RiskMasters | Trailblazing Risk Leadership

In this episode of RiskMasters, explore strategic risk, psychological safety, and AI’s role with expert Brenda Boultwood."I don’t think risk management is about compliance anymore. I think it’s about enabling a business and enabling a strategy." – Brenda BoultwoodIn this CPD-accredited episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye welcomes Brenda Boultwood, a seasoned Chief Risk Officer (CRO), economist, board advisor, and tech executive, to explore the evolving nature of risk leadership across industries and geographies. Brenda brings a unique perspective from her work across finance, energy, academia, the IMF, and Silicon Valley.Together, they explore what it takes to build strategic, future-ready risk frameworks that embrace uncertainty, promote psychological safety, and make space for innovation. Brenda reflects on the limitations of traditional models, the risks of ignoring cultural dynamics, and the transformative potential of AI in governance, risk, and compliance.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more thought-provoking conversations to the RiskMasters community.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Brenda Boultwood in this episode are her own and do not reflect the official position of any institution or university with which she is affiliated.In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn:🔹 Why Tone at the Top Is a Strategic Risk LeverBrenda explains how leadership behaviour, especially during crises, shapes organizational resilience, cultural trust, and board engagement.🔹 How to Create Psychological Safety for Better Risk OutcomesExplore real-world examples of how safe, candid conversations improve governance and why fear-based cultures lead to paralysis, not protection.🔹 AI and the Next Frontier of Risk ManagementDiscover how Brenda’s work in tech startups is shaping the future of risk intelligence, and what risk professionals need to understand about AI's capabilities and limitations.More about Brenda Boultwood:Brenda is a former risk executive and transformation leader with a career spanning global financial institutions, the U.S. Department of Energy, AI tech firms, and the International Monetary Fund. She serves as a board member, governance advisor, and mentor to the next generation of risk leaders. Brenda brings a data-driven, human-centred approach to strategy, cultural change, and innovation in the risk profession.📌 Connect with Brenda Boultwood on LinkedIn for insights on risk leadership, AI, and strategic governance.🎙 Tune in now to explore how today’s leaders can embed resilience and foresight into every layer of decision-making.Related Articles: • From Signals to Systems: Embedding Trust in Risk Governance• Psychological Safety in Risk Management• Leading Through Uncertainty: Decision-Making in a Nonlinear World• The Quiet Risk in Your Risk Function: Leadership Blind Spots🎓 Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast/Accreditation number: #800123

Join us in RiskMasters to delve into risk culture and people risk quantifications with Horst Simon."Risk management is not about colors and matrices. It's about people." – Horst SimonIn this CPD-accredited episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye welcomes Horst Simon, veteran risk management expert and pioneer of people risk and risk culture. Drawing from decades of experience across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Horst shares his journey, his challenges to outdated risk practices, and his vision for the future of risk management.As organisations face an unpredictable world shaped by interconnected threats and rapid change, Horst argues that the real competitive advantage lies not in more controls or more reports — but in empowering every employee to be a risk manager.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more thought-provoking insights from industry leaders.In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn:🔹 Why Risk Culture Starts with People, Not Policies: Horst shares how true risk resilience depends on embedding risk thinking into every employee’s mindset — and why outdated models like the Three Lines of Defense miss this opportunity.🔹 How to Rethink Leadership, Reporting, and Risk Strategy: Discover why boards must stop relying on sanitized historic reports, how to measure risk culture maturity meaningfully, and why leadership must move from control to empowerment.🔹 The Future of Risk Management in an Unpredictable World: Explore the biggest emerging risks for 2025 — including cyber threats, social cohesion risks, and the misuse of AI — and how cross-cultural awareness and proactive risk intelligence will define future success.More about Horst Simon:Horst Simon is a recognized global expert in risk culture, operational risk, and people risk. With experience across continents and industries, Horst is the founder of Risk Culture Builders, a network dedicated to helping organizations embed effective, sustainable risk cultures. His non-conformist and practical approach challenges outdated thinking and redefines how organizations should approach risk in a fast-changing world.📌 Connect with Horst Simon on LinkedIn for insights into risk culture, leadership, and future-proofing risk management.🎙 Tune in now to learn how you can future-proof your organization by embedding risk thinking into every layer of the business.Discover related risk management topics:Embracing a Dynamic Risk CultureEmbedding Psychological Safety into Risk ManagementLeading Through Uncertainty: Risk and Decision-Making in a Nonlinear WorldBeyond Checklists: The Human Factor in Risk ManagementDownload your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠ https://thecpd.group/podcast/Accreditation number: #800117

