Two years after the start of a global pandemic, firms are still feeling the ripple effects of an external event that most predicted was an improbable, if not impossible, occurrence. By failing to prepare, these firms were not resilient and experienced the consequences more severely. But rather than embracing systemic risks — those caused by externalities — many firms even now regard them as too remote to include in risk planning. Risk pros should use this report to gain an understanding of systemic risks, their effects on the business, and how to mitigate them.