In this episode of Risk Is Our Business, Captain Michael Rasmussen is joined by Geoff Trickey, founder of Psychological Consultancy and creator of the Risk Type Compass™, alongside Elliot Phillips, Principal Risk Psychologist, for a conversation that shifts the focus of risk management from systems to psychology.

They begin by unpacking psychometrics—what it is, how it works, and why measuring personality traits can provide powerful insight into how individuals and teams perceive and respond to uncertainty. From there, they explore the concept of risk psychology and how risk-taking is not simply situational or financial, but deeply rooted in personality.

Geoff explains the origins of the Risk Type Compass™ and walks through its eight distinct risk types and how individuals are categorized, what differentiates them, and how those differences shape decision-making and risk culture within organizations. The discussion highlights an often-overlooked dimension of diversity—diversity of risk disposition. When leaders understand the varied ways people approach uncertainty, they can build more balanced teams, improve governance conversations, and avoid collective blind spots.

The episode also examines how organizations use this approach in practice, not as a personality exercise, but as a measurable way to strengthen risk management, enhance communication, and align decision-making with strategic objectives.

If every enterprise is a starship navigating uncertainty, this conversation reminds us that understanding the temperament of the crew may be just as important as the strength of the shields.