Peter Sorgenfrei

Live a happier and healthier life. I'll get you there in 3 months or less.

I work privately with founders when something has started to repeat or quietly erode, even though nothing has visibly broken yet.

By the time people reach out, conversations escalate more easily, conflicts don’t fully resolve, authority thins, or work begins to spill into personal life in ways that are hard to contain. What used to feel manageable starts depending on effort.

This is not coaching for growth, optimisation, or personal development. It’s not therapy.

The work focuses on stabilising these patterns before continuing as-is costs more than it should, professionally, personally, or both.

Engagements are private, time-bounded, and deliberately contained. We reassess once things begin to resolve cleanly again.

If you’re looking for ongoing support, performance work, or stress relief, this is probably not a fit.

If continuing as you are no longer feels neutral, this is usually the right moment to reach out.

I also send occasional writing under the name Intentional Leadership, quiet notes on pressure, responsibility, and decision-making. Sent infrequently.

Executive and Board Advisory

I work with Investors, Boards, and Leadership teams to develop people and grow companies

Being a startup founder explained in 12 seconds.

You start at the top.

You've got a plan. 

A strategy. 

A direction.

Then you spin around completely, and suddenly you're going downhill, facing the wrong way.

You can't see where you're going. 
You definitely can't see the finish line. 

Your investors are watching from the sidelines, trying to make sense of what just happened.

But you're still moving.

Still somehow staying on your feet.

And against all logic, you cross the finish line. 

Backwards. 
Confused. 
But you crossed it.

Six companies. 
Fifteen years. 
I've finished backwards more times than I'd like to admit.

The founders I coach? Same thing. 

The ones who make it aren't the ones who never spin out.

They're the ones who keep skiing when they can't see where they're going.

What's your "finished backwards" moment?

In 30 days, you can go from snappy and reactive to calm and clear, at work and at home | 60+ happy clients | 6x CEO/Founder | DM me: I can probably fix whatever it is you are dealing with.

Evan Nierman

Founder & CEO, Red Banyan PR | Author of Top-Rated Newsletter on Communications Best Practices

I'm the Founder and CEO of Red Banyan, an international public relations and crisis management firm that exists to press the truth and deliver results. My team and I specialize in high-stakes PR, cancel culture response, litigation communications, and complex reputational challenges that require creative thinking, strategic clarity, and unshakable judgment.

For more than two decades, I’ve helped CEOs, public figures, law firms, and global brands navigate their most difficult moments. Whether it’s a viral controversy, a legal dispute, or a reputational crisis, I bring deep media experience and a relentless commitment to exceeding expectations.

I’m also the author of The Cancel Culture Curse and Crisis Averted, and I frequently appear on major news outlets like Fox News, CNN, BBC, and Newsmax to share insights on cancel culture, media strategy, and crisis communications.

🔹 Founder & CEO of Red Banyan
🔹 Author of The Cancel Culture Curse and Crisis Averted
🔹 Regular media commentator on PR and reputation issues
🔹 Trusted advisor to executives, attorneys, and public figures
🔹 Featured in Newsweek, PRWeek, The Washington Post, and Forbes

My mission is simple: help people and organizations tell their stories truthfully, strategically, and powerfully—especially when the stakes are highest.

📩 Learn more at www.redbanyan.com

Founder and CEO

Red Banyan Group is a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, crisis management and marketing.  Red Banyan Group combines creative thinking, steady judgment shaped by experience and a relentless commitment to achieving results for its clients.  Red Banyan offers a wide array of services, including: media relations, crisis management, marketing, corporate communications, litigation support, social and digital media, copywriting and editing and media training.

Your title won’t define your legacy. 
Your behavior will.

Credentials matter when things are calm. 

Under pressure, they fade quickly.

In difficult moments, people stop noticing roles.

They focus on how you show up.

Do you stay present or create distance. 

Communicate with clarity or retreat behind process. 

Treat people with respect when it becomes inconvenient.

Legacy isn’t built through achievements alone. 

It’s built through experience.

Through what it felt like to work with you when stakes were high and answers were unclear.

That emotional memory lasts longer than any role, headline, or outcome.

Because when pressure rises, behavior becomes the message. 

And that message defines reputation long after the moment passes.

Reputations don’t fall apart during press conferences. They fall apart in private conversations with your team.

Before the statement. 

Before the lawyers finalize language. 

Before the media calls.

Crisis exposure starts internally.

When pressure rises, executives often shift into control mode. 

Tighter messaging. Fewer voices. More distance.

It feels strategic.

But inside the organization, people are listening for something else.

Ownership. Clarity. Steadiness.

The leaders who protect reputation long term don’t default to defensiveness.

They say:

“I was wrong.” “What’s your take?” 

“I trust you.” “We’ll figure this out.”

Those words do more than motivate.

They lower internal panic. 

They align legal and communications before tension escalates. 

They prevent small issues from turning into cultural fractures.

External reputation is a reflection of internal leadership.

If your language fractures trust behind closed doors, no press strategy will repair it.

Leadership under pressure is measured in tone, not talking points.

