Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and editor who specializes in risk management and insurance.

Articles By Author

How Do Risk Managers Level Up?

October 3, 2022

Amid complex business challenges, risk professionals have new opportunities to advance their skills, become strategic partners, and boost their compensation.

ERM in the Spotlight

November 2, 2020

As COVID-19 continues to alter the risk landscape, organizations are assessing whether to adopt formal enterprise risk management approaches to address complex challenges during the pandemic and beyond.

Back to School

September 1, 2020

As the new school year begins, risk professionals in the education sector must rethink the entire academic experience to keep students, faculty and staff safe.

Hard Times, Hard Market

May 1, 2020

Rising insurance rates were already creating challenges for risk professionals—and then the pandemic hit. What will COVID-19 mean for insurance buyers?

Activists Against Insurers

February 3, 2020

Activists are targeting insurers in an effort to effect change on hot-button social issues. How can risk managers help their companies respond?

Making the Grade: Managing Evolving Risks in Higher Education

September 3, 2019

An enterprise risk approach may better manage the unique risks colleges face, as highlighted by recent scandals.

Tailoring Bespoke Best Practices

March 1, 2019

Companies cannot just adopt one-size-fits-all approaches to risk management strategies and processes.

Rethinking School Shooter Response and Prevention

September 4, 2018

Schools need to employ new strategies to avoid the risk of future tragedies.

The Business Impact of Trump Tariffs

June 1, 2018

Risk managers must assess the potential supply chain impact of new U.S. trade policies, including import tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

February 1, 2018

Amid a national reckoning over sexual misconduct, how should companies and risk managers respond?

Equal Work, Unequal Pay: Risks of the Gender Wage Gap

November 1, 2016

A sizable gender wage gap persists in every industry, and increasing litigation, regulation and reputation risks make unequal pay a bad deal for everyone.

Tracking the Zika Pandemic

May 2, 2016

As the Zika virus outbreak spreads around the world, businesses must assess the risks and develop plans to keep their employees safe.

Welcome to America: Why Immigration Matters for Business

April 1, 2016

As nationwide debate heats up over immigration, businesses are forced to operate in an increasingly uncertain regulatory environment.

Risky Rhetoric: When Personal Opinions Damage Corporate Brands

June 2, 2015

When employees express opinions in public forums, their personal biases can threaten the entire company's reputation.

The Hidden Risks of Outsourcing

May 1, 2015

As the standards of doing business change along the supply chain, will outsourcing end up costing companies more in the long run?

Marijuana: The Implications of Legalization

April 1, 2014

As more states and municipalities consider legalizing marijuana, insurance coverages and workplace policies have to evolve.

A City Stalled

December 1, 2013

After decades of decline, Detroit is trying to reorganize under the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.

Woman at Work: Why Women Should Lead Risk Management

May 1, 2013

Female traits create great risk managers. This is good news for gender equality — and even better news for business.

Is Risk Management Obsolete?

April 12, 2013

The last to be consulted and the first to be blamed, risk management has struggled to show its relevance.

Insurance-Linked Securities: Bridging the Gap Between Insurance and Finance

February 4, 2013

What’s old is new again as the insurance-linked securities market hit a new stride in the wake of the financial crisis.

Full of Holes

December 3, 2012

With the euro zone in turmoil, will those engaged in this grand experiment pull together or will a Greek exit splinter the union? And what does it all mean for companies in the United States?

The Stranger Side of Risk

November 9, 2012

For some, the risks of transporting guns, evading cannibals and masking pimples are just business as usual.

Brain Drain: Replacing the Exodus of Retiring Risk Managers

August 30, 2012

Risk management street smarts are on the verge of disappearing thanks to a mass exodus of veteran talent.

Risk Management Makeover

April 3, 2012

Before complaining that their superiors don’t listen to them, maybe risk managers should look in their mirror. It might be time for a new image.

The Supply Chain Balancing Act

April 1, 2012

What do you really know about the risks in your global supply chain? It is likely much more precarious than you think.

Immovable Objects

October 1, 2011

Complacent boards of directors often retain CEOs past the expiration date of their effectiveness. But they shouldn’t fear change.

The Future of Ratings

August 1, 2011

How rating agencies gained so much power, helped tank the economy and figure into the future of risk assessment.

The Cloud and Your Data

November 1, 2010

More and more companies are turning to cloud computing for data storage. The benefits are many. But so are the risks.

A Broader View of Risk

October 1, 2010

If risk management wants to predict the next major risk, the first step must be a step back. Only then can you see the big picture.