Jahnavi Narayanan

Seasoned Risk leader with 17+ years’ experience across US, India, Singapore. Expert in technology, cyber, operational, third-party risk, and AI governance. Proven track record delivering large-scale transformations, advising C-suite leaders, and building high-performing global teams to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable risk management.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I’m fearless in disrupting conventional risk management by embedding AI and emerging tech into the heart of governance. I lead high-stakes transformations across borders, challenge entrenched mindsets, and push organizations to embrace innovation over inertia. I don’t just manage risk—I reshape it to drive resilience and competitive advantage.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Pioneered the use of emerging technologies and automation in Risk for multiple clients, providing strategic guidance on integrating AI and GenAI use cases while balancing innovation with regulatory and ethical risk.
2. Led and delivered large-scale, cross-border transformation programs across enterprise IT and risk functions, leveraging industry-leading platforms to enhance operational resilience and risk management.
3. Built, scaled, and coached global, cross-functional risk teams across diverse time zones, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence while advising C-suite executives and securing stakeholder trust.

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

The biggest risk I took was leaving my comfort zone to work across global locations—navigating new cultures, stakeholders, and expectations. From securing a competitive New York internship to leading EY’s largest third-party risk consortium, I embraced uncertainty to drive impact, growth, and innovation across borders.

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

Most people don’t know I quietly draw strength from travel, fiction, and music—guided by ‘C’est ma vie’ as I carve a meaningful, authentic path.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

I strongly believe that Resilience is a cornerstone quality for successful leaders in Risk. It enables them to stay composed under pressure, learn from setbacks, and maintain focus on long-term goals. Resilient leaders instill confidence in their teams, continuously adapt to evolving challenges, and lead by example in navigating uncertainty and change effectively.