Risk in Context Podcast

The global construction industry continues to face a significant talent shortage. And as different regions invest in major infrastructure projects, the need for skilled talent continues to grow. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Christopher Davis and Joao Buzio and Mercer's Greg Hendrickson discuss some of the primary people-related challenges that companies may encounter when undertaki...

Catastrophic events — ranging from tropical and other storms, to earthquakes, wildfires, and more — can have devastating consequences for organizations, impacting their people, properties, and operations. The pace of recovery following such an event is typically dependent on well-developed preparedness plans that identify potential vulnerabilities and take preemptive action to address them. In thi...

Organizations today generate and have access to extensive amounts of data. And when this information is properly analyzed, it can provide senior leaders, including risk managers, with critical insights that can aid decision-making processes to help organizations better identify and address both evolving and emerging risks. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Raj Lakhani and Diego Montemur...

In today's rapidly changing global landscape, businesses are increasingly exposed to political risks that can impact their existing or planned investments. These risks are further amplified by state-led economic policies, unpredictable conflicts, and the 2024 election year, which will see over 60 countries going to the polls. To successfully navigate these challenges, it is crucial for business le...

As the world continues to face multiple and interconnected crises, organizations are being challenged to revisit their resiliency plans and ensure that these will respond effectively to today's emerging and evolving risks. And considering the fast-changing nature of today's challenges, resiliency plans need to be risk-agnostic, allowing organizations to be agile in adapting them to the crisis they...

Emerging technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry but also introducing new risks, underscoring the importance that these are carefully considered, tested, and properly trained on, especially when being introduced into such a safety-critical environment. Marsh's Andy James, Kinga Kolasa-Sokolowska, and Greg Wyght and Oliver Wyman's Rory Heilakka discuss the opportunities and risks of eme...

Gender diversity is critical in fostering innovation, bringing together different perspectives, and creating a more inclusive work environment. When individuals feel comfortable sharing their ideas, being vulnerable, and speaking their truth, organizations — including those in the risk and insurance industry — can avoid groupthink and improve decision-making. In this episode of Risk in Context to...

Economic uncertainty and financial challenges have contributed to shifts in the transactional market, with merger and acquisition activity across the globe slowing down in 2023 from the highs seen earlier in the decade. However, demand for transactional risk insurance has remained high as both buyers and sellers recognize the benefits of purchasing robust coverage for their transaction. In this ep...

Interest in setting up a captive insurance vehicle has increased in recent years. And while traditionally mainly larger organizations were the ones setting up captives, now many smaller organizations are reaping the benefits of such a risk retention entity. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Ellen Charnley and Mike Serricchio discuss the value of captives regardless of the size of an org...

Interconnected and multilayered risks are contributing to a pessimistic global outlook for 2024 and beyond, according to this year's Global Risks Report . Despite the stormy and turbulent short- and long-term outlook, risk managers can take action to mitigate and manage the risks their organizations face. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh McLennan's Carolina Klint and Marsh's Reid Sawyer d...

In today heightened risk environment, more organizations are recognizing the importance of restructuring in order to enhance their competitiveness. But any process missteps could expose senior leaders to potential litigation, underscoring the importance of a robust directors and officers liability (D&O) insurance program. In this episode of Risk In Context, Marsh's Kerri Petri, Stephanie Manson, M...

Global concerns about the impact of climate change took center stage during the United Nations' Climate Change Conference, COP28, where government leaders from nearly 200 countries reached an unprecedented deal to start transitioning away from fossil fuels. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh's Amy Barnes, Nick Faull, and Scott Williams, and Marsh McLennan's Swenja Surminski discuss learning...

Growing demand for clean energy is leading to a significant increase in interest and investment in renewable energy initiatives, with US $358 billion invested worldwide in renewable energy projects in the first half of 2023. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act is driving substantial economic investment through tax incentives that aim to lower the costs of renewable energy projects. T...

Many cities around the world are experiencing significant changes, in part due to transformative technologies, the evolving nature of work, and shifting requirements. These are bringing new risks and also opportunities for real estate owners and developers, and demanding more purposeful urban planning and action to develop buildings that suit the lifestyle of future residents and visitors. In this...

Stretched supply chains, changing consumer preferences, and a shift to online retail are putting increased pressure on marine, cargo, and logistics companies, which are integral in the delivery of items from their point of origin to end customers, especially during the busiest shopping times of the year. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Marcus Baker, Janelle Griffith, Dirk Segers, and...

The automotive industry is going through a major transformation, with manufacturers focusing on the electrification of vehicles and autonomy. And while these major automotive advances will bring a range of opportunities, they will also create new risks. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Trevor Smith, David Carlson, and Didem Canturk, and Oliver Wyman's Andrew Duhancioglu discuss the evo...

The construction industry is evolving at a fast pace, with several organizations using innovative technology, pioneering methods, and new materials to respond to a variety of challenges. Marsh's Richard Gurney and Avi Khanna and Cheri Hanes, from AXA XL, discuss how groundbreaking technologies can help construction sites become safer and more efficient, and explore the various procurement and adop...

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered major workplace transformations. Although the pandemic is over, many organizations have introduced hybrid work practices. And while this allows for more work-life balance, it has also introduced new risks for employers, ranging from at-home ergonomic injuries with potential compensability challenges to learning gaps and collaboration difficulties. This episode of Ri...

Embedded insurance — coverage that is tagged on to the purchase of a non-insurance product or service — is increasingly a key component of what we all subscribe to, lease, share, or buy. But embedded insurance programs provide benefits that go well beyond a warranty. Marsh's Rami Soysa and Oliver Wyman's Tim O'Connor discuss how embedded insurance programs are transforming risk management and help...

Catastrophic wildfires and bushfires have impacted people and businesses in many parts of the world, leading to loss of life, evacuations, and damage or destruction to properties and infrastructure. In this episode of Risk in Context , Marsh's Catherine Osborne, Fernando Lopes Chaves, and Maggie Carlin, as well as Guy Carpenter's Mark Hope discuss the actions that organizations and individuals can...

Market volatility and a difficult financing environment have contributed to a slowdown in global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, following a very busy 2021. But with appetite for merger and acquisition (M&A) activity expected to increase through the rest of the year, buyers should focus on employing comprehensive risk management strategies to identify potential risks and address them ahead...

Despite efforts by many organizations to address diversity, equity, and inclusion — or DE&I — issues, gaps and challenges remain. Marsh's Santonio Isom talks with Julie Minor, also from Marsh, Tara Lessard Webb, from Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, and Robert Cartwright Jr., from Bridgestone Retail Operations, on the recent advances in DE&I, some of the barriers that remain, and meaningful a...

The aviation industry has, for some time, been grappling with significant workforce shortages, including pilots and mechanics. Aside from the potential impacts on both business and personal travel, this shortage of human capital can also disrupt global supply chains, and make disaster response and recovery efforts more challenging. Marsh's Andy James and Geoff Murray, Oliver Wyman's Geoff Murray,...

Calls for companies to provide climate-related financial disclosure are growing, with regulators, investors, insurers, and others increasingly looking for robust climate self-reporting. Marsh's Dr. Bev Adams and Randal Waters discuss the evolving nature of climate risk and how the information generated for disclosure can help businesses understand their exposures and take the most effective action...

Tropical storms — whether hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones — can bring significant destruction as affected regions are hit by heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme flooding. Marsh colleagues discuss the actions that business leaders should be taking to prepare for storms, practices that should be put in place to aid recovery, and how companies can streamline a claims process. You can access a tran...