Episodios

  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 24: Risk on The Rocks: Rare Earth Elements
    May 13 2024
    Check out the latest episode of Riskology by Infortal™ – Risk on the Rocks: Rare Earth Elements. Ever wonder what powers the technology that fuels our future? From the smartphones in our pockets to the rockets aiming for Mars, there’s a secret ingredient: rare earth elements. Here’s the catch: while critical to innovation, these minerals are also vulnerable to global tensions. In this episode, hosts Dr. Ian Oxnevad and Chris Mason, from Infortal Worldwide, discuss the risk management implications of accessing critical mineral resources. Taking a closer look at the global impact of these rare earth elements, you’ll gain insights into their strategic importance and understand their vital role in the advancement of sectors such as defense, energy, and technology. Venture into the global risk chessboard, to learn about how the race for dominance in the rare earth elements space will impact who comes out on top in the 21st century. Moreover, the pursuit of critical minerals often intersects with pressing social issues, including the rights and welfare of local communities. In regions rich in rare earth resources, such as Africa and South America, mining activities can lead to displacement, social unrest, and exploitation. The international community faces the dual task of securing a steady supply of critical minerals while ensuring that the pursuit does not come at the expense of humanitarian values or environmental sustainability. Importantly, companies must engage in thorough risk assessments to understand their risk exposure to fluctuating market conditions and dire humanitarian concerns. This involves examining the entire supply chain, from mines to manufacturing, to ensure that all steps meet ethical and sustainability standards. For companies with risk exposure, it will be important to: Conduct Risk Assessments and Due Diligence Ensure There is No Child Labor or Human Trafficking Develop Internal Risk Management Mechanisms Provide Focused Training Monitor Supply Chain Resiliency We hope you can join us for the next episode of Riskology by Infortal™! Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    19 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 23: Boeing - The Hidden Costs of Bad Corporate Culture
    Apr 22 2024
    Tune in for the latest episode of Riskology by Infortal™, where hosts Dr. Ian Oxnevad and Chris Mason delve into how a breakdown in corporate culture led to the recent Boeing compliance failures. Building a corporate culture isn’t just about buzzwords; it's about empowering your front-line defense against risk. Ignoring the health of your corporate culture can quickly result in a crisis. Using Boeing's situation as a case study, lessons will be drawn on the need for a balanced corporate strategy that maintains a commitment to quality, compliance, and efficiency. The Riskology hosts explore how sacrificing company culture for efficiency and profit can lead to catastrophic results for a company. In some cases, entire markets may feel the impact. Maintaining a strong connection between senior leadership and front-line operations is extremely important to maintaining company culture, especially in high-stakes industries like aviation. This also requires open communication and whistleblower protection to ensure that communication flows up and risks are dealt with early. Join us for Episode 23 of Riskology by Infortal™: Boeing - The Hidden Costs of Bad Corporate Culture. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    19 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 22: China Escape Plan: De-Risking Explained
    Apr 8 2024
    Welcome to another episode of Riskology by Infortal™! In this episode, your hosts, Dr. Ian Oxnevad and Christopher Mason, discuss "de-risking” from China. They unveil the cascading effects of China's economic slowdown on the global economy and supply chain integrity, a situation that demands scrutiny by American companies. Understanding the underpinnings of China's economic conditions is paramount to assessing your risk exposure. As China wrestles with economic deceleration, corporations face expanding risks, including new threats to supply chain stability. This impacts key industries and manufacturers in the US, including the tech sector and healthcare suppliers. Navigating this risk landscape calls for robust resiliency measures coupled with an enhanced understanding of the global risk landscape. As history reminds us, economic entanglement may not provide a safe harbor from geopolitical unrest. In response to these complex geopolitical tensions, corporations increasingly seek new strategies to mitigate risks and ensure company resiliency. This includes diverse approaches, from strategic realignment exemplified by Apple's shift of some iPhone manufacturing to India to developing contingency plans ready to be deployed as needed. In this episode, we discuss how companies can methodically develop a strategy to ensure long-term supply chain stability. We hope you join us for Episode 22 – China Escape Plan: De-Risking Explained. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    25 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 21: Due Diligence & Geopolitical Risk
