In this episode, we host Professor Simon Grima to explore why risk management is too often treated as paperwork and how it can become a genuine strategic superpower when anchored to clear objectives and stakeholder needs. We unpack what “good” risk management looks like in practice: defining risk appetite, separating risk from uncertainty, avoiding box-ticking frameworks, and building indicators and registers that stay alive as the world changes.
From challenging the "three lines of defence" to making space for observation, communication, and adaptable KPIs, this conversation offers practical insight into why organisations still get the basics wrong and how they can start doing risk management in a way that actually supports better decisions, resilience, and opportunity.
Professor Simon Grima is the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, a professor, and Head of the Department of Insurance and Risk Management at the University of Malta. Simon has served as President of the Malta Association of Risk Management (MARM) since 2023, and as President of the Malta Association of Compliance Officers (MACO) from 2013 to 2015 and from 2016 to 2018. He is also Co-Chair of the Scientific Education Committee of the Federation of European Risk Managers (FERMA) and a member of the Strategic Risk Leaders Association (SRLA).
Simon’s research focuses on governance, regulation and internal controls, and he has over 30 years of experience in financial services, academia and public entities. Simon acts as an independent director for financial services firms, sits on risk, compliance, procurement, investment and audit committees, and carries out duties as a compliance officer, internal auditor and risk manager.
The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.
Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.
The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.
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