Podcasts about Captives

You’ll never see a slave recruiting other slaves… but Christians keep trying. The post Setting Captives Free appeared first on Key Life.

Youll never see a slave recruiting other slaves but Christians keep trying. The post Setting Captives Free appeared first on Key Life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1543/29

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers is joined by Jason Duby, Captive Manager at Garnet Captive, to dive deep into the concept of captives and how they can provide valuable opportunities for businesses, particularly as the market continues to harden. Jason breaks down the intricacies of captive insurance, explaining how they work, who benefits, and what sets Garnet Captive apart from other options in the industry. David and Jason explore the different types of captives, the benefits of participating in one, and the financial implications for businesses that choose this route. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk management and the steps businesses need to take to set up and benefit from a captive insurance program. Key Highlights: What Is a Captive? Jason explains how businesses can form their own insurance group to manage risk, reduce costs, and potentially recoup unused premiums—highlighting the efficiency of group captives. Types of Captives They break down single-parent, group, homogeneous, and protected cell captives, explaining their structures and benefits for different business types. The Garnet Captive Edge Jason outlines Garnet's faster distributions, lower upfront costs, and risk management support that help businesses see quicker returns. Financial Commitment They discuss the cost of joining a captive, including collateral and underwriting requirements for businesses with strong risk profiles. Risk Management & Claims Captives allow businesses to customize claims handling and implement tailored risk management strategies. Tips for Producers David and Jason advise producers on spotting good captive candidates and warning signs like poor loss history or price-focused buyers. Connect with:   Visit Websites:  

Today on The Daily Nugget, Mike unpacks Romans 6:5–7 and the truth that Jesus came to free us from the prison of sin, not visit us in it. Using Brooks from The Shawshank Redemption as a picture of how we often grow comfortable in captivity, Mike challenges us to embrace the freedom Christ offers. If we've died with Christ, we're no longer slaves—so let's stop living like we're still behind bars.

Aaron Hillebrandt, principal and consulting actuary, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, said diversification of risk is important—and a great strategy.

In the introduction, you might notice that this 10-week course has become a 9-week course. Last week, our church had 26 baptisms(!) so we went ahead and cancelled Equipping Hour. So, there will be one less class in this course. Handout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPfPOkxLdPiYWn2DGFfa8lKCiy2-VANC4Fn31b2IzOk/edit?usp=sharing Teacher Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_tPACR9aQYCvHvioxxYf8sBW7lqAgX5X0FfqF5QlSjs/edit?usp=sharing

Send us a text“Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed in his right mind” (Mark 5:15).Written and sent out from the morning prayer time of Tommy Hays each day.God bless you and may you have a great day!—Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministrieshttp://messiah-ministries.org

In this episode of The Burn Podcast, Ben Newman is joined by Caleb Altmeyer, Founder and CEO of Helping Captives—an anti-trafficking organization rooted in faith and based in Spokane, Washington. With over a decade of ministry and non-profit leadership, Caleb has committed his life to rescuing, restoring, and protecting women and children affected by sex trafficking.Caleb shares the powerful story of transforming a former strip club into a rescue facility—a bold and symbolic move that reflects the mission of Helping Captives: turning places of exploitation into sanctuaries of hope. He also opens up about how being fully present in YOUR children's lives is one of the strongest ways to prevent trafficking, and why knowing who YOUR kids are talking to could make all the difference.Caleb's story is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless purpose. If you're ready to hear what it means to lead with conviction and fight for those who can't fight for themselves—this episode is for YOU.************************************Helping Captives Website:https://helpingcaptives.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKFDCxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUUFpNVWgzYnNGQVY0WFliAR4MIR5ml8DY6p9yMmBa93Shgh9TxX5DoBjwgFIKdbDVaBBN1DXuRT3M1Xmmbg_aem_tjRaEW_E7BWBr-2G-JySLQFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/helpingcaptivesCaleb Altmeyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleb.altmeyer/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CKyUiL0GcskListen to the episode: https://www.theburnpodcast.comLearn about our upcoming events and programs: https://www.workwithbnc.comLet's work TOGETHER: https://www.bennewmancoaching.comOrder my latest book The STANDARD: Winning at YOUR Highest Level: https://amzn.to/3DE1clY1stConnect with me everywhere else:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continuedfightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Continuedfight/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContinuedFightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-newman-b0b693https://www.bennewmancoaching.com************************************ Learn about our Upcoming events and programs:https://www.workwithbnc.comLet's work TOGETHER https://www.bennewmancoaching.comLet's work together to write YOUR next book- BNC PublishingSend us a message Order my latest book The STANDARD: Winning at YOUR Highest Level: https://amzn.to/3DE1clY1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition1stPhorm.com/bnewman Connect with me everywhere else: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continuedfight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Continuedfight/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContinuedFight Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-newman-b0b693

In ch.6 we read Cyrus' original memorandum giving the Jews permission to build the Temple. We shall focus on some of the unique features of this document.The Temple is completed on the 3rd Adar in the 6th year of Darius. It took 4 years to complete.The Jews - who still describe themselves as the "Captives of Yehudah" or possibly the "Returnees of Yehudah " - engaged in a celebratory Pesach and dedicated the Temple in a 7-day celebration.

A new MP3 sermon from Distant Speck Publications is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jesus Proclaims Liberty To The Captives - L. R. Shelton Sr. Subtitle: POWER14745 GLOBAL GOSPEL RADIO Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: Distant Speck Publications Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 5/3/2025 Length: 27 min.

Send us a textMany Christians want to be obedient and used by God, but they don't know where to begin. YOU CAN START RIGHT HERE! With this simple prayer template, you can begin to set the captives free. Yes, there is more to learn, but no ministry ever began without starting. So, stop worrying about what to do ten steps down the road. Take the first step, and God will give you your next assignment. Go free someone from anger, bitterness, or depression today in Jesus' name!Set Captives Free TODAY with this simple prayer template.You start to fulfill your calling to set captives free TODAY by using this simple prayer template, which applies to EVERYONE. You may need to begin with yourself. Start by asking these questions:Are you angry with your Mom, Dad, grandparents, spouse, ex-spouse, ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, children or siblings? Do you have any anger towards God or yourself?(If the answer is no, congratulate the person and move on to the next. If the answer is yes, choose one of the above persons and move to step #2).Ask them to repeat this prayer: "In the name of Jesus"…I renounce…my anger towards_______. I have anger towards _______ because…." (Let the person repeating the prayer fill in the blank space after "because" with their own words. Encourage them to be as honest and explicit as possible. Only what is truly confessed can be released. After they list their reasons for being angry, move on to the next step.) "Lord Jesus, I forgive, and I bless (the perpetrator)______." "And with Your help and Your power, Jesus, I choose today to give you all of my anger towards ______. Please set me free from this anger and cleanse me from its effects. Finally, have the person close their eyes and envision Jesus. Next, have them imagine putting all their anger toward that individual in a box or a bag and then give it to Jesus. Ask the person to tell you what they "see" Jesus do with the bag or box. What happens next will be remarkable.This simple prayer template is an extremely practical way for you to fulfill the great commission TODAY and to complete the ministry the Apostle Paul describes as "the ministry of reconciliation."Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 1 Corinthians 5:20 NASBSupport the show