Explore core topics of cybersecurity leadership and risk resilience with expert Emanuel Salmona as he shares his insights."More security tools don’t always mean more security. The key is making existing defences more effective." – Emanuel SalmonaIn this CPD episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye welcomes Emanuel Salmona, cybersecurity expert and co-founder of Nagomi Security. Emanuel shares his journey from military cybersecurity to founding a company that helps organisations optimise their defences against evolving threats. With a rapidly changing landscape—AI-driven threats, nation-state cyberattacks, and the growing complexity of security tools—organisations must rethink their approach. This episode explores how cybersecurity leaders can shift from reactive defence to proactive resilience and why effective cybersecurity isn’t just about having more tools, but about maximising the impact of existing defences. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more thought-provoking content and insights from industry leaders. In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn:Emanuel’s Cybersecurity Journey: From military service to digital transformation and leading Nagomi Security, Emanuel shares how his career path shaped his approach to risk.Why More Security Tools ≠ More Security: Emanuel challenges a common misconception—adding more security tools can reduce effectiveness due to complexity and misconfigurations.The Shift from Reactive to Proactive Resilience: Organisations must move beyond simply detecting attacks; they need to build resilient cybersecurity frameworks that anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialise.The Role of AI in Cybersecurity – Threats & Opportunities: Attackers are leveraging AI to automate cyber threats—so how can defenders use AI for faster, smarter responses?The Biggest Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity: From nation-state cyberattacks to AI-powered vulnerabilities, Emanuel outlines the risks that organisations need to prepare for today.The Importance of Cybersecurity Storytelling: How CISOs and risk leaders can communicate cybersecurity risks in a way that engages boards and non-technical stakeholders to drive action.How Organisations Should Prioritise Cybersecurity Investments: With limited budgets, leaders must focus on cyber hygiene, automation, and operational efficiency before chasing the latest security trends. More about Emanuel Salmona: Emanuel Salmona is the co-founder and CEO of Nagomi Security, a company focused on helping organisations maximise the effectiveness of their existing cybersecurity tools. With a background spanning military cyber defence, digital transformation, and enterprise security, Emanuel is an expert in strategic cybersecurity risk management. 📌 Connect with Emanuel Salmona on LinkedIn for insights into cybersecurity strategy, AI-driven risk, and the future of cyber resilience. 🎙 Tune in now to gain critical insights on how businesses can future-proof their cybersecurity approach and build resilience in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Listen to the full episode on your player of choice:⁠RiskMasters with Emanuel Salmona on Apple Podcast⁠⁠RiskMasters with Emanuel Salmona on Spotify⁠⁠RiskMasters with Emanuel Salmona on Amazon Music⁠ Discover related risk management topics:Integrating an Incident and Breach Framework into Your Risk Management StrategyCrisis Management and Response: Best Practices and StrategiesBuilding Operational ResilienceWebinar Recap: Operational Resilience, DORA, and Third-Party Risk Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: #xxx

Join us to learn about strategic foresight and its application in risk management with expert Roger Spitz. "In a world of deep uncertainty, the ability to adapt is more important than the ability to predict." – Roger SpitzIn this CPD episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye continues his conversation with Roger Spitz, global foresight expert and founder of Techistential and the Disruptive Futures Institute. Building on Part 1, Roger delves deeper into the practical application of foresight in risk management, covering how organisations can integrate scenario planning, anticipate systemic risks, and build resilience against unpredictable disruptions. In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn: •            The Limits of Traditional Scenario Planning: Why conventional risk models fail in deep uncertainty and how organisations can develop a more adaptive approach.•            Foresight-Driven Decision-Making: How risk leaders can integrate foresight methodologies to navigate complexity and enhance strategic planning.•            Asymmetry and Uninsurable Risks: The impact of asymmetric risks, why some disruptions cannot be insured, and how leaders can build resilience in unpredictable environments.•            Beyond Resilience – Embracing Anti-Fragility: The critical distinction between fragility, resilience, and anti-fragility—and how organisations can thrive under systemic disruption.•            Leadership and Governance in an Uncertain World: Practical strategies for embedding foresight into risk culture, governance frameworks, and executive decision-making. More about Roger Spitz Roger is a leading authority on strategic foresight, systemic disruption, and complexity. As President of Techistential, he advises executives and boards on navigating uncertainty. He is also the author of Disrupt with Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World. Listen to the full episode on your player of choice:⁠RiskMasters with Roger Spitz on Apple Podcast⁠⁠RiskMasters with Roger Spitz on Spotify⁠⁠RiskMasters with Roger Spitz on Amazon Music⁠ Find out more about Roger Spitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerspitz/ Discover related risk management topics and RiskMasters podcasts:Building Operational ResilienceHow to Scope an Emerging Risk FrameworkHow to Identify and Manage Emerging Risks? Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: #800056

