Over the last year, risk professionals have been put to the test. They've tackled seemingly insurmountable business continuity concerns, resiliency challenges, sudden shifts in strategies, a global health pandemic, turbulent social issues and record-breaking natural disasters, all while continuing to move forward with their existing risk management duties.

"Recent conditions have only heightened business leaders' recognition and appreciation for strong risk management," said RIMS 2021 President Ellen Dunkin, who is also the senior vice president, chief risk officer and general counsel for Amalgamated Life Insurance Company in White Plains, New York. "Risk professionals must seize this opportunity, effectively communicate their value and continue to prove just how indispensable they are."

As risk evolves, so does the profession that manages them. Dunkin suggests five steps in the slideshow above for risk professionals to become even more indispensable to their organizations, to elevate the profession and advance in their careers.