Moataz Mahmoud, IRMCert: Partner- Strategy and Risk Management, AKM Consultancy, Qatar
Moataz Mahmoud, IRMCert
Partner- Strategy and Risk Management
AKM Consultancy
Qatar
How did you get your job?
My journey with risk management had evolved in three stages, and I believe there is “a way to go” yet. I started with carrying out a discrete task as part of the project controls function, as such schedule risk assessment. Then I moved in a full-time project risk manager role at Al Wakrah Stadium and precinct, the first stadium of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This theme continued until after the commission of Sidra hospital and I become more involved in the governance, board management and strategy either as governance and risk officer at Sidra or at my current role with AKM.
What is a typical day like as a Partner- Strategy and Risk Management?
I would not say I have a typical day or "one of those days", but it is always interesting. Interacting with human beings daily portrays the value that risk management protects and creates is the most rewarding about the day. I usually spend the day between mediation, education, enlightening, a daily task. An average day involves attending some committee meetings, training or risk assessment workshops besides hallway cultural promotion session.
What are the challenges?
There are mainly two challenges facing most risk managers. First, showing the value that risk management adds to the organisation, in monetary figures is the most challenging task among the two. Second, the human factor in the process and the level of interaction with such amount of uncertainty and subjectivity that involved in managing risk. However, as much as the two determinants are challenging, a risk manager can draw and demonstrate wider management skills.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Every treated risk, exploited opportunity or mitigated issue is a source of pleasure. I enjoy the day when the report on strategy and the results of performance improvement initiatives are announced. I consider this as the moment of truth when the ultimate aims of risk management are realised, creating and protecting values.
In what way are your IRM qualifications relevant?
IRM qualifications are top of the list of risk management education programs, as they couple pragmatic experience with an academic context.
Those hypothetical views that integrate with a case study from a broad range of industries embedded within the course materials give a profound knowledge. The syllabus evolves and changes with industrial developments, which I believe an excellent reason why these qualifications are relevant. It’s essential for risk managers throughout their journey to be successful in their role.
What would you say to others thinking about joining IRM as a member?
“IRM is a “MUST” source of knowledge for those who are eager to advance in their risk management career as well as those are keen to establish sound risk management frameworks; board and executives.”
How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions? Has been linked to the IRM helped?
My role has developed significantly form process oriented to strategically oriented. Since I started the International Certificate in ERM, I have shifted the focus on the strategic approach of risk management, which is essential for the development of robust frameworks. The market place is evolving and pressuring toward more executive roles of the risk professional, which I see as the optimum path for a risk professionals.
Top tips:
Back to basics is the most valuable advice that I was given throughout my career and these basics for the risk profession, after of course making the significant decision of being part of the risk management industry, are:
- Be relevant: gain the correct knowledge, be close to the industry experts and reach out for knowledge
- Be simple: practice risk management with a pencil and scrap of paper, and always remember people are at the centre or risk management, not the software.
- Be a game changer: every materialised risk is a great source of innovation and improvement.
