In this brand new ‘Meet the Team’ series, we sat down with Will Jackson, the CEO of C2 Risk, to learn more about his journey into the risk management industry, his leadership approach, and the exciting direction C2 Risk is headed in. From his early career to his interests, Will shares valuable insights into what drives him both professionally and personally.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join C2 Risk?

My career began in HR and payroll tech, specifically in the payroll space, where I spent the last 20 years. Over the years, I worked both client-side and as a supplier of HR tech and services, the oil and gas industry, and major service providers. I decided to take on a new challenge, and I was introduced to C2 Risk through an investor channel, and that sparked my interest. I had also been doing some board advisory work for startups and scale-ups, which opened my eyes to the exciting opportunities in those spaces. That’s when I decided it was time to dive into risk management. I was looking for something that challenged me in new ways to grow, and C2 Risk felt like the perfect fit.

What inspired you to work in the risk management industry?

In my previous role in payroll tech, I saw firsthand how critical risk management was but also how often it was neglected. The more I thought about it, the more I felt there was an opportunity to raise the profile of risk management within businesses. Cybersecurity, in particular, has always been a concern, and it’s only getting more important as we see technology evolve. The internet’s rise in the late ’90s opened up a new world of opportunities, but also new risks, something that businesses need to address. I wanted to be a part of this evolving industry and help shift the perspective on risk management to make it more proactive. After all, risk management is a universal need for all organisations, much like payroll.

What do you enjoy most about working at C2 Risk?

The people and the culture. I’m constantly inspired by the team here, and how entrepreneurial everyone is when given the space to thrive. Even though I hold the title of CEO, C2 Risk is a very flat organisation in terms of hierarchy. We all work collaboratively, and I’ve always said that any business should aim to minimise hierarchy as much as possible. I’m not afraid to be told I’m wrong, and I actively seek out people who have strengths I don’t. That openness creates an environment where we challenge each other, think outside the box, and continue to innovate.

How has C2 Risk contributed to your professional growth?

Working at C2 Risk has really sharpened my focus on the fundamentals. In the corporate world, things are still important but often a bit more distant, but in a scale-up like C2, I’m much more involved in the day-to-day operations. I’ve had to get back into the granular details, and understanding where my time is best invested. It’s forced me to grow both professionally and personally.

What sets C2 Risk apart from its competitors?

At C2, our platform is incredibly agile. We recognise that no two businesses are the same, even though risk management challenges are universal, and the approaches very similar. Our platform is designed to adapt to the unique needs of each business, and we go beyond just providing risk management solutions, we also offer a team of experts who work alongside the platform to ensure everything is tailored to our client’s needs. Customer service is at the heart of what we do, with a consistent 70% Net Promoter Score (NPS) reflecting that commitment. Additionally, innovation is key for us. We’re always thinking about how we can automate and enhance the platform to create even more value for our clients.

Where do you see C2 Risk in five years?

In five years, I see C2 Risk leading the way in risk mitigation for businesses across multiple industries. We plan to scale significantly, but the core values that we hold today will remain intact. As we grow, we’ll continue to foster the same collaborative, innovative, and customer-focused culture that we have now. We’re on a mission to change the way businesses approach risk management.

Fun Fact: Do you have any surprising facts about yourself?

I’m an avid drummer and a keen motorbike enthusiast. I also enjoy hitting the gym, mental and physical health is very important to me. An interesting claim to fame is that I once won BBC Radio 2’s “Mystery Voice” competition – though I didn’t win a prize, I did get some serious bragging rights. I always travel with drumsticks, just in case I find myself near a music studio. On the road, you’ll often catch me letting loose on a drum kit in the evening when I am not with clients or prospects.

What’s your favourite part about working with the C2 Risk team?

What I love most about the team at C2 Risk is the sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Everyone is committed to the company’s future and believes in the mission. There’s a real sense of “we” rather than “me,” which makes our work environment both rewarding and fun. We’re always striving to move forward while maintaining respect and a lighthearted approach to life.

How do you start your day?

I’m not an early morning person, but more of a night owl, I kickstart my day with a strong coffee, a skim over anything urgent and a high-protein breakfast.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role at C2 Risk?

For me, the most rewarding part is hearing positive feedback from our customers. When they tell me how much our technology and team have helped them, it’s incredibly fulfilling. I’m personally involved in every customer relationship, and I make sure every client has my direct contact. It’s that hands-on approach that lets me stay connected to what we’re doing and how we’re making a real difference.

What’s something you’ve learned recently at work?

I recently learned from a conversation with one of the leading analyst organisations that over 80% of security breaches occur in the supply chain. That’s a staggering statistic and it emphasises why companies like C2 Risk exist. It’s a reminder of the importance of being proactive about risk management, especially when it comes to third-party vendors, (and beyond!).

How does it feel to be nominated for so many awards?

It’s been incredible. In my first full year as CEO, we were nominated for over 12 awards, which is a huge recognition of the hard work of our entire team and C2’s brand presence in the market. One of the huge highlights was winning the ‘The Startup Innovation In Cyber Award’, with the National Cyber Awards sponsored by techUK. It’s a reflection of our collective efforts and how much we’ve achieved in such a short time. We’re looking forward to even more recognition and success in 2025.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

That’s a tough one! If I had to choose, I’d say a wolf. Wolves are known for being strong, independent, and part of a close-knit pack – traits I can relate to. 

Stay tuned for more ‘Meet the Team’ blogs, where will be introducing you to the team behind C2 Risk. 

Follow Will on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willjxn/