This month, RIMS released a new Executive Report titled, “Enterprise Risk Management’s Wakeup Call: 10 Years After.” Focusing on the evolution of ERM ten years after the 2008 financial crisis, the report had me thinking about my presidential theme “Your Legacy, Our Legacy.” The financial crisis had a tremendous impact on the way business is conducted today. Similarly, our actions today could have a lasting impact on our careers and the future of risk management.
To answer the question “how do we ensure that risk management professionals are ready for whatever might come next,” RIMS has remained focused on creating opportunities to facilitate the transfer of knowledge – from one generation to the next, from one expert to the other.
One tool, set to debut in July, is RIMS Mentor Match, exclusively for RIMS members. Through Opis, RIMS members in search of mentors or who are willing to volunteer as a mentor will have a forum to connect.
Not only will the platform eliminate geographic limitations, the customizable resource allows professionals at all levels to link up with others in similar industries, who share interests, backgrounds and more.
Next is RIMS Learning Labs, another vehicle the Society has launched to deliver thought-leading knowledge at the chapter level. In its pilot year, the Society has called on business experts to deliver cutting-edge insight at select chapters. We are getting ready to expand the program and offer this no cost member-benefit to an even wider group of RIMS chapters in 2019.
On another note, RIMS regional events continue to be outstanding opportunities for members to exchange ideas and share best practices. I had the privilege to attend the RIMS Florida Educational Conference and am thrilled to see it continue to grow. The sessions were fantastic and its overall success is a testament to the volunteers in our seven Florida chapters. In September, I will be at the Western Regional in Portland, as then the RIMS Canada Conference on September 23-26 in beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland. Registration has opened and we hope to see you there.
All it takes is one connection, one learning point or one new idea. Every day, resources like those mentioned here can create that spark that changes our future. Additionally, the unquestionable value of mentorships can help make sure we don’t miss that opportunity to make a difference. I encourage you all to get involved with your local chapters, to take part in RIMS dynamic programming of events and education, to find your risk management passion and seize your opportunity to contribute to this great profession.
Thank you for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Robert Cartwright, Jr.
RIMS 2018 President