The Voices of Risk Management

Starting a second career in Risk Management is not the expected path of a former producer of Talk Radio shows. But for Steve Pottle of Thompson Rivers University, it makes perfect sense. During his conversation with Katie and Hunter at The World of Risk, Steve offers the inside scoop about working as the Director of Risk Management in higher education. The cool parts, the difficult parts, and how a degree in communications gives him a leg up when offering solutions to a university’s Board of Directors.   Key Takeaways: The Director of Risk Management Services is responsible for wearing many hats at TRU. The TRU campus was in peril due to the wildfires of August 2021. While there were interface plans in place, the fires of 2021 offered lessons in risk management and mitigation. Steve worked in talk radio before slipping into his second career, Risk Management. The Ontario chapter of RIMS fostered Steve’s career development. Steve shares how his communications degree helps him in risk management. Working in higher education has a lot of structure and challenges. The attributes that make a good risk manager. Enterprise Risk Strategies of a university is cool but a multifaceted endeavor. Risk management is industry agnostic. Steve would insist his younger self enjoy each moment.     Mentioned in This Episode: A Promised Land, by Barack Obama  

In addition to being a ski bum and bartender, Joe Meaney was the first Insurance and Risk Manager at three different companies. Currently, Joe serves as the Global Insurance and Risk Manager at AES. During this conversation, Joe reveals the importance of a good risk engineer, the dark role Risk Managers must play while creating value for a company, the art of hiring, and the beautiful secret of the strange world of risk and insurance.   Key Takeaways: Joe was the very first insurance and risk manager at three different companies, including AES. RIMS has been there for Joe several times as a network of knowledgeable people. Even though every company was different, he learned invaluable skills in every position he held. Joe hired Katie based on a gut feeling. He taught her to take risks. Joe says America’s willingness to take risks is what has made it great. A business should consider a risk management team long before it believes it needs to. Joe offers tips for those starting to build a risk management team. When Joe first started with AES they did not have a focus on risk engineering. Joe includes a Mark Twain quote with every email he sends. Joe considers himself an outlier, living in a world much like The Matrix. The insult Joe is most proud of is when someone called him emotional. Joe details the role of a Risk Manager. Joe believes the most brilliant ideas come when a team is talking after hours. If Joe could give his former self one piece of advice it would be to take more risks.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything, by Stephen M. R. Covey    

It’s hard to believe that today’s guest, Christy Kaufman, used to underestimate her abilities. She currently serves as the VP of Risk Management at Zillow, is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and serves as a board member of RIMS. She even shares her passion for insurance and risk management at the dinner table. During this clever interview, Christy discusses the benefits and challenges of transitioning from one career to another, how she found her voice to become a public speaker, and the innovative new projects she hopes to bring to fruition.   Key Takeaways: Before Zillow, Christy worked as a risk manager for a venture capital fund that invests in startups and obtained extensive knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management at Ernst & Young. Following in the footsteps of one of her mentors, Christy sought out a degree in Risk Management. The challenges Christy faced when transitioning from Consultant to Risk Manager. Fun fact: SNL did a skit on the number of people who spend hours upon hours on Zillow. 200 million users peruse Zillow every month. Regulated versus unregulated responsibilities are vastly different. Christy shares the risks associated with a data-based business dealing in uncharted territory. Christy teaches a risk management course at her alma mater the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Survey says brokers party harder than risk managers at RIMS. Christy would like to develop a customer experience around homeowners’ and renter’s insurance that people don’t hate. The Badgers may be better at risk management than they are at basketball. Christy was shy about her qualifications when she first graduated college. Christy does a performance review about the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Blinkist App  

