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Risk in Context Podcast: Building nimble supply chains to mitigate current and future risks

In this episode our hosts discuss the wide range of challenges that could disrupt supply chains and some of the actions that senior leaders should consider to mitigate evolving and emerging supply chain risks.

Today’s interconnected global supply chains are vulnerable to a multitude of risks stemming from geopolitical and geoeconomic conflicts, including the introduction of tariffs and counter-tariffs, natural catastrophes, and climate change. This web of risks can cause disruptions that lead to delays, shortages, and increased costs.

The complexity and fragility of supply chains is often compounded by limited visibility into upstream suppliers, making it difficult to assess potential vulnerabilities and respond proactively.

The potential implications of this lack of visibility underscore the importance of robust risk mitigation strategies and business continuity plans. By gaining a clearer understanding of their entire upstream supply chain, using tools like Marsh McLennan’s AI-powered Sentrisk, organisations can identify challenges early, evaluate their possible impacts, and implement effective mitigation plans. With a better understanding of supplier sites, organisations can utilise other tools to overlay risks to identify potential disruptions, including through real time alerts.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Karl Bryant, Senior Engagement Lead within Marsh’s Strategic Risk Consulting Practice, speaks with Amy Barnes, Marsh's Global Head of Energy and Power, who also heads Marsh's Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, Jason Brewer, Lead Meteorologist within Marsh McLennan Agency, and John Davies, Commercial Director for Marsh McLennan's Sentrisk product. They discuss the wide range of challenges that could disrupt supply chains and some of the actions that senior leaders should consider to mitigate evolving and emerging supply chain risks. 

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Key takeaways

Account for evolving challenges

Forward-looking risk management considers how changing risks, for example shifting extreme weather patterns, could impact manufacturing inputs and logistics, requiring climate projections and regional hazard forecasts to prepare for potential future disruptions.

Develop dynamic business continuity plans

Resilient supply chains require comprehensive risk mitigation and response plans that are regularly tested and updated and can be swiftly activated, ensuring rapid response even to unforeseen events.

Embrace technology-driven risk assessments

Innovative data analytics and risk scoring models together with the ability to improve supply chain visibility, available through Sentrisk 2.0, enable businesses to identify vulnerabilities that could otherwise expose them to operational and reputational risks.

About our speakers

Karl Bryant

Karl Bryant

Senior Vice President, Strategic Risk Consulting Practice, Marsh

  • United States

Karl Bryant is a Senior Engagement Lead in the Strategic Risk Consulting Practice. Based in Chicago, he is a global thought leader in the area of business continuity management and supply chain risk management. In this role, he is responsible for providing project delivery leadership, quality assurance, development, and implementation of business continuity programmes, and supervising project teams. His expertise with complex accounts includes the design of both traditional and alternative recovery programmes, blending supply chain risk analysis, property engineering programmes, and technology-based continuity solutions.

Amy Barnes

Amy Barnes

Global Head of Energy & Power, Marsh

  • United Kingdom

Amy Barnes is Marsh’s Global Head of Energy & Power and also heads Marsh’s Climate and Sustainability strategy. Prior to this she held a number of leadership roles with Marsh’s global energy, power, and renewables business. She has a respected depth and breadth of experience assisting some of the largest and most complex companies manage risks.

John Davies

John Davies

Commercial Director, Sentrisk, Marsh McLennan

  • United Kingdom

John Davies is the Commercial Director for Marsh McLennan’s Sentrisk. He has global experience leading teams and solving complex client challenges. Prior to becoming Sentrisk Commercial Director, he held Marsh leadership roles in client management, risk management consulting, risk analytics, and claims.

Jason Brewer

Jason Brewer

Lead Meteorologist, Marsh McLennan Agency

  • United States

Jason Brewer is a veteran meteorologist leading the analysis and communication of natural hazard and climate risk at Marsh McLennan Agency. Throughout his career, he has covered storms across the United States and is dedicated to providing information that helps businesses adapt and build resiliency, make informed decisions, and manage risk. He earned the designation of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist from the American Meteorological Society.

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