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Justin and his guest, Kirti Mutatkar, discuss Kirti's journey to become President & CEO of UnitedAg and President of HCAA. Kirti speaks of her master's degrees in microbiology and finance, and how they work together in healthcare risk. Justin and Kirti explore stress awareness and mental health awareness and how these issues are managed at UnitedAg. Kirti tells how she wove attention to compassion and empathy into the fabric of healthcare administration at UnitedAg, and what that means for the financial success of the organization. She notes the significant growth of UnitedAg under her leadership, and how the scientific method of experimentation played a major role in that growth.   Kirti shares her advice for leading healthcare with compassion, and the roles supervisors and managers can play in looking for tell-tale signs of mental health needs. Listen to Kirti's leadership wisdom that may work in your organization. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS, from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:25] After you register, visit your App Store, search for RIMS Events, and download the RIMS Events App. Select RISKWORLD 2025, load the show onto your phone, and start building your RISKWORLD itinerary! [:41] About this episode of RIMScast. We will talk about healthcare risk and mental health awareness with Kirti Mutatkar, CEO and President of United Ag and the President of the Health Care Administrators Association. We're going to get a unique risk philosophy, today. [1:13] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! RIMS is co-hosting an intensive four-day program which is your gateway to achieving two prestigious certifications, the DRI Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and the RIMS Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP). [1:33] This workshop will be held from May 19th through the 22nd in collaboration with DRI International. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:48] Virtual Workshops! On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and she will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [2:05] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [2:16] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, from May 4th through 7th in Chicago. The opening Keynote has been announced. It's official. Martha Stewart will kick things off in the Skyline Ballroom, on May 5th. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [2:35] Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:51] The Spencer Educational Foundation is having a Flash Sale for sponsorships at RISKWORLD! Sponsorship pricing has been reduced for the Spencer-CNA Pickleball Social on Saturday, May 3rd, and the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 4th. [3:10] Sponsorships are still available for the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run on Tuesday, May 6th. Visit Spencered.org/riskworld2025 to learn about these opportunities and more. Also, reach out to Spencer's Executive Director Megan Miller at MMiller@Spencered.org. [3:32] April is Stress Awareness Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to get a fresh perspective through a risk management or risk-management-adjacent lens, which is why I reached out to today's guest. [3:49] Kirti Mutatkar is the President and CEO of UnitedAg in California and also the President, serving a two-year term, of the Health Care Administrators Association not for profit. [4:01] We will learn about her fascinating career journey and how leading with empathy has reduced turnover and retained value at UnitedAg. [4:10] Interview! Kirti Mutatkar, welcome to RIMScast!  [4:37] Kirti came to the U.S. to do her Master's when she was 20. She was going to study microbiology and do her PhD in genetics and biotech. Her circumstances changed and she explored getting an MBA. She got a Master's in finance. This was in Connecticut. [5:15] Kirti moved to California and looked for work. She applied at UnitedAg, to work for “a year or two.” Each year since then, UnitedAg has grown like crazy, with many innovations. Kirti has never felt that she has been there so long, she could do it in her sleep. [6:06] For Kirti, it's exciting every day to come to work. She was the CFO and transitioned  10 years ago to become the CEO. [6:25] Kirti was a member of HCAA for several years and is now President for a two-year term. The HCAA is very aligned with Kirti's thinking. She learns something with every conference she attends and every board meeting. [7:36] Kirti says, if everybody in the room feels it's their idea, and it's because of them we have succeeded, and you know you've played a role in that, that's success. [8:02] Kirti says a microbiologist, or any scientist, is constantly running experiments, and learning from experiments. Kirti says UnitedAg is a lab. HCAA is a lab. They're testing out things and trying to see what works and what does not work. [8:36] You understand the risks to the healthcare industry at a deeper level by doing experiments. You watch the results and you learn from them. You create feedback loops and grow. [8:53] Under Kirti's leadership, UnitedAg has tripled in size over the last couple of years, based on experimentation, learning, and adapting. That's what being a science student had taught her. [9:14] From the finance standpoint, in the position of impacting change, just looking at the financial statements and getting a quick picture of what's happening, was one of the best things Kirti could have done for herself in the role of CEO. [9:39] As a CEO, you have a strong CFO behind you. Understanding from a financial standpoint and a risk standpoint what that risk means to the financial, has been a big part of Kirti's success at UnitedAg. Her knowledge of science and finance works well for her organizations. [10:15] UnitedAg has around 110 employees. It has an underwriting department for its health plan. [10:45] Kirti believes her interest in the scientific method of testing hypotheses relating to the human side of risk and finance is what she brings to UnitedAg. [11:25] Kirti explains her upcoming plans for underwriting models for employer group risk and administrative costs. She is testing out opening the books, educating, and working with employer groups. [12:33] With Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Kirti discusses mental health in the agricultural community. She has been thinking of this since COVID-19. Ag workers did not have the choice of working from home. They were out in the fields. [13:15] There was a lot of uncertainty around what COVID-19 meant. In 2020, the need surfaced to provide some form of benefit for mental health. Culturally, in the ag industry, there is a stigma around mental health care. There is a lot of stress in production agriculture. [13:54] Kirti decided to run an experiment. She proposed to the board to use some of the innovation dollars set aside to offer a mental health benefit free of cost to all the members, with no copays and nothing going to the deductible, and doing it for one year. [14:28] It was a huge risk. They didn't look at the financial impact. They said, there's a need for mental health; let's do it for a year. They offered it and it became a huge impact. [14:56] A lot of people did seek out that benefit and used it. UnitedAg used Care Navigators to see what level of care a member's need was, and based on that need, provide that care. They found that some needed much care but more of the risk is in the early stages of need. [15:59] In the earlier stages, individuals may not realize they need care. Kirti stresses identifying the initial need for mental health care. Providing care initially can prevent chronic conditions. Not just for health plan cost, but from a human standpoint, you don't want that to go there. [16:33] UnitedAg spends a lot of time understanding mental health. Are you just having an anxious day today or are you having chronic anxiety? With the Chief Medical Officer, UnitedAg is spending time determining the tell-tale signs of anxiety to identify and help people with it. [16:59] Free access to mental health care, using Teladoc, Spring Health, other vendors, and the Member Advocacy Department at UnitedAg can be as simple as getting on a call and talking through anxiety, whether it's caused by environmental issues like flooding, or other stresses. [18:14] Kirti says UnitedAg is seeing anxiety around ICE deportations as labor is a big part of agriculture. There are a lot of people who come to work in the ag industry and then go back home. [18:39] Employees have anxiety over whether they will be there tomorrow. Employers have anxiety over whether they'll have access to labor tomorrow. [19:12] Uncertainty creates anxiety. The ups and downs of life create anxiety. [19:28] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! Zurich's webinar, “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” will be held on May 1st at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Then RIMS takes a little break from webinars. [19:43] On May 22nd, webinars are back with GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company, and their newest session, “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny”. [19:55] On May 29th, Origami Risk returns to present “Strategic Risk Financing in an Unstable Economy: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Cost Reduction”. On June 5th, Zywave joins us to discuss “Today's Escalating Risk Trajectory: What's the Cause and What's the Solution?” [20:17] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/Webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [20:29] Spencer Educational Foundation will be present at RISKWORLD 2025. Spencer's Grants Program is starting soon. [20:38] Spencer's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved, in part, by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [20:51] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in General Grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. [21:14] General Grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's General Grants through the Programs tab of SpencerEd.org. [21:25] On the 7th of October, the New Jersey RIMS Chapter will return to the beautiful Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey for their Annual Charity Golf/Pickleball Event. [21:37] Registration is open and the event proceeds are used to fund the chapter's Spencer and Kids' Chance Scholarships. It was the filming location for the upcoming movie sequel Happy Gilmore 2. For more information, and to register, please NewJersey.RIMS.org. [21:59] Let's Return to My Interview with Kirti Mutatkar! [22:07] Justin remarks on Kirti leading with compassion and empathy. Both at HCAA and as CEO of UnitedAg, she puts humans at the center. People remind her it's a business, but she has found that using compassion and empathy has an impact on real numbers. [23:26] Kirti reminds people she has a degree in finance and is a businessperson. UnitedAg has tripled in size. It is a quarter-billion-dollar trust. Its admin costs are very low and its loss ratio is very low. It's done very well financially. [23:53] Kirti makes a decision based on the financial aspect of it and then fits in the compassion and empathy. Eventually, compassion has a big impact on the financial. Now at HCAA, people are looking at how compassion translates into numbers. UnitedAg is a perfect example of it. [24:52] Some people may want to look at it purely from a business standpoint. Kirti feels that adding compassion and empathy manages the risk factor and has a financial impact. It's better for your business than you think it is. It's not a fluff word, you can show it in numbers. [25:52] Kirti is part of the Claims Committee at UnitedAg. Appeals come in and they make decisions on what can or cannot be approved. There is legal representation, client representation, and financial representation. Kirti shares an example of a mental health appeal. [26:41] The appeal was denied and Kirti listened to the compliance and financial positions for why it was denied. She didn't feel right about it, and after the meeting, she reached out to the employer. Then she came back to the committee and asked them to rethink it. [27:34] The committee found a solution within the compliance needs, to approve the claim. In the future, that employer will be apt to renew with UnitedAg because trust was created and help was provided to the employee. It was a financial decision that started with compassion. [29:16] UnitedAG's customer retention is over 90%. That speaks for itself. [29:26] RIMS Plug! From Ryan Harris, upcoming Keynote on the Main Stage on May 6th at RISKWORLD 2025, “Greetings RIMS members and global risk professionals! I'm Ryan Harris, Champion of Super Bowl 50, best-selling author, and award-winning broadcaster. [29:46] “I'm thrilled to be your Main Stage Keynote for RISKWORLD 2025, where we will discuss the transformative five steps to building a championship team and leading to winning! You can learn more about me and my story by listening to RIMScast. [30:01] ”And more than anything, make sure to register for RISKWORLD 2025 by visiting RIMS.org/riskworld. I'm so thrilled to see you and I'm looking forward to us building together so that you can reach your greatest success!” [30:16] Thank you, again, Ryan. We look forward to seeing you at RISKWORLD 2025 on May 6th. A link to Ryan's episode of RIMScast, #325, is in this episode's show notes. Get a preview of the Super Bowl Champion and remember to register for RISKWORLD 2025. [30:33] Let's Return to the Conclusion of Our Interview with Kirti Mutatkar! [30:46] Kirti says that bringing mental health into the Enterprise Risk Management strategy starts with the HR department. UnitedAg does a lot of training around mental health. There are good products available, but just saying we have this product, as a check mark, is not enough. [31:16] Go deeper, listen to your members, and train your supervisors and managers to identify some of the tell-tale signs of needs and bring them forward. Kirti's Chief of Staff remarked to her that physical scars can be seen, but mental scars cannot be shown. [31:49] You have to go deeper to understand mental scars. Spread the word. Talk to your employees and HR teams. Be OK with someone getting emotional at work. Give them a safe space and a trusting environment. Everybody goes through anxiety and stress. [32:20] Providing a safe space does more than providing a program. Engaging, building relationships, and having a connection would be helpful. [32:35] As a CEO, Kirti's biggest takeaway is to maintain a connection with everybody. She tries to do that as much as possible. She goes to CEO lunches and roundtables and is constantly talking to people. You never know what someone will say or do that is a tell-tale sign of need. [33:06] Kirti's advice for risk management professionals is to go a little deeper. Don't take things at face value. Take a step back and ask what is the true problem. Go one or two layers deeper looking for the real issues. Understanding the issue is good from a risk standpoint. [33:50] Are there not enough mental health professionals or should we look at the model for how we provide care for people? [34:10] Kirti also has a podcast, This Is Ag!, available on Spotify and other podcast platforms. She loves podcasting! The reason behind it is relationship and connection. It's to tell people what ag is all about. This year's focus will be on the ground workers and telling their stories. [34:58] There is so much to learn from agriculture! A lot of things still happen with a handshake in agriculture. There's a lot of trust and a lot of relationship and connection. Kirti loves working in the industry. She's very grateful for that. [35:14] Kirti tells what she likes about leading a not-for-profit organization. She runs it as a business but the core of it is the mission it serves. HCAA serves the underserved and she is testing how compassion and empathy play a role in the process. [35:44] Special thanks again to Health Care Administrators Association President and UnitedAg President and CEO, Kirti Mutatkar. There is a link to her podcast, This Is Ag!, in this episode's show notes.b Let her know you heard her first on RIMScast. [36:02] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [36:30] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [36:48] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [37:06] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [37:22] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [37:36] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [37:44] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Download the RIMS Events app! Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! LAST CALL! RIMS Texas Regional 2025 — August 3‒5 | Advance registration rates now open. RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates This Is Ag! — Podcast, Hosted by Kirti Mutatkar RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Understanding Third Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | May 1, 2025 “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny” | Sponsored by GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company | May 22, 2025 “Strategic Risk Financing in an Unstable Economy: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Cost Reduction” | Sponsored by Origami Risk | May 29, 2025 “Today's Escalating Risk Trajectory: What's the Cause & What's the Solution?” | Sponsored by Zywave | June 5, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: CBCP & RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Virtual Bootcamp: “Mastering Business Continuity & Risk Management” | May 19‒22, 2025 | In Collaboration with DRI International Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule “Managing Data for ERM” | June 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito  “Generative AI for Risk Management” | June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD 2025 Keynote) “Maintaining an Award-Winning ERM Program with Michael Zuraw” “National Nurses Week 2021: How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Nursing Profession with Dr. Sophia Thomas and Vicki Good” “Mental Health in the Workplace with Darcy Gruttadaro” (2021)   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) “Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs” | Sponsored by Zurich “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Kristen Peed!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Kirti Mutatkar on LinkedIn Kirti Mutatkar, CEO and President of United Ag   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In this episode, Dennis Carlson sits down with Kristen Rivers, SVP of Sales at ParetoHealth. They discuss how mission-aligned benefits consultants and employers can access premium healthcare solutions typically reserved for large companies through captive healthcare models, highlighting the limitations of traditional fully-insured and level-funded plans while emphasizing the value of actionable data transparency and stronger contractual protections available through alternative funding approaches. Key Takeaways The healthcare market is at a watershed moment where employers are seeking alternatives to unsustainable cost increases in traditional fully-insured plans, with many consultants becoming catalysts for this change. Contrary to popular belief, level-funded plans are often "fully insured, repackaged with a little more data" but without the ability to meaningfully act on that data to control costs. Pareto Health's model provides stronger contractual protections (no-new laser provision and 30% rate cap for the entire membership duration) while giving employers access to cost-saving levers like alternative drug sourcing and patient assistance programs. Contact Information To connect with Kristen Rivers or learn more about Pareto Health, reach out to her directly on LinkedIn or contact any member of the Pareto team in your market.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Justin and his guest, Tamieka Weeks, discuss highlights from her risk career and how she felt, pivoting from claims adjusting to risk management. Tamieka tells of her role at Southwire and how she helps the evolving risk and insurance group. Tamieka digs into challenges she has faced at Southwire and in the RIMS Atlanta Chapter, where she serves on the board as a past president. She tells how the Chapter survived and improved during COVID-19. Tamieka speaks of her instant love of risk management and the excitement of waking up each day not knowing what was coming next. Tamieka provides advice for rising professionals and tells how the RIMS Atlanta Chapter works with risk and insurance students. Listen to Tamieka's advice for you. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:15] Registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS, from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:26] After you register, visit your App Store, search for RIMS Events, and download the RIMS Events App. Select RISKWORLD 2025, load the show onto your phone, and start building your RISKWORLD itinerary! [:42] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President, Tamieka Weeks. We will talk about her career journey and all the fantastic work she's done for the RIMS Atlanta Chapter. [1:07] In the spirit of National Electrical Safety Month, we will learn how she drives a culture of safety at Southwire. [1:15] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! RIMS is co-hosting an intensive four-day program which is your gateway to achieving two prestigious certifications, the DRI Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and the RIMS Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP). [1:34] This workshop will be held from May 19th through the 22nd in collaboration with DRI International. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:49] Virtual Workshops! On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and she will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [2:06] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [2:17] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, from May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:35] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:45] The Spencer Educational Foundation is having a Flash Sale for sponsorships at RISKWORLD! Sponsorship pricing has been reduced for the Spencer-CNA Pickleball Social on Saturday, May 3rd, and the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 4th. [3:03] Sponsorships are still available for the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run on Tuesday, May 6th. Visit Spencered.org/riskworld2025 to learn about these opportunities and more. Also, reach out to Spencer's Executive Director Megan Miller at MMiller@Spencered.org. [3:26] Our guest today is the Director of Global Risk Management and Insurance at Southwire Company in Georgia. She is also the former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President. Under her leadership, the chapter took home the RIMS 2022 Chapter of the Year Award at RISKWORLD. [3:46] She is Tamieka Weeks and I am so thrilled to finally get her on RIMScast to talk about her career journey, her work at Southwire, and what it was like to lead the RIMS Atlanta Chapter. [3:59] We will also talk about how Tamieka helps drive a culture of safety at Southwire, in the spirit of National Electrical Safety Month, coming up in May. [4:08] Interview! Tamieka Weeks, welcome to RIMScast!  [4:31] Tamieka Weeks started as a claims adjuster with a finance degree. Her career has been so different from many. Tamieka hopes all will take their journey for what it's worth and be proud of their accomplishments. [5:08] When someone approaches you with an opportunity, say Yes! Don't turn it down. You never know what doors may open. As a former claims adjuster, and now the Director of Global Risk Management and Insurance, she wants to have a relationship with the claims adjusters. [5:45] In a file review, Tamieka wants to know the why behind an insurance policy. She purchases a policy with the intent of protecting Southwire's assets. [6:29] Southwire is about an hour west of Atlanta, in Carrollton, Georgia. It is the leading manufacturer of wiring cable. Southwire will celebrate 75 years in March of 2030. Southwire is excited about where it is today and is looking forward to continuing to grow globally. [7:13] Tamieka knows to expect the unexpected and be able to pivot. She never knows what may come up in a day. She is open. She knows she is there to support the organization. [7:38] Tamieka is a trusted advisor and a subject matter expert within the organization. She prides herself on ensuring that everyone knows that she is here to support them. [7:54] Southwire has 9,000 employees. In November 2024, Southwire launched a risk management SharePoint site. It goes into risk management insurance definitions and surety bonds definitions. It's all about sharing the knowledge of the industry. [8:26] The SharePoint site also provides the claims reporting. Tamieka educates the employees on what to do when an incident occurs. The first thing is to report the claim to the TPA. If they have any questions, they can contact Tamieka. Tamieka is also responsible for surety bonds. [9:16] There is a checklist for property claims and those are reported to Tamieka. The instructions for what needs to happen on a property claim are on the SharePoint site. It's important to notify Tamieka so she can report the property claim. [9:32] It's all about everyone being aware of what needs to happen about an event. [9:41] Tamieka has been with Southwire for almost 12 years. She helped build the risk culture at Southwire. It's been a fun ride, for sure! [9:53] Tamieka partnered with several team members to develop the SharePoint site. It's been exciting for the organization. It was launched by the IT department and several others. Tamieka had spoken with risk professionals throughout the industry about what they were launching. [10:33] The beauty of the risk industry is that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. It's all about what we can do to enhance their organization through process improvement. [11:00] When Tamieka started with Southwire, she was busy administering certificates of insurance. The SharePoint site streamlines everything in a central location. People can see their insurance limits, request what they need, and submit information to their insurance brokers. [11:45] Tamieka's risk team of about 5 people reports to the General Counsel department. [12:27] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On April 24th, Riskonnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity.” Nonmembers can use the code BETTER50 at checkout for complimentary registration. [12:44] Zurich's webinar, “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” was rescheduled and will be held on May 1st at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. [12:52] If you were already registered for the original date, you do not need to take any action: You are now registered for the May 1st session with Zurich about “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding.” [13:04] On May 22nd, webinars are back with GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company, and their newest session, “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny”. [13:20] On June 5th, Zywave joins us to discuss “Today's Escalating Risk Trajectory: What's the Cause and What's the Solution?” We'll find out on June 5th! [13:31] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/Webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [13:43] There was a brief extension for educational session submissions for RIMS Canada, which will be held from September 14th through the 17th in Calgary. The link is in this episode's show notes. Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca and submit your session by April 24th. [14:00] Let's Return to Our Interview with Former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President Tamieka Weeks! [14:18] When Tamieka joined risk management, she loved it instantly because it's continually evolving. The market and your company are evolving and you have to be able to embrace the change. There are always new risks and emerging risks. [14:43] Once, cyber risk was new. Now the new risk we're talking about is AI. Who knows what new risk we will be talking about in the next nine months to a year? To be in the risk management industry, you have to love it to wake up each day not knowing what to expect. [15:16] Tamiela says the meaningful relationships that we establish from day to day, month to month, and year to year are truly amazing. The industry is amazing, as well, from Atlanta to global. She is excited about RISKWORLD 2025 in Chicago. [15:43] RISKWORLD 2025 will be held from May 4th through May 7th, in Chicago, Illinois. [15:47] May is also National Electrical Safety Awareness Month in the U.S. Southwire is always focused on safety, with monthly training for team members. They focus on team members from entering the facilities to exiting the facilities. Safety is number one. [16:28] Southwire's Environmental Health and Safety Department strives for safety. Southwire recently completed Lockout/Tagout training, a safety procedure for properly shutting off equipment to ensure that no one is accidentally injured if machinery is being serviced. [17:01] Tamieka says labeling is placed on Southwire wires and cables to ensure the customers are aware of how to use the products. Customers can also download information on the safe use of Southwire products. This is part of Southwire's Environmental Health and Safety efforts. [17:43] RIMS Plug! From Ryan Harris, upcoming Keynote on the Main Stage on May 6th at RISKWORLD 2025, “Greetings RIMS members and global risk professionals! I'm Ryan Harris, Champion of Super Bowl 50, best-selling author, and award-winning broadcaster. [18:02] “I'm thrilled to be your Main Stage Keynote for RISKWORLD 2025, where we will discuss the transformative five steps to building a championship team and leading to win! You can learn more about me and my story by listening to RIMScast. [18:18] ”And more than anything, make sure to register for RISKWORLD 2025 by visiting RIMS.org/riskworld. I'm so thrilled to see you and I'm looking forward to us building together so that you can reach your greatest success!” [18:33] Thank you, again, Ryan. We look forward to seeing you at RISKWORLD 2025 on May 6th. A link to Ryan's episode of RIMScast, #325, is in this episode's show notes. Get a preview of the Super Bowl Champion and remember to register for RISKWORLD 2025. [18:49] Let's Return to the Conclusion of Our Interview with Tamieka Weeks! [19:10] Tamieka describes practicing risk management in the greater Atlanta area. She says it's all about the people and the risk management community. Everybody just loves everybody! It's Southern hospitality. When she joined the Atlanta RIMS Chapter, it was very welcoming. [19:34] When Tamieka joined the board, the board members saw so much potential in her. They assured her she could do this. Tamieka says Atlanta is the land of opportunity. Tamieka joined the chapter in 2013. She became the first Black female President of the Atlanta Chapter. [20:38] Tamieka became Chapter President during COVID-19. Her thoughts were about what she could do to make the organization better and what she could do for succession planning. [20:59] Members were at home. Tamieka connected with the previous presidents and prior board members. No one was in person. Tamieka asked the previous officers for their notes. They were happy to talk and share ideas to make the chapter succeed. [22:02] That moment was more about the Chapter and less about Tamieka. Tamieka built committees and sent surveys. Tamieka wanted to hear what the members had to say. She gave the board and members a voice. It was a fun time, working to make the chapter better. [22:44] The feedback from past presidents was the foundation to win 2022 Chapter of the Year! Their ability and willingness to help Tamieka in her role made the RIMS Atlanta Chapter special. [23:33] The chapter had a virtual social hour with a mixologist. They had a virtual trivia game. They had a virtual mentor event. They raised money at a Virtual Aid Conference. They were creative in everything they did. They were able to connect with members in a challenging time. [24:20] The surveys were critical. They partnered with global RIMS to enhance their bylaws. The new bylaws permitted the board to meet virtually. They changed their chapter website. They made many improvements to the chapter's success. [24:58] In 2025, Tamieka received the Walter H. Buce Jr. Memorial Award which honors the insurance and risk management professional of the year in the RIMS Atlanta Chapter. Tamieka calls the award overwhelming. She is deeply honored. It means the world to her. [26:04] Tamieka's advice for young risk professionals: “Stay focused. When others see potential in you, listen to them. Don't shy away. Work hard. Set clear goals. Trust in yourself. Stay dedicated. Be persistent. Be intentional. Your path will eventually reveal itself. [29:29] “You're going to have people around you that are going to be your cheerleaders. Please find a mentor. They're going to support you along the way. In Atlanta, I would also say we have focused on bridging the gap of rising risk professionals and students entering the industry.” [27:08] “The RIMS Atlanta Chapter has embraced what we can do to help and support the young professionals who are focused on entering the industry soon. That's been a huge success for the RIMS Atlanta Chapter, as well.” [27:28] Tamieka Weeks, It's such a pleasure to see you again. I look forward to seeing you after this episode comes out, at RISKWORLD 2025 in Chicago. Tamieka is looking forward to seeing everyone, It's going to be a great RISKWORLD! [27:46] Special thanks again to former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President and Walter Buce Award Winner, Tamieka Weeks for joining us here on RIMScast! Learn more about her and the chapter's fantastic work through the link in this episode's show notes. Of course, visit AtlantaRIMS.org. [28:05] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [28:32] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [28:50] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [29:08] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [29:24] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [29:38] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [29:46] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Download the RIMS Events app! Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS Texas Regional 2025 — August 3‒5 | Advance registration rates now open. RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Submit a session to RIMS Canada 2025 — Final Deadline April 24. RIMS Atlanta Chapter RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | May 1, 2025 “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny” | Sponsored by GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company | May 22, 2025 “Today's Escalating Risk Trajectory: What's the Cause & What's the Solution?” | Sponsored by Zywave | June 5, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: CBCP & RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Virtual Bootcamp: Mastering Business Continuity & Risk Management | May 19‒22, 2025 | In Collaboration with DRI International Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule “Managing Data for ERM” | June 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito  “Generative AI for Risk Management” | June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “ERM, Retail, and Risk with Jeff Strege” “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD 2025 Keynote) “Maintaining an Award-Winning ERM Program with Michael Zuraw” “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs” | Sponsored by Zurich (New!) “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Kristen Peed!