

Episode 233 – De-Risking for Impact: Spot Risks Before They Derail Strategy
22 snips Sep 15, 2025
Susan Schramm, founder of GoToMarketImpact, shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits. Discover why risks are often overlooked in projects and how a clear purpose helps teams navigate challenges. Susan highlights the dangers of reactive risk management and offers proactive strategies like regular risk scanning and involving key participants. She also shares lessons from a costly product launch, emphasizing the need for early risk discussions. Her De-Risk System for Impact provides practical advice for project managers aiming to foster open communication about risks.
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Episode notes
People Risk Undercuts Strategy
- Strategies fail not because ideas are bad but because people are unclear or not aligned.
- Susan Schramm finds lack of action due to confusion or skepticism is the root cause of many failures.
Begin Risk Conversations Immediately
- Start talking about risk as early as possible, ideally at project kickoff.
- Set the rhythm early so discussing risks becomes normal rather than a last-minute panic.
Why Now Is The Critical Blind Spot
- The biggest blind spot is the people reasons behind visible risks like delays or scope creep.
- Failing to define the why and why-now prevents alignment and action.