It was an opportunity to rethink how we approach and leverage risk, to inspire change and create value in a world that is changing faster than ever before.
Purple Ocean: a balance between innovation and reality
The Purple Ocean theme combines the limitless creativity of Blue Ocean strategies, in which new opportunities and markets are created, with the pragmatic approach of Red Ocean, in which companies must survive in competitive and established markets. Purple Ocean stands for balance: managing risks while seizing opportunities to create innovative value. It requires courage, cooperation and vision – qualities that were the common thread of this day.
Exploring the horizon
The plenary session opened with a keynote from Hans de Vries, Chief Cybersecurity and Operational Officer of ENISA. He depicted an increasingly complex world, with threats such as ransomware and supply chain attacks, but at the same time offered a hopeful vision: Europe can meet these challenges by working together. Using the NIS2 guideline as a framework, he showed how public-private partnerships can lead to a more secure digital ecosystem.
Deeper Water: The Wirecard Lesson
Later in the day, the compelling story of Pav Gill, the whistleblower who revealed the Wirecard scandal, followed. His account showed the dangers of weak governance and a culture of mistrust. At the same time, he inspired the audience with lessons about ethics, transparency and the courage to address risks. He reminded us that real change often starts with one individual refusing to look away.
The future cannot wait
Another keynote from Ramsés Gallego Iglesias was a powerful call to action. He emphasized that the future will not catch up with us; we must shape the future. With technology such as Zero Trust and AI-driven security, he provided concrete examples of how organizations can convert risks into opportunities. His optimism and energy were infectious: those who dare to innovate and collaborate not only build their own resilience, but that of the entire community.
The four tracks: insight and action
In addition to the keynotes, the event offered four tracks plus a workshop track exploring the key dimensions of risk management:
1. Governance – The importance of strong governance and ethical decision-making was central, with topics such as transparency, leadership and compliance.
2. Risk – Here the focus was on anticipating threats such as cyber attacks and fraud, and on technology as a key to effective risk management.
3. Regulatory – Legislation and regulations such as NIS2 and DORA were discussed as drivers of improved security and resilience.
4. Resilience – The sessions highlighted how organizations can strengthen operational and digital resilience to cope with disruptions.
In addition, an exclusive workshop track offered hands-on sessions on topics such as crisis management and risk-based decision-making.
More than a Risk event
What made this event unique was the combination of inspiration and practical applicability. In-depth discussions arose during the sessions, and new connections blossomed during the breaks and networking moments. The Purple Ocean theme came to life in the energy and collaboration between the participants.
Creating value together
The ISACA Risk Event 2024 has shown that risks not only need to be managed, but can also be used to stimulate innovation and growth. The lessons learned provide a blueprint for how organizations and professionals can create value in a world full of uncertainty. Purple Ocean is not just a strategy, it is a movement – a call to collaborate, innovate and achieve sustainable success.
An invitation to action
Now it’s time to bring the day’s insights to life. Strengthen governance in your organization, apply Zero Trust and AI strategies, and build a culture of responsibility and ethics. And make sure you join us again next year – not just to learn, but to share your own experiences and be part of this movement. The future doesn’t wait, and neither do we. See you next year at the ISACA Risk Event 2025!
