(Credit: Winston Fernandez)
Introduction of Profile: For Winston Fernandez, a career in risk management began with an unexpected opportunity rather than a carefully planned path. A computer science graduate, he started his career as a production crew member for television commercials and movie networks before making the switch to insurance after joining one of the Philippines’ leading claims adjusting firms. More than 15 years later, having built experience across insurance, shipping, real estate and healthcare, Winston now serves as Finance Risk Manager at St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he helps safeguard one of the country’s leading healthcare institutions through robust insurance and risk management strategies.
Learning a New “Language”
Entering the insurance industry was a steep learning curve.
Without any formal insurance background, he found himself surrounded by unfamiliar legal terminology, complex policy wordings and corporate claims processes.
Instead of being discouraged by his lack of insurance experience, Winston relied on the analytical mindset he had developed through computer science navigating complex policies and claims.
“I stopped viewing my IT background as a disadvantage and started using it as my leverage,” he reflects.
He also credits much of his early growth to experienced colleagues across different industries who patiently guided him through the profession, alongside continuous learning through articles and industry seminars.
A Different Kind of Risk in Healthcare
(Credit: Winston Fernandez)
While the principles of risk management remain consistent across industries, Winston found that healthcare introduced an entirely different level of responsibility.
“In healthcare, the risk shifts completely,” he explains. “We’re dealing with human lives, clinical outcomes and a highly sensitive regulatory environment.”
Unlike many other industries where damaged assets can simply be repaired or replaced, hospitals cannot pause operations when incidents occur. Patient care must continue without interruption.
“Healthcare risk management demands proactive continuity. A failure doesn’t just affect financial performance; it can cost public trust and human lives.”
Emerging Risks in Healthcare
As healthcare continues to evolve, Winston believes risk managers must stay ahead of increasingly interconnected threats.
One of the biggest risks facing healthcare organisations today, he says, is cyber risk. Hospitals have become attractive targets for cybercriminals because they hold highly sensitive patient information and rely heavily on digital systems.
His computer science background and diverse industry experience has proven particularly valuable in this area, giving him a deeper understanding of cyber risk and strengthening his ability to support digital resilience initiatives.
The Changing Role of Risk Managers
Reflecting on how the profession has evolved over the past decade, Winston believes organisations increasingly recognise the strategic value of risk management.
“When I first started, risk managers were often viewed as transactional gatekeepers,” he says.
Today, he sees the profession occupying a very different position.
“Risk managers have become strategic business partners. While financial metrics measure corporate value, risk management is what protects it.”
Rather than focusing solely on insurance renewals, compliance and claims, risk professionals are now expected to advise executive leadership on resilience, continuity and long-term business strategy.
Building Resilience Through Curiosity
Having navigated multiple industries throughout his career, Winston believes adaptability has been one of his greatest strengths.
Instead of trying to have every answer, he focuses on asking the right questions.
“I believe true adaptability is built on intellectual curiosity rather than rigid knowledge,” he reflects.
He also views every career transition not as starting over, but as upgrading his understanding of risk.
“It’s not about predicting the unpredictable, it’s about being secure enough in your foundational principles that you can adapt your strategy to any industry.”
Looking back, Winston never imagined that a computer science graduate who briefly worked in media production would one day be leading insurance and risk initiatives for one of the country’s premier healthcare institutions.
His advice for aspiring risk professionals is simple: don’t let an unconventional background hold you back.
“There’s no specific degree required to succeed in risk management.”
Instead, he encourages young professionals to embrace the unique perspectives they bring from other disciplines.
For Winston, risk management is not defined by one’s academic background, but by a willingness to keep learning, stay curious and embrace new challenges. His journey is proof that some of the most rewarding careers begin with opportunities that were never part of the original plan.
