Taking & Managing Risk - Mahony Partners

Dec

2012

Netflix: When Not to be a Pioneer

Being a pioneer is tough and risky. It takes courage, skill and more than a little luck. And for every Lewis and Clark there are dozens who meet less glorious ends. That’s the lesson for Netflix, whose attempt to be a pioneer in the use of social media has run afoul of the Securities and Exchange Commission. (more…) Read More

Dec

2012

Three Lessons in Risk from Amgen’s CEO

Taking & Managing Risk

At a time when most executives are ready to work on their golf game, Kevin Sharer, who recently stepped down as CEO of Amgen, is taking up a new challenge as a professor at the Harvard Business School. His move offers several lessons in risk-taking. (more…) Read More

Dec

2012

Waiting for the Elephant Fight

Elections, Taking & Managing Risk

Following its sweeping defeat in the presidential election, the Republican Party is beginning a period of reflection and rebuilding. So far, this has played out on editorial pages and airwaves in predictable ways, as one Republican pundit squares off against another. But their familiar screeching and table-banging indicate things are not yet changing for the GOP. For that to happen, the fighting needs to get much uglier. (more…) Read More

Nov

2012

Update: The Investment Banking Reformation

Financial Services, Taking & Managing Risk

The investment-banking reformation is picking up steam, with converts joining its ranks by the day. And like the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, it promises to be tumultuous and far-reaching, while leaving the promise of heaven just as uncertain. (more…) Read More

Nov

2012

California Smokes It: A Carbon Success Story

Climate Change, Taking & Managing Risk

Although largely overlooked by the media, California recently launched its ambitious carbon-trading program, holding a successful auction of carbon permits that raised nearly $300 million. Of course, had the auction failed it likely would have made the front pages, but its little-noticed triumph shouldn’t obscure its significance as a major step forward for the carbon market. It is a success story with lessons for both policy-making and risk communication. (more…) Read More

Nov

2012

What’s the Next Act for Investment Banks?

Climate Change, Financial Services, Taking & Managing Risk

Three recent deals involving investment banks suggest a reshaping of the industry is underway, but beyond the perfunctory coverage of their press releases the deals haven’t drawn much attention. But each says something significant about where the industry has been – and where it might be headed. (more…) Read More

Oct

2012

Carbon, the Next Emerging Market

Climate Change, Financial Services, Taking & Managing Risk

It’s easy to dismiss the carbon market as a passing fad or an artifact of a more optimistic, pre-recession world. Yet carbon trading continues to grow, following a trail blazed by another asset class that once seemed obscure and risky but is now a cornerstone of the investing world: emerging market bonds. (more…) Read More

Oct

2012

Joe Girardi’s Lessons for CEOs

Taking & Managing Risk

If ever there was a guy who might want to disappear after a disaster, it’s Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees. His team lost the American League Championship in a humiliating four-game sweep – the team’s first in thirty-six years. But instead of hiding away until spring training, Girardi went public. It's a lesson in risk communication many CEOs could learn. (more…) Read More

Oct

2012

The Six Myths About the Carbon Market

Climate Change, Taking & Managing Risk

I participated in a conference this week on the outlook for the carbon market. Yes, there really is a carbon market, and it has made big strides this year, though you wouldn’t have known it from the press. Most of the media – and our elected officials – ignore the issue. They’re blinded by outdated views and misconceptions – what we call the Six Myths of the Carbon Market. (more…) Read More

Sep

2012

David Carr is Shocked, Shocked to Find Quote Approvals

Media, Taking & Managing Risk

A piece by New York Times media columnist David Carr has started a lively discussion on the practice of allowing quotes to be approved before they’re published. (more…) Read More