#241 Why Risk Management Is Getting Harder with Chris Wright, Managing Director, Protiviti
In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Chris Wright, Managing Director at Protiviti and leader of their global finance transformation solution. The conversation explores Protiviti’s comprehensive risk survey, highlighting the key risks companies are facing in the current economic climate. Chris provides valuable insights into how CFOs and finance leaders should approach risk acknowledgment, evaluation, and mitigation in the coming year.
The discussion covers several critical risk areas, including economic conditions and inflation pressures, labor and talent shortages, cybersecurity concerns, and emerging risks associated with AI implementation. Chris emphasizes the importance of CFOs developing “muscle memory” for frequent re-forecasting due to economic uncertainties, while also highlighting how AI can help address labor shortages by automating mundane tasks and enriching the work experience of finance professionals.
Key topics covered:
- Economic conditions, including inflation pressures, represent the top risk concern for companies, requiring CFOs to develop stronger forecasting capabilities
- Labor shortages in finance are driving increased costs and creating challenges in hiring and retention
- AI offers significant benefits for finance functions, including cost savings and improved efficiency in areas like cash application and payables
- Cybersecurity remains a persistent concern despite improvements in system security
- Emerging risks from AI implementation include data quality issues, over-reliance, and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Links
Timestamps
- 0:11:15 Chris Wright introduces himself and his role at Protiviti
- 0:25:19 Analysis of economic conditions and inflation as top risks
- 0:34:47 Exploration of labor and talent shortages in finance
- 0:42:13 Examination of AI benefits and implementation in finance functions
- 0:50:39 Discussion of cybersecurity risks and cloud computing challenges
- 0:56:51 Conversation about emerging risks associated with AI implementation
Find out more about GrowCFO
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.
GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.
You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Related Articles
#268 Why Scaling Faster Is the Most Dangerous Phase for Finance, Shadid Talukder, Strategic Finance Lead, Posh AI
#267 Why Nonprofit Finance Is 10 Years Behind and How to Close the Gap with Ilana Esterrich, GrowCFO Mentor
#266 The CFO’s Secret Weapon Behind Higher Business Valuations: The Data Cube with David Whitcombe, Founder and Managing Director, Data Vision Services
#265 The Six Defining Challenges for the Office of the CFO in 2026, with Eric Reyhle and Manuel Marcos, Acterys
#264 The Confidence Blueprint Every New CFO Needs, Lee-Wen Chen, GrowCFO Mentor
#263 The Real Reason So Many New CFOs Feel Completely Alone, Andrew Tapson, GrowCFO Mentor
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
