In the world of governance, risk, and compliance, things are changing fast. With new technologies emerging and work dynamics constantly shifting, there's a wealth of opportunities to innovate and grow. Amidst all this, personal and professional growth can sometimes take a back seat. But finding time to connect with like-minded professionals and engage in peer-to-peer learning can make all the difference — introducing Café GRC! 

This quarterly breakfast event promises a fun and intimate setting for governance professionals to connect, learn, and grow. We sat down with Tracey Brady, Head of Global Corporate Services at Diligent, to learn more about this exciting new initiative. Here’s what Tracey had to say about Café GRC and our vision for the future.

Find out more about Café GRC and register your interest in upcoming events 

What inspired the creation of Café GRC by Diligent?

Tracey shared that the inspiration behind Café GRC stemmed from the need for more in-person connections in the governance community. "Other people inspire me, when you create community and develop personal connections, it takes everything up to the next level," she explained. 

Emphasising the power of community in elevating professional achievements, Tracey noted:

"What you can achieve on your own is great, but when you're part of a group of like-minded people working towards the same goals, your achievements are elevated to a whole new level."

How do you see the current governance landscape in 2025, and what are the key trends professionals should be aware of?

Tracey highlighted the significant role of technology in the GRC field, emphasising that embracing technological advancements is crucial for staying competitive and effective.

"Technology is now absolutely key and central for our profession. Whether you're talking about automation, AI or how you manage your data, you need to be part of the conversation." 

In addition to technology, Tracey noted the evolving nature of work. "We work in such different ways now. The shift to remote and hybrid working has resulted in finding different ways of collaborating which has benefits for many people but does mean we need to make extra efforts to connect in person.”

What can attendees expect from a typical Café GRC event?

Attendees of Café GRC can look forward to a variety of engaging activities designed to foster community and learning. Each session will feature a speaker from a different background with an alternative outlook to challenge our thinking. We’ll also encourage you to take the stage! More on that to come...

The events are designed to be interactive, with opportunities for networking, discussions, and fun activities. "We want to create a space where people feel comfortable to share ideas and learn from each other," Tracey added. The intimate setting, limited to 30 participants per session, ensures meaningful connections and conversations.

"It's about learning from your peers, sharing ideas, and going away with some new thinking and new ideas."

What are the main benefits for governance professionals attending Café GRC?

Attending Café GRC offers a range of valuable benefits. Tracey emphasised that participants will gain access to the latest insights on governance and technology, helping them stay ahead in their field:

"You'll get the chance to hear from experts who live and breathe GRC, giving you the tools to stay ahead of the curve." 

But it's not just about the information. Café GRC provides a unique opportunity to build a strong professional network. "There’s nothing more powerful than coming to a group with a problem or an idea and solving that problem or testing that idea with others who understand you," Tracey said. The events are designed to foster meaningful discussions and connections, allowing attendees to engage with peers and share ideas in a supportive environment.

The combination of learning, networking, and personal growth makes Café GRC a must-attend event for governance professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a relaxed setting.

Where and when will Café GRC events be held, and how can you sign up?

Café GRC events will be held quarterly in various cities across the UK and beyond. "We will be holding Café s on a quarterly basis with the first one kicking off in London," Tracey shared. The events are designed to be interactive, with a limited capacity to ensure a quality experience for all attendees. "We want to ensure that each attendee gets the most out of the event, so we are keeping the capacity to 30 people per session. This way, we can provide a more engaging experience," she noted.

To sign up for Café GRC, professionals can visit the event’s 

 and register their interest. Tracey advised registering early due to the limited number of spots available per session.

Step into the future of governance with Café GRC

Café GRC by Diligent is set to become a cornerstone event for governance professionals looking to stay ahead in their field. With expert speakers, engaging activities, and ample networking opportunities, these events promise to be both informative and enjoyable. 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new initiative – 

 and stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events.

