
Hosted by Craig Goldberg · EN

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Zack Gurdon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-g-751719a/) at the RMIA 2026 conference in Canberra to explore his fascinating journey in the world of risk management. From his early days in security and intelligence to his pivotal roles at Australia Post, Telstra, NBN, and now as Chief Risk Officer at ASIC, Zack shares insights into how he navigated career transitions and embraced the challenges of different organisational cultures. We delve into the evolving concept of resilience, discussing its integral components of risk management, business continuity, and crisis management. Zack's experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and the need for simplicity in complex environments. Join us for an engaging conversation that offers a deep dive into the intricacies of risk and resilience in today's dynamic landscape.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Chris Krause (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-krause-7495511b/) to explore her fascinating journey in the risk and resilience sector. Chris shares how she unexpectedly found herself in the world of risk management after starting her career in accounting and auditing at KPMG. We delve into her experiences transitioning from external to internal audit, and her subsequent roles at PwC and Future Fund, where she discovered her passion for risk management. Chris discusses the evolving landscape of risk, particularly the rising importance of crisis management and cybersecurity. We also explore the challenges and rewards of working in risk within mature organizations and the significance of maintaining a risk mindset. Join us as Chris offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of risk and her current role in the superannuation sector.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Jack Salkild (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksalkild/), a former paramedic turned risk and resilience expert. Jack shares his journey from working with New South Wales Ambulance to his current role at Battleground, highlighting the critical lessons learned along the way. We delve into the importance of decision-making under pressure and the HALT factors—hungry, angry, late, and tired—that can impair judgment. Jack also emphasizes the value of checklists in high-stakes environments, drawing parallels between aviation and medicine. Join us as we explore how these insights translate into effective crisis management and resilience planning. (As mentioned in the podcast: https://atulgawande.com/book/the-checklist-manifesto/)

Join Joe McDavitt & Paul Minter, on Battleground Chats as we dive into the world of non-financial risk management, Fit and Proper Non-Financial Risk Management. Paul Minter, a former regulator, and Joe explore the complexities of non-financial risk, the challenges of aligning risk management with operational leadership, and the significance of CPS 230. We discuss the often adversarial relationship between COOs and CROs, the importance of understanding context in risk management, and the balance between quantification and qualitative insights. Tune in as we unravel the essentials of proper risk management and share insights from our extensive experience in the field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the subject, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the battleground of non-financial risk.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Helen Lipscombe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-lipscombe-fbci-b14a1621/) live from BCI World Hybrid in London. Helen shares her unique journey from working on oil rigs as a geologist to becoming a leader in business continuity and crisis management. We delve into how her scientific background shaped her structured approach to resilience planning. Helen emphasises the importance of mindset and culture in building effective resilience strategies, advocating for plans that focus on outcomes rather than rigid scenarios. We discuss the significance of engaging leadership and fostering a culture of adaptability and preparedness. Join us for an insightful conversation on navigating uncertainty and building resilient organizations.

Join me, Craig Goldberg, on Battleground Chats for our special year-end episode, "Battleground Chats - 2025 in Review with the Battleground Crew." I'm joined by Directors Luke Smailes, Joe McDavitt, and Peter Duffy as we delve into the lessons learned from a transformative 2025. We explore the challenges of keeping business continuity plans relevant and the importance of understanding severe but plausible disruptions. Joe highlights the significance of CPS 230 compliance, while Peter discusses moving beyond COVID-era resilience strategies. We also touch on the evolving landscape of risk management, emphasizing the need to address a broader range of threats beyond cyber risks. As we wrap up the year, we reflect on the resilience required to navigate these complexities and look forward to what 2026 may bring. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the state of risk and resilience across industries.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with my long-time friend and resilience expert, Jodie Wentworth (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wentworth-12896a33/). We delve into Jodie's journey from her early days in the UK, where she stumbled into the field of business continuity, to her pivotal role at London Underground and then in Australia across consulting, utilities and critical infrastructure. Jodie shares her experiences managing crises, from gas leaks to the 7th of July bombings, and how these events shaped her understanding of resilience. We discuss the challenges of connecting back-office operations with frontline crisis management and the continuous learning required in this field. Jodie also reflects on her consulting career, highlighting the importance of demonstrating value and fostering crisis leadership. Join us for an insightful conversation about resilience, risk management, and the lessons learned from a career dedicated to keeping organisations prepared for the unexpected.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Sarah Hobday-Mitchell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hobday-mitchell-b9bb713/ at the BCI World Conference in London. We delve into her unexpected journey into the world of risk and resilience, beginning with a role at the CDC and leading to her pivotal work with the US Navy. Sarah shares how her early experiences, like navigating family road trips, shaped her career in business continuity. We explore her insights on the importance of continuous learning, networking, and the challenges of transitioning military skills to civilian resilience roles. Sarah also discusses the future of the industry, emphasising the need for integrated approaches across departments. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of crisis management and the evolving landscape of business continuity.

In this episode of Battleground Chats, I sit down with Paul Minter, a seasoned expert in risk and resilience. Paul shares his unique journey from the UK regulator's economics team to consulting roles and his current work at Battleground. He delves into the importance of understanding the connections within risk management systems and how simplifying data processes can enhance decision-making. Paul emphasizes the critical question, "How do you know?" as a tool to drive better insights and practices in risk management. Join us as we explore the complexities of operational risk, the value of emotional intelligence in the field, and how organizations can leverage their data for improved resilience outcomes. Tune in for an insightful conversation that uncovers practical strategies for navigating the ever-evolving risk landscape.

Join me, Craig Goldberg, on Battleground Chats for a special live recording during Disaster Reduction Week. I'm thrilled to welcome Simon Levy from the RMIA as we delve into the critical themes of disaster reduction and resilience. Together, we explore the economic impact of disasters and the urgent need to shift funding toward resilience. Simon shares compelling stories, like Coca-Cola's communication challenges during a natural disaster, highlighting the importance of preparedness. We discuss the significance of testing organizational limits and learning from failures to enhance resilience. The episode also examines the role of external threats, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and the importance of a risk-informed approach. Tune in to discover how we can collectively change the narrative and increase investment in disaster reduction, ensuring a more resilient future for all.