Besides making a mean Manhattan, Rich Johanson is the bilingual Director of Risk Management for a Fortune 100 Defense Contractor. He was introduced to the insurance and risk management industry a short 24 years ago at 24 Hour Fitness. In today’s episode, Rich offers tips for those who desire a career in Risk Management, what to expect when building partnerships in the industry, what to consider when creating risk profiles for innovative new products and services, and why successful risk managers leave the decision-making to others within the organization.   Key Takeaways: Rich describes what led up to him becoming a Director of Risk Management for a defense contractor. Rich would probably enjoy the show Heist based on his time in Spain. Working for 24 Hour Fitness on general liability and workers comp claims gave Rich his first taste of risk management. How Rich transitioned from a privately-held fitness company to a publicly-traded Fortune 500 defense contractor. Having a mentor early in his career helped Rich understand the context of Risk Management and the role of a Risk Manager. Risk Managers understand all the implications of the decisions others make. How being bilingual helps Rich in his role. Rich attributes having a strong background in claims for his successful career in Risk Management. How Rich conceptualizes the risk associated with a brand new product. Spending time with his wife is how Rich prefers to spend his time outside of the office. Rich refers to his whisky collection as aggressive. It is important to understand where your assets, tools, and resources are in your organization. What to consider and expect when brokering a relationship with a partner. Advice for students interested in a career in Risk Management.   Mentioned in This Episode: Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice, by Adam Makos  

Ward Ching is a Managing Director for Aon Global Risk Consulting as well as an Adjunct Professor for USC Marshall School of Business. He is primarily responsible for Captive and Insurance Management Services, Domicile Management, and supporting a variety of Aon’s Management Consulting Services to clients. In this episode, Ward shares what students should focus on today to better equip themselves from the unknown future, how risk is different today, and so much more.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Ward and his work in insurance. How does risk management differ when working at an intentional level? Ward is always inspired by the work and passion his students bring to class. The talent is getting better. The kinds of questions clients are asking today are different. They’re more focused on the day-to-day discussions. Underwriting is not an easy world today, but Ward encourages his students to get a risk management internship and understand all aspects of risk. It will serve them greatly in business. How did Ward fall into insurance and why is he so passionate about it today? Ward wasn’t expecting to be in insurance, but he ended up staying in his first risk management position for nine years. It was exciting. Ward got to see his working plan implemented in a $44 billion company. He saw the direct impact he had on an organization. Ward shares some of his pros and cons. Impatience can sometimes be a virtue, but you need balance. Fun fact, Ward knows how to play the ukulele! Ward shares some fond memories of Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture. Ward talks about Aon’s apprentice program and some of its benefits. Ward talks about the importance of diversity and inclusion and why it matters.   Mentioned in This Episode: Theinstitutes.org Marshall.usc.edu/personnel/ward-ching  

Amanda Chittenden is the Director of Risk and Insurance Management at Laureate International Universities and has been working with them for over ten years. In this episode, Amanda talks about the different risk management models around education and the impact of the pandemic on them. As a leading risk manager, she shares her passion for artistic activity and how she is able to inspire others through creativity.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Amanda and her role at Laureate. Amanda went to art school for her undergrad and wanted to be a teacher. She shares how she shifted towards risk management. Most people in the risk and insurance industry have unusual backgrounds and Amanda finds it fascinating how younger generations are realizing that it is a viable career. Amanda shares some of the intricacies of risk management and how risk managers can add value. She also talks about how she got a more in-depth understanding of different cultures through her role without having to travel. Amanda provides an example of Laureate’s risk management model through their green space project in Australia. Amanda shares what she learned by going through Laureate’s risk management model. Depending on the different regions where you’re functioning, considerations can be really different. Amanda shares another example where she worked on a bank account reconciliation project in Mexico. What are the liabilities and exposures created by the pandemic to education in general? Amanda shares their struggles with nursing and medical students in ensuring their safety in their chosen field of study. She also shares the different criteria of facilities they look into when they reopen schools again. Does Amanda think online learning will be a growing trend in the future? Amanda also shares her thoughts on the metaverse as a learning vehicle for her child. During the pandemic, Amanda started her own side hustle. She talks about the reason why she started it. Amanda isn’t interested in insuring high-end artwork. She shares her reasons. Losing Amanda’s parents motivated her to overcome her fears and pursue what she really wants to do. Amanda learned to just do it, prepare herself to fail, learn from the experience, and just love that process.   Mentioned in This Episode: Theinstitutes.org Shop.amandatoryactivity.com Amanda on Instagram Amanda on Facebook Amanda on YouTube Amanda on LinkedIn