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Tamieka Weeks, Director, Global Risk Management & Insurance, Southwire Company, LLC     Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Justin and his guest, Jeff Strege, Senior Director for Risk Management at Academy Sports + Outdoors, explore what led Jeff to risk management, and the path that led to Academy Sports + Outdoors within the sporting goods and outdoor retail space. Jeff comments on his work building out the ERM framework at Academy to improve claims management, employee safety, and liability prevention. Jeff shares his approach to workers' compensation and Academy Sports + Outdoors's goal to help the workers recover and return to work. In addition to career insights, they discuss Jeff's upcoming panel participation in HUB's webinar on April 17th, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach,” covering topics such as third-party litigation funding and its impact on the industry.   Listen to Jeff's wisdom, born from experience, on managing your risk career. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS, from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:25] After you register, visit your App Store, search for RIMS Events, and download the RIMS Events App. Select RISKWORLD 2025, load the show onto your phone, and start building your RISKWORLD itinerary! [:41] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is former RIMS Houston Chapter President, Jeff Strege. We will talk about his career and how ERM continues to play a pivotal role today. [1:08] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! As part of RIMS's continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:28] Virtual Workshops! On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [1:45] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:56] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, from May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:14] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:33] The Spencer Educational Foundation is having a Flash Sale for sponsorships at RISKWORLD! Sponsorship pricing has been reduced for the Spencer-CNA Pickleball Social on Saturday, May 3rd, and the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 4th. [2:51] Sponsorships are still available for the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run on Tuesday, May 6th. Visit Spencered.org/riskworld2025 to learn about these opportunities and more. Also, reach out to Spencer's Executive Director Megan Miller at MMiller@Spencered.org. [3:13] Our guest today is Jeff Strege. He is the Senior Director for Risk Management at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Academy is one of the U.S.'s largest sporting goods and outdoor stores with 301 locations across 21 states, as of March 2025. [3:33] Jeff is also a long-time RIMS member. He's the former president of the RIMS Houston Chapter and is a RIMS-CRMP holder. [3:41] In addition to his outstanding resume, Jeff will be lending his insight to the RIMS Webinar on April 17th, presented by HUB in their Ready for Tomorrow series. It's called “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach.” A link is in the notes. [4:01] In today's RIMScast interview, we will discuss how ERM has played a role in his career and how he manages risk in so many locations at the Academy. We will get a preview of his upcoming appearance on the Hub webinar and his thoughts on third-party litigation funding and its impact. [4:27] Interview! Jeff Strege, welcome to RIMScast! [4:45] As a Houstonian, Jeff grew up with Academy Sports + Outdoors. He's a long-term customer. In September 2020, Jeff promoted himself from customer to team member, although he still is an avid customer of Academy. [5:07] As the Academy brand is so well-known and beloved in Texas, Jeff has had the Risk Director role on his radar for many years. He had told his wife many times that if that role ever opened up at Academy, he would want to talk to them. In mid-2020, it did, and here he is! [5:29] Academy has 301 stores across 21 states as of March 7, 2025, and is headquartered in Katy, Texas, a Western suburb of Houston. Jeff graduated from Katy High School. [6:23] Academy Sports + Outdoors sells fun. They say “Have fun out there.” The items Academy sells are intended to help people be outdoors and active. Academy does a lot of work around product safety with manufacturers and suppliers, making sure they're sourcing safe products. [6:45] Academy Sports + Outdoors sells firearms and ammunition. Its goal is to be the most responsible retailer of those items in the country. [7:13] Academy Sports is responsible for following the laws of 21 states. Jeff has worked for national, multi-national, and global organizations, so he has worked with similar requirements. [7:48] Jeff worked for Sysco twice, first in the 90s and then in 2016 in a risk role similar to his current role at Academy Sports. Sysco went on a growth initiative while Jeff was there the second time and it was fun to be part of that but he couldn't pass up the opening at Academy. [8:23] Academy Sports + Outdoors has a risk department of 10 who report to Jeff. Jeff oversees the Enterprise Risk Management framework, the Insurance and Data Analytic functions, the Safety functions, and the Claim Management functions. [8:50] Jeff has three direct reports and they have functional contributors who are assigned to and report to them. Jeff's management style is to find the best possible people he can find. He's not a micro-manager. All of his staff are solid professionals who are good at what they do. [9:14] That allows Jeff to focus on strategy and executing strategic objectives while the staff keeps things working from day to day. Jeff reports to the General Counsel. In other companies, Jeff has reported to the General Counsel, HR, Treasury, or Finance. [9:42] Risk can logically report up a variety of chains to the leadership of an organization, as it touches so many aspects of the business. [10:22] Relative to firearms sales, Academy Sports has a compliance team to manage the process. They do an outstanding job. [10:39] When Jeff arrived at Academy Sports, one of his charges was to mature the ERM framework across the various organizational functions. Having the opportunity to work on that made Jeff a student of the business, which is one of the Academy's values. [11:09] Coming into the business, Jeff was fortunate to receive a safety culture already well-entrenched in the distribution centers. That team has been retooled over the years and continues to evolve as it trains and supports the operators in safe practices in their work. [11:45] Academy workers' compensation goal is to help team members recover so they can come back to work. They take a deliberate approach to working with them so they get the treatment they need, their benefits are paid timely, and their questions are answered. [12:11] Academy made a TPA change a couple of years ago that's given them more proactive tools. Both safety and claims are processes that Academy Sports continues to fine-tune. [12:25] The foundational strategy is “safety first.” If you're talking about managing claims but not about safety, there's a miss there, in terms of managing risk. [13:01] Plug Time! During this interview, we discuss the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2025, held from August 4th through the 6th in San Antonio, Texas, at the Henry  B. Gonzalez Convention Center. That's where we held RISKWORLD 2018. [13:22] The day of this episode's release, April 15th, is the day registration opens for the RIMS Texas Regional Conference. You can get the Advance Rate from now through May 16th, 2025. A link is in this episode's show notes. You can also visit the events page of RIMS.org to register. [13:43] If you will be in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on April 17th, be sure to stop by Lonestar Park for DFW RIMS's 7th Annual Night at the Races. It will be a blast! Guest, Member, and Student tickets are available. Visit DFWRIMS.org and the link in this episode's show notes. [14:12] Let's Return to My Interview with Former RIMS Houston Chapter President Jeff Strege! [14:32] Jeff arrived at Academy Sports on Monday, September 28, 2020, and the company executed its Initial Public Offering on Friday, October 2nd, 2020. In preparing for the IPO, the company had built an ERM framework that helped inform the prospectus for investors. [14:59] When Jeff joined, he was charged with taking the framework foundation and building upon it to round out how Academy Sports views risk, scopes it, and manages it across the organization. It was a fascinating process. [15:21] He's gotten to know many good, smart people who are driving aspects of the business. [15:28] Every year, Academy Sports looks at ways to enhance the framework, to make sure it's as meaningful and informative to the leadership team and board as it can be. [15:54] The framework looks at ISO standards but most of it is inward-focused within the business of Academy Sports. What's going on in the world? How do we prevent or prepare for it? Should something occur, what strategies do we have to respond, react to, and recover from it? [16:39] Before the recent tariffs were passed, the risk team had discussed tariffs generically. Tariffs appear as subsidiary risks in a few places within the framework. Nobody in an organization can control what government leaders do. [17:22] In a way, sporting goods is a seasonal industry. Academy Sports + Outdoors sells a variety of different things and operates in a variety of climates. There's a holiday season and there are gift-giving holidays. The seasons for outdoor activities differ depending on location. [17:54] In Texas, Jeff grills and fishes year-round. It's different in a Northern climate with four distinct seasons. Hunting seasons are specifically defined. The things Academy Sports sells peak at different times of the year and the peaks sort of offset themselves. [18:25] The Academy Sports merchandising teams are diligent and deliberate in how they plan for cycling products for the seasons. [18:44] Holiday is the big season. In that, Academy Sports is like other retailers. Back-to-school time is also important. [18:57] The backyard grilling is Jeff's favorite section of the store. When he goes into the store with his wife he has to look at some grills. Jeff also works out and runs so there are several aspects of the store that he shops. [19:16] Academy sells location-specific licensed apparel. In Academy Sports + Outdoors in Houston, there is gear for the Astros, Texans, and Rockets. [19:49] From the standpoint of team member safety, Jeff refers to OSHA. Also, some states have more stringent safety requirements. Jeff's safety team drives consistency of practices and training across the footprint of the 21 states where Academy Sports + Outdoors operates. [20:36] Most of Jeff's work is done in Houston but his team gets out in the field periodically on a schedule. Jeff likes to go into the stores and distribution centers. That's where the business occurs. The work at Corporate supports the people who serve and interact with customers. [21:10] RIMS Webinars! Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [21:29] Today's guest, Jeff Strege, is a panelist in that session! He's going to talk about it a little bit right after the break. [21:38] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [21:45] Zurich's webinar, “Understanding Third Party Litigation Funding” was rescheduled to May 1st at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. If you were already registered for the original date, you are now registered for the May 1st session with Zurich. [22:09] On May 22nd, GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company, presents their newest session, “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny”. [22:22] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [22:33] Let's Return to my Interview with Jeff Strege! [22:46] Jeff will be joining RIMS on the HUB webinar about third-party litigation funding (TPLF) on April 17th, two days after the airing of this episode. Third-party litigation funding is a major issue for RIMS and the profession. [23:08] Academy Sports + Outdoors sees TPLF from time to time in litigated matters, but not often. The HUB webinar is largely focused on rising litigation costs and the rising value of litigated matters. Third-party funding is a driving force of that rise. [23:35] When there's a funding mechanism behind the damages claim by a plaintiff, there are interest obligations with that mechanism, which can be stiff. It does inflate the value of some matters. [24:13] Once Academy Sports + Outdoors learns third-party funding is present in a litigated matter, that's in the front of mind as they evaluate and proceed with trying to conclude the case. [24:32] In the HUB webinar on April 17th, Jeff will be discussing the client's experience, not only with TPFL but also around social engineering. There is a good panel put together for this discussion with varied perspectives that will offer a well-rounded conversation. [24:55] Panelist Bob Tyson of Tyson & Mendes, a defense lawyer in California, has creative approaches to managing and negotiating litigated cases. Panelist John Ferguson, Head of Excess Casualty at Zurich Insurance, brings an insurer's perspective to the webinar. [25:29] Panelist Carol Murphy of HUB is one of the best brokers Jeff has worked with. Jeff is looking forward to sharing the stage with this group, talking about managing claims litigation, prevention, and pre-litigation management. Safety is critical. Jeff will bring that up. [26:02] The link to the webinar is in the show notes. Register today! Registration is complimentary for RIMS members! You'll hear this webinar live with Jeff Strege of Academy Sports, Fred Ferguson of Zurich, Bob Tyson of Tyson & Mendes, and Carol Murphy of HUB. [26:34] Jeff has been involved with RIMS since the mid-1990s when he was with Sysco Foods for the first time and was elevated to the risk management role there. Starting with Houston, Jeff has been involved in various chapters in various capacities. [27:07] RIMS has been an important part of Jeff's career. He's gained solid relationships through RIMS that have yielded business relationships and relationships where he's been able to help others and be helped by them. RIMS will be very important to him as long as he works in risk. [27:51] Jeff was President of RIMS Houston for two years, until January of 2024. He serves on the board as Past President. [28:12] Having moved around the country and having held different roles, Jeff has met risk professionals from many areas. He says RIMS has high-quality chapters all over the country. The four Texas RIMS chapters have a lot of positive energy. [28:47] The chapters are working together with Justin's team in New York to host the first-ever Texas RIMS Regional Conference this August. Jeff is on the planning committee and he's excited about it. [29:04] The RIMS Texas Regional Conference will be held from August 4th through the 6th at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, on the River Walk, the site of RISKWORLD 2018. San Antonio is Jeff's favorite city in Texas. It's a wonderful host city. [29:30] There is a link in the show notes to the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2025. Registration will open the week of the airing of this episode! [29:49] Jeff is a RIMS-CRMP holder. He earned that certification in November of 2019. He was excited to see RIMS introduce the certification. What he likes about CRMP is its governance focus. [30:23] Jeff had been doing risk management for a long time. The CRMP website has good sample test questions on it. He decided to work through the test questions several times. Then went and took the exam and scored pretty well, largely based on his experience. [30:48] Jeff says his ERM work over the years was helpful. The RIMS-CRMP is a good designation. Jeff appreciates that RIMS gives CRMP holders opportunities to network. He will continue to carry the designation as long as he is working. [31:09] Mos recertification points are CE-related. Jeff relies heavily on the Houston chapter's offerings and the sessions and seminars at RIMS functions. He appreciates the flexibility in terms of what qualifies, such as participation in broker-sponsored industry education. [31:50] Developing and delivering educational content is a favorite of Jeff's. He has served as Risk Manager in Residence (now Risk Manager on Campus). Jeff tells every risk manager it's amazing and they need to do it at least once. Jeff enjoys education and is always learning. [32:24] Jeff shares his advice for risk professionals. As Boomers in the industry start to retire, it's important to help the industry recruit, train, and young talent. It's a passion of Jeff's. [32:52] There are a few things Jeff would tell young professionals. One is you are the CEO of your career. Your career is your responsibility. Don't wait for a leader to bring opportunities or promotions to you. Be a student of your craft and trade. Set goals with plans to achieve them. [33:20] Jeff has managed his career that way by making strategic moves when it made sense for him to do so. He has no regrets. You're the CEO of your career, all in. Don't wait for others to act on your behalf. Whatever it is, be a student of your craft and seek opportunities to learn. [33:45] Grow your knowledge base, your experience, and your network. Jeff has benefited from RIMS in having a network of people who lean on each other and learn from each other. It's a wonderful thing! [33:58] Be a student of your business, wherever it is. Make connections within it. Seek out mentorships to learn on a broad basis what the business does and what its objectives are. You position yourself more visibly to add more value and to grow. [34:29] Jeff Strege, you have been such an inspiration today. I appreciate you so much for joining us here on RIMScast and being so giving with your time and wisdom! I look forward to seeing you at the first-ever Texas Regional 2025, August 4th through 6th in San Antonio! [34:48] Special thanks again to Jeff Strege for joining us here today on RIMScast! I look forward to seeing him at many RIMS events, including the first-ever RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2025, which will be held from August 4th through the 6th in San Antonio, Texas. [35:05] Register today through the link in this episode's show notes. [35:12] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [35:37] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [35:56] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [36:13] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [36:29] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [36:43] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [36:50] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Download the RIMS Events app! Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS Texas Regional 2025 – August 3‒5 | Advance registration rates are now open. DFW RIMS - 7th Annual Night at the Races / Lone Star Park – April 17, 2025 RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Announcement: RIMS and The Institute for Internal Auditors' Strategic Alliance on Education Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025 “Understanding Third Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | May 1, 2025 “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny” | Sponsored by GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company | May 22, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Managing Data for ERM” | June 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito  “Generative AI for Risk Management” | June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Maintaining an Award-Winning ERM Program with Michael Zuraw” “Scenario Planning with the RIMS SERMC” “ERMotivation with Carrie Frandsen, RIMS-CRMP” “Risk Quantification Through Value-Based Frameworks” “Applying ERM Theory with Elise Farnham” “On Risk Appetite and Tolerance”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich (New!) “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog (New!) “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Kristen Peed!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Jeff Strege, MBA, ARM, RIMS-CRMP, Sr. Director, Risk Management, Academy Sports + Outdoors   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Aaron Hillebrandt, principal and consulting actuary, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, said diversification of risk is important—and a great strategy.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival. Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention. She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home. She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, who were kept captive with Alon, and we hear how Alon endures, playing imaginary piano on his chest as a musician, whistling favorite songs and talking about his family. Ohel says that her son, like her, has always meditated, and she assumes he is still doing so as one of the many methods that has allowed him to survive so many months underground. She discusses what it's like to mark another Passover without her son, and the need for the entire country and Jewish nation to rally behind the remaining hostages, in order to push the government toward an extension of the hostage deal. So this week, we ask hostage mother Idit Ohel, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, March 8, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival. Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention. She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home. She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, who were kept captive with Alon, and we hear how Alon endures, playing imaginery piano on his chest as a musician, whistling favorite songs and talking about his family. Ohel says that her son, like her, has always meditated, and she assumes he is still doing so as one of the many methods that has allowed him to survive so many months underground. She discusses what it's like to mark another Passover without her son, and the need for the entire country and Jewish nation to rally behind the remaining hostages, in order to push the government toward an extension of the hostage deal. So this week, we ask hostage mother Idit Ohel, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, March 8, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Justin and his guests, Denise Sobczak and Michael Zuraw, introduce the new RIMS paper: “The Pre-Mortem Method: Learning From Failure Without Actually Failing”. Unlike post-mortem analysis, a pre-mortem risk assessment attempts to learn from failure before a project even begins. This report highlights the advantages of implementing a pre-mortem risk assessment approach to strategic projects. Download the report to learn about the three steps to activate a pre-mortem assessment that fosters a better understanding of a project's overall objectives, and ultimately improves transparency, communication, and business outcomes. Justin, Michael, and Denise discuss implementation steps and frequency of pre-mortems in an organization. They cover ways of documentation and tracking insights from pre-mortem exercises, and tools for structuring an effective pre-mortem session. They explore how to involve participants and how to flip the script from naysaying to contributing insights. They consider the collateral benefits of involving your organization in a pre-mortem analysis. They share examples of how the pre-mortem works in their organizations.   Listen to gain insight into this innovative risk management tool to build upon the successes and achievements of your organization. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:17] About this episode of RIMScast. Our topic is pre-mortem analysis, which we will explore with past and present members of the RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Management Council. [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! As part of RIMS's continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:01] Virtual Workshops! On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.” [1:14] On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [1:30] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:41] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [1:59] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:18] In March, RIMS released a new professional report called “The Pre-Mortem Method: Learning from Failure Without Actually Failing.” The two authors of this report are joining me here today! They have both been RIMScast guests. [2:39] Denise Sobczak is the Director of Group Risk Management at the BIC Group and Michael Zuraw is the Senior Director of Global Enterprise Risk Management for Onsemi. [2:52] Denise is a former member and Michael is a current member of the RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Management Council. Their paper, “The Pre-Mortem Method,” is available through the Risk Knowledge page of RIMS.org. Tap on the White Paper button on that page. [3:10] We're going to hear how Denise and Michael have used the pre-mortem method at their respective companies. We're going to give you tips on how to lead pre-mortem analysis discussions at your organizations whether for a big merger or unveiling a new product. [3:32] This conversation will continue on May 7th at RISKWORLD when Denise hosts “Pre-Mortem or Post-Mortem: If You Were a Patient, What Would Choose?” That session will be held in Room BC185. [3:47] Interview! Michael Zuraw and Denise Sobczak, welcome back to RIMScast! [3:55] Denise and Michael's paper is “The Pre-Mortem Method: Learning from Failure Without Actually Failing.” Pre-mortem analysis is a risk assessment approach that you apply to strategic projects. [4:13] The concept is simple. You assume that an initiative fails. Then you identify triggers of that failure and develop plans to avoid and mitigate them to achieve success. It was developed by Gary Klein and has been widely applied in the business world. [4:39] Michael says the approach was discovered by cognitive psychologists. It releases folks from some of the biases, such as groupthink and confirmation bias, that will muck up decisions. This approach encourages participation and takes risk identification to the next level. [5:07] Justin calls the paper an easy read that people can keep returning to. [5:22] The Strategic & ERM Council decided to do a track on scenario planning. One of their first shareouts was a paper on scenario planning with a segue on pre-mortem risk assessment on how to draw those scenarios. [5:44] Many things are going on, with a level of uncertainty in the external environment that drives uncertainty in the internal environment. As a risk practitioner, it's very important to have these tools. [5:59] Michael joined the Strategic & ERM Council a little over a year ago after they had started the scenario planning. He had already read the SERM Council paper on scenario planning with great interest. Michael is a fan of Gary Klein's and had used pre-mortems. [6:24] When Denise and others mentioned they were going to take the next step in their series of scenario planning to include a pre-mortem discussion, Michael immediately volunteered to be part of it. It was a topic he was familiar with and he had done some sessions on it already. [7:05] Denise explains a pre-mortem is one of many risk assessment tools available. There's no set number for how often an organization should perform one. The main attraction of this tool is its use when you are short on time and have few resources and you want a high-value output. [7:53] It's good to use a pre-mortem when there are a lot of cross-functional initiatives with interdependencies that create complexity and generate risks. [8:07] Michael thinks that for major strategic decisions, a pre-mortem should almost always be used. As you use it, you find out that it's very efficient and not complicated. You can learn from it to include contrarians in discussions to question all assumptions. It changes your risk culture. [8:52] Pieces of the pre-mortem method find their way into the way people approach everyday decisions, even without doing a formal pre-mortem analysis. A pre-mortem analysis is not difficult or expensive to do. As often as you think it provides value, have at it! [9:20] The primary thing a pre-mortem does is open the door to legitimizing doubt. It allows the group decision process to stay in inquiry not to be sucked into advocacy before all the risks are discussed and mitigated. [9:44] Michael notes that as the pre-mortem opens up concerns, they can be put on the table and discussed. The key is you have to take the next step which is to consider what you can change and improve your plan to prepare for the possibility of that risk and mitigate it. [10:08] The goal is to take what you've learned, feed it back into the decision process, and come out with a better plan than you had going in. [10:16] It's very key to get the insights and embed them into the company's core processes versus having a stand-alone tracker for the pre-mortem that you've done. If you've done a pre-mortem for a strategic initiative, integrate it into the status update reports for that initiative. [10:34] If the pre-mortem is related to an event, integrate it into regular management reviews, operating reviews, or even risk governance. Integrate insights that will help you into your core processes. [10:49] Denise and Justin discuss recording remote pre-mortem sessions on Zoom and transcribing them. Justin suggests recording even in-person sessions on Zoom for a transcript. [11:40] Michael says having a transcript of a pre-mortem helps because you want people to focus attention on the conversation and not on note-taking. Sometimes you want to go back and get some context. In-person meetings also allow seeing body language. [12:11] The point of this is to get it out there and talk about it. It's very interactive. [13:19] Pre-mortems are structured to picture a failure six months into the future. Then set a two-minute timer and ask everyone to write down what went wrong. Each one comes up with ideas without the group's influence and writes down key failure points that caused this outcome. [14:04] As a result, things that were just below the surface come out first. Even the staunchest advocate of the plan has to come up with something. The creativity of what could have gone wrong becomes an asset, not a detriment. [14:31] You're not a naysayer, you're an identifier. The basic premises of ERM are risk identification, risk prioritization, and risk response. A pre-mortem creates a more robust identification. You're a contributor. You've discussed something that you hadn't before. [14:54] Denise explains that a pre-mortem is a paradise for the naysayers because they don't have the burden to say it failed. We give that to them. It's not about being skeptical or negative but identifying the contributors that could have caused the failure and being part of the solution. [15:18] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On April 10th, Audit Board will present “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [15:30] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [15:45] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [15:54] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [16:05] Important Announcement! RIMS and the Institute of Internal Auditors have entered into an agreement to deliver a selection of the other group's educational programming to their members. Twenty-nine shared courses will be available to both association's members. [16:23] RIMS members can explore the IIA courses that are now available to them at See Courses Here. To access RIMS's complete selection of workshops, webinars, and courses, visit RIMS.org/Education. [16:42] Let's Get Back to our Discussion about Pre-Mortem Analysis with Michael Zurow and Denise Sobczak! [17:09] Denise says individuals who have had experience with failures can tap into that experience in new situations. Newcomers can offer a fresh perspective. The key is diversity of thought and experience. Make participants comfortable to express their opinions. [17:38] Watch out for those who would take over. As you facilitate the pre-mortem, make sure that you're engaging and that it's a responsive type of facilitation. There's no right or wrong answer when you're looking for triggers. Later on, you will prioritize. [18:22] Michael has been at Onsemi for 20 years with broad exposure in product line management and supply chain. Four and a half years ago, Onsemi had a new CO and much of the top management changed. The question was what did the stakeholders want from ERM. [18:44] There was some change in how they approached it. He did pre-mortems before and he has done them since. The key is broad participation of the players, broad perspectives, and leading it to say that we want to know what you think. We want to question our assumptions. [19:08] That basic approach is to try to make the plan better, not bring it down, trying to improve the likelihood of success. That plays through all types of corporate change. [19:35] Participants should not be in the top tier of leaders, but in middle management with some boots on the ground. The middle management group forms the culture and they know enough key details about what the planners are thinking and to ask, what if they're wrong? [20:14] Denise expects the participants to be the people who are knee-deep in the initiative and are the subject matter experts. You can also invite folks who are not in the initiative but who have a say from the legal, financial, and business support perspectives. [20:42] The number of participants depends on the setting. An in-person setting can accommodate 10 or 15. In a virtual setting, you can have eight to 10. You need to make sure that everyone can participate. [21:14] More RIMS Plugs! The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved in part by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [21:33] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in general grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. [21:46] Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. General Grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's General Grants through the Programs tab of SpencerEd.org. [22:06] Spencer has several events lined up before and during RISKWORLD 2025. On May 3rd, there's the Spencer-CNA Pickle Ball Social, on May 4th, the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament, on May 5th, the Spencer Soiree, and on May 6th, the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run. [22:25] You can register for or sponsor any of these through the links on this page or by visiting SpencerEd.org/riskworld2025. [22:35] The call for submissions for the RIMS Canada Conference, which will be held in Calgary from September 14th through the 17th, 2025, is now open. We want to hear from you! We are looking for dynamic, insightful presentations on key industry topics. [22:49] Topics may include are but not limited to alternative risk transfer, insurance, legal and regulatory, risk modification and loss control, the DEI Studio, the Thought Leader Stage, corporate sustainability, ESG, and more. [23:03] Submit your proposal by the submission deadline, Wednesday, April 16th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca and the link in this episode's notes for information. [23:17] If you will be in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on April 17th, be sure to stop by Lone Star Park for DFW RIMS's 7th Annual Night at the Races. It's going to be a blast! Guest, member, and student tickets are available. Visit DFWRIMS.org and the link in this episode's show notes. [23:41] Let's Return to our Discussion about Pre-Mortem Analysis with Denise Sobczak and Michael Zurow! [24:02] Denise mentions different ways to measure the ROI of a pre-mortem, in the light of inherited risk impact before mitigation versus residual risk, post-mitigation. [24:16] For a consumer goods company like BIC, Denise says it is more sensible to tie the effectiveness of the pre-mortem exercise with the overall achievement of the strategic goals or the operating targets because you are changing as you go. [24:38] Michael says it's tough to measure the effectiveness of a pre-mortem. You're asking a team that has already been assembled to spend half a day looking at the plan and, at the end, asking if they learned something that helped improve the plan. [25:30] Is the plan or decision better the day after the pre-mortem than it was the day before? Was it worth the four hours? Would you suggest doing this again? Would you recommend it to your peer? Advocating for a pre-mortem indicates its value, way beyond the cost of doing it. [26:16] Denise stresses the collateral benefits of a pre-mortem. If you are facilitating this