Every leader faces a defining moment. Preparation starts here.

Follow for weekly insights on crisis PR and reputation management.

Bad Bunny made history when he took the stage at yesterday's Super Bowl halftime show and performed a Spanish-language medley.

The performance sparked super-sized reactions—praise, criticism, and everything in between.

Then public figures weighed in, including President Trump.

And suddenly, it wasn't about the performance anymore.

It was about identity. Politics. Culture.

The conversation shifted.

This isn't surprising anymore.

We've seen it happen over and over.

A moment meant to entertain becomes a lightning rod for public debate.

A celebration becomes a controversy.

Bad Bunny knew what he was doing when he turned his artistic statement into a political one.

Visibility drives conversations, and he seized the moment do deliver spoken and unspoken messages.

For communicators, brands, and public figures, there’s a real lesson here:
When the spotlight is on you there is an opportunity to deliver your message. You can’t necessarily shape the reactions, but you can harness the power of communication and PRESS THE TRUTH.

Learn more about the Press the Truth concept here: https://lnkd.in/dz7VwG98

Is cancel culture still shaping real-world outcomes? For a Hollywood comedy club in LA, the answer came fast—hundreds of one-star reviews overnight after influencer backlash. I discussed the reputational impact of moments like this with CBS LA. Watch the segment here:
https://lnkd.in/eBpHt5gn
#crisisPR #CancelCulture #ReputationManagement #MediaStrategy #CBSLA

Jeffrey Epstein is dead. The reputational risk tied to his name isn’t. In most crises, I advise clients to engage and push back. This is one of the rare exceptions. 

Watch for my take on why. #cisisPR #reputationmanagement #mediastrategy #epstein

The Prince Andrew arrest, tied to the Epstein scandal, is another blow to the already fragile reputation of the British monarchy. 

This ongoing controversy is a prime example of how reputations can unravel with each new revelation. 

Watch my take on why this situation requires a strategic shift in crisis communication.

#PrinceAndrew #Epstein #BritishMonarchy #CrisisPR #ReputationManagement #CrisisCommunication

A live broadcast is never truly “live.” 
There are safeguards for a reason.

The BAFTA controversy raises a bigger question about responsibility, judgment, and where education ends and avoidable harm begins. 

Watch the video for my take.

#BAFTAAwards #CrisisPR #MediaStrategy #ReputationManagement #PublicPerception

Sydney Sweeney shared a makeup-free photo and faced immediate online criticism. It’s a sad reminder of how far some people will go to bring others down for showing authenticity.

The real strength lies in staying true to yourself, regardless of the noise.

#SydneySweeney #OnlineTrolling #Authenticity #SocialMedia

It was an honor to speak at the Chief Outsiders National Meeting yesterday on “The PR Imperative in an AI World.”

As AI reshapes industries, PR plays a critical role in driving growth and powering reputation. 

We explored how AI-driven communications can align sales, marketing, and leadership teams for sustained success.

Thanks to everyone who joined the session! 

Excited to see how AI continues to reshape PR and leadership strategies.

#PR #AI #Leadership #BrandReputation #StrategicCommunications

Building a company is hard. Doing it alongside someone you trust completely is a gift.

Grateful today for Robbin Lubbehusen, MBA and the steady hand she’s been in building Red Banyan from the early days to where we are now. 

Trust is earned and she’s earned it every step of the way.

#Leadership #Teamwork #Gratitude #RedBanyan

My colleague Vlad Drazdovich and I were grateful for the opportunity to join Mark Moses, CEO Coaching International and CEO Coaching International for a sunset cruise in Miami.

It was a great experience filled with learning, fun and some stunning scenery. 

Met some truly admirable entrepreneurs and leaders who are also coached by the sensational Lisa Tanzer.

Sometimes it can be very lonely leading a company, and the outside counsel from an experienced and brilliant coach can make all the difference. 

#grateful #entrepreneurship #learning #makebighappen

When trust is central to the mission, 
reputation becomes operational.

Recently had the opportunity to speak with leaders from the National Association of State Veterans Homes on crisis readiness, leadership under pressure, and how reputation is built—and tested—in environments where care and accountability come first.

Appreciated the candid dialogue and the leadership perspective shared throughout the discussion.

More details from the session here:

https://lnkd.in/dXurhgY7

What looks like caution is often paralysis.
And paralysis is how decisions get made without you.

What happens when leaders wait for perfect information?

They wait.
And wait.

And while they're waiting, the decision gets made for them.

I've watched leaders paralyze themselves chasing certainty that will never come.

"We need more data."
"Let's wait until we have all the facts."
"We can't move forward until we're sure."

And while they're gathering information, the crisis escalates.

The narrative hardens without them.

The competition moves faster.

The opportunity closes.

Here's the truth most leaders resist:

Perfect information doesn't exist.
Especially under pressure.

You'll always be working with incomplete data, conflicting reports, and uncertainty.

Waiting for clarity means waiting forever.

Inaction is a decision.

When you choose not to decide, you've decided.

You've decided to let circumstances—or someone else—choose for you.

And that's almost always the worst option.

The cost of delay compounds.