    Mar 25 2024
    As the global economic landscape broadens, companies find themselves navigating complex and challenging terrain that can profoundly affect their operations and financial standing. On today’s episode of ‘Due Diligence & Geopolitical Risk,’ join Chris Mason and Ian Oxnevad as they discuss the pivotal role ‘Geopolitical Risk Intelligence’ plays in corporate strategy. This conversation dives into a thorough examination of local developments, political shifts, and global trends, exploring how they are intricately woven together and impact various business activities. Discussion points also cover an inside look at how this unique form of intelligence works to safeguard against potential threats while accentuating valuable business opportunities. Stay tuned to learn how to successfully deploy geopolitical risk intelligence, tap into lucrative prospects, and fortify your corporate standing. On a more pragmatic application level, our speakers share insights on the structured and analytical process behind geopolitical risk intelligence. They delve into the intricacies of understanding international affairs and market dynamics, vetting potential employees and investment opportunities, and avoiding potential legal entanglements and reputational damage. The episode provides a comprehensive outlook on maintaining a fountainhead of geopolitical analysis, making it possible for corporations to stay prepared for any impending changes in the business landscape. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    27 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 20: AI - Governance Nightmare or Superpower with Matt Kelly
    Mar 4 2024
    The rise of AI has brought with it both blessing and curse. Companies worldwide and the organizations that govern them are racing to navigate and leverage it. In today's episode, Dr. Ian Oxnevad, Chris Mason, and guest Matt Kelly delve into the intricate world of AI and its profound implications on compliance and geopolitical risk management. In the race to harness AI, thoughtful adoption and strategic implementation are crucial. Infortal Worldwide is a global risk management and investigations firm specializing in helping businesses navigate complex risk landscapes. The company's focus extends to various areas, including economics, politics, and geopolitical risk. By delving into these interconnected realms, Infortal Worldwide aims to provide clients with comprehensive insights that empower them to make informed decisions, especially in critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and other strategic moves. You’ll hear Ian, Chris, and Matt discuss: The geopolitical impact of AI is far-reaching. AI can potentially impact global conflicts, elections, and power dynamics, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and ethical considerations to prevent misuse and manipulation. Ethical concerns are often overlooked or skipped altogether as organizations race to integrate and leverage AI. In an environment where technology changes daily, the lack of human values in the new AI systems runs the risk of bias and other negative consequences. The evolving regulatory landscape for AI, including initiatives like the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and the US executive order, underscores the need for proactive policy development. As a result, private businesses will face complex and uncertain regulatory environments as they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI adoption. Different countries approach AI adoption and regulation uniquely, with considerations for economic impact, job displacement, and geopolitical implications, underscoring the diverse responses and challenges in the global AI landscape. Risk management should play a central role in AI implementation, as there is already a history of compliance failure and cybersecurity risks with the new technology. To circumvent these issues, organizations must prioritize testing, quality control, and privacy considerations. Despite the risks and pitfalls, AI brings with it productivity gains and innovation opportunities, which encourages a strategic and thoughtful approach to leveraging AI technologies for business growth and development. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn Matt Kelly on LinkedIn
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    30 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 19: Davos & Disinformation
    Feb 12 2024
    Companies operating in today's global economy face a multitude of risks, including the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation. In this episode of the Riskology Podcast, Dr. Ian Oxnevad and Chris Mason delve into the topic of misinformation and disinformation through the lens of the recent Davos conference. They explore the impact of these risks on businesses, the importance of active defense strategies, and the need for companies to be prepared to counter disinformation campaigns. With the evolving geopolitical landscape, it is crucial for companies to understand and navigate these risks to protect their bottom line and reputation. Infortal Worldwide is a global risk management and investigations firm that specializes in helping businesses navigate complex risk landscapes. The company's focus extends to various areas, including