Episode 27 - The Logistics of Politics with Anna Murphy

In this episode of Zebras to Apples, Bryndis welcomes political professional, advocate, and community-builder Anna Murphy to uncover the surprising parallels between politics and logistics. From managing leader schedules to coordinating multiday provincial tours, Anna reveals how political offices operate like high-stakes logistics hubs. Every movement, including flights, vehicles, venues, speaking notes, security protocols, must be coordinated with careful precision and flexibility.

Anna shares her journey from fashion retail to political work, explaining how service, empathy, and attention to detail shaped her approach to staffing leaders such as Former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Opposition Leader Carla Beck. She explains the intricacies involved in travel coordination, stakeholder management, reading political climates, and preparing for “known unknowns,” from last-minute emergencies to natural disasters that force a full schedule pivot. Her stories give listeners a rare look behind the curtain at the people who quietly keep democracy moving. 

Together, Bryndis and Anna explore the personal side of political staffing: teamwork under pressure, building trust, supporting leaders with both structure and intuition, and navigating safety, security, and real-time decision-making. This episode offers a thoughtful insider’s perspective for anyone curious about politics, logistics, or service-driven careers.