Day: August 24, 2023

Categories
Riskology

Infortal on Risk Intelligence Part 4: Sanctions Intelligence with Chris Mason

This is part 4 of a special 5-part series featuring Infortal Worldwide. Tom Fox and Chris Mason discuss sanctions intelligence. Chris talks about regulation changes concerning sanctions, their impact on the business community, and reputational risk.

Chris Mason is with Infortal Worldwide, a global risk firm that provides due diligence services to support key investment decision-making. Infortal Worldwide supports a lot of private equity investment, mergers, acquisitions, and any type of risk scenario a business may face.

  • With sanctions, assessing your exposure and taking a holistic view of your business is important. Look at who you’re doing business with, your partners, your client, and your customer base, and then ensure that you have compliance documents that map out what your business program looks like.
  • Navigating the ever-changing international sanctions regimes starts with having a documented, adaptable plan for everyone on your company’s team. 
  • Regulations task forces are looking at companies in this new age of anti-corruption, so having a solid compliance program is crucial. 
  • Reputation is closely tied to a company’s value: if one decreases, so will the other. Violating sanctions laws can taint a company’s image in the eyes of the public. “Circling back to what we’ve been discussing, taking the steps to understand your risk exposure, setting up a plan that you can put in place that’s easy for your team to follow, can help you avoid these types of reputational risks and regulatory problems,” Chris remarks. 

KEY QUOTE

” Sanctions risk management should now be a key consideration for companies of all sizes.”-  Chris Mason 

Resources

Infortal Worldwide | Email | Tel: 1.800.736.4999

Categories
Popcorn and Compliance

Popcorn and Compliance: The Mandalorian, Season 3 – Episode 4, The Foundling

Tom Fox and Jay Rosen are back with a special summer season of Popcorn and Compliance. In this special series, Tom and Jay will review The Mandalorian, Season 3. Get ready for a ton of fun, insights, and all things Grogu and Mandalorian. So buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating journey!

In this edition, Tom and Jay dive into Episode 4, “The Foundling”. In this episode, they witness the impressive growth of a character named Grogu and the evolution of Bo-Katan as a leader within the Covert and Mandalorian communities. This episode brings thrilling combat scenes, thought-provoking themes, and a significant moment that leaves us eager for more. Join Tom and Jay to dissect the highlights and delve into the data-driven insights behind the fourth episode of season three.

“The Foundling” episode of The Mandalorian’s third season delves into the development of Grogu, the adorable puppet character, and explores the militaristic aspect of Mandalorian culture. Director Carl Weathers showcases Bo Katan’s fierce leadership and establishes Din Djarin as a member of the Mandalorian Covert through a rescue mission. The symbolism of the Mandalorian emblem, the mythosaur, is also examined as Bo-Katan attaches a piece to her armor, signifying her victory over or control over the creature.

Tom and Jay discuss Grogu’s visions, the evolving narrative of the show, and the portrayal of women, particularly Bo-Katan’s growth as a warrior and leader. Overall, the episode highlights the growth of Grogu, the exploration of Mandalorian culture, the symbolism of the mythosaur emblem, and the portrayal of strong female characters in media.

Key Highlights:

  1. The Rise of Grogu. One aspect that stood out in this episode was the development of Grogu, a character who continues to captivate our hearts. Jay Rosen expresses his love for Grogu’s growth, particularly in a tournament-style combat scene against Ralph Machio. Directed by Carl Weathers, this scene pays homage to the iconic “The Karate Kid,” although Tom Fox sees it as bullying. Regardless of the interpretation, it showcases Grogu’s impressive fighting skills and ability to overcome challenges.
  1. Leadership and Dominance. The Covert, a group of Mandalorians, follow a Spartan regime and train Foundlings in hand-to-hand combat. Grogu’s victory over a bully leads to tension with the bully’s zealous religious Mandalore father. This conflict sets the stage for a rescue mission that Din Djarin and Bo-Katan led, solidifying her leadership within the COVID and Mandalorian communities. Bo-Katan’s attachment of a mythosaur emblem to her armor signifies her leadership and dominance over the exiled Mandalorians. This moment carries significant weight and establishes her credibility as a leader.
  1. Exploring Themes of Machismo and Expectations. Throughout the episode, we are presented with thought-provoking themes surrounding machismo and the expectations placed on leaders. Tom and Jay discuss the different interactions with machismo, where men fit into society, and how they fight. They also mention Bo-Katan as a fierce warrior and suggest the need for more women fighting alongside her. A scene where Bo-Katan refuses to lead and go to a toxic area further asserts her identity as a warrior, highlighting the complexity of leadership expectations.
  1. Data-Driven Insights. The psychological play in this episode is masterfully crafted, with Grogu defeating a bully, capturing the bully’s son, and the mission to save him. These events provide a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and growth throughout the series. Bo-Katan’s evolution as a leader and the expectation for leaders to save people and lead from the front are explored, offering valuable insights into leadership dynamics within the Mandalorian community.

