Introduction

This initial chapter is intended to introduce the reader to the main topics covered in the manuscript and prepare you for what you can expect. Acknowledging the qualitative nature of this book, I believe it’s important to offer a more personal insight into who I am. While the initial section of this chapter may not directly align with the book’s core ideas, it serves a crucial purpose for readers questioning: Why should I heed Diego’s insights and advice? The subsequent section provides a brief overview of a key premise in the book, asserting that private companies must take a more proactive role in disaster risk reduction efforts, highlighting the potential for such engagement to enhance market share. It also underscores the significance of fostering strong relationships with various stakeholders within emergency management and humanitarian systems to achieve this objective. Following this, the chapter unfolds into three sections: firstly, an exploration of the indirect objectives of the book; secondly, a guide on how the book is intended to be navigated; and finally, abstracts for each chapter to outline the structure and flow of ideas presented.