Who will lose their job when the worst case loss happens? - was the theme of Paul May's talk at the Annual Conference in Helsinki of the Project Professional Association
21st October 2026
Who will lose their job when the worst case loss happens? was the theme of my talk at the Annual Conference in Helsinki of the Project Professional Association Etusivu - English - PRY
Drawing on my experience of over 50 years of Risk Assessments, Claims and Disputes in over 90 countries my key messages included:
- No room for “hope” or “wishful thinking” in contingency and scenario planning.
- Beware of “group think” and challenge accepted viewpoints and assumptions.
- Company laws often oblige directors to maximise returns on opportunities. (such as a “worst case loss” of a competitor, supplier or customer).
- Establish extent of cashflow support from banks, insurers (and their reinsurers) at inception not after a loss.
- Don’t overlook internal politics and ambitions of colleagues.
- Why is the Chief Risk Officer role not a main board position?
- Be alert to sabotage from “anti A I” employees.
Feedback included:
“one of the best speeches ever given at the event - truly a piece of art and new point of view”
"Interesting ideas and brilliant British delivery of the presentation."
"For all its cynicism and harshness, the performance was good and eye-opening. 'You can't fully trust anyone!'
"Interesting presentation and perspective on whom one can and should trust ;)"
"Wow, quite a stark picture of how people behave when something bad happens."