Every hour you wait, the problem grows.

Misinformation spreads. Trust erodes. Options narrow.

What could have been managed in three hours becomes a three-week crisis.

Your team mirrors your hesitation.

When leadership freezes, the entire organization stalls.

People stop acting. They wait for direction that never comes.

And momentum dies.

What the best leaders do instead:

They act on what they know.

Not on what they wish they knew.

They make decisions with 70% of the information and adjust as they learn more.

They communicate uncertainty honestly.

"Here's what we know. Here's what we're still figuring out. Here's what we're doing now."

Transparency about uncertainty builds more trust than false confidence.

They prioritize speed over perfection.

A good decision made quickly beats a perfect decision made too late.

Because by the time perfect arrives, the moment has passed.

They embrace iteration.

The first decision doesn't have to be the final one.

You can adjust. Clarify. Course-correct.

But you can't do any of that if you never start.

Paralysis feels safe.

It's not.

It's just slow-motion failure.

The leaders who win in crisis aren't the ones with perfect information.

They're the ones who move decisively with what they have—and adapt as they go.

Crisis doesn't just test your strategy.
It tests your character.

And the leaders who rise aren't the ones with all the answers.

They're the ones who show up with clarity, courage, and composure when everything's falling apart.

Here's what the best leaders do differently under pressure:

1. They act quickly, even without all the answers.

Waiting for perfect information leads to paralysis.

The best leaders move fast, acknowledge what they don't know, and take decisive action anyway.

They adjust as they learn more. But they don't freeze.

Speed builds trust. Hesitation breeds doubt.

2. They stay visible.

Disappearing isn't an option.

The best leaders stay front and center—offering updates, answering questions, showing they're engaged.

Visibility signals commitment. Silence signals abandonment.

3. They lead with empathy, not just authority.

Decisions still need to be made. But people need to know you care.

The best leaders acknowledge the impact, show humanity, and connect before they command.

Empathy doesn't weaken authority. It strengthens trust.

4. They keep the message clear and consistent.

Mixed messages fuel confusion and distrust.

The best leaders repeat the same core message—simply, clearly, relentlessly.
Consistency creates clarity. And clarity calms chaos.

5. They take responsibility.

When things go wrong, they don't deflect. They don't blame. They don't hide.

They own it. They fix it. They lead through it.

Accountability isn't weakness. It's the foundation of trust.

Crisis leadership isn't about having all the answers.

It's about how you carry yourself when no one does.

The best leaders rise by staying composed, staying present, and staying human.

Because when everything's uncertain, people aren't looking for perfection.

They're looking for someone steady enough to follow.

The first critical hours after a data breach decide whether you contain the damage—or amplify it. Preparation and decisiveness matter more than perfection, especially when trust is on the line. Download the guide to prepare before the crisis hits.
#crisismanagement #databreach #reputationmanagement #riskmanagement

If your organization has been impacted by a data breach, how you communicate in the first 24–48 hours is vital to preserving its reputation. 

Learn more about the essential steps you need to take and download our free, practical guide to help leaders navigate the communications side of a data breach — from internal messaging to media response and stakeholder trust: https://lnkd.in/eXs3Ck_i

#DataBreach #CrisisCommunications #ReputationManagement #CyberSecurity #CrisisPR #RedBanyan

ICE-related issues don’t just impact operations, they can shift public perception quickly. Leaders need to stay composed and act swiftly to control the narrative. Read our latest blog to learn how to prepare before the situation intensifies. #CrisisPR #ReputationManagement #ImmigrationEnforcement #RedBanyan

Immigration enforcement can put businesses in a tough spot fast.

If ICE-related activity touches a workplace, a deal, or sparks employee concern, leaders need to stay calm and coordinated: align with legal, communicate clearly internally, and stick to what is verified.

Our latest blog lays out a practical way to prepare ahead of time and respond responsibly if things escalate:
https://lnkd.in/e4B-nGk4

Open article: How Businesses Should Handle ICE-Related PR Risk by redbanyan.com

How Businesses Should Handle ICE-Related PR Risk

Honored to appear as a speaker at this event!  Thank you to Jeffrey Bast, Brett M. Amron and the outstanding team at BAST AMRON LLP.

📣 BAST AMRON LLP‘s 8th Annual Business Advantage Forum is coming up on April 22, 2026!

Our SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT today is on Evan Nierman, Founder & CEO of Red Banyan. Evan is a crisis PR expert and best-selling author who leads Red Banyan, an award-winning strategic communications firm. With 25 years of experience in crisis and reputation management, Evan has guided top executives, public figures, global brands, and political leaders through complex, high-stakes challenges.

His expertise spans reputational risk, public scrutiny, and crisis response, and his insights are regularly sought by major media outlets covering today’s most pressing communications issues. Evan’s work focuses on helping leaders navigate difficult moments with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

For more information and to register and get your tickets, please visit https://lnkd.in/eUEFQRDe

FLORIDA BAR CLE CREDITS PENDING APPROVAL

You do not want to miss out on this great event!

#BastAmron
#BAForum2026
#BAInTheCommunity

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