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Risk in Context Podcast: Planning for long-term global risks while dealing with current uncertainties

In this episode our hosts discuss some of the key findings in this year’s Global Risks Report and address several short- and long-term risks that organizations are facing.

05/01/2025 · 2 minute read

Businesses today are navigating a complex landscape of rapidly evolving and interconnected risks, ranging from geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, and the risks of widespread AI adoption.

This year's Global Risks Report, produced by the World Economic Forum with strategic support from Marsh McLennan and other partners, highlights the urgent need for organizations to reassess their risk management strategies, particularly in light of the increasing fragmentation of the global environment.

But in the current risk-fraught landscape, senior leaders might be challenged with making long-term plans while at the same time managing quickly evolving risks.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Carolina Klint, Marsh McLennan's Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, speaks with Reid Sawyer, Head of Marsh's Emerging Risks Group and US Cyber Risk Consulting Leader, and Graham Pearce, Global Defined Benefit Segment Leader for Mercer's Wealth Business. They discuss some of the key findings in this year’s Global Risks Report and address several short- and long-term risks that organizations are facing. James Crask, Global Head of Multinational Clients within Marsh Advisory, and Spiros Fatouros, Chief Executive Officer of Marsh McLennan Africa, also discuss pressing challenges that senior leaders must be aware of and prepared to address.

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Key takeaways

Balance short- and long-term risk perspectives

In a turbulent geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, leaders must allocate time to identify and quantify the potential impact of risks on the horizon, allowing them to proactively invest in risk management and remain resilient to future challenges.

Recognize the interconnected nature of risks

Today’s risks are interconnected and layered. In order to effectively navigate potential challenges, organizations should use scenario planning and similar exercises to understand and analyze the range of possible impacts.

Leverage technology to manage and mitigate risks

Advanced technologies can help organizations identify the most pressing challenges, including talent shortages, productivity issues, and supply chain chokepoints. However, it’s critical to understand the risks that new technologies could introduce and to implement strategies to mitigate these challenges.

About our speakers

Carolina Klint

Carolina Klint

Chief Commercial Officer, Europe, Marsh McLennan

  • Sweden

Carolina Klint is Marsh McLennan’s Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, where she leads initiatives to define and implement growth strategies that unlock Marsh McLennan’s full potential and support sales enablement, client management, and technology innovation. She is a member of the Marsh McLennan Europe Executive Committee and serves as the company’s spokesperson for the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report. She joined Marsh in 2017 as CEO of Marsh’s Northwest Europe Region and was then appointed Risk Manager Leader for Europe in October 2020. She speaks frequently about risk and resilience, change management, and the importance of inclusive leadership as a keynote speaker, panelist, and guest lecturer.

Reid Sawyer

Reid Sawyer

Managing Director, Head Emerging Risks Group, Marsh

  • United States

Reid Sawyer is a Managing Director heading Marsh’s Emerging Risks Group and is the US Cyber Consulting Leader. In his role, he actively advises numerous senior industry leaders, boards, and government leaders with particular emphasis on cyber, geopolitical, and strategic risk issues. Prior to Marsh, he joined JLT in 2015 as senior vice president, after a 22-year career in the US Army.

Graham Pearce

Graham Pearce

Partner, Global Defined Benefit Segment Leader at Mercer

  • Germany

Graham Pearce is the Global Defined Benefit Segment Leader for Mercer’s Wealth business and a Global Consultant within the Multinational Client Segment. He began his career with Mercer in 1990 in the UK actuarial team in Manchester before moving to Mercer’s International Consulting Group in London in 1998 and then to Munich, Germany in 2004. In Munich, he led Mercer’s M&A business before taking on the leadership of the International Consulting team in 2010.

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James Crask

Head of Multinational Clients, Marsh Advisory

  • United Kingdom

Based in London, James Crask leads Marsh’s business resilience advisory services and has extensive experience in delivering business continuity management, crisis management, supply chain, and operational resilience projects across a wide range of industries.

Spiros Fatouros

Spiros Fatouros

Chief Executive Officer of Marsh McLennan Africa

  • South Africa

Spiros Fatouros is the CEO of Marsh McLennan Africa, overseeing operations across the continent. He leads a team of 1,300 colleagues in nine countries. With over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry, he previously served as the CEO of Marsh Africa and South Africa from 2017 until he took on his current role in 2023. He holds an Honours Degree in Finance and Insurance from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a CFA® Charter Holder.

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