Introducing Café GRC by Diligent: Connecting governance professionals to learn and grow

The Diligent Cyber Risk Virtual Summit brought together global thought leaders in cybersecurity, risk management and governance. The discussions highlighted critical areas requiring immediate attention, including gaps in real-time visibility, limited board-level understanding of cyber risk, emerging threats like AI-driven attacks and the complexities of regulatory compliance.

During the event we gathered insights from leaders and cyber risk professionals across the globe to explore the future of cybersecurity and how to effectively communicate cyber risk to the board. With over 3,300 responses to our poll questions during the event, here’s what we uncovered:

Key insights from the Diligent Cyber Risk Virtual Summit

Visibility gaps in real-time cyber exposure

One of the prominent issues highlighted was the lack of real-time visibility into an organization’s cyber risk exposure. Many organizations rely on periodic risk assessments, leaving them unprepared to respond to fast-evolving threats. This lack of visibility often results in blind spots, increasing the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.

Experts at the summit stressed the importance of adopting advanced monitoring tools and platforms that provide continuous insights into an organization's risk profile. By integrating real-time data feeds and leveraging threat intelligence, organizations can proactively identify vulnerabilities and prioritize mitigation efforts.

Limited board understanding of cyber risk posture

Another key challenge identified was the disconnect between boards of directors and cybersecurity teams. Many board members lack a deep understanding of their organization’s cyber risk posture, which hinders their ability to provide effective oversight.

To bridge this gap, panelists recommended fostering stronger collaboration between cybersecurity teams and the board. Regularly scheduled briefings, simplified reporting dashboards, and ongoing education initiatives can help board members better grasp the significance of cyber risks and make more informed decisions. Cybersecurity must be viewed not only as a technical concern but as a critical component of overall business strategy.

The summit shed light on the rising threat of AI-powered cyberattacks. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, malicious actors are increasingly using AI tools to enhance the sophistication and scale of their attacks. For instance, AI can be used to automate phishing campaigns, bypass traditional security measures, and exploit vulnerabilities at an unprecedented pace.

Organizations must stay ahead of this evolving threat by incorporating AI into their own cybersecurity defenses. Deploying AI-based threat detection systems, enhancing predictive analytics, and investing in workforce training on AI-related risks are crucial steps in preparing for this new wave of attacks.

The complexity of regulatory landscapes poses another significant challenge for organizations. With differing cybersecurity regulations across industries and regions, staying compliant is a demanding task that often diverts resources from core security functions.

Speakers emphasized the need for streamlined compliance processes and greater alignment between regulatory requirements and organizational goals. Utilizing governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platforms can help organizations manage overlapping regulations more effectively while ensuring that compliance efforts contribute to broader risk mitigation strategies.

Download the PDF version of our infographic, 

Recommendations for enhanced cyber risk management

Based on our poll's findings, here are some actionable tips for a better cyber risk management strategy:

Strengthen communication across stakeholders:

 Foster open dialogue between technical teams, executives, and the board to ensure a unified approach to cybersecurity.

 Leverage tools such as real-time risk monitoring platforms, AI-driven threat detection systems, and automated compliance management solutions.

Provide ongoing training for board members, employees, and technical teams to build a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

 Shift from reactive strategies to proactive risk management by using predictive analytics and scenario-based planning.

 Treat cybersecurity as a strategic priority that directly supports business continuity and resilience.

Collaborate for better cyber risk management and governance

The Diligent Cyber Risk Virtual Summit underscored the urgent need for organizations to enhance their cyber risk management and governance practices. From addressing visibility gaps and fostering board-level understanding to preparing for emerging threats and simplifying compliance, the event provided actionable insights to strengthen organizational resilience.

This practical guide provides a clear, actionable plan for CISOs, general counsels and board members to work together more effectively, enhance cyber risk management, and incorporate security into strategic decisions.

Diligent

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Introducing Café GRC by Diligent: Connecting governance professionals to learn and grow

Outsmarting cyber risk: An exclusive look at the future of cybersecurity

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Introducing Café GRC by Diligent: Connecting governance professionals to learn and grow

Outsmarting cyber risk: An exclusive look at the future of cybersecurity

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Your Data Matters

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Resources

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