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Compliance Tip of the Day

Compliance Tip of the Day – Use of Blockchain in Compliance

Welcome to “Compliance Tip of the Day,” the podcast where we bring you daily insights and practical advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of compliance and regulatory requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned compliance professional or just starting your journey, we aim to provide bite-sized, actionable tips to help you stay on top of your compliance game. Join us as we explore the latest industry trends, share best practices, and demystify complex compliance issues to keep your organization on the right side of the law. Tune in daily for your dose of compliance wisdom, and let’s make compliance a little less daunting, one tip at a time.

Today, we examine how blockchain can revolutionize compliance in various ways, from payments to third parties to contracts.

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Blog

A Season on the Brink: Leadership Lessons from John Feinstein

John Feinstein died yesterday. According to his New York Times obituary, he wrote more than 40 books. He is best known for two of the best sellers, “A Season on the Brink” (1986) and “A Good Walk Spoiled: Days and Nights on the PGA Tour” (1995). He “became one of America’s best-known sportswriters after “A Season on the Brink,” which focused on the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball team led by the mercurial coach Bobby Knight, became a best seller. The book gave readers the kind of journalistic access to Mr. Knight, a brilliant tactician but a complicated personality, that sports books usually did not offer.”

The book chronicled the intense, controversial, and undeniably effective coaching style of legendary basketball coach Bob Knight during the Indiana Hoosiers’ 1985-1986 season. Beyond the hardwood drama, this classic sports narrative offers valuable leadership insights, both positive and negative, that can significantly enrich the corporate compliance professional’s understanding of effective organizational leadership. I want to look at some of those leadership lessons, both good and bad, for the compliance professional.

One of Knight’s commendable leadership attributes, as highlighted by Feinstein, is his unwavering commitment to high standards. Coach Knight demanded excellence, accountability, and meticulous attention to detail from every player. Compliance professionals can readily appreciate this rigorous approach, as it resonates with the meticulousness required in maintaining regulatory adherence. Knight taught his team that sustained excellence was not accidental but a direct outcome of disciplined practice, preparation, and execution—values that mirror the foundations of an effective compliance program.

Another positive leadership lesson from Knight’s approach was his deep passion for continuous learning and self-improvement. Feinstein underscores that Knight was an avid student of the game, consistently analyzing performances and strategically adjusting his approach to achieve better outcomes. Compliance professionals can embrace this lesson by fostering an organizational culture that encourages ongoing learning, robust analysis of compliance practices, and the agility to adapt compliance processes proactively. Knight’s relentless quest for improvement provides a compelling template for continuous compliance improvement initiatives, reinforcing that excellence in compliance is a dynamic, evolving journey rather than a static state.

However, Feinstein’s book did not stop depicting the darker side of Knight’s leadership style—particularly his explosive temper and combative management style. Knight’s frequent tirades and public criticisms of players sometimes crossed lines of professionalism and respect. From a corporate compliance perspective, this behavior offers a stark lesson on the detrimental impact of a toxic leadership environment. When compliance leaders rely on fear and intimidation rather than openness and encouragement, employees hesitate to report violations, escalating risks and potential damage to corporate integrity. Knight’s approach exemplifies how critical emotional intelligence and respectful communication are to successful compliance leadership.

Moreover, Feinstein illustrates Knight’s unyielding demand for total control, often stifling player autonomy and creativity. This leadership flaw is particularly instructive for compliance professionals. Effective compliance leaders understand the necessity of clear guidelines and empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Overbearing micromanagement, as displayed at times by Knight, can severely hamper innovative compliance solutions and proactive employee engagement, leading to missed opportunities and decreased effectiveness in identifying and addressing compliance concerns.

Feinstein’s depiction of Knight highlights the importance of empathy and relationship-building in leadership. While Knight was capable of remarkable kindness and loyalty privately, his public and abrasive confrontations overshadowed these qualities. Compliance professionals can see the vital importance of consistent, empathetic communication from this dynamic. Building trust within an organization is paramount to compliance; without it, employees rarely feel secure enough to report issues candidly. To foster an effective, trust-driven compliance environment, leaders in compliance must cultivate transparency, approachability, and empathy, qualities not consistently demonstrated by Knight.

Finally, Feinstein’s work underscores the necessity for self-awareness and reflection in leadership. Knight’s resistance to criticism and reluctance to modify certain problematic behaviors highlight the dangers inherent in a lack of introspection. Compliance leaders, therefore, must commit themselves to regular self-evaluation, seeking candid feedback from peers and subordinates alike. This openness to feedback helps ensure leadership behaviors align positively with organizational goals, ethical standards, and compliance objectives.

Feinstein’s “A Season on the Brink” provided a compelling study of leadership in action, warts and all, that compliance professionals can deeply benefit from studying. Bob Knight’s tenure provides clear lessons: the importance of exacting standards and continuous improvement; the dangers of toxic management, intimidation, and micromanagement; empathy and respectful communication; and the vital need for self-awareness and receptiveness to feedback. By internalizing both the positive and negative examples from Knight’s leadership journey, compliance leaders can better navigate corporate ethics and compliance challenges, ultimately building stronger, more resilient organizational cultures.

