun". The "learning" that occurs is viewed as fun as well. Anyone that has a hobby, such as coin collecting, model making, studying aspects of history, bird watching, etc. is involved with recreational learning. We learn because we want to, and the process of learning and discovery gives us pleasure.

Want to learn more? Join John Veverka for MS 268: Creating Interpretive Gallery Tours

Starting September 14, 2026.

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IFCPP 28TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATES

Registration is now live for the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection's 28th Annual Conference, Seminar & Exhibits:
 
 April 10–14, 2027
 Baltimore, Maryland
 Hosted by the Maryland Center for History & Culture

The International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection's 28th Annual Conference, Seminar & Exhibits will be hosted by the Maryland Center for History & Culture (MCHC), April 10-14, 2027!

The Foundation's 2027 conference will be held at MCHC and Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown in the heart of the "Monumental City's" arts and cultural district. This not-to-be missed in-person gathering will include all-new conference sessions presented by industry leaders and local experts, security manager and director certification and re-certification, pre-conference workshops, excursions to several world-renowned cultural institutions, group meals, industry exhibits, out-of-the-classroom educational and networking events at host institutions, and our traditional lineup of outstanding presenters, timely topics, and networking activities. 

Registration Just Released!!!

Early bird, discounted conference and lodging registration is now available through August 21 at: IFCPP - IFCPP 2027 Annual Conference, Seminar, Exhibits at the Maryland Center for History & Culture

Schedule-At-A-Glance

Check out next year's initial conference agenda at: Annual Conference Schedule at a Glance

Featured Workshop

Pre-conference offerings include outstanding workshops facilitated by internationally-recognized subject-matter experts, as well as excursions to several local cultural institutions. Our first pre-conference Half-Day Interactive Workshop covers Crisis Communications for Cultural Properties of all size and scope - the first hour of a crisis often determines how the public, employees, stakeholders, and the media will judge an organization's response for years to come. While emergency operations focus on saving lives and stabilizing the incident, leaders must also communicate with accuracy, empathy, and credibility despite incomplete information and intense public scrutiny. This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies for communicating before, during, and after a crisis. Participants will learn how to develop a crisis communication plan, prepare spokespersons, build stakeholder-specific messaging, manage misinformation, and preserve public trust while supporting emergency operations. Presented by world-renowned expert and award-winning author, Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Colonel USAF (retired).

Featured Session

Bridging Fire Protection Design and Insurance Risk Management for Nonprofits
Meeting code requirements is not enough. For nonprofits with valuable assets, engaging your insurance carrier during the design phase can save money, reduce risk and protect irreplaceable collections.

Imagine a heritage museum installs a state-of-the-art storage system to increase capacity, only to discover after construction that it requires additional fire protection not included in the original design. The result: costly retrofits, delayed occupancy and the risk of not getting insurance. Scenarios like this arise when an occupancy change alters the required protection. As an example, adding a storage system increases combustible loading, triggering higher  sprinkler design criteria under both code and insurance. A system that once met code may now need upgrades to meet both. For nonprofits managing valuable properties or irreplaceable assets, this difference can create unexpected costs and significant risk. "Bringing your carrier into the design process early aligns compliance and insurability before the design or protection features become difficult or expensive to revise," says Deborah Freeland, Area SVP and Senior Property Risk Engineer, Gallagher.

Key insights:
• Early carrier involvement prevents costly redesigns.
• Design to minimum code requirements may not offer full property protection.
• Understanding how insurers assess potential loss supports stronger design decisions.
• Factors such as building use, construction and hazards need to be considered during design to help meet
property protection standards.
• Having a full emergency response and business contingency plan can facilitate recovery after a loss.

