MEMBER PROFILE RUSSELL MCKAY A UAE-based ERM specialist who loves sport and a bit of calculated risk-taking What is it about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning? The incredible variety of work involved within our group enterprise risk management (ERM) department and the non-stop opportunities for learning. Our team has the job of embedding better risk management across a wide footprint in North and West Africa, Asia and the Middle East. So one day we can be discussing the development of key risk indicators (KRIs) with an operation in Nigeria and the next we might be helping to undertake a business impact analysis to develop business continuity plans in Dubai. I really enjoy travelling, and this role gives me the opportunity to visit new countries while spreading the word about the benefits of ERM. I also like to meet new people and build sound relationships and part of the ERM role is to engage, listen and advise. This involves liaising with a variety of colleagues, ranging from heads of department to business unit managers a great variety if, like me, you enjoy communicating with people. What are your passions outside of work? Aside from my family (I have two sons aged 12 and eight), I love to play, watch and coach football. I still play every week in a competitive league. I have also coached a number of kids football teams, including under-10s and under-8s teams. Im a keen runner and cyclist and have completed a number of half marathons. Ive promised myself that one day I will complete a full marathon, but the Dubai event does not have the best route (well thats my excuse!), and I hope to do a triathlon this year too. I also never get tired of travelling and exploring new cities and cultures. Tell us something surprising about yourself I both sky-dived and completed the second-tallest bungee jump in the world while I was travelling in New Zealand. I guess I am a risk-taker, although as a good ERM practitioner probably more of a calculated risk-taker than an impulsive one. In an alternative universe, what would your dream job have been? Definitely a professional athlete or coach. If I could not have made it successfully myself as an athlete or footballer, then I would have loved to have coached someone or a team to success. Who are your inspirational figures? Nelson Mandela having read his book and watched countless movies of his life, it is amazing what he achieved in such a dignified and inspirational manner. He truly changed a country for the better. Whats the one piece of advice youd give to new risk managers? Youre never done; continue and strive to learn and develop every day. The field of risk management will always produce new threats and unknown situations that will need to be managed, so fresh knowledge will always be needed. The knowledge and experience of your peers are helpful and valid tools keep learning from them. Russell McKay is director: enterprise risk management at Etisalat Group, based in UAE