economics, politics, and geopolitical risk. By delving into these interconnected realms, Infortal Worldwide aims to provide clients with comprehensive insights that empower them to make informed decisions, especially in critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and other strategic moves. You’ll hear Ian and Chris discuss: Disinformation is the deliberate use of lying to sway a population, while misinformation is inaccurate information that spreads organically. Understanding the distinction is crucial in addressing the intent behind false information and developing appropriate strategies to combat its effects. Misinformation and disinformation are identified as the number one risk on the World Economic Forum’s list of key fundamental risks to look at over a two-year horizon. This highlights the growing concern over the spread of false information and its potential impact on societies, elections, and businesses worldwide. Disinformation and misinformation are not going away and will continue to impact media consumers, policymakers, and investors. With the rise of social media and emerging technologies, false information can spread rapidly, leading to confusion, manipulation, and erosion of trust in institutions. The year of the election is highlighted as a significant time for disinformation and misinformation campaigns, with major elections happening in Mexico, the US, the UK, India, Indonesia, and Russia. The immediate impact of AI tools and the potential for foreign interference make it crucial to address these threats to ensure fair and informed elections. AI tools have made it easier for anyone to run their own disinformation campaigns, posing a significant threat to elections and public perception. The accessibility of these tools amplifies the potential for manipulation, requiring increased vigilance and countermeasures to protect the integrity of democratic processes. Disinformation and misinformation can have a massive impact on markets and a business’s reputation, leading to stock price crashes, media scandals, and lawsuits. The ability of false information to shape public perception and consumer behavior highlights the need for companies to actively defend against and counter false narratives. Companies need to have an active defense against disinformation and misinformation, constantly monitoring and countering false narratives through press releases, investor reports, and social media presence. Proactive measures are necessary to protect a company’s reputation, maintain stakeholder trust, and mitigate potential financial and legal consequences. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    18 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 18: Houthi Terrorism, The Red Sea and Global Shipping
    Jan 22 2024
    When conflicts escalate around the world, supply chains are disrupted, and political power shifts, how can companies stay resilient and manage their risk? In this episode of the Riskology Podcast, Dr. Ian Oxnevad and Chris Mason explore the escalating conflict in the Red Sea and its implications for businesses operating in the region. With shipping routes severely impacted by attacks from the Houthi movement in Yemen, companies face significant disruptions and potential financial losses. Ian and Chris share their insights into how companies can navigate these risks, adapt their supply chains, and develop contingency plans to mitigate the impact of the Red Sea conflict. Infortal Worldwide is a global risk management and investigations firm that specializes in helping businesses navigate complex risk landscapes. The company's focus extends to various areas, including economics, politics, and geopolitical risk. By delving into these interconnected realms, Infortal Worldwide aims to provide clients with comprehensive insights that empower them to make informed decisions, especially in critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and other strategic moves. You’ll hear Ian and Chris discuss: The conflict in the Red Sea is severely impacting shipping and logistics operations. Attacks from the Houthi movement have led to disruptions in shipping routes, causing delays and increased costs for companies. Companies have been forced to reroute their ships around Africa, which leads to significant delays and increased costs for companies. This not only adds financial strain but also creates congestion in alternative ports, further impacting logistics and supply chain operations. European countries are hesitant to get involved in a coalition to protect international shipping due to their vulnerability to oil flow disruptions and the need to utilize their military strategically, and this lack of coordination poses additional risks for companies relying on the Red Sea route. The impact of the conflict in the Red Sea extends beyond the Middle East, potentially disrupting global supply chains and causing inflationary pressures on consumer prices. With 98% of maritime shipping between Asia and Europe passing through this route, any disruptions can lead to significant delays, increased costs, and shortages of goods.  Companies, especially those heavily reliant on the Red Sea route, need to develop contingency plans and alternative routes to mitigate the risks and disruptions caused by the conflict. Assessing supply chains, identifying alternative transportation options, and establishing partnerships with reliable logistics providers are crucial steps to ensure business continuity.  