type of risk assessment, you will reach a lot of folks in the organization and help them think differently. They will think of the risk management department or the ERM practitioner as a resource to use. [26:37] There is some amplification from a showcase of value to the organization from your function. Denise says a pre-mortem never took a day for her. Once she applied a pre-mortem in a 20-minute phone call with all the constituents. They came up with 15 reasons it could fail. [27:02] A pre-mortem can be formal or informal. The informal pre-mortem is as efficient and it is quicker. You need to understand what the culture of your organization is. If it is very formal, adapt to that. Denise tends to work in more agile organizations. [27:36] Michael works for a company that is heavy in engineering. A pre-mortem takes about two hours there. Engineers want to solve problems and tell you why their solution to the problem is awesome! They want data and rationalization justification. [28:15] Part of it is the moderation. Say the goal of this meeting is to get the concerns and issues out on the table. Afterward, we'll do a quick prioritization so we can assign owners to address the next step of how this feeds back into improving the plan. [28:32] As everybody took two minutes to write down the issues, get them out on the table and rotate through the biggest issue from each person as quickly as you can, one at a time, so no one gets into a laundry list of items. Keep the discussion moving across all the participants. [28:55] What you get is honest dialog and everyone participates. If you do that, you'll avoid overcomplicating it. It can be very simple. It's structured to help you manage that. As long as you keep it moving, it will be fine. [29:12] On 1:45 p.m., on May 7th, at RISKWORLD, in Room 185BC. Denise will be presenting “Pre-Mortem or Post-Mortem: If You Were Patient, Which One Would You Choose?” Denise will be extending the dialog from the paper and this episode. [29:37] Denise will miss Michael on stage. They had a successful session together at the RIMS ERM Fall Conference. Now that the paper is published, the presentation will be more robust. [29:55] The presentation will cover what pre-mortem risk assessment entails. You basically assume the strategic project has failed. Then you identify the triggers of that failure and develop plans to avoid and mitigate them to achieve success. Then you monitor. [30:25] Once Denise goes through the fundamentals, she will take you through a hands-on exercise of applying this technique. She will give a business case and have the audience start solving it and finding triggers. It's very easy. It will give a sense of what this is all about. [30:52] Denise's aim is that the participants, with the presentation and the white paper, will have another skillset to apply and bring value to their organization. There will be audience participation to close out the last day of the education track at RISKWORLD. [31:20] Denise will have a full hour and then there will be more audience participation when the Second City takes the stage for the Conference Finale. [31:34] Justin recommends attendees check out Denise's solid one-hour presentation. She assures you there will be no coasting in her session! [31:59] It has been such a pleasure to see you both. I appreciate you taking the time. You wrote a wonderful paper. The link is in this episode's notes. Go to RIMS.org/riskknowledge to check it out. Press the White Paper button and it will pop right up. Thank you both so much! [32:18] Special thanks again to Michael Zuraw and Denise Sobczak for joining us here on RIMScast. A link to their paper, “The Pre-Mortem Method: Learning from Failure Without Actually Failing” is available through the Risk Knowledge of RIMS.org. A link is in this episode's notes. [32:35] Beyond the pages and this episode, Denise will be extending the dialog at RISKWORLD on May 7th at 1:45 p.m. local time. She will deliver “Pre-Mortem or Post-Mortem: If You Were a Patient, Which Would You Choose?” That session will be held in room 185BC. [32:52] Register in advance through the RIMS Events App. [32:55] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [33:24] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [33:41] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [33:59] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [34:16] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [34:30] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [34:37] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: Presented by the RIMS SERMC: “The Pre-Mortem Method: Learning From Failure Without Actually Failing” RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now Announcement: RIMS and The Institute for Internal Auditors' Strategic Alliance on Education RIMS Canada Conference 2025 | September 14‒17 | Calgary | Submit a session by April 16. DFW RIMS — 7th Annual Night at the Races / Lone Star Park – April 17, 2025 Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center “Truly Long-Term Strategic Risk Management in Focus” — RIMS Q&A with Michael Zuraw (2019) RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding: Its Importance and How You Can Contribute” | Sponsored by Zurich | May 1, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen “Managing Data for ERM” | June 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito  “Generative AI for Risk Management” | June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Maintaining an Award-Winning ERM Program with Michael Zuraw” “Scenario Planning with the RIMS SERMC” “Q1 2025 Risks with Morgan O'Rourke” “ERMotivation with Carrie Frandsen, RIMS-CRMP” “Risk Quantification Through Value-Based Frameworks” “Applying ERM Theory with Elise Farnham” “On Risk Appetite and Tolerance”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich (New!) “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog (New!) “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring Walmart ERM Director Michelle Black!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guests: Denise Sobczak, Director of Group Risk Management at the BIC Group Michael Zuraw, Senior Director of Global Enterprize Risk Management for Onsemi   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Crystal Trout is a director with Baker Tilly's Risk Advisory practice. Justin and Crystal discuss her career in anti-money laundering compliance, and what brought her to consulting. They discuss the elements of AML compliance and how the need for it stretches beyond financial institutions to any sector that involves large transactions, including virtual digital assets and investing. They talk about the $3 billion settlement TD Bank entered into with regulators in October of 2024 and the messages that sends both to financial institutions and money criminals. Listen to Crystal's advice to risk professionals who may oversee large transactions. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:15] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:31] About this episode of RIMScast. Crystal Trout of Baker Tilly and I will discuss how Anti-Money Laundering regulations are impacting the risk profession. [:56] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! As part of RIMS's continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:15] Virtual Workshops! On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.” [1:29] On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [1:44] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:55] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:14] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:38] Money laundering should be one of the top risks on your risk radar, especially in 2025 as new regulations are added or rolled back. Some high-profile resolutions have made recent headlines. [2:51] To help me make sense of it all for the RIMScast audience, here is the Director of Baker Tilly's Risk Advisory Practice, Crystal Trout. Crystal has more than 23 years of experience working with financial institutions with a focus on financial crimes compliance. [3:08] We're going to talk about anti-money laundering (AML) programs and get some best practices for implementation and reporting. [3:18] Interview! Crystal Trout, welcome to RIMScast! [3:33] Crystal Trout is a director with Baker Tilly's Risk Advisory Group. She joined Baker Tilly after having worked in financial crimes risk for over 23 years. Previously, she was in the financial institution space. [3:51] Crystal switched to consulting to help other financial institutions build out their AML compliance programs and ensure that they're in a good spot for regulatory exams. [4:19] Crystal tells how she was drawn to anti-money laundering. In high school, she had an internship with a financial institution, and it was robbed. [4:37] When the FBI was doing their investigation, Crystal was trying to understand what they were doing and how they were going to catch the robber. She was so fascinated by the process that she changed what she went to school for and altered her career path.  [5:09] Crystal's interest in understanding how fraudsters and money launderers act led her to use her banking career to work in the back office and investigation space. [5:38] Crystal says the institution used dispensers that limited cash, and the robbers only got $500. Because of the weapon they used, the robbers got a massive sentence at trial. [6:38] Crystal explains the current AML environment. Baker Tilly is staying close to any regulatory changes. The complexity of regulations is extensive. It's critical that professionals in this space stay close to the challenges that extend even beyond the regulatory requirements. [6:59] We're seeing more changes in regulations than we have historically had, Crystal observes. It's a matter of understanding the landscape, staying close to the changes, and trying to predict which direction they may go and plan for either direction. The key is planning and not waiting. [7:32] Crystal suggests you should hope for the best and plan for the worst. Make sure that you're prepared to go in either direction, whether regulations are rolled back or strengthened. [7:57] Justin recalls that TD Bank reached a $3 billion settlement with U.S. regulators in October 2024, pleading guilty to failing to maintain an adequate AML program, which unfortunately led to the facilitation of money laundering activities. That's a huge penalty, Crystal points out. [8:37] This event provides valuable insight for risk professionals regarding regulatory expectations and also the consequences of inadequacies in their programs. [8:49] People need to understand that they can't be lackadaisical in their compliance program. They need to be ahead of it. It's all about preparation and planning.  [9:03] In the TD Bank case, regulators had identified substantial weaknesses in the overall transaction monitoring system and due diligence procedures. [9:17] TD Bank had allegedly failed to allocate the resources needed to operate their AML program, but they continued to have significant growth within their higher-risk customer segment and geographical region. [9:35] TD Bank wasn't staying ahead and keeping current with its customer base and the risks that were taking place. Beyond the penalty, TD Bank has expenses for remediation efforts, enhanced compliance infrastructure, and independent monitoring. All of these are added costs. [9:57] Financial institutions may fail to realize the costs that happen beyond the penalty. They may say it costs too much to add the staffing or build the correct tools, not realizing it will cost them more when the regulators find these faults and weaknesses within their program. [10:18] A key lesson to learn is that compliance programs must be able to scale appropriately with the institution's business growth and evolving risk profiles. [10:30] Regulators focus on the overall program effectiveness rather than mere technical compliance, particularly regarding the quality of suspicious activity identification and reporting. [10:41] It's important for institutions that have to comply with these programs to be proactive and make sure they have the correct resource allocation. Those things are key when it comes to ensuring that AML compliance programs operate effectively. [11:11] There are five key pillars involved in an AML compliance program, including a designated compliance officer and following customer due diligence. You build an AML Bible, with paperwork that documents the steps you're going to take to be in compliance. [11:39] It allows your people to understand the risk that the institution is willing to take, and what it's not willing to accept. You document everything as evidence base for regulators, as having the correct tools and technology to support the program's overall risk tolerance. [12:33] Justin and Crystal address the reputational risk to an institution that may come from a regulatory settlement. Crystal states that these settlements signal to the bad guys that they are going to be caught and they're not going to be able to continue to act at that institution. [13:14] Crystal tells about the bank robber. For prevention, when someone comes into the bank, make eye contact, talk to them, and acknowledge them. If they're scouting it out, there's a lot less chance they'll come back to that bank because they are being noticed. [13:37] A criminal may not physically be in the bank, but if you do due diligence up front when they open an account, asking the right questions, and looking for red flags, they may realize that you have a very strong AML program in place and they'll go elsewhere. [14:07] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On April 3rd, join Zurich for “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding”. On April 10th, Audit Board will present “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [14:24] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [14:40] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [14:48] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [14:59] Important Announcement! RIMS and the Institute of Internal Auditors have entered into an agreement to deliver a selection of the other group's educational programming to their members. Twenty-nine shared courses will be available to both association's members. [15:17] RIMS members can explore the IIA courses that are now available to them at See Courses Here. To access RIMS's complete selection of workshops, webinars, and courses, visit RIMS.org/Education. [15:35] Let's Return to my Interview with Crystal Trout! [15:50] Are risk professionals who are not at financial institutions at risk of inadvertently being caught up in a money laundering crime? Crystal says this question is in the back of the mind of any risk professional. She remembers that running an AML compliance program is stressful. [16:22] There's always the risk that a chief compliance manager could be cited for a failure and have to pay a significant, hefty fine. A risk manager should be aware of this when they're performing any form of transaction. Listen to your gut if something seems off. Don't ignore it. [17:26] Is paying in cryptocurrency a red flag? Navigating AML compliance specifically regarding cryptocurrency is new for a lot of professionals. There are risks and benefits to digital assets concerning AML compliance. [17:54] With any evolving form of payment, if risk professionals aren't staying ahead, truly understanding and navigating how it works, it's going to make it difficult for them to understand red flags and risks that might come, as well. [18:13] There is sometimes a natural fear in risk professionals that because they're not comfortable with cryptocurrency, they're not able to address any legitimate concerns or concerns that may be their internal fear due to the lack of knowledge. [18:45] Is it too risky for a company to announce the voluntary departure of a Chief Compliance Officer? Crystal says the company should already have a plan for somebody to temporarily step in and continue to operate so it doesn't leave a gap or exposure in the organization. [19:22] It's an opportunity for a risk professional to go into a financial institution and make a mark for themselves by helping the institution strengthen its overall compliance program. [19:49] It's a good practice for a company to announce the replacement chief compliance officer at the same time as the announcement of the leaving chief compliance officer. It's part of succession planning. [20:47] The money laundering risk landscape is expanding significantly. Industries outside of finance and banking face substantial financial crime risk and corresponding regulatory scrutiny. They have less mature compliance infrastructure than their banking counterparts. [21:07] Crystal mentions the real estate sector as a potential vehicle for money laundering due to the high-value transactions, price stability, and the lack of historical regulatory oversight. [21:19] Digital asset providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, and any type of virtual asset service providers face intensifying regulatory scrutiny because the platforms can facilitate anonymous transactions. [21:35] The Financial Action Task Force has established clear expectations for virtual asset service providers to implement robust AML controls. Gaming and gambling services present money laundering risk. [21:53] There are other high-risk sectors that money laundering risk could expand to. FinCEN recently required registered investment advisors and exempt reporting advisors who have not been required to have an AML compliance program to have one in place by January 2026. [22:22] We're seeing AML compliance extend beyond traditional banking. [22:34] There are very few industries that, in some form or fashion, could not be a victim of a bad actor performing money laundering. It's just a matter of the bad guy finding a way to do it. [23:09] What steps should a company take when money laundering by an employee is discovered? The appropriate officer needs to start an internal investigation. That's a lengthy process. Make sure the “i”s are dotted and the “t”s are crossed within the investigation. [23:47] Make sure all the evidence and documentation are aligned. Involve HR and the appropriate supervisor authority. If it's shown to be true, interview the individual. It could lead to termination. The investigative process could take months. The authorities may be alerted. [24:39] The company may not want it out in public knowledge and may not file a police report. It can damage a company's reputation. [25:00] Crystal explains her passion for AML compliance and why she became a compliance consultant to help more institutions. The downstream impact is so significant. She wants to make sure the bad apples don't have the opportunity to launder funds. [25:54] Special thanks again to Crystal Trout for joining us here on RIMScast. I've got links to more RIMS coverage of fraud, compliance, financial risk management, and anti-money laundering in this episode's show notes. [26:09] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [26:38] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [26:55] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [27:13] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [27:30] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [27:44] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [27:51] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now Announcement: RIMS and The Institute for Internal Auditors' Strategic Alliance on Education RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | April 3, 2025 “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen “Managing Data for ERM” | June 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito  “Generative AI for Risk Management” | June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock” “AI and Regulatory Risk Trends with Caroline Shleifer” “Financial Risk Management with Chris Willey of American Eagle FCU” “Maintaining an Award-Winning ERM Program with Michael Zuraw” “ERM in Banking & Finance with Eleni Willis”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich (New!) “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog (New!) “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring Walmart ERM Director Michelle Black!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Crystal Trout, Director, Risk Services Advisory Group at Baker Tilly   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   William Sako is a security and risk expert. Justin and William address issues such as how security tech makes buildings smarter and safer, examples of the risk tech used in these buildings, and mistakes that risk leaders might make today. They discuss how COVID-19 has facilitated change in enhancing security measures that will be with us forever. They talk about the important role of the risk manager when designing a security plan for a building. They dig into how risk managers can lead the charge, going above and beyond check-the-box compliance. Listen to William's perspectives on risk technology, communication within an organization, and the future of building security. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:15] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:31] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by Bill Sako of Telgian Engineering to discuss security risk management in 2025. [:58] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! As part of RIMS's continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:15] Virtual Workshops! On March 26th, Pat Saporito will host “Generative AI for Risk Management”. The next course will be on June 26th. [1:29] On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.” [1:42] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:53] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:12] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:35] Our guest today, Bill Sako, is the Vice President and Senior Security Consultant at Telgian Engineering and Consulting. He has 50 years of experience in security risk management. [2:49] Bill will tell us what's keeping him up at night in security, risk management, visitor management, and workplace safety in 2025. We'll also provide tips for risk managers on how to be more of a leading voice in finding a new location, renovating it, and installing security tech. [3:15] Interview! Bill Sako, welcome back to RIMScast! [3:33] Bill got into the business of security in 1974 by starting Sako & Associates, a security consulting firm. It became the second largest in the U.S. with 28 engineers and support staff, doing every kind of security project in buildings and venues. [3:54] Sako & Associates did security projects at U.S. Embassies, F.B.I. Headquarters, super highrise buildings all over the world, large mixed-use projects, and developing multiple security programs that have to meld together in a large, complicated building. [4:20] These projects include large medical centers and college campuses around the world. A lot of its work was done with architects in corporate America when they were developing office buildings. [4:39] Sako & Associates developed over $2.2 billion in security plans over many projects. [5:33] Today's security tech is transforming buildings into smarter and safer environments through advanced sensors, AI, and connectivity. AI-powered surveillance cameras detect unusual behavior, recognize faces, and track movement in real-time. [5:58] That technology was in its infancy 10 years ago. It's come a long way and the technology is becoming rock-solid. The systems can differentiate between threats and harmless activities to reduce false alarms and help the person monitoring the system understand them. [6:18] Access control to the building and tenant spaces within the building is provided through biometric scanners, mobile-based apps, and smart card readers, with logs for digital security auditing.  [6:37] Smart IoT sensors monitor temperature and air quality. They trigger alarms very quickly in case of fire, gas leak, or unauthorized entry, to keep the building occupants safe. [6:54] Automated threat response is provided through automatically locking doors, alerting authorities, and activating emergency lighting, in response to hazards and breaches. We've had this capability for 20 years, but it is being used more now. [7:27] Cloud-based surveillance allows remote monitoring by management and first responders through web access and smartphones to see the cameras in the building in real time. It's becoming a trend. [7:59] Cyber security measures, with increased connectivity, can provide solutions to protect networks from threats like hacking and data breaches to ensure physical security systems are uncompromised. [8:12] Fire response systems have been hardwired for years. Engineers are starting to implement connected capabilities for them. [8:39] Bill talks about companies paying to install cameras, but when a camera fails, not paying to replace them, leaving black monitor screens. That gave birth to predictive maintenance plans with established lifelines for any piece of equipment and budgets for replacement as needed. [9:49] All the functions of emergency management are being automated. These innovations collectively create smarter buildings that are more secure, efficient, and responsive to any potential threat. [10:40] Many times, the technology that's put into a building is assumed to be static. That's true until you make changes to the building. Then you have to update the system. [11:02] Security is a different ball game. Security is based on behaviors. The threat environment can change from hour to hour or day to day, depending on who's visiting the building and what's going on down the street. You have to have flexibility and people to operate the equipment. [11:28] The technology needs a human operator to interpret the signals and determine the right response in real time. AI and machine learning are great technologies and we're using them virtually in every piece of equipment going in. [12:09] You still need a human to be able to assess what's happening and how they're supposed to respond when multiple sensors are going off. Bill tells of a break-in when the right response was to send three armed security officers to the asset vault. The suspects were apprehended. [13:46] Bill explains some of the changes in security technology that have been incorporated as a result of COVID-19. Increased reliance on technology led to changes in security practices.  Touchless access control came about as a result of COVID-19. [14:28] Occupancy management lets building owners know who is in the building and allows for the building to be evacuated safely. [14:48] With people working from home, COVID-19 led to an expansion in remote monitoring. [15:02] Visitor management is important. Healthcare facilities realize today that they have to protect their staff and patients in the building. They need screening in the lobby and must use visitor management. Automated systems make it easy. [16:28] Touchless and mobile access control will be with us forever. Bill also includes hybrid security management, AI-powered surveillance and analytics, and moving security and surveillance to the cloud provides greater capability. Your command center can be your laptop. [17:35] As security moved more into the digital domain, we figured out how to operate across networks and maintain security for all the data we have. Bill says it's rock-solid today. [17:55] Bill believes cloud-based services are the way to go for most buildings today. It gives you the capability to do everything remotely. [18:04] Data-driven decision-making will stay with us for a long time. It allows you to predict and mitigate risk on the fly. You have to train people well to know how to respond to the data. [18:26] Zero trust is a practice where no one coming into the network is trusted without proof through multi-factor identification. Even the Chairman of the Board must be verified. [19:01] Bill continues with crisis management and business continuity planning. A bullet list is not a business continuity plan. With crisis management and business continuity, you have to train people so they understand the plans. [19:24] The pandemic introduced new security practices and accelerated the modernization of legacy systems. Security includes integrating legacy systems with new systems. Command centers may have multiple disparate systems in one security management enterprise system. [20:14] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, members of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council will extend the dialog that began in the recent RIMS Executive Report “Understanding Interconnected Risks”. [20:33] On Thursday, March 27th, Descartes Underwriting will make its RIMS Webinar debut with a session about parametric insurance. On April 3rd, join Zurich for “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding”. [20:47] On April 10th, Audit Board will present “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [20:54] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [21:10] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [21:18 More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [21:30] Let's Resume Our Dialogue about Security Risks with Bill Sako! [22:10] In 50 years of security work, Bill did not encounter many leaders with Risk in their titles. While all insurance is about risk, in the corporate world, only very large companies have risk officers. Everything is in its silo. Getting the silos to talk together can be a nightmare. [22:48] Typical buildings don't have risk managers. Corporate campuses may have a risk manager to manage 50 or 60 buildings. That person is strained. [23:02] When Telgian Engineering & Consulting is brought in for an audit or to develop a new system design for a client, they identify who the risk leader is, whatever title they may have. They team with the people who know the vulnerabilities and the threats of the organization. [23:47] Telgian has recommended to several clients that they should hire a risk management person on staff. In a lot of cases, they say they don't have the budget but they'll think about it for the future. At that organization, who is evaluating risk for them? [24:07] Telgian, as a consultant, takes that role for the organization while they're doing the assessment, creating detailed risk models. Then they educate the client to the extent that the client understands what the risks are and the risk mitigation techniques they could use. [24:47] Bill says the hard thing is to dig into organizations internally to find who that risk leader might be. Someone is doing it, even without the title. It might be the CEO. [25:36] In organizations with a titled risk officer, they may be siloed, in a lot of cases. That risk manager needs to understand whom to work with within the organization to address all the organization's security concerns. The siloes need to be taken down. [26:17] Telgian Engineering & Consulting has always had the responsibility to educate its clients. The clients may think they understand what security is and what the risks are, but they often have a very narrow view without seeing the big picture. [27:06] The person at the lobby reception desk of an office building is often the first line of defense. There may be security officers there. What happens when the visitor goes up the elevator? [27:38] The organization should provide security training for the lobby receptionist. They can see if a visitor is acting agitated. They can attempt to de-escalate an angry visitor. They need to be briefed on the organization's security practices, especially when they identify a threat. [29:23] When Telgian does an assessment, they don't want one point person to show them around. They want to talk to everybody who is in touch with what's going on in the organization. Receptionists are one of the primary sources of information for Telgian. [30:13] Bill says that risk leaders and officers need to find a way to become embedded in the organization and the things that are going on. The risk manager needs to be part of the security team, the facilities team, the legal team, and the IT team. [30:32] Bill has recommended to risk managers that they should set up monthly or bi-monthly meetings with the leaders of the siloes to discuss concerns and risks and how to solve those problems together. The risk manager is usually the right person to pull that team together. [31:42] Bill says identifying risks through AI on video cameras and following a visitor through the building is happening in many organizations now. This is critical for post-incident analysis. [33:07] One thing the government is great at is doing a full-blown report after an incident. That incident report winds up informing security of the risks to watch for. [33:19] On every consultation project, Bill got past reports upfront from the organization to see what the issues have been with the organization. They design security systems to meet those threats. Organizations have to do that to manage their risks properly. [33:42] Special thanks again to William Saco for joining us here on RIMScast. In this episode's show notes, I have links to more RIMS Risk Management magazine and RIMScast coverage on security risks and workplace violence preparedness and prevention.  [33:59] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [34:27] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [34:46] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [35:03] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [35:20] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [35:34] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [35:41] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7. | Register today! Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Understanding Interconnected Risks” | Presented by RIMS and the Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council | March 26, 2025 “Parametric Insurance and Climate Risk: An Innovative Tool for CAT Risk Management” | Sponsored by Descartes Underwriting | March 27, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | April 3, 2025 “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Generative AI for Risk Management” | March 26 and June 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Evolving Fire Risks with Ralph Bless” “Public Violence and Workplace Safety with Lauris Freidenfelds” “E-Commerce's Impact on Fire Safety in Supply Chains with Leonard Ramo” “Data Privacy and Protection with CISA Chief Privacy Officer James Burd” “Solving Wicked Problems with Dr. Gav Schneider”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog (New!) “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring Walmart ERM Director Michelle Black!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: William Sako, Vice President, Senior Security Consultant at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, LLC   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Earlier this year, final regulations were issued under Prop. Reg. Section 1.6011-10, setting forth the criteria that classify certain micro-captive insurance arrangements as listed transactions or transactions of interest. These designations require extensive tax return disclosures and impact all parties, including related entities. As micro-captives continue to be a focal point for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties. Micro-captive insurance arrangements have long been a topic of concern for the IRS due to their potential for abuse in tax planning. The recent regulations aim to address these concerns by providing clear guidance on what constitutes a reportable transaction. In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Partner and Strategic Tax Leader, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Rick Woods, Tax Partner. Together, they dive into the implications of these regulations, discuss IRS enforcement efforts and explore what constitutes a listed transaction versus a transaction of interest.Listen to learn more about:04:11 – IRS interest in micro-captives06:01 – Section 831(b) in micro-captives08:29 – IRS history with micro-captives11:48 – Criteria for micro-captive transactions17:13 – Reporting micro-captive transactions19:49 – Exceptions in micro-captive coverage21:24 – Exiting micro-captive arrangements22:37 – Economic reasons for micro-captives24:30 – Risk management in micro-captivesRelated Guidance Article: IRS Issues Final Regulations Impacting Micro-Captive Insurance Arrangements