The development of Grogu, the solidification of Bo-Katan’s leadership, and the exploration of themes surrounding machismo and expectations all contribute to the richness of this episode. The attachment of the mythosaur emblem to Bo-Katan’s armor is a powerful symbol of her dominance and leadership. Join us in our next podcast as we delve into episode five, titled “The Pirate,” and continue unraveling the captivating world of “The Foundling.”

Remember, leadership can take many forms, and embracing diversity and inclusion within our lives is essential. Let’s continue to learn from the characters in “The Foundling” and apply these insights to our journeys.

This is The Way!

Categories
Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: August 24, 2023 – The Climate Conscious Employee Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance brings to you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen in to the Daily Compliance News. All, from the Compliance Podcast Network. Each day we consider four stories from the business world, compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

  • Poverty a direct result of corruption. (Time)
  • The climate conscious employee. (FT)
  • Ed Siskel named as White House Counsel. (Reuters)
  • DOJ charged 3100 with Pandemic fraud. (NYT)
Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Nera, Baz & Gonzo

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends—The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends and those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training, activities such as yoga and aquatics training, obedience, and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping needy pups. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the benefits of nosework for dogs, a training activity that builds their confidence and provides mental stimulation. They explain how nose work involves searching for treats or scents and can be done anywhere, even at home. The hosts also share heartwarming stories of dogs like Baz and Gonzo, who found their forever homes after experiencing challenging circumstances. They emphasize the importance of understanding a dog’s needs and conditions when determining the appropriate amount of exercise, as pushing a tired dog can be harmful. The conversation concludes by mentioning an upcoming holiday party to support the facility’s mission of helping dogs change and save lives.

Dogs Featured: 

  • Nera
  • Baz
  • Gonzo

Quotes:

“We call them the super sniffers.”

“And that’s what’s great about this facility: we help the dogs trust people again. We help them build the confidence that’s so.”

“Listen to your dog.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Categories
31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program: Day 18 – Operationalizing Compliance in the Middle

The DOJ has made it clear that middle management is critical to any compliance program’s success. While it does all start at the top, with the Board of Directors and senior executives setting the tone for the rest of the company, prosecutors are mandated, under the 2023 Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP), to show how middle management, in turn, has reinforced those standards and encouraged employees to abide by them. Moreover, the ECCP posed several questions to middle management, including the following: What actions have middle-management stakeholders taken to demonstrate their commitment to compliance or compliance personnel, including their remediation efforts? Have they persisted in that commitment in the face of competing interests or business objectives?

The DOJ expects compliance to be operationalized down to the middle management level. Further experience has shown that employees prefer to speak to their direct supervisors about issues or potential compliance violations they become aware of. The question is: how can a corporate compliance function reach middle management? This is a key area of assistance that Human Resources can provide, as one of the ways that HR can help to operationalize compliance is to assist each level of an organization to have a proper tone, specifically the middle of an organization.
You must think about your communication lines and communication skills when conveying your message of compliance from the top into the middle of your organization.

Three key takeaways:

  1. While the tone at the top is critical, the middle tone can work to operationalize compliance more fully.
  2. How do you train middle managers?
  3. What compliance tool kit do you provide to middle managers?

For more information, check out The Compliance Handbook, 4th edition, here.

Categories
Diabetes: The Metabolic Bully

Diabetes: The Metabolic Bully – Episode 2 – Exercise as Medicine

Welcome to “Diabetes: The Metabolic Bully,” where we delve deep into the world of one of the most prevalent chronic conditions that lurks in our society. Diabetes doesn’t just knock on our doors; it bullies its way into our lives, altering our metabolism and dictating our daily routines.

In each episode, we aim to unpack the science and myths surrounding diabetes. From understanding how our bodies succumb to this metabolic bully to the latest research and treatments, our podcast aims to provide listeners with comprehensive insights.

