Chelsea Capizzi-Walsh

I bring 15+ years in cyber, technical, and physical crisis management, leading high‑impact response programs and executive communications. As Executive Manager of Crisis Management at Commonwealth Bank, I guide cross‑functional teams and senior leaders on resilience, ensuring preparedness for cyber and operational risks through strategic planning, sharp analysis, and robust incident frameworks.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I thrive in high‑pressure environments where clarity, calm, and decisive action matter most. I lead complex cyber and operational crises with strategic foresight, empathy, and precision, ensuring organisations protect their people, customers, and reputation. I challenge complacency, elevate resilience, and bring a human‑centred approach to the most technical, high‑stakes moments.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Leading enterprise‑wide crisis and cyber response programs for major financial institutions
2. Designing nationally recognised exercises that strengthen executive decision‑making under pressure
3. Building high‑trust, cross‑functional teams that elevate resilience, customer protection, and organisational preparedness

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Stepping out of a secure government career to lead crisis management in the private sector. It meant redefining my expertise in a new environment, taking on broader accountability, and proving myself quickly. That leap accelerated my growth, expanded my impact, and strengthened my ability to lead through uncertainty.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I have delivered 70+ ft yachts back from Hobart to Sydney twice so far.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

The ability to stay calm, curious, and connected — balancing analytical rigour with empathy so teams feel supported, informed, and empowered to act decisively in uncertainty.