The Risk Factor Podcast

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.

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

In this episode of The Risk Factor, Craig Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-smith-assoc-cipd-726a1580/], COMET [https://www.cometanalysis.com/]’s Head of Operations and L&D, engages in a candid conversation with Jim Grimmer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-grimmer-mcipd-a070aa24/]. Former police officer, oil and gas veteran, and founder of Home - P3 Business Care [https://p3businesscare.com/], 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 up * What actually happens when you call the support number * Why mental health first aiders may not be the solution companies think they are * And how stress, burnout, and fear of speaking up are silently fueling safety risks The 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.

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.