Chaos to Clarity: The Tao of Risk Management

As a woman, government consultant, and risk practitioner, I was very pleased with what I just received in the mail this last week. The color quality of the writing and graphics is phenomenal and (quite frankly) fun to look at. But even more so, the book gives me an edge on my project to better deliver for my government clients. It does just what it says - it breaks down this mysterious subject of Risk Management (especially IT Risk Management) into simple manageable bites and helps me better respond to my client's questions. I'm simply more confident now in that arena!

Chaos to Clarity does just as the name suggests – it demystifies Risk Management by providing a simple, flexible, and disciplined approach. Joseph Mayo continues to distinguish himself as the expert in this field by sharing his knowledge and experience in very easy to read and straightforward manner. The case studies provided throughout help build upon the knowledge and support each concept presented. My copy has several post-its and dog eared pages that I will reference from time to time. I really enjoyed this book and am pleased to recommend it to others.

Because I'm not involved in the field of which this book is geared (IT), I wasn't really sure if there would be anything in this book that would be useful for me but I was aware that risk management is something that spreads far beyond the IT world. By the time I'd completed the last page, I was very happy I'd decided to pick it up. The concepts and reading were simple and easy to understand which was great given that the book was geared toward teaching that the least complicated path is often the most effective. Many of the concepts that seemed complex at first glance were broken down into easy to understand processes that anyone from business owners to housewives could benefit from. The author did spend time discussing things within the IT world since his knowledge and experience come from that field but he also included not only other business examples, but also real world examples that people use everyday, like explaining and breaking down how one would use risk management to take a trip for example.We often have a tendency to complicate things, which in turn makes us feel like we're accomplishing tasks simply because we're busy. This book will help you break that habit and instead of simply being busy, you'll be moving toward improving your business and/or yourself.

Joseph manages to distill an exceedingly complex discipline down to its essences. The book is an easy read, using only as much jargon as is necessary to convey the ideas and concepts that would be required to implement effective risk management. Of course, this embraces the paradoxical Tao of risk management where simplicity co-mingles with concepts so complex as to defy explanation when constrained by human language. Fortunately, Joseph skillfully uses hypothetical and real-world scenarios to gel these concepts and shows how easily they can be implemented to manage risk. Particularly valuable are the insights which show how these concepts can be incorrectly applied, resulting in needless complexity and expense. This can only come from someone with vast experience and considerable time "in the trenches."

Well written by an expert in his industry! Joe has a way of breaking it all down to easily understood segments. I am an artist and was able to pull useful tidbits from throughout this book. I would HIGHLY encourage anyone interested in risk management acquire this book!

Joseph Mayo’s name is synonymous with the latest thinking in Risk Management. This book is a testament as to why. Perfect for those interested in impressing their clients and colleagues on their knowledge of Risk Management

I have worked side-by-side with Joe for several years. His book embodies the high value services he provides his clients daily and clarifies for any practitioner how to effectively manage risk.

Very interesting book. A must read for anyone in business looking to improve their risk management skills.