And a farewell to John Feinstein, a great chronicler of American sports; you will be missed.

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Career Can D0

Shape Your Career Through Writing with B.Alan Bourgeois

What if writing could open doors you never imagined? What if your words had the power to shape your career and influence others? B. Alan Bourgeois joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to explore how writing transforms lives, careers, and even mental well-being. Alan is a multi-award-winning author and founder of the Texas Authors Institute of History. He has spent decades advocating for independent writers, helping them navigate publishing, marketing, and career sustainability. In this episode, he shares insights on the growing influence of indie authors and how writing can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

Writing isn’t just for authors—it sharpens communication skills, fuels creativity, and builds confidence. Alan explains, “Stories have the power to connect us, challenge us, and open doors we never imagined.” He discusses the rise of self-publishing and why many writers are choosing independence over traditional routes. By embracing their unique voices, indie authors are shaping the future of literature in ways that were once unimaginable.

Your words have value. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a professional looking to expand your influence, sharing your knowledge through writing can set you apart. B. Alan highlights initiatives like the Texas Authors Museum and the Lone Star Festival, which support and celebrate independent voices. “When you tell your story,” he says, “you’re not just writing for yourself—you’re creating something that can inspire and impact others.”

Mastering the art of storytelling isn’t just about publishing books; it’s about seizing new opportunities. B. Alan shares practical strategies for getting started, staying consistent, and making an impact with your writing. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of words to take your career to the next level!

Resources

B. Alan Bourgeois on Email if you’re outside of Texas | Email if you’re in Texas | LinkedIn

Mary Ann Faremouth on the  Web | X (Twitter)

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Fox on Podcasting

Fox on Podcasting – Arielle Nissenblatt on Podcasting Trends and Strategies for Business Success

Join Tom Fox as he explores the world of podcasting and gets ready to be inspired to start your own podcast. In this episode, Tom visits Arielle Nissenblatt, a podcasting expert with a rich career journey that includes Squadcast, Castbox, Descript, and Audily roles.

Arielle shares her love for podcasts, which began as a listener and turned her passion into a career through relentless networking, starting a podcast studio, and eventually working for various podcast companies. Arielle talks about her current role at Audily, where she heads the Pinwheel division, focusing on chat casts and B2B podcast production. She emphasizes the importance of creating high-value content and the flexible use of various formats to engage target audiences effectively.

The conversation delves into the international podcast scene, noting differences in enthusiasm and advertising prevalence between the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Arielle also highlights her strategies for successfully navigating podcast conferences and the importance of staying active on platforms like LinkedIn. For businesses looking to leverage podcasts, she offers insights into making content that resonates with audiences and potential advertisers. The episode is a treasure trove of tips and trends for both new and seasoned podcasters.

Key highlights:

  • Arielle’s Journey into Podcasting
  • Working at Audily
  • Podcast Marketing Strategies
  • Podcast Conferences and Events
  • Future Trends in Podcasting

Resources:

Connect with Arielle on Linkedin

Audily

EarBuds Podcast Collective

Tom

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: March 14, 2025, The $200 Transaction Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, brings 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.

Top stories include:

  • Treasury flags $200 transactions at the border. (WSJ)
  • Judge orders rehire of fired federal employees. (FT)
  • Server fraud claims in Singapore reach $390MM. (Reuters)
  • Huawei bribery scandal hits EU. (Politico)
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Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country

Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country: Season 1: Taylor King’s Journey in Filmmaking

Welcome to Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country, where we dive deep into the heart of filmmaking in one of America’s most unique and captivating landscapes. From rolling hills and rustic towns to thriving cities and hidden gems, the Texas Hill Country offers endless inspiration for filmmakers, and we’re here to uncover every aspect. In this podcast, we’ll meet the passionate directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, and crews who bring their creative visions to life in this storied region. Join us as we explore the challenges, rewards, and unique stories that make filmmaking here an art. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about the world behind the camera, Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country promises to be your all-access pass to the vibrant filmmaking community of the Hill Country and beyond.

In this Season One, we will feature the production of the film Sherlock Holmes – Mare of the Night, a TriGoodwyn production headed by filmmaker CJ Goodwyn. We will visit with Goodwyn, members of his crew, the cast, and the production team. In episode 9, Tom Fox visits with Taylor King, an actress in the movie Sherlock Holmes – Mare of the Night.

Taylor King is an emerging filmmaker and actor who has found a nurturing environment for artistic growth in the Texas Hill Country. Through her work on the “Sherlock Holmes – Mare of the Night” project, she embraced the unique challenges of a smaller-scale production, where collaboration with a tight-knit crew was key to achieving ambitious cinematic effects. Taylor’s experience on set expanded her acting capabilities and confidence and highlighted the importance of adaptability and teamwork in filmmaking. By cherishing the supportive and creative atmosphere of the Hill Country, Taylor looks forward to future projects and continues to inspire others with her passion for storytelling and performance.

 

Key highlights:

  • Creative Exploration: Filmmaking in the Texas Hill Country
  • Enhancing Acting Skills Through Musical Theater
  • Unified Effort: Taylor King’s Film Experience
  • Growth Through Collaborative Film Experiences

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network