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Blog

Infortal Worldwide Geopolitical Risk Intelligence 2023 Outlook: Part 5-Supply Chain Intelligence

I recently had the opportunity to visit with, Chris Mason, VP Global Compliance & Investigations at Infortal Worldwide and Dr. Ian Oxnevad, Director, Geopolitical Risk at Infortal Worldwide for a sponsor podcast on Infortal Worldwide’s Geopolitical Risk Intelligence 2023 Outlook. Over this series we considered business intelligence, ESG intelligence, corruption intelligence, sanctions intelligence and supply chain intelligence. In today’s final post in this five-part blog post series, we are joined by Ian Oxevad, Director of Geopolitical Risk at Infortal Worldwide, to discuss supply chain intelligence and how to navigate geopolitical risks. In this concluding blog post in this five-part series, we consider how to use intelligence to de-risk your supply chain and protect your business from geopolitical risks.

Oxnevad holds a PhD in political science and is an expert in in political science, economics, corporate espionage, economic warfare, money laundering, and terrorist financing to help companies understand the risks of their supply chain and how to de-risk it. He explains that supply chain intelligence is far from a new concept and goes as far back as the spice trade in the 15th century. Ian provides a three-step process to navigating supply chain intelligence and de-risking and provides a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Here are the steps you need to follow to also get risk mitigation.:

1. Assess what your exposure is to certain geopolitical risks.

2. Utilize intelligence to find alternatives that connect a company to its customers.

3. Screen potential alternatives and warning indicators.

1. Assess what your exposure is to certain geopolitical risks.

The first step in assessing a company’s exposure to certain geopolitical risks is to gather information from the client. This includes their risk exposure, concerns, and goals. A company should then use intelligence sources, such as boots-on-the-ground resources and triangulated analysis, to create an intelligence product that can be used to make informed decisions. Once the risks have been identified, a company can then begin to look for potential alternatives to mitigate them. This could involve relocating suppliers to other regions, increasing efficiency, or increasing redundancy. Companies should also be aware of warning indicators that may indicate a rise in risk, such as political unrest, changes in regime, or an increase in militarism. Finally, the company must make an informed decision on which alternative to pursue. For more information on this topic, readers can visit the website Infortal.

2. Utilize intelligence to find alternatives that connect a company to its customers.

Utilizing intelligence to find alternatives that connect a company to its customers requires a two-step process. The first step is to interview the client, assess their risk exposure, and understand their goals. This will then inform the intelligence collection process which should include triangulated analysis, boots on the ground resources, and data from multiple sources. This will be collated into an intelligence product that will provide the client with a clear picture of their potential opportunities to de-risk.

The second step is to screen potential alternatives and conduct due diligence. This includes researching potential suppliers and investors, local conditions, and warning indicators that could signal risk in the future. This should give the company the information they need to make informed decisions and the ultimate decision of which alternative to pursue is left up to them. For more information, listeners can visit the Infortal website.

3. Screen potential alternatives and warning indicators.

The third step in addressing supply chain intelligence is to screen potential alternatives and warning indicators. This involves conducting an intelligence cycle for the company by interviewing the client to determine their risk exposure and goals, and then utilizing boots on the ground resources and triangulating analysis from different sources to refine and integrate information into an intelligence product. Companies can also benefit from due diligence to screen potential suppliers, investors, and local conditions.

It is also important to monitor warning indicators of developing risks. These indicators can include contentious presidential elections, the annexation of Crimea, the integration of Russian mercenaries in the Donatas and Donbas regions, and more. This can help the company anticipate any risk that the company may be exposed to, allowing them to make informed decisions on the best alternative supply chain system for them. Finally, the decision is up to the company and their legal counsel, executives, and other pertinent players.

Navigating supply chain intelligence and de-risking requires a two-step process of gathering information and utilizing intelligence sources to create an intelligence product. Companies should also screen potential alternatives, conduct due diligence, and monitor warning indicators to ensure they make the best decision for their company. With the right strategies and knowledge, any business can protect itself from geopolitical risks and achieve success.

Check out Ian Oxnevard on the Riskology by Infortal podcast here.

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Report from IMPACT 2023

Report from IMPACT 2023: ESG Panel on Ethics, Compliance, and the Future: Navigating Transformation

ECI’s IMPACT 2023 was one of the leading compliance events in 2023. At this conference, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, was able to visit with several of the speakers, exhibitors, participants and one group of ethically minded Girl Scout Troop. In this limited podcast series, Report from IMPACT 2023, Tom explores many of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance through short podcast episodes. Check out the full series of interviews. You will be enlightened, informed and come away with a fuller and more thorough understanding of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance. In this episode, Tom visits with a panel of ESG experts including Jacqueline Brevard, former Chief Ethics and Compliance officer of Merck, Andrea Bonime-Blanc, CEO of GeC Risk Advisory and Jose Javier Guadalupe, Integrity Director for the Platform for Social Impact.

In a series of thought-provoking podcast episodes from ECI IMPACT 2023, Tom Fox explores the intersection of ethics and compliance with environmental, social, and governance efforts. These episodes stress the importance of an integrated approach to these areas, emphasizing that businesses prioritizing intangible risks and opportunities are more likely to succeed in the future. The speakers also discuss the challenges of implementing this approach at the board level and the need for forward-thinking board members aligned with the organization’s mission and values. Additionally, the podcasts explore the impact of generational change in the workforce, urging leaders to adapt to the values and mindset of younger generations and create space for their ideas. The importance of ethics as a fundamental part of the future is emphasized, with speakers stressing the need for continuous education and learning amidst rapid changes. Overall, these episodes underscore the relevance of ethics and compliance in guiding organizations through transformative changes.

 Highlights Include 

·      Transformative Integrity

·      Generational Change in the Workforce

·      The Importance of Ethics in a Changing World

Resources 

Jacqueline Brevard on LinkedIn

Andrea Bonime-Blanc on LinkedIn

GEC Risk Advisory

Jose Javier Guadalupe on LinkedIn

Platform for Social Impact

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program: Day 19 – Compliance Culture At The Bottom

One of the most important focuses of the DOJ’s 2023 ECCP was around culture. This means how far has the culture of compliance been driven down into an organization. The 2019 Guidance posed the following:
Culture of Compliance – How often and how does the company measure its culture of compliance? Does the company seek input from all levels of employees to determine whether they perceive senior and middle management’s commitment to compliance? What steps has the company taken in response to its measurement of the compliance culture?
These questions point to a CCO or compliance practitioner demonstrating how a culture of compliance is being burned into the very fabric of an organization. While leadership at and from the top has long been considered by both the DOJ and compliance professionals as a key element to move compliance forward, the 2019 Evaluation has also crystalized thinking around compliance culture throughout the organization, including at the bottom
Too often, strategies to move a compliance program or even an initiative come from the top of an organization and are pushed down. To fully operationalize compliance, you must have leadership in compliance further down the organization which (hopefully) has been a part of the design process and can lead the implementation throughout an organization.

Three key takeaways:

  1. While tone at the top is critical, the tone at the bottom can work to more fully operationalize compliance.
  2. 95% of the work is done at this bottom level.
  3. Use HR to come up with a strategy to move compliance into the bottom for more complete operationalization.

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

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: August 25, 2023 – The FUD 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.

  • Is crypto dead? (NYT)
  • End of the Spanish Kiss? (FT)
  • Venezuela makes last ditch appeal re: CITGO. (Reuters)
  • SFO drops ENRC investigation. (FT)
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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

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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!

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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)
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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

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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.

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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