Crossing Thin Ice

Execution isn’t speed or perfection. It’s reliable delivery under chaos. Use these six steps to get there. Great ideas can fail simply because execution breaks down? In episode 70 of Crossing Thin Ice, hosts Max Rudolph and David Ingram show how risk management helps with good execution to turn plans into predictable profit. This episode walks through six practical pillars that make execution reliable even when reality diverges from the plan. You’ll hear real-world examples you can take up and apply with the help of your ERM program. This conversation is practical, practitioner-focused, and geared to leaders who want execution that survives stress and delivers consistent results.

Most ORSA reports definitely fall into the TLDR category. But you can tell the ORSA with a clear, fast story that will become a part of the strategy discussion. This podcast tells how to turn a dense solvency exercise into an elevator pitch that earns attention, builds confidence, and links risk work to strategy. You’ll see why some ERM programs thrive and others wither, and how a small change in communication can protect capital and enhance decision-making. Read this if you want your next ORSA to be useful, not just compliant — and to get executives listening. Skip the noise—make your ORSA count today. Read the blog post:  https://crossingthinice.substack.com/p/orsa-rides-the-elevator 

Data centers, AI, and local energy and water systems are colliding — and communities are feeling the strain. In this episode, we break down how data centers drive local jobs and growth but also demand massive electricity and millions of gallons of cooling water. We dig into real-world impacts (with Memphis as a case study), the strain on local grids, and the tradeoffs between diesel, natural gas, and renewable power. You will learn about closed-loop cooling, reclaimed-water and air-cooling options, and why narrow, task-focused AI could cut future energy use. We also discuss the economic risks when data-center buildouts outpace real demand and what municipalities should demand from operators — from rate guarantees to public environmental review.

Good timing is a critical advantage in product launches and broader risk management. But you need to be ready.  Readiness is internal - organizational alignment, product, operations, finance, and sales - and external - economic, technology, regulatory, cyclical, customer, and competitive timing. Risk management helps by monitoring the environment, promoting transparency, running stress tests and scenarios, setting limits and early warnings, and building adaptability. Real examples from variable annuities and long-term care show how well‑timed hedging or market entry can protect companies — and how bad timing can be costly. The takeaway: ensure both internal and external readiness before you launch.

Can insurers treat premiums like a cheap loan — and when does that bet blow up? In this episode we unpack “investing for float”: where it can boost returns, why annuities and life blocks are fragile, and how gaps in ALM, liquidity and regulation can turn clever strategies into industry-wide risk. Practical checks for boards, investors and regulators throughout.

True business success often hinges less on the risks taken and more on the quality of judgment, timing, and execution. Yet, what precisely constitutes “good judgment” in the fast-paced world of commerce remains a profound, elusive question. How do leaders consistently make the right choices and identify the most probable paths to victory? Navigating this critical challenge is paramount for any enterprise aiming to thrive and secure its future. Read this story at  https://crossingthinice.substack.com/p/good-judgment-with-risk-management 

Many of the most extreme dangers aren’t where people are looking. When risks are “in the light”—visible and priced—they get managed and shrink. But when risks are “in the dark” they quietly grow until a shock exposes them, often after it is too late to do anything about them. Hear about over 30 risks that are in the dark for many business leaders.  And a strategy for surviving.  Risks grow in the dark until the light finds them - but too late.  

What if the world's largest rainforest became a savanna? The Sahara was once lush. Could the Amazon face a similar fate within a generation?  Deforestation isn't just about trees. It's also about changing global weather patterns. Understanding environmental feedback loops is key to preparing for our future. Read this story at https://crossingthinice.substack.com/p/deforestation-and-feedback-loops

Ever wished you could practice for those critical conversations or high-stakes scenarios before they happen? In this episode of Crossing Thin Ice, Max Rudolph and David Ingram dive into the transformative power of AI simulations for risk management and professional development. Discover how these innovative AI-powered role-playing games allow Chief Risk Officers, actuaries, and their teams to hone communication skills, prepare for board presentations, navigate emerging risks, and even shape organizational risk culture. You can get personalized feedback from virtual mentors and gain invaluable experience in a safe, simulated environment.  Stop wishing you had a do-over.  Now you have have a try-before.  

