As risk professionals, we know the importance of being in the room. But today, being “in the room” means much more than simply being present. It means having a voice in conversations where strategic decisions are made, alongside the C-suite, senior leadership and other key decision-makers.
Our role gives us a unique enterprise-wide perspective. We understand how risk connects across operations, strategy, people, assets and financial performance. That perspective allows us to challenge assumptions, identify emerging exposures and help leadership make better-informed decisions about both risk and opportunity.
Being in the room also keeps us connected to the business. It helps us better understand our organization’s strategy and provide value to operational leaders as risk strategy experts. We help identify exposures, understand their potential impact and guide risk-informed strategies that strengthen organizational resilience. And we are critical to successfully negotiating and building relationships with our brokers and carriers.
Ultimately, however, the goal is not simply to have a seat at the table. It is to have a voice and make an impact on the strategic decisions being made around it.
Recently, I had the privilege of being in the room and celebrating the risk management profession and its future at the Spencer Education Foundation Funding the Future Gala in New York City. Joined by RIMS Board Directors, RIMS staff and hundreds of industry partners, the event was a great reminder of the important role we must play to ensure future risk leaders have the opportunities, education and support they need to succeed.
From New York City to Panama. Last week, my RIMS duties took me to Panama to teach the first-ever RIMS-CRMP course in Central America. The thirst for risk management knowledge is global and, with the support of FUNDALARYS, the room was filled with eager and inspiring risk leaders from across the region.
Professional development is one of the ways we prepare ourselves for those higher-level conversations. The knowledge, skills and credibility we build throughout our careers position us to contribute when strategic decisions are being made. The good news is you don’t have to travel to Panama to earn the RIMS-CRMP certification. RIMS offers virtual prep courses and partners with local testing sites across North America and around the world.
In just a few weeks, another important part of the RIMS community will come together at the RIMS Canada Conference in Québec City. Canada represents a broad and diverse segment of our membership, spanning industries, regions, career levels and areas of risk expertise. What connects this community is the growing expectation that risk professionals contribute to organizational strategy, resilience and better business outcomes.
RIMS is committed to supporting the success of our Canadian members and chapters. Whether through education, professional development, certifications, thought leadership, networking or the exchange of ideas, our goal is to provide the resources and connections that help risk professionals strengthen their organizations and advance their careers. I look forward to being in the room with our Canadian risk management community from October 18-21, listening to their perspectives, learning from their experiences and reinforcing RIMS’ commitment to their continued success.
Being in the room facilitates the exchange of ideas and experiences. Nowhere is that more evident than at the RIMS ERM Conference. In Columbus, Ohio, from November 19-20, RIMS will bring together professionals who understand the complexities of enterprise risk and are focused on finding new ways to improve organizational resilience. The agenda for this year’s conference is now live. Step away from the day-to-day, register and gain strategies and insights that can elevate your program and strengthen your ability to contribute at the strategic level.
Of course, being “in the room” is no longer limited to a physical room. Technology has made it easier for us to engage with RIMS, access knowledge and connect with the profession wherever we are.
No conversation about risk management is complete without mentioning AI. AI is changing almost every facet of business, and risk management is no exception. RIMS and ISACA have teamed up to deliver the RIMS-CRMP & ISACA Advanced in AI Risk Dual Certification Bootcamp. From October 13-16, the virtual workshop will explore the intersection of risk and AI while preparing attendees to earn two certifications: the RIMS-CRMP and the ISACA Advanced in AI Risk™ (AAIR™). Registration for the program will remain open until October 12.
Lastly, throughout the year, RIMS chapters are hard at work developing engagements with the industry, our broader membership by providing outstanding opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another. These opportunities, combined with the wealth of risk management insight available through our Risk Knowledge, RIMS Risk Management and RIMScast platforms, highlight RIMS’ commitment to supporting your professional journey and advancing the profession.
Being in the room matters. But our profession has moved beyond simply seeking a seat at the table. We are there to contribute. We are there to bring a risk-informed perspective to strategy. And we are there to help leadership make better decisions.
That is the strategic impact of today’s risk professional, and that is why we belong in the room.
Thank you for being engaged with RIMS and for continuing to advance our profession.
Sincerely,
Manny Padilla, RIMS-CRMPRIMS 2026 Presi