Creativity and Compliance – Reinventing Compliance: Lauren Thal on Improv, Humor, and Approachable Messaging at Tolmar

July 31, 2026

Tom Fox and co-host Ronnie Feldman interview Lauren Thal, VP of Compliance at mid-size pharma company Tolmar, about building an in-house compliance program after external partners previously ran it.

Lauren describes her background in healthcare compliance and earlier consulting at Ernst & Young and Navigant and explains why Tolmar’s legal/compliance team used improv training at a retreat to strengthen soft skills, bonding, and collaboration in a remote, cross-location environment. They discuss how exercises like “Red Ball” and role-playing highlight communication styles, active listening, adaptability, and managing competing priorities, helping compliance partner with the business without appearing “finger-waggy” or like the “police.” Lauren also explains her training/communications strategy using short, playful compliance videos on topics such as Speak Up and Code of Conduct to disarm fear, increase attention and recall, and encourage engagement, offering practical ideas for deployment and emphasizing that humor reinforces rather than undermines compliance messages.

Key Highlights

Lauren’s Compliance Journey
Why Improv at Retreat
Red Ball and Styles
Partnering Without Fear
Handling the Chaos
Business Feedback and Impact
Advice to Sell the Idea

Resources

Ronnie

Learnings & Entertainments (Website)
Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful.
E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples and debunking excuses.
Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong.
Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care.
60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches.
Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.