190: How AXA’s Risk Management Turns Impossible to NOW Possible

What if risk management wasn’t just about avoiding failure but enabling innovation?

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Rose Hall, Former SVP, Head of Innovation, Americas at AXA, to explore the critical role of risk management in pushing innovation forward. While most people see risk and innovation as opposing forces, Rose makes a compelling case for why they need to work together to not only mitigate threats but unlock new markets, products, and business models.

We dive into why insurance is the safety net beneath some of the world’s most significant innovations and how companies like SpaceX navigate complex, multi-layered risks. The risks associated with cutting-edge advancements are more critical than ever, from cyber threats and climate impact to geopolitical challenges. Traditional insurance models are struggling to keep up, and Rose explains why the industry must evolve to remain relevant.

The conversation also highlights the challenges of ensuring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. There isn’t a simple insurance product covering AI, but existing policies may address the damage caused by AI failures. This nuance underscores the need for a more dynamic, forward-thinking approach to risk management that can adapt to the unpredictable nature of modern innovation.

Another key theme is the power of partnerships. Rose emphasizes that no company can build everything independently, especially in industries where risk and innovation intersect. The real opportunity lies in fostering collaboration between insurers, startups, and large enterprises to create meaningful, scalable solutions.

This episode challenges the traditional notion of risk management as a roadblock. Instead, Rose frames it as an essential part of progress. Without strong risk strategies, innovation could stall, leaving businesses unable to take the bold leaps necessary for growth.

Tune in to hear how risk and innovation can work hand in hand to shape the future. If you’ve ever thought of risk as something that slows innovation, this conversation might change your perspective.