The Risk Factor Podcast

COMET

The Risk Factor is a no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the noise in safety, risk, and leadership. Each episode brings in industry experts to have honest conversations about what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change in high-risk industries. This series goes beyond surface-level discussions to expose the gaps in safety culture, challenge outdated thinking, and explore the real impact of risk management decisions. The Risk Factor is about getting to the root of the matter, not just looking at what went wrong, but why, and what should happen next. The Root of the Matter" The hard-hitting segment With 20 minutes left in each episode, the conversation shifts to "The Root of the Matter", the section where things get direct. This is where we take the biggest issue of the episode and break it down with real talk, tough questions, and clear takeaways. Are safety systems actually reducing risk, or are companies just covering themselves? Are incidents properly investigated, or do organisations just want to move on quickly? What will it take to create real change instead of repeating the same mistakes? "The Root of the Matter" is where the conversation gets sharp, focused, and uncomfortable because that’s what leads to action.

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Ep1: From catching criminals to catching risks

    In this first episode of The Risk Factor, Alan Smith, Head of Investigations at COMET, shares his incredible journey from a 30-year career in law enforcement to the world of industrial investigations. Alan takes us through his time with Grampian Police, where he investigated serious incidents in the North Sea, including the tragic capsize of the Bourbon Dolphin in 2007. Alan’s transition from criminal to industrial investigations required a major shift in mindset, and in this conversation with Energy Voice Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff, he discusses the challenges and cultural shocks he encountered when moving to the private sector. From tackling the "whodunit" of criminal investigations to understanding the "why" behind industrial accidents, Alan offers valuable insights into how the approach to investigations changes across sectors. Alan also reflects on how lessons learned in the field, like the importance of identifying systemic failures rather than individual blame, have shaped his work at COMET. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on what makes investigations in the high-risk industry sector so vital and why understanding root causes is key to preventing future incidents. Listen to the full episode now to hear Alan’s expert insights into preventing industrial accidents, human error, and more.

    51 min
  2. EP2: Mental health or corporate PR? Are workplaces actually helping employees?

    EPISODE 2

    EP2: Mental health or corporate PR? Are workplaces actually helping employees?

    In this episode of The Risk Factor, Craig Smith, COMET’s Head of Operations and L&D, engages in a candid conversation with Jim Grimmer. Former police officer, oil and gas veteran, and founder of Home - P3 Business Care, to explore whether mental health programmes are genuinely helping employees, or just serving as a corporate PR exercise. They get into the uncomfortable stuff: Why many people would rather stay silent than risk opening upWhat actually happens when you call the support numberWhy mental health first aiders may not be the solution companies think they areAnd how stress, burnout, and fear of speaking up are silently fueling safety risksThe discussion also bravely addresses the critical issue of suicide, highlighting the importance of recognising early warning signs and creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak out. If you think your organisation’s mental health initiatives are “doing enough,” this episode might change your mind.

    1h 2m
  3. EP:3 One technology, two truths: The AI conversation we need to have

    EPISODE 3

    EP:3 One technology, two truths: The AI conversation we need to have

    “If AI influences the decision, who owns the outcome?” AI is accelerating how organisations build, test and deploy new ideas, compressing timelines that once stretched for years into a matter of weeks. That speed creates genuine opportunity. It also introduces new forms of exposure, particularly for businesses operating in high-risk, safety-critical or heavily regulated environments. In this episode of The Risk Factor, Arrash Nekonam, CTO at COMET, is joined by Jaye Deighton, Global Head of ICT & Innovation at Peterson Control Union, and tech entrepreneur Steve Shearman to examine the tension at the heart of AI adoption. One technology. Two truths. AI can unlock efficiency and competitive advantage. It can also blur accountability, outpace governance and create overconfidence in systems that are still probabilistic by nature. Together, they explore: • The pressure to “do something” with AI • Build vs buy vs wait • Why data quality determines outcomes • The danger of treating AI as infallible • Where responsibility sits when systems influence decisions This is a grounded, board-level discussion about judgement, discipline and ownership in high-stakes environments. If you are shaping AI strategy or deploying intelligent systems in operational settings, this episode will challenge how you think about speed, risk and control.

    58 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

The Risk Factor is a no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the noise in safety, risk, and leadership. Each episode brings in industry experts to have honest conversations about what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change in high-risk industries. This series goes beyond surface-level discussions to expose the gaps in safety culture, challenge outdated thinking, and explore the real impact of risk management decisions. The Risk Factor is about getting to the root of the matter, not just looking at what went wrong, but why, and what should happen next. The Root of the Matter" The hard-hitting segment With 20 minutes left in each episode, the conversation shifts to "The Root of the Matter", the section where things get direct. This is where we take the biggest issue of the episode and break it down with real talk, tough questions, and clear takeaways. Are safety systems actually reducing risk, or are companies just covering themselves? Are incidents properly investigated, or do organisations just want to move on quickly? What will it take to create real change instead of repeating the same mistakes? "The Root of the Matter" is where the conversation gets sharp, focused, and uncomfortable because that’s what leads to action.

Information

  • Creator
    COMET
  • Episodes
    3
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © STC Insiso Trading as COMET
  • Show Website
    The Risk Factor Podcast