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Our guest, Morgan O'Rourke, is the Senior Director of Content & Publications of RIMS. Justin and Morgan discuss the new member-centric newsletter, RIMS Now, and review the Q1 2025 digital edition of RIMS Risk Management magazine and the marquee features. They talk about the prominent way AI is being covered in this quarter because it's permeating all facets of risk management. RIMS attended the TRENDY Awards on March 13 and Risk Management magazine took home the Bronze for Best Quarterly or Annual Magazine or Journal and RIMScast took the Bronze for Best Podcast. The TRENDY Awards honor the best marketing and communication pieces in the association and non-profit community. Listen in for Morgan's perspectives on the emerging trends in risk management. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:15] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. [:31] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by RIMS Senior Director of Content and Publications, Morgan O'Rourke. We will discuss risk trends and highlights from the Q1 2025 issue of RIMS Risk Management magazine. [1:00] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! As part of our continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:19] Virtual Workshops! On March 26th, Pat Saporito will host “Generative AI for Risk Management”. On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.” [1:42] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:53] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:12] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! The links are in the show notes. [2:35] Our guest today, Morgan O'Rourke, is the Senior Director of Content and Publications at RIMS. We will discuss highlights from the Q1 2025 issue of RIMS Risk Management magazine. [2:50] There's some proud news from our camps! On March 13th, Risk Management magazine and RIMScast took home Bronze TRENDY Awards during Association Trends and CEO Updates Salute to Association Excellence. This event was in Washington, D.C. [3:06] Risk Management magazine took home the Bronze for Best Quarterly or Annual Magazine or Journal and RIMScast took the Bronze for Best Podcast. The TRENDY Awards honor the best marketing and communication pieces in the association and non-profit community. [3:21] We are humbled and honored to be acknowledged and want to thank our audiences worldwide. [3:27] We're going to talk all about the risk management trends that are populating the digital pages of RIMS Risk Management magazine and how these articles can help our audience do their jobs better. [3:42] Interview! Morgan O'Rourke, welcome back to RIMScast! [3:56] Morgan and Justin just won TRENDY Awards! Justin loves this recognition from his peers. It shows that the work is resonating with the readers and listeners. Hilary Tuttle accepted an award for writing on behalf of RIMS Risk Management magazine. [5:21] Morgan has a new member publication, RIMS Now, a newsletter about RIMS and what's going on in the society and the chapters, keeping members up to date on the RIMS community. [5:47] The next issue should be out in early April. Morgan invites anyone interested to email him at RIMSNow@RIMS.org with any updates you have about your chapter for consideration for a future issue. [6:28] This is not for risk management thought leadership that can go in other venues. This is for news, accomplishments, and cool stuff your chapter is doing. [9:21] TRENDY 2025 Award-winning RIMS Risk Management magazine is a quarterly digital publication. RIMS posts articles multiple times a week on the website and compiles them into a magazine flip page format once a quarter. The first quarterly issue of 2025 came out in March. [10:07] The next quarterly issue is planned for June. The publication will evolve as new software features are added. [11:29] Justin gives credit to Morgan O'Rourke, Hilary Tuttle,  Andrew Bass, and Jennifer Post for leaning into the digital version of RIMS Risk Management magazine. Morgan has produced print magazines for 20 years, but the trend is digital. A digital publication is more responsive to news. [12:58] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, members of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council will extend the dialog that began in the recent RIMS Executive Report “Understanding Interconnected Risks”. [13:17] On Thursday, March 27th, Descartes Underwriting will make its RIMS Webinar debut with a session about parametric insurance. On April 3rd, join Zurich for “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding”. [13:30] On April 10th, Audit Board will present “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [13:38] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [13:54] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [14:02] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [14:13] Let's Return to Our Interview with RIMS Senior Director of Content and Publications, Morgan O'Rourke! [15:19] The big news in Q1 of 2025 was the wildfires in California. There were probably $30 to $50 billion in insured losses. The disasters hit places that weren't prepared for or used to wildfires. Much of Canada caught fire. There were fires on the East Coast. [16:09] There were convective storms stronger than ever in the Midwest and floods hitting places that weren't prepared. The risk landscape has gotten a lot broader. It portends a larger trend you should prepare for. Morgan and Justin agree that climate risk is at the heart of this. [17:03] Weather patterns are going to change. Disasters are going to be stronger and more frequent. Make sure that you have risk management measures in place. Make sure your coverages are adequate for your needs. Speak to your insurers about how you mitigate risks. [17:48] Justin says business interruption losses were covered in an article by Anderson Kill. Business interruption coverage should cover smoke damage. [18:31] An eye-opener for Justin was that AI and AI-related risks are laced throughout the feature articles. Articles cover project management and mergers and acquisitions in terms of AI. Everything we normally do now has an AI facet within different contexts. [20:07] There is a standing policy in the magazine and RIMS not to publish anything generated by AI. Beyond generative AI, there are ways AI streamlines jobs. In risk management planning, an AI might be used to come up quickly with risk scenarios for you to consider if they apply. [21:37] Morgan emphasizes that if you use AI, use it thoughtfully. One of the featured articles is about how to manage AI projects successfully. Decide how you will use it if it fits your business. Are you addressing data security risks? Don't use a program that opens up vulnerabilities. [22:23] You want to make sure that whoever is supposed to use it can do so and wants to do so. Otherwise, you'll be spending money on something that's not useful to you. When you use it, you've got to make sure you are looking at certain risks, security being a major one. [22:54] An article on the site covers how HR departments use AI. You have to make certain the AI has no inherent bias in evaluating resumes and that the data is secure so you don't make some personally identifiable information public. [24:03] Justin brings up March being World Water Month. Every time you use AI, you are using water to cool the servers. You use a lot of energy, too. [24:58] If you're interested in contributing content to RIMS Risk Management magazine, reach out to MORourke@RIMS.org or go to RMMagazine.com  and click on the Contribute link. You will see the basics of what they are looking for and how they approach articles. [25:45] If you are a risk professional or adjacent to the risk profession, you're a person RIMS Risk Management magazine wants to hear from. You, the risk managers, are the experts. Morgan relies on the expertise of the risk management community. [26:25] Morgan thinks there will be content regarding the impact of the Trump administration's policies, particularly tariffs. They will have huge implications for supply chains. A.M. Best released a statement on the impact on the insurance industry for replacement costs. [27:17] If there are tariffs on lumber, steel, and aluminum that go into replacing your home or business, property insurance policies will have to go higher because of replacement costs. [27:29] Morgan speaks of political risk insurance and trade credit risk insurance that are moving to the front burner because of differences in the supply chain and the risks therein. Risk professionals will want to keep informed about various policy changes. [28:07] Special thanks again to RIMS Senior Director of Content and Publications, Morgan O'Rourke. He signs my checks and he's never looked or sounded better! You can read the TRENDY Award-winning RIMS Risk Management magazine at RMmagazine.com. [28:24] Check out this quarter's digital edition and all the individual articles we mentioned. If you want to contribute to the magazine, check out rmmagazine.com/contribute. You can reach out to the editorial staff on that page as well. [28:42] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [29:11] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [29:29] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [29:46] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [30:03] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [30:17] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [30:24] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Links: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Now RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “Understanding Interconnected Risks” | Presented by RIMS and the Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council | March 26, 2025 “Parametric Insurance and Climate Risk: An Innovative Tool for CAT Risk Management” | Sponsored by Descartes Underwriting | March 27, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | April 3, 2025 “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025     Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Generative AI for Risk Management” | March 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Year In Risk 2024 with Morgan O'Rourke and Hilary Tuttle” “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche” “Brand New Day with RIMS 2025 President Kristen Peed” “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock” “(Re)Humanizing Leadership in Risk Management with Holly Ransom” (RISKWORLD Keynote) “Risk and Relatability with Rachel DeAlto, RISKWORLD Keynote” “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD Keynote)   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring Walmart ERM Director Michelle Black!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Morgan O'Rourke, Senior Director of Content & Publications at RIMS   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Join Insurance Journal's Vice President of Content, Andrea Wells, and expert guests as they explore the evolving landscape of transportation risk, captives, and alternative markets—helping organizations take control … Read More » The post Risky Future Webinar Highlight – Transportation, Captives & Alternative Markets appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