Everything we know about economic growth is about to change. Demographics hold the key.This discussion explores how global demographics, from declining birth rates in developed nations to population growth in Africa, will redefine national and global GDP, reshape industries like insurance, and challenge political stability. We dive into the interconnected impacts of an aging world, climate change as a 'threat multiplier,' and the historical roots of population projections. Our world is aging, and the economy will be feeling the impact of that very soon.  

Do you believe higher risk always leads to higher returns? This podcast challenges that conventional wisdom. Max Rudolph and Dave Ingram explore the critical roles of judgment, timing, and execution in achieving successful outcomes. Through real-world examples and insightful discussions, they reveal why many businesses operate below the efficient frontier and how understanding these dynamics can lead to better business choices. Join us for practical insights that could transform your approach to risk management and enhance your enterprise risk management (ERM) program.

Are AI myths clouding your judgment? Join Dave and Max as they debunk the two most common fantasies about artificial intelligence, revealing the true story of its capabilities and risks. Discover the balance between harnessing AI as a partner and maintaining human oversight. This episode is a must for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of AI risk management.

Recent economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts are reshaping the landscape of risk. With insights on the importance of adapting scenario planning in turbulent times, this episode emphasizes preparing for unexpected futures and reevaluating assumptions to avoid costly missteps. Dave and Max highlight the interconnectedness of financial stability, regulatory pressures, and societal challenges, providing listeners with valuable strategies for enhancing their enterprise risk management programs to meet these challenges. 

Think you understand corporate risk? Listen in as we explore the ins and outs of SEC disclosures.  Are the risks that matter the most being buried?  What do you need to know to properly understand the Risk Factors section of the SEC filings.  

Explore how AI can enhance creative problem-solving within risk management. Dave and Max discuss the importance of adapting to emerging risks and the role AI can play in this process. From generating innovative ideas to providing instant feedback and keeping track of complex iterative processes, AI serves as a powerful partner for risk professionals. Tune in to discover practical strategies for leveraging AI to think creatively about risk management, improve decision-making, and stay ahead in an unpredictable world.

Insurance only works if we can all keep up with the rapid changes being brought on by climate change. In this  podcast,  Max Rudolph explores the challenges insurers face with wildfires, hurricanes, and the struggle to set fair premiums. They discuss the need for community resilience, regulatory shifts, and innovative predictive modeling. Join them to discover how homeowners can protect themselves in an unpredictable market and why sustainable practices are essential for the future of insurance.

Anyone who has worked in Risk Management has encountered individuals who, for one reason or another, do not believe that ERM is beneficial to a company.  In this podcast, Max and Dave examine 10 common Anti-ERM Beliefs and suggest ways to address them.  

Discover four scenarios that could reshape our world and your business. Max and Dave are always talking about how important it is to do stress tests.  Here are some examples of today’s risks to get you started.  Each of these scenarios is built off a plausible extrapolation of recent trends.  This podcast offers a deep dive into the dynamics that could have a major impact your organization. Tune in to prepare for the challenges ahead and turn potential threats into opportunities for growth.

Are we ready for the next wave of challenges? As the world evolves, so do the risks that come with it. From climate change to geopolitical tensions and the rapid rise of AI, the landscape is shifting in ways we may not fully comprehend. These emerging threats can disrupt businesses, economies, and even our daily lives. It's crucial to stay informed and proactive in our risk management strategies. Join us as we delve into the complexities of these risks and explore the measures we can take to navigate an uncertain future. Together, we can better prepare for what lies ahead.

Climate change isn’t just about heat. It’s also changing the chemistry of our oceans, with serious consequences for marine life and food security. In this episode of Crossing Thin Ice, we examine how ocean acidification could accelerate ecosystem collapse. By Max Rudolph