Startups and new players are emerging in the logistics industry to address the challenges posed by the conflict, offering alternative overland routes and solutions. These innovative approaches demonstrate the potential for agile and adaptive solutions in times of crisis. Companies must prioritize intelligence gathering, due diligence, and boots-on-the-ground experience to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and identify reliable partners in affected regions. Understanding the political dynamics, assessing risks, and conducting thorough background checks on potential collaborators are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulations. While the conflict in the Red Sea poses significant challenges, it also opens up opportunities for innovative companies to fill gaps in the market. By embracing dynamic assessment, diversifying supply chains, and exploring new partnerships, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing global landscape. Resources: Infortal Worldwide Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn
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    25 m
  • Riskology by Infortal Episode 17: Geopolitical Risk at The Board Level
    Jan 8 2024
    How can companies effectively manage geopolitical risk and integrate it into their business strategies? In this episode of Riskology, Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc joins the discussion to explore the importance of understanding the international geopolitical risk landscape. From the role of the board and management in risk governance to the need for practical translation of theoretical discussions, Dr. Bonime-Blanc provides valuable insights on navigating the turbulent and changing geopolitical landscape. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how geopolitical risk can impact your business and how to turn risk into opportunity. Infortal Worldwide is a global risk management and investigation firm that specializes in helping businesses navigate complex risk landscapes. The company's focus extends to various areas, including economics, politics, and geopolitical risk. By delving into these interconnected realms, Infortal Worldwide aims to provide clients with comprehensive insights that empower them to make informed decisions, especially in critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and other strategic moves. You'll hear Chris, Ian, and Andrea discuss: Geopolitical tectonic shifts: The world is experiencing significant changes in geopolitical dynamics, such as the rivalry between China and the US, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the focus on the Middle East. Impact of generative AI: The development of generative AI technology poses risks, particularly in the hands of criminals, terrorists, and rogue nations who can use it asymmetrically to cause harm. Integration of geopolitical risk into business strategy: Companies need to move beyond theoretical discussions and actively integrate geopolitical risk into their risk management frameworks and business strategies. Cultural differences in approaching geopolitical risk: European-based multinationals tend to be more sensitized to geopolitical risks due to stricter regulations, while US-based multinationals often have a laissez-faire attitude and prioritize market-friendly approaches. National security and corporate compliance: The Department of Justice recognizes that companies play a role in national security and is increasing its focus on enforcing corporate compliance through the National Security Division. Role of general counsel in managing geopolitical risk: In smaller businesses without a general counsel, the CEO, CFO, or COO should take responsibility for understanding and addressing geopolitical risks, seeking external expertise when needed. Link between geopolitical risk and opportunity: Understanding geopolitical risks allows companies to identify opportunities for value creation, better supply chains, and selecting partners and customers in different markets. Evolving compliance programs: Compliance programs need to adapt to address the complex geopolitical risks of today, with dynamic assessments that consider changing global conditions rather than static annual analyses. KEY QUOTES: "There's a little bit of that hubris and a little bit of that ultra-market-friendly attitude that has succeeded. And we don't have privacy laws federally in this country, and there's a reason for that: the business lobby and other interests have made sure that we don't go there." - Andrea Bonime-Blanc "The danger of national security issues, IP theft, and intelligence gathering has always been there because we're an open market economy and anyone and their brother can come here, and if they happen to be a spy or a plant from another government, we don't find out, maybe ever." - Andrea Bonime-Blanc "Good risk management translates into good opportunity management and opportunity value creation." - Andrea Bonime-Blanc Resources: Infortal Worldwide  Email Dr. Ian Oxnevad on LinkedIn Chris Mason on LinkedIn Dr Andrea Bonime-Blanc on LinkedIn GEC Risk Advisory
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    30 m