In this CPD episode of RiskMasters, we dive into the intricacies of risk management with Roger Spitz, a global authority in foresight and strategic risk intelligence. Starting with his insightful quote, "Risk management is not about predicting the future, but about preparing for it," Roger shares his transformative journey from investment banking to developing a robust risk management framework focused on deep uncertainty. Equipped with vast experience in mergers and acquisitions, Roger emphasizes the importance of leadership in adapting to unpredictable environments.  Join host Julien Haye as they explore crucial themes such as the role of foresight in risk management, the distinction between uncertainty and risk, and the need for new approaches like scenario planning. Roger's insights help enhance the leadership capabilities of risk managers and board directors navigating today's complex world. Tune in to learn how to cultivate resilience and informed optimism in the face of uncertainty and to download your CPD certificate at the end! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more thought-provoking content and insights from industry leaders. In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn:·      Career Evolution & Risk Leadership: Roger’s journey from investment banking to foresight and his lessons in risk-taking and adaptability.·      The Role of Foresight in Risk Management: Why foresight is about preparation, not prediction, and how organisations can shift their mindset.·      Uncertainty vs. Risk: Understanding the spectrum between risk, uncertainty, and deep uncertainty, and why traditional risk models fail in a nonlinear world.·      Scenario Planning vs. Sensitivity Analysis: Why many organisations mistakenly treat sensitivity analysis as strategic foresight.·      Decision-Making in Complex Environments: How executives should rethink governance, leadership, and resilience in a world where rare events are becoming the norm. More about Roger Spitz:Roger Spitz is a visionary futurist and venture capitalist. Before founding the influential Disruptive Futures Institute in San Francisco, he served as Global Head of Technology M&A at a major investment bank, advising on transactions totalling over $25 billion. As President of Techistential, the preeminent foresight practice, Roger advises CEOs and boards on strategy under uncertainty and sustainable value creation. Roger is a bestselling author of five books and his frameworks are widely adopted by leading organisations worldwide. Building on his bestselling books and global recognition as the leading authority on systemic disruption, Roger Spitz is famous for his unique keynotes drawn from his extensive real-world experience. He is the author of Disrupt with Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World. At the heart of Roger's transformative keynotes is the power of agency and informed optimism in shaping our futures, even in the face of unpredictability Find out more about Roger Spitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerspitz/ Discover related risk management topics and RiskMasters podcasts:RiskMasters EP4: Gray Rhino on Risk Management and Decision-Making with Michele WuckerFrom Risk Management to Risk Mastery: A Guide to Making Better DecisionsRisk Perception: Balancing Risk Awareness and Risk Aversion Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: #800054

In this episode of RiskMasters, we delve into the critical intersection of conduct and culture in risk management with expert Toby Billington. As a seasoned risk and compliance leader, Toby asserts that ‘Conduct beats controls every day; fix the culture, and the controls will follow.’ Join host Julien Haye as Toby shares his extensive experience from legal advisory to leading compliance at top institutions like Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC. Discover how authentic leadership fosters cultural change and the significance of aligning tone from the top with genuine behaviors in organizations. We also discuss the evolving role of first and second lines of defense in enhancing accountability and the narrative-driven approach to risk communication that engages senior risk leaders. With emerging threats in financial crime and cybersecurity, Toby emphasizes the necessity of innovative strategies to stay ahead of risks. Tune in for compelling insights into building a robust risk culture and redefining compliance into a strategic advantage. Connect with Toby Billington on LinkedIn for more on improving risk management frameworks and leadership in financial services. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more thought-provoking content and insights from industry leaders. In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn: •       Career Shifts and Lessons Learned: Toby reflects on his transition from legal advisory to conduct and risk culture, highlighting pivotal career moments that shaped his expertise and his focus on behavioural science.•       Authentic Leadership and Cultural Change: Toby emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership in driving cultural transformation. He discusses the challenges of aligning tone from the top with actual behaviours and provides practical steps to ensure leadership walks the talk.•       The Role of First and Second Lines of Defence: Toby critiques the traditional three-lines-of-defence model, proposing greater collaboration between first and second lines to reduce duplication, enhance accountability, and streamline risk oversight.•       The Power of Storytelling in Risk Communication: Toby highlights the value of narrative-driven risk reporting to engage senior leadership and move beyond data-heavy, technical discussions.•       Emerging Risks in Financial Crime and Cybersecurity: With advances in AI and quantum computing, Toby outlines the evolving threats in financial crime and cybersecurity. He stresses the importance of staying ahead of these risks through innovation, vigilance, and behavioural psychology. More about Toby Billington:  Toby Billington is a highly respected compliance and risk management leader with a career spanning top financial institutions such as Barclays, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and Citi. Recognized for pioneering conduct frameworks and promoting ethical behaviour in financial services, Toby’s work integrates behavioural science into risk management strategies. Connect with Toby on LinkedIn to explore more about compliance, risk culture, and leadership in financial services. Tune in to this episode for an in-depth discussion on improving risk culture, redefining compliance frameworks, and managing emerging threats.  Find out more about Toby Billington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-billington-0646b89/ Discover related risk management topics:How to Establish a Sustainable and Sound Approach to Regulatory ComplianceEthical Compliance ManagementUnderstanding and Overcoming the Risks of Cultural Silos: Building a Collaborative and Inclusive WorkplaceFCA CP23/20 Consultation: Diversity and Inclusion in Financial Services Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: #800043

