From Risk Management to Strategic Driver
Building Influence in GRC by Aligning with Business Goals and Staying Informed
In today’s dynamic digital landscape, the role of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professionals is no longer confined to managing checklists, conducting risk assessments, or ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Organizations that leverage GRC functions strategically are increasingly recognizing a valuable asset: influence.
But how do GRC professionals build that influence? How do they earn a seat at the decision-making table instead of just being called in when risks arise?
The answer lies in two critical behaviors: aligning GRC with business goals and staying informed. Together, these strategies transform GRC from a reactive discipline into a proactive business enabler.
Align with Business Goals: Make GRC a Growth Enabler
GRC is Not a Standalone Function
Too often, GRC is perceived as an isolated or support function — a necessary cost center focused on preventing problems rather than creating value.
To break this mold, GRC leaders must demonstrate how governance, risk, and compliance activities support and even accelerate business success.
Understand the Business Strategy
Start by understanding the strategic priorities of your organization. Whether it’s entering a new market, developing digital products, reducing operational costs, or improving customer experience, GRC initiatives should be mapped directly to these goals.
Example:
If the business is expanding into new international markets, GRC can support this by assessing geopolitical risks, managing regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, and implementing scalable compliance controls that support rapid growth.
Translate Risk into Business Language
Executives make decisions based on growth, profit, and sustainability. When GRC professionals frame risks in technical terms or compliance jargon, they lose the audience. Instead, translate GRC insights into business impact.
Example:
Instead of saying, “We need to address control deficiencies in our identity access management process,” say, “We risk exposing sensitive customer data if access isn’t governed properly, which could delay our new product launch and damage our brand.”
Proactive GRC Drives Value
When GRC is embedded early in strategic planning, it prevents costly missteps and enhances agility. It enables the business to move faster — not slower — because risks are identified and mitigated proactively.
Stay Informed: Be the Source of Truth and Foresight
GRC Professionals Must Be Knowledge Leaders
Influential GRC professionals do more than enforce rules. They guide the organization through complex risk and regulatory environments, providing timely insights and actionable advice.
This requires a commitment to continuous learning — not just about laws and regulations, but also about industry trends, geopolitical shifts, new technologies, and evolving threats.
Monitor Trends and Emerging Risks
Regularly scan your environment. This includes:
New or changing regulations (e.g., DORA, NIS2, CPRA)
Cybersecurity threats and threat actor trends
Advancements in technologies like AI, cloud, and blockchain
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) developments
Publicized regulatory actions or fines in your industry
Tip: Establish a structured process for gathering and sharing emerging risk intelligence within your organization. This could be a monthly risk trends briefing or a real-time alert system for critical changes.
Lead Conversations, Don’t Just React
When you’re informed, you’re not just responding to risk — you're forecasting it. This gives you the credibility to advise business units before they make major moves and positions GRC as a trusted strategic advisor.
Example:
Knowing that AI governance is a rising regulatory focus, GRC can initiate conversations around ethical AI use, data governance, and model transparency before these concerns become compliance obligations.
Final Thoughts: Building Influence Through Relevance and Readiness
To build lasting influence in GRC:
Speak the language of the business
Anchor every GRC activity to strategic goals
Stay on the pulse of change and drive the narrative
By aligning with what the business values and staying informed about what’s coming, GRC professionals can transition from back-office guardians to forward-thinking enablers of innovation and growth.
At GRC PROS, we provide thought-provoking content on cutting-edge industry practices, robust frameworks, and real-world business cases to enhance your GRC knowledge.
Whether you're a seasoned GRC strategist or just starting out, our blog offers valuable insights and practical tools to broaden your perspective.
What You Can Expect:
Deep dives into Cybersecurity
GRC management approaches and concepts
Real-world examples of GRC management practices
Regulatory and information security standards
Stay updated with our regular posts covering everything from the fundamentals of GRC frameworks to in-depth explorations of specific compliance regulations across various industries.
Join Us and Stay Connected!