When I started in risk management, I had no formal certificate or specific training—just a willingness to learn and a background in banking and finance.
In those early days, stepping into a risk management role felt like diving into deep waters with no life jacket. The terminology, frameworks, assessments and processes were new to me.
But what I quickly realised that risk is an evolving field; which worked to my advantage.
I made learning my priority. I soaked up knowledge from everywhere—peers, industry reports, and any accessible information—and I asked questions. A lot of questions.
What set me apart was my determination to learn from stakeholders—each conversation with them added a new layer of understanding, from the way risk impacts business operations to how culture can make or break an organisation's risk management strategy.
What I lacked in paper qualifications, I more than made up for by leveraging my previous experiences and focusing on both soft and hard skill development.
Though I didn't have formal risk certifications when I started, my years in the banking and finance sector gave me a solid foundation to navigate this new landscape. The banking world taught me about regulations, the importance of compliance, and the need for meticulous attention to detail—all vital when assessing and managing risk.
Listening, communicating clearly, and building trust with stakeholders were just as important as technical knowledge or understanding the risk frameworks. Mindset matters more than experience. The ability to manage stress and uncertainty is crucial—after all, risk is all about navigating the unknown.
Sure, years in the field can be valuable, but having the right attitude, resilience, and adaptability is what truly drives success.
The risk landscape is changing faster than ever. New risks—cybersecurity threats, climate-related risks, and regulatory changes—emerge constantly. As risk professionals, we need to be mentally strong to keep up with these shifts, to remain proactive instead of reactive, and to constantly update our skills and perspectives.
Our role involves not just managing risks but also promoting a strong risk culture within our organisations.
What started as a role I had no formal qualification in, has become a passion. Risk is not just a profession—it’s a practice. And to be successful in this ever-changing field, we must be willing to constantly grow, adapt, and promote a culture that values risk management as an integral part of business success.