Marie Lauri, Deputy Chief Data Officer at Deutsche Bank and expert in data governance, shares her journey from microfinance to leading data risk initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of strategic data governance in driving operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. The conversation covers balancing innovation with risk management in AI and cloud transitions. Marie also advocates for fostering data literacy and building networks for female leaders, showcasing how diverse perspectives can enhance organizational success.

“Invest in your people. Systems are great, but without skilled individuals, they’re meaningless.” – Saadia MujeebIn this CPD episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye welcomes Saadia Mujeeb, a risk management veteran with over 25 years of experience across global financial institutions. From her early days at Barclays Capital to her leadership role at Macquarie Bank Europe, Saadia’s journey through the evolving landscape of risk management provides deep insights into what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing industry. She shares her strategies for resilience, the importance of continuous education, and her views on how emerging challenges like AI and geopolitical risks are reshaping the future of risk management.In this edition of RiskMasters, CPD risk management podcast, you will learn: A Career of Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Saadia reflects on her extensive experience in risk management, recounting her work at major institutions during pivotal moments in the financial markets, including the Global Financial Crisis and the post-Brexit energy crisis. She discusses the importance of staying agile and keeping up with market changes. The Challenge of Keeping Pace with Markets: Saadia emphasises how risk professionals must continuously educate themselves to stay ahead. As markets evolve, risk managers need to research new trading strategies and understand various risk types, from credit to market and operational risk, making them the linchpins of organisational insight. Building Resilience Amidst Crises: With a career shaped by handling crises, Saadia highlights the need for preparedness, stress testing, and the ability to react quickly. She advocates for scenario planning and the importance of sharing knowledge across teams to build organizational resilience. Emerging Challenges in Risk Management: Looking to the future, Saadia discusses the growing importance of AI and digital proficiency in risk management. While technology offers vast opportunities, she underscores the need for critical thinking and scepticism, particularly when relying on AI-generated outputs. Additionally, she points out the risks of complacency in the face of geopolitical and cyber threats, stressing the need for constant vigilance. More about Saadia Mujeeb:Saadia Mujeeb is an accomplished risk management professional, having held senior roles at global financial institutions, including Barclays Capital, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Macquarie Bank. With a career spanning multiple markets and regions, Saadia brings a wealth of experience in managing risk across diverse portfolios, including hedge funds, prime brokerage, and asset management.Connect with Saadia on LinkedIn to explore more on risk management and leadership in the financial services industry.Tune in to this episode for an in-depth discussion on building resilience, the importance of continuous learning, and the emerging challenges that risk managers must navigate in today’s complex market environments. Read the podcast notes and summary article: https://www.aevitium.com/post/cpd-interview-with-saadia-mujeebFind out more about Saadia Mujeeb:https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadia-mujeeb-242157/ Discover related risk management topics: Crisis Management and Response: Best Practices and Strategies Coding the Future: Digitalisation and AI in Risk Management and Trading with Britta Achmann on RiskMasters Building Operational Resilience Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: 800039