This is one of the biggest shows I've ever released, I considered making it the 5th Anniversary show, but I had to go ahead and release it now because it's too important! Dr. Atwell and Dr. Sanger join me this week to guide us onto the path out of mind control and into Freedom! We discuss how to take every thought captive and assess what may be behind it, how we are being hoodwinked by programming, characteristics of a Nephilim host, and how to stand firm!For more from Dr. Sanger:YouTube: No Longer Enslaved  https://youtu.be/TXgxwXDCqa0website: www.nolongerenslaved.comTelegram: LauraSanger444hz IG: LauraSanger444hzFirst Book- The Roots of the Federal Reserve - https://www.amazon.com/Roots-Federal-Reserve-Tracing-Nephilim/dp/1942790198Latest Book- Generation Hoodwinked - https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Hoodwinked-Impact-Nephilim-Agenda/dp/1942790279For more from Dr. Atwell:Website: https://mentalwarriorconsulting.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/mentalwarriorconsulting/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559567487728 X: DrNatwarrior@drnatalieatwell@mentalwarriorconsultingCheck Out Dr. Atwell's Book- I Can Do Anything in the Right Pair of Shoes-https://a.co/d/d2UanJgHoller at me: thebumppodcast@gmail.comFeHave an experience that you'd like to share?el led to donate to The BUMP Podcast?Check out www.buymeacoffee.com/thebumppodcastWant to be better prepared for whatever life throws at you?Check out www.squatchsurvivalgear.comUse Promo Code: 25bump to save 15% SITE WIDE

