In the world of compliance, where incremental victories often measure progress against pervasive risks, it’s rare to witness a revolution. Yet Lisa Fine and Mary Shirley have achieved just that. Through their groundbreaking podcast, Great Women in Compliance (GWIC), they did not just host conversations; they redefined what it means to foster a community. Alongside their book Sending the Elevator Back Down, they have created a legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and celebration in a field that thrives on shared knowledge and collective strength.
Lisa and Mary were recently honored for their work in creating GWIC, the GWIC community, and leading the development of an entire movement of women supporting other women in the worldwide compliance community. The Compliance Podcast Network named Lisa and Mary the co-winners of its first annual Agora Award for Excellence in Podcasting.
The Birth of Great Women in Compliance
The idea for Great Women in Compliance was sparked at an SCCE Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) event in 2018. As the story goes, Lisa and Mary approached compliance podcasting veteran Tom Fox with a simple yet bold observation: the Compliance Podcast Network needed more diverse voices. Tom, true to form, responded with a challenge: “When will you start a podcast?”
The rest is history. With no prior experience in podcasting, Lisa and Mary leaped, driven by a shared vision of showcasing women’s stories, insights, and challenges in the compliance profession. With support from mentors like Matt Kelly and colleagues across the compliance community, the duo recorded their first episodes. What began as a grassroots effort quickly became a cornerstone of the compliance industry.
Building a Legacy: The Podcast, the Community, and the Book
- The GWIC Podcast: Amplifying Women’s Voices
From its inception, the GWIC podcast stood out for its authenticity and relatability. Lisa and Mary adopted an informal yet insightful interviewing style, allowing their guests to shine. The podcast featured diverse voices, from seasoned compliance leaders to rising stars, and explored various topics, including leadership, career development, and the unique challenges women face in compliance. Their approach was not simply about storytelling but about creating a platform for empowerment. The podcast became a hub for listeners to gain practical advice, discover new perspectives, and connect with a broader network of professionals.
- The Community: A Network of Support
The GWIC podcast inspired not only listeners but also catalyzed a movement. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for women in compliance, Lisa and Mary launched the Great Women in Compliance LinkedIn group. This online community became a vibrant forum for networking, mentorship, and resource sharing. Through this community, women found mentors, job opportunities, and a sense of belonging in an isolating field. It also spurred the creation of dedicated women in compliance sessions at significant conferences, highlighting the widespread impact of Lisa and Mary’s vision.
- GWIC: The Book – Sending the Elevator Back Down
In October 2020, Lisa and Mary released Sending the Elevator Back Down, a book that encapsulated their philosophy and amplified women’s voices across the compliance field. The book featured stories of triumph, resilience, and lessons learned from compliance professionals worldwide. The book was published by Corporate Compliance Insights and headed by Sarah Hadden, an early supporter of GWIC who continues her support of and participation in GWIC to this day. The title reflects their core belief: success is most meaningful when shared. By “sending the elevator back down,” Lisa and Mary encouraged readers to uplift others as they rise, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.
Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from the GWIC Journey
Lisa and Mary’s journey has not been without its challenges. As they readily admit, neither had technical experience when they began podcasting. They leaned on mentors and allies to navigate the technical aspects, demonstrating the power of community in achieving ambitious goals. Additionally, their differing styles, Mary’s free-form conversational approach, and Lisa’s structured format might have posed a challenge in less harmonious partnerships. Instead, they embraced their differences, allowing their unique strengths to complement each other.
Their journey also highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability. From launching the podcast to publishing the book during a global pandemic, Lisa and Mary consistently turned obstacles into opportunities.
The Impact: Changing the Compliance World
It is impossible to overstate the influence of Great Women in Compliance. Through representation and recognition, they have spotlighted the achievements of women in compliance. Lisa and Mary helped reshape perceptions of what leadership in this field looks like. GWIC has been a clearinghouse for professional development within the compliance community, as listeners and community members have reported finding mentors, gaining new insights, and even landing jobs thanks to connections made through GWIC.
Finally, GWIC, both the podcast and the community, has fostered a culture of inclusivity and support in compliance.
The Next Chapter
With 250 podcast episodes and a growing community, Great Women in Compliance shows no signs of slowing down. Mary has retired her co-host microphone and is now the ‘OG’ of GWIC. The GWIC podcast has expanded to include co-hosts Hemma Lomax, Ellen Hunt, and Sarah Hadden, ensuring the platform remains dynamic and inclusive. Lisa and Mary are also exploring the possibility of a second book, aiming to continue telling the stories that inspire and empower their community.
A Call to Action: Be the Change
For those who think you cannot change the world, I point you to Lisa Fine and Mary Shirley. They have proven that two women with a vision can. They built a legacy that empowers not just women in compliance but the entire industry worldwide. Their work serves as a reminder that creating meaningful change does not require a perfect plan, just passion, perseverance, and the courage to start.
Celebrating their achievements, we should all take their message to heart: success is amplified when shared. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply lending a listening ear, we all have the power to lift others as we rise. Lisa and Mary have sent the elevator back down. Now, it’s up to the rest of us to ensure it keeps moving.
