Risk isn’t just about compliance or avoiding failure—it’s about enabling better decisions.

In this episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Mike Jones speaks with Stefan Gershater, Head of Risk and Governance at Co-op, to explore a radically different view of risk. One that sees it not as a bureaucratic burden but as a long-term strategic asset.

They tackle the outdated orthodoxy still dominating boardrooms, unpack the human and cultural dynamics of risk, and discuss how organisations can turn risk into a driver of resilience, agility, and growth. If your risk register feels like a drawer-filler, this conversation will change how you think.

🔍 In this episode:

• Why risk must be tied to strategic objectives—not isolated frameworks
• How to challenge the 10,000-year orthodoxy of accounting-led risk thinking
• Using risk to enable growth, not just prevent failure
• Making better decisions, faster—with real-world context
• How governance and decision-making must evolve in the age of data

🎧 Keywords: risk management, strategy, governance, resilience, decision-making, organisational culture, stakeholder engagement, technology, objectives, risk assessment

📘 Learn more about Stefan’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefangershater/

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🔗 Full episodes, show notes, and resources: https://www.lbiconsulting.com/strategymeetsreality-podcast

📺 Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@StrategyMeetsReality
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

💬 Connect with host Mike Jones → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-h-jones/