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ERM and Strategy

How Coca-Cola’s ERM Leader is Using AI to Monitor and Manage Emerging Risks

Key Takeaways from John Berry, The Coca-Cola Company

John Berry
Interviewee: John Berry, Sr. Director, Enterprise Risk, The Coca-Cola Company

How can artificial intelligence help risk leaders spot emerging threats sooner?

In this video, John Berry, Sr. Director, Enterprise Risk at The Coca-Cola Company, joins Bruce Branson of the NC State ERM Initiative to explore how AI is reshaping the enterprise risk management (ERM) landscape.

Drawing from hands-on experience, Berry explains how his team is using AI-powered tools to enhance risk detection, trend analysis, and organizational awareness—while maintaining strong governance to avoid blind adoption.

Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or are already piloting tools, this discussion offers practical insights you can apply in your own ERM program.

Video: Using AI to Monitor and Manage Risks

Download Transcript (PDF)

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

AI makes horizon scanning smarter. By ingesting and analyzing vast amounts of unstructured data—from media to academic reports—AI tools help identify weak signals before they escalate into real threats.

Dashboards alone aren’t enough. Visuals like traffic-light indicators must be paired with context and narrative to help decision-makers understand what the data really means.

Governance matters more than ever. Responsible AI adoption requires clear principles around transparency, explainability, and alignment with corporate strategy.

Start with use cases that show value. Piloting AI in risk identification helps build internal credibility and opens doors for enterprise-wide AI strategy.

Pro Tip:
📌 Don’t wait for a perfect AI strategy. Risk leaders can drive innovation by experimenting with AI tools that improve decision-making now.

Related Expert Resource

📖 How Large Language Models Are Reshaping Cybersecurity – And Not Always for the Better
This article by Julie Earp and Shawn Mankad from NC State’s Poole College of Management explores how generative AI tools are creating new cyber vulnerabilities—and what risk leaders can do to stay ahead.

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FAQs:

What are the benefits of using AI in enterprise risk management?
AI helps ERM teams detect emerging risks earlier, analyze external signals more effectively, and provide real-time insights for strategic decision-making.

Is AI replacing human judgment in ERM?
No. AI supports risk professionals by surfacing data and trends, but human expertise remains essential for interpretation, communication, and ethical oversight.

What types of data can AI analyze for risk insights?
AI tools can scan everything from global news and academic research to social media sentiment, customer behavior, and supply chain reports.

How can I start using AI in my ERM program?
Begin with small, value-driven use cases—like monitoring public risk signals—and invest in tools that allow explainable outputs and internal control.