In this episode of “Diabetes the Metabolic Bully,” host Tom Fox hosts Dr. Byron Black, an advocate for living with and managing diabetes. Dr. Black shares his journey and how he became interested in diabetes while working as a fitness trainer. He emphasizes the importance of exercise in managing diabetes, aligning with the American College of Sports Medicine’s slogan, “Exercise is Medicine.”

Dr. Black explains the groundbreaking exercise approach to combat insulin resistance and high blood sugar. He recommends exercising four to seven times a week and aims to empower individuals to take control of their health. Tom and Dr. Black express their gratitude and anticipation for further dialogue, suggesting much more to be discussed on this topic.

Join us as we confront diabetes, empowering ourselves with knowledge, compassion, and resilience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, or simply someone keen to learn, this podcast is your go-to guide in the vast world of exercise, diet, and beyond. Together, we’ll stand up to diabetes, the metabolic bully that has picked on too many for too long.

Key Highlights:

  • The Power of Exercise in Controlling Diabetes
  • Exercise as Medicine
  • Diabetes and Exercise Solution
  • Continuing the Conversation

Resources

Medical Fitness Clinic of Kerrville

Categories
The ESG Report

The ESG Report – Ernest Anunciacion on Driving Positive Change: The Power of Stakeholder Engagement

Tom Fox hosts the ESG Report podcast. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Ernest Anunciacion, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Workiva, about how Workiva uses ESG to drive stakeholder engagement.

The conversation between Tom and Ernest explores the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving ESG initiatives. Workiva, a leading platform in ESG reporting, has a comprehensive roadmap focusing on innovation, the environment, philanthropy, and people. They aim to be a leading-edge technology by 2025 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Workiva emphasizes the convergence of ESG and financial transformation and provides tools and resources for effective ESG reporting. They stress the need for consistent and decision-useful data to build trust among stakeholders. The conversation also discusses the growing importance of ESG considerations for investors, banks, and insurance companies and the potential of Gen AI in the workforce. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, ESG reporting, and adapting to technological advancements in driving positive change in the business world.

Key Highlights:

  • ESG Stakeholders
  • Workiva’s ESG Roadmap
  • ESG reporting and risk management
  • The Impact of ESG Strategies on Investment Decisions
  • The Potential of Gen AI

Resources

Ernest Anunciacion

Workiva

Tom Fox 

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Categories
Everything Compliance

Everything Compliance – Episode 122, The Auditors Edition

Welcome to the only roundtable podcast in compliance as we celebrate our second century of shows. Everything Compliance has been honored by W3 as the top podcast talk show. In this episode, the quartet of Jay Rosen, Jonathan Marks, Matt Kelly, and Karen Woody, with Tom Fox hosting, consider various topics that caught their collective interest and conclude with the fan favorite Shout Outs and Rants section.

1. Matt Kelly looks at the PCAOB proposal requiring auditors to look into fraud, compliance, and legal issues during an audit. Matt balances the charges against former Harvard professor Francesca Gino, who is charged with falsifying research.

2. Karen Woody looks at whether, when a corporation says litigation is ‘without merit’, this creates a securities law violation if it later loses at trial. Karen shouts out to the Women’s World Cup.

3. Tom Fox shouts out to Montana District Court Judge Kathy Seely for her opinion in Held v. Montana and Mary Shirley for her book Level Up.

4. Jay Rosen unpacks the recent push for an International Anti-Corruption Court. Rosen shouts out penalty kicks as the ultimate approach for ending a tie game, particularly as practiced in the Women’s World Cup.

5. Jonathan Marks considers key issues facing auditors in 2023. Marks shout out to both fruit and baseball in extolling the Savannah Bananas.

The members of the Everything Compliance are:

•       Jay Rosen– Jay is Vice President, Business Development Corporate Monitoring at Affiliated Monitors. Rosen can be reached at JRosen@affiliatedmonitors.com

•       Karen Woody – One of the top academic experts on the SEC. Woody can be reached at kwoody@wlu.edu

•       Matt Kelly – Founder and CEO of Radical Compliance. Kelly can be reached at mkelly@radicalcompliance.com

•       Jonathan Armstrong –is our UK colleague, who is an experienced data privacy/data protection lawyer with Cordery in London. Armstrong can be reached at jonathan.armstrong@corderycompliance.com

•       Jonathan Marks can be reached at jtmarks@gmail.com.

The host and producer, ranter (and sometimes panelist) of Everything Compliance is Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance. He can be reached at tfox@tfoxlaw.com. Everything Compliance is a part of the Compliance Podcast Network.