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Podcast

Risk in Context Podcast: Building Resilience in Times of Crisis

In this episode of Marsh’s Risk in Context podcast, Pat Donnelly, President of Marsh US and Canada, and Michelle Sartain, Head of Marsh Specialty for the US and Canada, discuss the implications of the Ukraine crisis on businesses, some of the persisting challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how organizations can better prepare for and respond to current and emerging risks.
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The unprovoked conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to a major humanitarian crisis, and created one of the most significant geopolitical crises of our time — with substantial risk and insurance implications.

In this episode of Marsh’s Risk in Context podcast, Pat Donnelly, president of Marsh US and Canada, and Michelle Sartain, head of Marsh Specialty for the US and Canada, discuss the implications of the Ukraine crisis on businesses, some of the persisting challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how organizations can better prepare for and respond to current and emerging risks.

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Key takeaways

Focus on resilience.

Organizations should apply learnings from past events to build resilience, and treat their journey towards resilience as a continual process.

Analyze different scenarios.

With an eye on both the short term and the long term, companies should use scenario analysis to prepare for emerging and interdependent risks. Scenario modeling can help organizations understand the impacts that could materialize over time, allowing you to be more proactive in your approach to dealing with risks.

Lead with empathy.

In times of crisis, businesses should communicate with their people and provide a clear understanding of the organization’s position and what it is doing to support those impacted.

About our speakers

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Pat Donnelly

President, Marsh Specialty and Global Placement

Pat Donnelly is the President, Marsh Specialty and Global Placement and is responsible for the oversight of Marsh Specialty’s global business, which includes the specialties of Aviation & Space, Construction, Credit Specialties, Energy & Power, Financial and Professional Lines (FINPRO), Marine, Cargo & Logistics, and Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions (PEMA). He also manages Marsh’s Global Placement capabilities, with oversight of all retail and international placement hubs, portfolio solutions and insurer consulting, climate and sustainability, captive solutions, and claims.

Pat joined Marsh via the acquisition of JLT in 2019, and previously served as President, US & Canada and led Marsh’s insurance brokerage and risk advisory businesses throughout North America. He is a member of Marsh’s Global Executive Committee.

Prior to Marsh, Pat served as the Chief Executive Officer of JLT Specialty US, where he led the buildout of the US retail business. Having served in a variety of management and executive positions throughout the industry, as well as in the technology architecture and consulting fields, Pat brings deep expertise and in-depth experience to his role. Pat is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he was Academic All Big 10 and a George T. Huff Scholar-Athlete award recipient.

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Michelle A. Sartain

President, Marsh US and Canada

  • United States

As President of Marsh US and Canada, Michelle is responsible for setting the direction and vision for Marsh within the region. She is a member of the Marsh Global Executive Committee and oversees Marsh’s US and Canada insurance brokerage and risk advisory businesses.