AFERM Q4 2025 Newsletter - President's Article

AFERM Q4 2025 Newsletter
President’s Article

Turning Adversity into Advantage: A Moment for Reflection and Renewal

 As we close out the fourth quarter and this final newsletter of 2025, I invite us all to take a collective breath. The past year has tested our adaptability, resilience, and sense of purpose as an organization. Yet amid the uncertainty, AFERM continues to grow—learning, adjusting, and rising stronger together.

Recently, I watched a football game that offered an unexpected lesson in leadership. One team, riddled with injuries, had to rely on its substitutes to step up and perform at the highest level. During the broadcast, a commentator said something that struck me deeply: “The team shouldn’t waste adversity.”

That phrase stayed with me. To “not waste adversity” means to recognize challenge as a chance to grow. It’s the difference between a team that merely survives and one that transforms. For AFERM, this is our opportunity to pause and ask:

• What is this moment revealing about who we are?
• What are our strengths and where can we improve?
• What opportunities can emerge from this period of change?

Adversity, after all, is inevitable in every organization. The real measure of success lies in how we adapt—how we turn obstacles into catalysts for progress.

One clear example of this is our decision to reschedule the AFERM Summit. While the change was disappointing, it reflects our deep commitment to delivering the best experience possible for our members. Moving the event to March 2026 ensures that we can meet that promise. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and planners whose hard work, flexibility, and dedication have made this possible.

As my term as AFERM President comes to a close, I encourage each of you to seize the many leadership opportunities within our organization—through board service, committee participation, or volunteer engagement. AFERM is more than a professional association; it’s a community where you can sharpen your leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and leave your mark on the future of risk management.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your president. Together, we’ve faced challenges, found our footing, and proven that even in times of uncertainty, there is always opportunity in adversity.

Dr. Karen Hardy