Lori Seidenberg is the Global Director of Real Assets Insurance at BlackRock, Inc. and has over 30 years of experience in the risk management and insurance space. For five years, Lori also worked in the entertainment industry as an Insurance Claims Manager. In this episode, Lori shares what it was like working for the entertainment industry and how to increase interest and diversity in the workplace, and provides helpful networking tips at the end to help new professionals get ahead.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Lori and her role at BlackRock. Lori got started at AllState and fell in love with the insurance industry. How does BlackRock see risk? Lori learned a lesson early on that you have to look at the written documentation as your source of truth, and not necessarily people’s language or interpretation of insurance policies. Insurance policies are black and white. They’re not as scary as you might think. Lori shares what her experience was like working in insurance within the entertainment industry. Confidentiality is key when working with high-profile celebrities. When a celebrity is a real jerk, it really changes your perspective over them as an actor. Lori has been in the industry for over 30 years and has seen a wide range of changes to the industry. Women had a stricter dress code back then. However, it can be discouraging to see that the insurance industry is still heavily male-dominated. What can the insurance industry do to increase diversity? When you have three different generations working under the same roof, you get a wide range of perspectives that make it a better place to work. Lori shares what makes her slightly different in the industry. Lori says if women want to get ahead, learn how to play golf. She explains why it’s important.   Mentioned in This Episode: Theinstitutes.org Blackrock.com Lori on LinkedIn  

Kevin Bates joined Leadlease in 2004 and currently serves as Group Head of Risk and Insurance. After making a transition as a corporate finance lawyer into risk management, Kevin has enjoyed every step of the way within this engaging industry. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the industry as a whole, how to bring diversity into the field, and the fact the industry is not innovating fast enough with the ever-evolving markets.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Kevin and what he does at LendLease. Kevin explains his role in risk management and how he serves his clients. Kevin shares some common misconceptions people might have about his field. It’s important that you put the time in to connect with others in the industry. These people will be your peers for the next 20‒30 years. Kevin reflects on the types of mentors he’s had over the years that helped him grow. What makes a good mentor? Men and women apply for jobs differently. If you want diversity, you have to understand these nuances. Why has Kevin stayed in risk management for as long as he has? Risk management is not innovating fast enough compared to other industries. We’re lagging behind. No matter what, you have to enjoy what you’re doing. What does Kevin wish he’d learned sooner in his career? Kevin shares what he’s currently reading! Remember, relationships are key to any successful career growth.   Mentioned in This Episode: Theinstitutes.org Lendlease.com Kevin on LinkedIn Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable, by Tim S. Grover Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn from Their Mistakes — But Some Do, by Matthew Syed  

Andrew Bent is the Senior Risk and Insurance Manager at Gopuff. Andrew’s extensive experience has led him to work internationally as a risk insurance professional and in this episode, he shares his unique knowledge about risk insurance. You’ll learn what it takes to be a risk insurance professional in this growing landscape, the value of industry disruption, and also Andrew’s process on how to collaborate and be a helpful insurance partner within an organization.    Key Takeaways: How did Andrew get into risk management?  Andrew’s extensive expertise abroad has led him to see different cultural perspectives as it relates to risk insurance. Andrew compares New Zealand, Canada, and the United States risk insurance policies.  Good risk management really is just good organizational management at the heart of it.  What value does insurance bring to an organization?  What’s a career lesson Andrew has adopted overtime in the risk industry? Focus to your best ability on the things you can control!  How does Andrew approach collaboration within an organization so that risk management has a seat at the table?  What are some of the biggest mistakes Andrew sees some of his clients make?  Insurance is a game of trust. If people don’t trust the insurers to pay, they shouldn’t be working with them.  As insurance professionals, you have an obligation to be current and relevant. If you’re unable to do that, then the industry will very quickly become disrupted.  Andrew talks about what he disagrees with in the insurance industry.  What advice would Andrew give his former self?  It’s not about the result, it’s about the recovery.  What is Andrew currently reading?  Insurance professionals need to tell a story on how important and valuable risk management is for people to fully understand it.  We need to begin to disrupt cliche views of what risk insurance is.    Mentioned in This Episode: Theinstitutes.org Gopuff.com/go Andrew on LinkedIn  

The Voices of Risk Management is the premier podcast that gives listeners a 30 minute peek into the minds of Risk and Insurance leaders. Every episode, a new guest will be telling their stories of heroics, hard conversations, and just dumb luck. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of risk management!