“In sustainability, start at the top, or risk being sidelined.” – Aurore LecanonIn this CPD accredited episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye sits down with Aurore Lecanon, a seasoned Chief Risk Officer in the insurance industry, to explore the intersection of sustainability and risk management. Aurore shares her unique career journey from her beginnings in the insurance sector to becoming a leader in risk management. She delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability into corporate strategy, offering insights into the evolving nature of risk leadership and the critical role of culture, governance, and strategic alignment in achieving sustainable outcomes.In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn: Career Path and Evolution in Risk Management: Aurore reflects on her diverse experience in the insurance industry, discussing her unexpected path to becoming a Chief Risk Officer and the strategic perspective this role offers. She provides insights into how understanding the holistic view of risk can drive business decisions and foster innovation. Challenges of Integrating Sustainability: Aurore discusses the complexities of embedding sustainability within risk frameworks. She emphasises the importance of aligning sustainability goals with overall business strategies, the role of regulatory requirements, and the cultural transformation needed to achieve meaningful impact. Gender Dynamics and Leadership: Aurore shares her experience as a woman in a senior role in the insurance industry. She challenges common misconceptions about women in leadership, reflecting on the strengths women bring to decision-making and the value of diverse perspectives in enriching business strategy and risk management. Trends at the Cross-Section of Sustainability and Risk: Aurore highlights the future of risk management, focusing on innovations like AI-driven risk assessments and the use of data analytics to support sustainable decisions. She discusses the potential of technologies like blockchain to enhance transparency in supply chains and the need for industry-wide collaboration to achieve net-zero goals.More about Aurore Lecanon:Aurore Lecanon is a seasoned Chief Risk Officer with extensive experience in both life and general insurance sectors, having held leadership roles at major firms like Aviva, Old Mutual, Prudential, and Direct Line. A French quant by background, Aurore has a deep understanding of asset liability management, financial risk, and the strategic aspects of risk management. Her commitment to embedding sustainability into risk strategies has made her a thought leader in the industry.Connect with Aurore on LinkedIn to explore more on sustainability, risk management, and leadership in the insurance industry.Tune in to this episode for an in-depth discussion on the integration of sustainability into risk frameworks, the evolving role of risk leaders, and the cultural and strategic shifts necessary for building resilient, future-ready organisations.Read the podcast notes and summary article: https://www.aevitium.com/post/integrating-sustainability-and-risk-insights-from-aurore-lecanon-on-leadership-strategy-and-indusFind out more about Aurore LecanonLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurore-lecanon/​Discover connected risk management and oversight topics:1/. Top Enterprise Risk Management Trends in 20242/. Effective Strategies for Managing Risks in AI-Driven Business Decision-Making3/. How to Identify and Manage Emerging Risks?Download your CPD Certificate:Link: https://thecpd.group/podcastAccreditation number: 800033

"The most important thing about this world that we move into is to be open-minded, think outside the box, and be flexible and agile." Anna RosenbergIn this CPD accredited episode of RiskMasters, host Julien Haye engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Anna Rosenberg, the Head of Geopolitics at Amundi Asset Management. Anna shares her extensive journey, from her early days studying history to becoming a prominent figure in geopolitical risk analysis. She provides valuable insights into the intersection of personal resilience, gender dynamics, and strategic risk management in today's complex world.In this edition of RiskMasters, you will learn: Resilience and Career Growth: Anna recounts how entering the job market during the financial crisis shaped her career. She emphasises the importance of persistence, analytical thinking, and seizing opportunities amidst uncertainty. Gender and Leadership: Anna reflects on the impact of gender on her career, discussing both the challenges and the empowering aspects of being a woman in a senior role. She highlights how motherhood has equipped her with unique strengths and resilience. Strategic Geopolitical Risk Management: Anna explains the crucial role of structured analysis in managing geopolitical risks. She advocates for a proactive approach, outlining the need for organisations to develop comprehensive frameworks and stay informed on global developments.More about Anna Rosenberg:Anna Rosenberg is the Head of Geopolitics at Amundi Asset Management, one of Europe’s largest asset managers. Anna, with a history background and extensive experience in political risk analysis, helps investors navigate and predict political risk through research, data, and strategy. Her analytical approach and commitment to continuous learning define her leadership style.For more insights from Anna, connect with her on LinkedIn, where she welcomes discussions on geopolitical risks and strategic analysis.Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive understanding of resilience, leadership, and the strategic management of geopolitical risks in today’s dynamic environment.Read the podcast notes and summary article: https://www.aevitium.com/post/navigating-geopolitical-risks-and-embracing-diversity-insights-from-anna-rosenbergFind out more about Anna RosenbergLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-rosenberg-39320612/​Discover connected risk management and oversight topics:1/. 2024 Risk Management Mega-Trends2/. Necessary vs Unnecessary Risks3/. How to Identify and Manage Emerging Risks?Download your CPD Certificate:Link: ⁠https://thecpd.group/podcast⁠Accreditation number: 800034