Facing the future: how to build organisations that can withstand anything

It’s a wild world out there. Climate disasters, cyber threats, political instability, economic turbulence, and health crises—they’re not just on the horizon; they’re here. The AXA Future Risks Report 2024 isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s a must-read if you’re serious about strategy, innovation, organisational development, or even just keeping the wheels on. The report is a wake-up call: to thrive in the future, we’ve got to prepare for it, now.

What does this mean for those working in change? What can we actually do to turn these risks into opportunities, so we’re not just reacting to crisis after crisis but shaping a future we can influence?

Risk #1: Climate Change - More Than Just a Weather Report

Climate change isn’t just about melting ice caps; it’s about everything we rely on day-to-day: stable economies, functioning infrastructure, safe communities. The AXA report ranks climate risk as our biggest threat, so why aren’t we treating it like one?

How you can make this real:

1. Do an honest audit: What’s your current impact on the planet? Go deep—energy usage, waste, even how you move people and goods.
2. Start building climate resilience: From physical assets to digital systems, make sure you’re set up to keep going in all conditions. Because when the storm hits, your community will count on you to hold steady.

Who’s getting it right? The Environment Agency in England has a climate resilience toolkit that’s been a game-changer. It’s designed to help organisations understand what they’re up against and actually do something about it. Get inspired and get practical.

Risk #2: Cybersecurity - Protect What You’ve Built

Think cyber threats only matter to IT departments? Think again. Data breaches are everyone’s problem, especially when they lead to loss of trust. The AXA report nails it—cybersecurity isn’t optional anymore; it’s foundational.

How you can protect yourself:

1. Train everyone, not just IT: Cybersecurity is a cultural shift, not a checkbox. Teach everyone the basics and reinforce it regularly.
2. Review and repeat: Security protocols get old fast. Regular audits and updates keep things fresh and effective.

Who’s leading the way? The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the US is sharing free tools and training to help everyone, not just big players, stay safe. Get on board with these resources and level up your defences.

Risk #3: Geopolitical Instability - When Borders Get Blurry

Global politics might feel a world away, but they affect everything: supply chains, energy costs, workforce mobility. The AXA report flags this as a key risk, and we’re feeling it already.

What you can do:

1. Build out “what if” scenarios: Think best case, worst case, and somewhere in between. What happens if supply chains shift or regulations change? Get the answers now.
2. Go cross-functional: Don’t let strategy or risk planning sit in one department. Bring in voices from across the organisation for real insights.

Taking notes from the best: Shell has been using scenario planning for decades. They get that the future is unpredictable, so they’re prepared for multiple versions of it. If they can do it for energy, you can do it for your industry too.

Risk #4: Economic Volatility - Be Ready for the Rollercoaster

Inflation spikes, supply chain shocks, financial instability—all familiar territory now. But we need to stop seeing these as random disruptions and start building structures that can ride out economic waves.

How you can apply this:

1. Look at your financial resilience: Can you keep going if revenue drops by 20%? How about if supply costs rise? Build flexibility into your budget so you’re ready for surprises.
2. Focus on sustainable growth: The days of fast and risky might be behind us. Growth that’s steady and resource-efficient will serve you better in the long run.

Learning from: The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is big on sustainable economics. Their research shows that community-focused, stable growth creates long-term resilience. There’s a lesson here for anyone looking to build lasting impact over quick wins.

Risk #5: Health Threats - Beyond Pandemics

We’ve just been through a global health crisis, and if there’s one takeaway, it’s that we can’t be complacent. Health threats go beyond pandemics—they include mental health, long-term wellbeing, and adapting workplaces to changing needs.

How to keep your people healthy and resilient:

1. Invest in holistic wellbeing: Physical, mental, financial—wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Offer resources that cover a range of needs.
2. Be flexible: Remote work, flex hours, mental health days. Adapt to what people actually need, and they’ll stay with you through thick and thin.

Check out: Mind (the mental health charity in the UK) has tons of free resources for building supportive workplaces. They get that a healthy workforce is a productive one, and they’re leading the charge.

Call to action: Start building resilience now

The AXA Future Risks Report is packed with data, but the takeaway is simple: risks are real, and they’re here. But with the right mindset, we can use this information to build organisations that are resilient, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.

Your next steps:

1. Start with a risk audit: Know where you’re vulnerable.
2. Make resilience a habit: Embed these strategies into everyday work.
3. Keep adapting: These risks aren’t static. Neither should you be.