Discover key insights on selecting a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) that drives superior claims outcomes through digital innovation, expertise, and strategic partnerships in transportation and alternative markets. Digital Infrastructure … Read More » The post Choosing the Right TPA for Transportation & Captives – Webinar Highlight appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Our guest, Kristen Peed, is the Chief Risk Officer of Sequoia, and RIMS 2025 President. Kristen was recently promoted to Chief Risk Officer. She tells about that role and how it differs from her other risk roles.   Kristen speaks of a few of the risks to organizations today. She shares two stories of mentorship from her past and her efforts to provide mentorship today. Kristen shares thoughts about the evolving role of the risk manager and her pathway to the C-Suite for a seat at the table. She discusses the legislative summit, the topic of third-party-funded litigation, and the need for transparency and regulation.   Justin and Kristen discuss how every day is a brand new day for RIMS, what will be celebrated at RISKWORLD 2025, and a couple of new RIMS initiatives you can expect to learn about there. Kristen shares her gratitude to all the RIMS volunteers who make her job as 2025 president possible.   Listen for Kristen's career advancement advice and her final suggestion for growth. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD and the link in this episode's show notes. [:31] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by RIMS President Kristen Peed. [:48] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! The next workshop will be March 19th and 20th. Register by March 12th. As part of our continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. [1:03] Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:10] Virtual Workshops! On March 26th, Pat Saporito will host “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [1:18] On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.”. [1:31] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:40] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [1:57] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! Links are in the show notes. [2:17] Our guest today is the Chief Risk Officer at Sequoia and the RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed. We're going to talk about her risk management career journey, what it took for her to ascend to the level of Chief Risk Officer, and what that means for her organization. [2:38] We will also talk about the power of mentorship, networking, and what's in store for us at RISKWORLD 2025 and throughout the year as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of RIMS. [2:50] Interview! RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed, welcome to RIMScast! [3:07] This is Kristen's eighth year on the RIMS Board. It's been an amazing journey! Most of her best friends are RIMS staff members or RIMS members, all over the globe. RIMS is a huge part of her life! Justin joined RIMS almost eight years ago. They have known each other for years. [3:33] Justin shares a memory with Kristen in Halifax. Kristen took part in an impromptu presentation, in the role of a petulant child. [4:06] Kristen wears sneakers; she has branded herself as the sneaker queen. She has stopped counting how many pairs of sneakers she has. [4:34] This year is the 75th anniversary of RIMS. There is a big RISKWORLD in May; its theme is Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS. [4:54] Kristen Peed was recently promoted to Chief Risk Officer of Sequoia. Sequoia has ambitious growth goals, which is one of the reasons Kristen joined it. In her new role, Kristen has oversight of all corporate risks. [5:27] These include enterprise risks, IT risks, security risks, property & casualty risks, and E&O risks. It's overarching. [5:46] Kristen sees there has been a slow transition for risk managers in general, from a transactional, procurement role to a strategic role, where they see opportunities with risk. Where they see places where they can offer value and insight. [6:07] Sequoia is a client-based company. Clients are reaching out to Kristen for help dealing with deep-fake interviews. Kristen looked to the RIMS Board of Directors and Cherise Papadopolo, RIMS VP of DEI, People, & Culture, and got some helpful HR information. [6:48] Kristen was able to provide strategic advice to a Sequoia client's Chief People Officer. It's a perfect example of how RIMS helps risk managers to be viewed as strategic. The RIMS community is part of the reason Kristen was able to take on the role of Chief Risk Officer. [7:13] The role is something Kristen has been preparing for ever since she started as a risk analyst. Every step has been more of a strategic and leadership role rather than being in the weeds doing stuff. The Chief Risk Officer helps navigate and chart the map for the “captain.” [7:55] Kristen's career advancement came both from having a plan and from being seen for her hard work. She has learned to ask for things more. She was fortunate to have some success early in her career and capitalized on it. A new boss provided amazing mentorship for Kristen. [8:41] She asked, “What's the next role for Kristen?” Kristen realized she would like to be considered for a Chief Risk Officer role. Kristen's boss understood her value and wanted to make sure she felt appreciated. Six months later, Kristen was offered the role if she wanted to take it. [9:45] Part of it is making your leadership aware that these titles exist, showing your value, and asking for it. [10:05] One of Kristen's early successes at Sequoia involved using her RIMS network to put together a presentation on using surplus funds from the captive PEO insurer to fuel additional risk management activities. Leadership was excited and Kristen implemented it right away. [11:03] Another success was the consolidation of insurance programs. Sequoia had grown quickly and had renewal dates in different places. Kristen showed her market savvy and leveraged her relationships with carriers to bring down some initial premium costs. [12:00] Kristen says that putting the C-level title on a risk officer differentiates it. When she partners with the CISO or the Chief Data Officer, they are on equal footing. The C-level carries more weight. It also helps carriers in the marketplace see her as being in company leadership. [12:42] When Kristen meets with underwriters and carriers, they have a greater sense of comfort knowing she has a seat at the table and understands the direction of the company and how to mitigate against risk before it hits insurance. [13:01] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On March 13th, our friends from Global Risk Consultants will return to discuss “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready”. [13:15] On Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, members of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council will extend the dialog that began in the recent RIMS Executive Report “Understanding Interconnected Risks”. [13:30] On Thursday, March 27th, Descartes Underwriting will make its RIMS Webinar debut with a session about parametric insurance. On April 3rd, join Zurich for “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding”. [13:43] On April 10th, Audit Board will present, “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [13:51] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [14:07] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [14:40] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [14:26] Let's Return to Our Interview with RIMS 2025 President Kristen Peed! [14:37] As a follow-up to the RIMScast episode with Mark Prysock on RIMS's legislative priorities, Kristen talks about third-party-funded litigation. It affects risk managers, carriers, and brokers because of premium pricing. [15:06] It's necessary to have transparency around third-party-funded litigation and eliminate the ability of foreign entities to fund and profit from it. The concern is around nuclear verdicts that are detrimental to the industry as a whole. [15:39] Nuclear verdicts will impact pricing, not only for that one company but for all risk managers. These verdicts are not sustainable. We need transparency. We want Congress to act upon this. We can all get behind this. Kristen doesn't think this is a partisan issue. [15:58] Being able to partner with our carriers and brokers to have a strong message on the Hill is critical to the success and continuation of our industry. [16:08] Time and money are finite resources. There is no bottomless pit of money. [16:30] Kristen will soon be going to Capitol Hill with fellow risk practitioners for the RIMS Legislative Summit. [16:43] Kristen got involved in legislative advocacy after getting a mailer for the Legislative Summit. She attended and met the staff, including Robert Cartwright. She saw It was an amazing platform for risk managers to have their voices heard by the people they elect. [17:17] The RIMS Legislative Summit is one of Kristen's favorite annual events. It can be so impactful to the community as a whole. It will be March 19th and 20th. This is your last chance to register for it. Prepare for the trip to D.C. [17:54] March is Women's History Month. Kristen says she was lucky to have some key female leaders placed in her life at critical moments, that helped her down this path. [18:15] At CBIZ, Nancy Mallard was the GC for CBIZ's Benefits and Insurance Division. She was the first female chair of the CIAB (The Council). Kristen saw Nancy's leadership throughout the years in the industry. Kristen used her great example to figure out how to get involved at RIMS. [19:15] Kristen's new boss, Kathy Ross, is amazing. She's been a great advocate for Kristen and it has been awesome to learn from her how to elevate her leadership skills. Kristen feels blessed to have had these two impactful women in her life. [19:47] Sequoia's culture is paramount to its people. One of its service commandments is “Be of extraordinary value to others.” Sequoia's mission is “Coming through for others that put their trust in us.” Kristen takes these values to heart, whether in mentoring or calling on the phone.  [20:39] Kristen looks at how she can help create career paths for people and develop them, at Sequoia and in the risk community, as well. Kristen brings together interns and “externs” from other companies and stays in touch with them. She always asks them to pay the help forward. [21:35] Plug Time! Kristen Peed was a board member of the Spencer Educational Foundation. [21:41] The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved in part by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [21:59] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in general grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. [22:13] Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. General Grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's General Grants through the Programs tab of SpencerEd.org. [22:31] Spencer has several events lined up before and during RISKWORLD 2025. On May 3rd, there's the Spencer-CNA Pickle Ball Social, on May 4th, the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament, on May 5th, the Spencer Soiree, and on May 6th, the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run. [22:51] You can register for or sponsor any of these through the links on this page or by visiting SpencerEd.org/riskworld2025. [23:00] The Conclusion of My Interview with RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed! [23:27] Kristen's theme for her presidency is Brand New Day. Every day is a brand new day of risks. Every day, new risks are popping up. Whether AI, advancements in cyber threats, wildfires, or climate change, everything is changing. [24:12] It's a brand new day for risk managers. We have to be more nimble and strategic. That means it's a brand new day for RIMS. It's about how RIMS is going to support us in this moment and also as we move into the future, making sure we stay relevant for the next 75 years and on. [24:41] A new track, Alternative Risk Transfer, highly focused on captives, is being presented at RISKWORLD 2025. This is something risk managers have been asking to learn more about. It's part of the strategic conversation; how do you start to offer value back to your company? [25:09] How do you more strategically look at risk from a long-term perspective? That dovetails with Enterprise Risk Management. RIMS ERM content is relevant and has evolved over time. Captives will continue to be a value-generating part of the profession. [26:06] The 75th anniversary of RIMS is special for Kristen because it shows that RIMS has come so far. This year, RIMS is launching the RIMS Foundation to create opportunities for early-career students. That's the critical time to help them stay in the profession. [26:47] The RIMS Foundation will provide them with opportunities for growth, learning, and networking. This is a graying industry. We need to attract the next generation of talent to the industry and fill the pipeline with lots of people to backfill when current risk professionals retire. [27:21] Also in 2025, RIMS has a brand new Texas regional conference from August 4th through the 6th, on the San Antonio River Walk. People are reaching out to Kristen to submit sessions. It's exciting to see all the buzz around that conference. [28:35] Kristen's concludes: “Never quit learning. In my role, I've been doing this for two-plus decades, but I learn something new every day. When I took the RIMS-CRMP, I learned even more. It's the only risk management credential accredited by ANSI. Go and get your RIMS-CRMP.” [28:56] “It is one of the best educational opportunities you will have to demonstrate your proficiency and excellence and show your senior leadership team that you have the skills to elevate and provide strategic direction to your company.” [29:18] Justin notes that later this year, you can look for a RIMS-CRMP story, featuring RIMS 2025 President Kristen Peed. [29:23] Kristen, it is such a pleasure to see you! I'm so happy that you're our president this year and I'm happy for your continued success. I look forward to being able to celebrate with you in May at RISKWORLD 2025! [29:35] Kristen says she is honored to lead RIMS this year but it wouldn't be possible without all the other volunteer risk professionals around the world, all our chapter leaders, all committee members, and all our council volunteers. [29:53] Kristen wants to thank everybody who donates their time and energy to making RIMS so relevant and future-thinking. I could not do what I do without your support. [30:10] Special thanks again to RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed. Be sure to catch her at RISKWORLD 2025. She will have a presence on the main stage and during many of the ceremonies. Be sure to register for RISKWORLD 2025 at RIMS.org/riskworld. [30:23] More RIMS Plugs! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [30:48] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [31:05] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [31:21] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [31:35] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [31:48] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [31:54] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Mentioned in this Episode: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! RIMS Legislative Summit — March 19‒20, 2025 Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Leadership Corner — Featuring Kristen Peed RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company | March 13, 2025 “Understanding Interconnected Risks” | Presented by RIMS and the Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council | March 26, 2025 “Parametric Insurance and Climate Risk: An Innovative Tool for CAT Risk Management” | Sponsored by Descartes Underwriting | March 27, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | April 3, 2025 “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP | March 19‒20 | Register by March 12 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Generative AI for Risk Management” | March 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche” “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock” “(Re)Humanizing Leadership in Risk Management with Holly Ransom” (RISKWORLD Keynote) “Risk and Relatability with Rachel DeAlto, RISKWORLD Keynote” “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD Keynote)   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS Vice President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Kristen Peed, Chief Risk Officer at Sequoia and the RIMS 2025 President   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