Debbie Freeland is a long-term member and past Chair of the National Fire Protection Association’s Committee on the Protection of Cultural Resources, which writes the National Fire Codes for museums, libraries, places of worship, and historic buildings.  The scope of this committee’s work has recently been expanded to include security and protection from other natural and man-made hazards.  She is currently chair of the task group working on the next edition of NFPA 909 - Code for Protection of Cultural Properties - Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship.  A fire protection consultant for over 35 years, Debbie has extensive experience in highly protected risk consulting, with special expertise in the protection of cultural institutions and their collections.  She has worked with museums, churches, libraries and cultural institutions of all sizes in developing fire protection alternatives and programs to reduce their potential risk, and is at the forefront of developing new standards to address the protection of historic structures while preserving their historic fabric.  Debbie joined Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, the world’s fourth largest insurance brokerage, in 1997 after working for 13 years with Johnson & Higgins where she achieved the position of Regional Engineering Manager covering the Western half of the United States. A graduate of the University of Washington, Debbie holds a B.A. in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry, then picked up additional chemical engineering studies.  She is past president of the Southern California Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and was elected by her peers as a Fellow in the Institute for the Advancement of Engineering and, more recently, Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.  Debbie has spoken at several National RIMS Conventions, American Association of Museums Annual Meetings, the Smithsonian’s National Conferences on Cultural Property Protection, the International Conference on Cultural Property Protection, Southeast Library Network, and at seminars on protection of collections, museums and historic buildings in Italy, Slovenia, Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Austria and several other European countries, and is a frequent speaker at engineering society meetings.  She has served on the California State Fire Marshall’s Advisory Committee, and holds the ARM and CPCU designations. [insert Read More...]

Why Attend?

The IFCPP Annual Conference brings together security professionals, emergency managers, collections staff, preservation specialists, administrators, consultants, first responders, and industry partners to address the challenges facing cultural institutions today. Participants gain practical knowledge, professional connections, and actionable strategies in several critical areas. Those practitioners responsible for protecting museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, colleges/universities, live collection institutions, performing arts organizations, and other cultural properties are invited to register now for this unique educational and networking opportunity!
 
Participants will gain a wealth of practical knowledge, professional connections, and actionable strategies in areas such as:

• ✅ Cultural property security and safety
• ✅ Emergency preparedness and disaster response
• ✅ Workplace violence prevention and active assailant response
• ✅ Protection of collections, assets and facilities
• ✅ Visitor and staff safety
• ✅ Fire protection
• ✅ Physical and electronic security measures
• ✅ Risk management and resilience planning
• ✅ Protests, civil unrest, and special event security
• ✅ And much more…

A Unique Host Institution Experience

For the first time in years, all conference programming will take place within the host institution. The Maryland Center for History & Culture is Maryland's oldest continuously operating nonprofit cultural institution. This immersive setting will provide attendees with direct access to real-world cultural property protection challenges, solutions, and best practices.What to Expect

• Two days of educational sessions led by industry experts
• Pre-conference and post conference networking and professional development opportunities
• Professional certification classes
• Networking and resource-sharing with colleagues from across North America and beyond
• Industry exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions
• Special host institution activities
• Local cultural and historic excursions

Stay Connected

Whether you are a museum professional, librarian, archivist, conservator, security practitioner, emergency manager, consultant, educator, or industry partner, we invite you to join us as we continue advancing the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.

• Watch for future announcements regarding programming, presenter lineup, exhibitor and sponsor information, and conference activities...

We look forward to welcoming you to Baltimore in April 2027!!! Don't wait to register to take advantage of significant discounts!

Looking a bit further into the future - IFCPP's 29th annual conference will be hosted by the Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA in April 2028 (on the heals of another big renovation). Stay tuned for details...

International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection (IFCPP)
Advancing the protection of cultural institutions, collections, staff, visitors, and communities worldwide.

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ALL-NEW FREE WEBINAR SERIES AND Q&A FORUM

Monthly Webinars

Thanks very much to IFCPP longtime favorite, Dr. Jenni Hesterman, Colonel USAF (retired) for kicking off the Foundation's all-new monthly educational and resource-sharing series. Thanks very much Colonel for delivering an outstanding  webinar on Protection Strategies for Insider Threats to Cultural Institution's! We very much look forward to your next presentation (and to your pre-conference workshop in Baltimore next April)!

IFCPP's free monthly webinar series and live Q&A forum provides valuable educational content and resource-sharing throughout the year. Webinars will continue to feature recognized practitioners, subject matter experts, and industry leaders discussing current challenges, emerging threats, lessons learned, and innovative solutions for protecting cultural institutions and their collections. Stay tuned for a list of upcoming topics, with a wide range of timely presentations already scheduled each month into 2027...

Live Q&A

Following each 45-minute presentation, attendees are invited to participate in an Open Forum and Live Q&A, providing an opportunity to ask questions, discuss real-world challenges, and engage directly with webinar presenters and fellow professionals.

The new member forum will include monthly Zoom gatherings, hot-topic discussion, member-to-member problem-solving, extensive resource-sharing, and recorded discussions for ongoing reference.

Practitioners responsible for protecting cultural institutions, collections, visitors, and staff are encouraged to participate.

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