In Search of... “U.F.O. Captives” Recorded: 23 Feb 2025 Edited: 06 Mar 2025 Released: 07 Mar 2025 Links: 1966 footage of a UFO seen over Catalina Island, near Los Angeles Aerial Phenomena Research Organization - Wikipedia Aerial Phenomena Research Organization - Archive.org National UFO Historical Records Center Sprinkle, Ronald Leo (1930- ) | Encyclopedia.com (obviously not recently updated because Dr. Sprinkle died in 2021. I also can't believe he doesn't have his own Wikipedia page. Neither does Carl Higdon. But James Harder does, and it's boring AF. WTF.) The Cryptonaut Podcast - 85: The Carl Higdon Abduction - June 3, 2019 (my app shows this as June 2, 2019) Our Strange Skies - The Abduction of Carl Higdon with AP Strange - January 24, 2022 (similarly, my app shows this episode as January 23, 2022; maybe it's a time zone thing as both podcasts are out of upstate New York) The Saucer Life - Carl Higdon, his Wife, his Therapist, and the Tabloids - January 24, 2024 (information-wise, the better of the three IMO) Alien Abduction of The Wyoming Hunter: First person story of Carl Higdon, October 25, 1974 The October Scenario: UFO Abductions, Theories About Them and a Prediction of When They Will Return Music: “Dark Science” by David Hilowitz “The Truth Is What We Make of It” by The Agrarians All our episodes are at iwtrw.com (or at iwanttorewatch.com, if you want to type more letters for some reason). Links for everything else I Want To Rewatch-related (including our sweet merch) are at I Want To Rewatch | Linktree.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   Our guest, Nicole Sherwin, Chief Impact Officer of EcoVadis, explains her ESG philosophy, and how her role as EcoVadis Chief Impact Officer works with sustainability, including climate-related risks, human rights, transparency in supply chains, and sustainability supply chain regulations. Nicole and Justin discuss each of these topics and how companies can improve their sustainability metrics. Nicole points out the incentives companies have to demonstrate to investors and institutions more transparency in their supply chains. She notes tools and frameworks companies can use for supply chain ESG and sustainability reporting. Listen for a perspective on adding sustainability compliance to your organization's supply chain. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! RIMS wants you to Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD and the link in this episode's show notes. [:30] About this episode. We will discuss sustainability and supply chain risk with our guest, EcoVadis Chief Impact Officer Nicole Sherwin. [:55] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! The next workshop will be March 19th and 20th. Register by March 12th. As part of our continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up April 22nd and 23rd. [1:12] LInks to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:20] Virtual Workshops! “Managing Data for ERM” will be hosted by Pat Saporito. That course starts on March 12th, 2025. On March 26th, Pat will also host “Generative AI for Risk Management.” [1:38] On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.”  [1:51] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [2:02] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [2:20] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! Links are in the show notes. [2:43] Between tariffs, climate threat, and geopolitical instability, now is a good time to reexamine your supply chain risk management practices, especially in front of April, which is Supply Chain Integrity Month. [2:57] Joining us today to discuss the role that sustainability efforts can play in managing supply chain risk is Nicole Sherwin, the Chief Impact Officer at EcoVadis, a provider of business sustainability ratings and insights. There's much to discuss about sustainability, ESG, and more! [3:17] Interview! Nicole Sherwin, welcome to RIMScast! [3:40] Nicole holds that businesses have a unique opportunity to magnify the positive social and environmental impacts of the things they do and where they engage. [3:56] Nicole is especially passionate about sustainable supply chains and the B2B relationship between buyers and suppliers. Procurement, the function that works with suppliers, holds a lot of power, in deciding which suppliers to spend money with. [4:13] Procurement wants to work with suppliers who can demonstrate they are strong partners in all senses of the word, but increasingly in managing their business's sustainability. [4:22] It can reduce risk, increase resilience, and open collaboration opportunities for procurement teams to drive growth and value for their business. [4:35] Procurement can leverage sustainability innovations of products and services of their suppliers into the design and selling of their products and services, which helps them meet the demands of customers and unlock new markets. That excites Nicole. [4:59] EcoVadis is a purpose-driven company, as stated in its corporate bylaws. Its purpose is to guide all companies toward a sustainable world. [5:14] Nicole's role as Chief Impact Officer is similar to a Chief Sustainability Officer. Part of her role is responsibility for implementing best-in-class sustainability practices internally. Some of those practices are set science-based carbon reduction targets. [5:31] EcoVadis runs a program with its suppliers to engage them in sustainable practices. [5:35] The bigger impact EcoVadis can have is via its solutions and driving sustainability transformation with its customers. EcoVadis is dedicated to embedding sustainability data and intelligence into business decisions. [5:50] EcoVadis has sustainability ratings and data it provides to help businesses benchmark themselves and improve their performance on environmental and social topics. It focuses on global supply chains and procurement organizations that engage their suppliers. [6:08] The impact EcoVadis has is as an enabler to guide companies to improve their practices on decarbonization, working conditions, and human rights, to create stronger sustainability performance with more resilient supply chains. [6:19] KPIs are important ways to measure. Action can be even more important. Don't wait to get the right measurement or figure out how to measure. Get to action, maybe specifically on decarbonization, where some of the metrics and KPIs might be hard to get to. [6:46] Nicole believes there are many risks to global supply chains. Some are geopolitical instability, tariffs impacting trade, and increased cyber attacks on critical infrastructure as things are becoming more digitalized. [7:05] Nicole mentions four sustainability topics. The first is climate-related risks, including extreme weather events, natural disasters, and long-term climactic changes, like rising temperatures and sea levels. Climate impacts raw material availability or shortages. [7:27] Droughts and changes in weather affect agricultural productivity. Weather could be linked to transportation and distribution disruption with infrastructure damages and closure of routes that impact business continuity. [7:45] The second sustainability topic is human rights and forced labor risks. These can be hard to detect. EcoVadis customers, working with their supply chain, have a strong focus on identifying and remediating those risks. [8:02] The third sustainability topic is the lack of transparency in the supply chain. Many companies are only scratching the surface of the potential risks as they engage their direct or tier-one suppliers. Behind the tier-one supplier are different products and raw materials. [8:23] How do you understand who those suppliers are and what are their ethical standards for sourcing and labor practices? [8:30] The fourth sustainability topic is ESG or sustainability supply chain regulations. Supply chains are complex. They're global. They could go deep into the multi-tier. Getting supply chain data needed for compliance is also complex. [8:45] The ESG regulation space is evolving. It's a moving target, both in the U.S. and in Europe. Being late or not being prepared for these regulations is a risk. [9:01] Plug Time! The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved in part by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [9:21] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in general grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. [9:35] Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. General Grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's Grants through the Programs tab of SpencerEd.org. [9:54] Spencer Day is an annual virtual event where the risk management and insurance communities come together to celebrate the Spencer Educational Foundation and the incredible work they do to attract and retain talent in the risk management and insurance professions. [10:10] It's never too late to donate. You can send a belated Spencer Day card. This year, the Foundation is seeking donations of $46 in honor of Spencer's 46th year of operations. Visit SpencerEd.org/spencer-day for more details and donate. [10:34] Every contribution is an investment in the future of risk management. We appreciate your support. [10:40] Let's Get Back to Our Interview with Nicole Sherwin of EcoVadis! [11:02] Organizations can focus on sustainable procurement, creating an end-to-end program with suppliers, identifying where the risk is, assessing the performance, closing the gaps, and driving improvements on ethical, social, and environmental topics. That's a key foundation. [11:22] This can be done with on-site audits, online questionnaires, certifications that can be collected, and verification technology. Companies are deploying targeted engagements with suppliers that align with their corporate sustainability goals. [11:39] Decarbonization of the supply chain is a key sustainability goal. It starts by understanding a supplier's carbon footprint. [11:47] A vast majority of the supply chain is small-to-medium companies (SMEs) in emerging markets. They don't know where to start calculating their Scope 1 and Scope 2 indirect emissions. There are a lot of carbon estimators that can support suppliers to calculate those. [12:03] These estimates can be used by procurement organizations to calculate their Scope 3 emissions. [12:11] Nicole talks of transitioning to renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, and manufacturing equipment, depending on the industry, optimizing transport, and localizing sourcing. Can you get closer to the source from the suppliers you're working with? [12:34] Look for eco-friendly materials that can be reused and recycled at the end of life. Use life-cycle assessments (LCA). Some tools can be used to support sustainable product design. [12:58] Life cycle assessments require a level of expertise. Tools and technologies for LCA are becoming much more advanced and make it easier for SMEs to adopt at-scale deployments across multiple product areas. [13:26] Dimensions of ROI can be incorporated into sustainability. The centerpiece of sustainability is looking at the environmental and social impacts of materials. Figuring ROI on a sustainability initiative is complex. [14:12] EcoVadis did a report with Bain, “ESG Financial Performance.” Companies at the forefront of working on sustainable procurement have a profitability margin of three percentage points above those who don't focus on their suppliers' environmental and ethical practices. [14:32] That research also showed that companies in natural resources, transportation, or industrial goods that had a high EcoVadis rating on their sustainability performance had higher EBITDA margins. [14:53] Nicole says, succeeding with sustainability means thinking about it as an integrated approach to solving these core business challenges. Sustainability can reduce risk, increase resilience, and drive innovation and sales revenue through the offering of sustainable solutions. [15:24] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On March 13th, our friends from Global Risk Consultants will return to discuss “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready”. [15:30] On Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, members of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council will extend the dialog that began in the recent RIMS Executive Report “Understanding Interconnected Risks”. [15:53] On Thursday, March 27th, Descartes Underwriting will make its RIMS Webinar debut with a session about parametric insurance. On April 10th, Audit Board will present, “What Non-CISO Risk Executives Should Know about Cyber Risks in 2025.” [16:09] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [16:24] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [16:36] The Conclusion of My Interview with EcoVadis Chief Impact Officer, Nicole Sherwin! [16:51] Nicole shares some sustainability plan pointers. Having a data-driven approach is key, using accurate, verified data to measure progress and inform decision-making. EcoVadis issues a Sustainable Procurement Barometer every three years. It was updated at the end of 2024. [17:10] Companies that were showing a high level of maturity in sustainability and ESG were more than two times more likely to engage key stakeholders strategically with data. The C-Suite cares about KPIs. Being able to show performance and outputs catches their attention. [17:33] Taking a data-driven approach, even if it's starting with a small set of data from proof of concept of deployment can be a way to get their attention and bring in additional investment. Cross-department collaboration is key. Sustainability is a responsibility across the organization. [17:55] We increasingly see that sustainability is integrated into performance bonuses, not just for senior executives, but also for managers across departments. It's a company-wide initiative to drive sustainability. [18:06] In the Sustainable Procurement Barometer, 45% of the suppliers say that they see sustainability as important to their customers and are engaged about it as partners. However, 46% see it as important to their customers but don't find it in their relationship. [18:28] Sometimes Procurement can see a risk in the supply chain we see as important but they don't have enough of a program around embedding collaboration with a supplier. [18:40] Collaboration can be putting it in contract clauses, setting sustainability targets to where they want to see them improve, and running capability building and training in decarbonization. [19:13] Forced labor can lie under the surface if you don't look for it. EcoVadis customers are looking to understand where human rights and forced labor are happening in the supply chain.  [19:29] One effective technology is engaging workers through automated worker surveys and grievance mechanisms, directly to workers through SMS or WhatsApp. It's been extraordinarily powerful, allowing companies to work on remediation efforts. [20:47] Nicole thinks the SEC's decision to pause indefinitely its Climate Disclosure Rules will have an impact on corporate accountability. Companies are not being mandated to disclose on climate. However, from an investor perspective, the demand for disclosure is still there. [21:08] For investors, these regulations are seen in a positive light for those assessing climate-related risk, and wanting to accelerate investment toward a more sustainable economy. They want standardized and comparable data to manage these risks and impacts. [21:27] Companies face a potential loss of investment opportunities if they don't disclose climate impact data in a common format. [21:36] Companies will have to decide if they're going to voluntarily disclose climate-related information or not. They will have to if they want to be considered by investors, or even financial institutions, who are increasingly requesting this kind of information for lending or underwriting. [21:54] There are international standards that continue to emphasize consistent reporting. The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is one. The Sustainability Standards Board offers The Climate-Related Risk Disclosure Framework. [22:15] Companies can voluntarily report their climate-related risk using the available frameworks. [22:27] Companies know that there is a reputation risk to transparency. For some companies, up to 90% of their carbon footprint is in their supply chain. Getting that data and driving reductions in their supply chain is complicated. [22:52] The economic driver of investors and access to finance are incentives for companies to disclose climate-related risk data. Each company has to decide. [23:41] Nicole thinks that ESG is under fire in the U.S. However, she believes that the ESG frameworks supported by the risk community help businesses anticipate and manage risks. That's not going anywhere. There's a business imperative here. [24:17] Companies that get this understand and have the experience of how sustainability interconnects to core business goals of risk, resilience, competitiveness, and unlocking new market share, driving new sales with demand for sustainability solutions and products. [24:38] The market's focus on long-term resilience will keep it at the forefront. Those companies that are committing to it will be able to demonstrate resilience and transcend other companies that drop ESG for now. [24:49] We're ending on a hopeful note. Nicole, it's been a pleasure, of course, and it's very insightful to get a glimpse into your mind and perspective. Thank you so much for joining us here on RIMScast! Happy Supply Chain Integrity Month to you! [25:11] Special thanks again to Nicole Sherwin of EcoVadis for joining us here on RIMSCast! Links to RIMS resources about sustainability and supply chain risk are in this episode's show notes. [25:24] We've got more supply chain coverage coming up ahead of Supply Chain Integrity Month in April. Stay tuned! [25:31] More RIMS Plugs! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [25:59] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [26:17] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [26:34] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [26:50] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [27:04] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [27:12] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Mentioned in this Episode: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7. | Register today! RIMS Legislative Summit — March 19‒20, 2025 Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine www.EcoVadis.com RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company | March 13, 2025 “Understanding Interconnected Risks” | Presented by RIMS and the Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council | March 26, 2025 “Parametric Insurance and Climate Risk: An Innovative Tool for CAT Risk Management” | Sponsored by Descartes Underwriting | March 27, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP | March 19‒20 | Register by March 12 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Managing Data for ERM” | March 12 | Instructor: Pat Saporito “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the US” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche” “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock” “(Re)Humanizing Leadership in Risk Management with Holly Ransom” (RISKWORLD Keynote) “Risk and Relatability with Rachel DeAlto”, RISKWORLD Keynote “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD Keynote) “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche”   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS Vice President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Nicole Sherwin, Chief Impact Officer of EcoVadis   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Today's Talmud pages, Sanhedrin 73 and 74, warn us that we should choose to risk our lives rather than transgress under the duress of our enemies. How does the heroism of the Israelis held captive in Gaza illustrate this principle and its ongoing resonance? Listen and find out.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley sits down with Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group to discuss how group captives may be contractors' solutions to rising insurance premiums. Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sam Clayton⁠Editor: ⁠⁠Megan Lockhart⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “News Room News” by Spence© Copyright 2025. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sean Whelan, Washington Correspondent, brings us the latest developments on US President Donald Trump's tariff plans and his meeting with the King of Jordan.

We're back after Joey's podcast paternity leave! These chapters move like water through a nude Griffith's bucket - action, intrigue, thrills they've got it all…and a sick duel between Guts and Serpico on a two foot wide cliff! Plus, a tissue-melting blood monster bursts out of the very walls of Father Mozgus' torture chamber. What more could you want from old Berk and the boys? Follow No Guts, No Glory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogutsnoglorypc/ Check out Steve and Joey's other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647 https://open.spotify.com/show/3aREEXpe4DE37LsNkUxntW Check out Steve and Joey's Patreon for that other podcast: https://www.patreon.com/probingancientaliens

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In this Black History Month special episode, former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith discusses her memoir To Free the Captives, which looks to uncover Black strength, continuance, and community by looking back at her own family's history; poet Saeed Jones (Alive at the End of the World) unpacks the backstories behind some of his poems involving Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou, and Luther Vandross; and Ethio-Jazz musician Meklit performs the song, “I Want to Sing for Them All” as a tribute to her musical influences.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

On the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Hamas is releasing dead captives taking during a genocidal attack. Israel should return the favor with dead terrorists. Political Hitman 29JAN2025 - PODCAST

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube