Tag: Great Women in Compliance

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Lisa and Mary Changed the World: The Great Women in Compliance Community

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.

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The Agora Awards for Excellence in Podcasting: How Mary Shirley and Lisa Fine Literally Changed the Compliance World

I am more than beyond thrilled to announce the First Annual Compliance Podcast Network Agora Award for Excellence in Podcasting, a celebration that honors those who have used podcasting to elevate the compliance field, enrich our understanding, and inspire change. Why the moniker of the Agora Award? The Agora was the heartbeat of ancient Greek city-states, serving as a central gathering place for a wide range of civic activities. The Agora was the cultural, political, and social hub where citizens came together to exchange ideas, debate public issues, participate in decision-making, and stay informed about civic matters. In many ways, that is what podcasting has become today, and in the case of Lisa and Mary, they created an entire community of Great Women in Compliance.

The Agora’s significance extended beyond politics and commerce; it was a vibrant cultural center where art, religion, and education flourished. It was a space where people could experience the interconnectedness of every aspect of their lives, from governance and trade to philosophy and worship. The Agora symbolized the Greek ideal of civic engagement and the pursuit of knowledge, laying the foundations for many aspects of Western culture and democratic ideals that continue to influence societies today.

In other words, I cannot think of a better name for the Annual Compliance Podcast Network Award for Excellence in Podcasting. Moreover, I cannot think of any more qualified persons to be awarded this inaugural award than two trailblazers who have changed the world through podcasting: Mary Shirley and Lisa Fine, co-founders of the Great Women in Compliance podcast (GWIC).

Mary and Lisa saw a gap in the compliance podcasting world: a need for a space that celebrated, supported, and connected (great) women in compliance. In a few short years, their podcast has grown into a powerful community that crosses continents and connects professionals across disciplines. By highlighting women’s voices in compliance, they built a platform that is more than a podcast; it is a movement that champions diversity, collaboration, and leadership. They celebrated their story and journey with Great Women in Compliance in their book Sending the Elevator Back Down: What We’ve Learned From Great Women in Compliance.

Their contributions have inspired countless compliance professionals to think bigger, engage deeper, and connect more meaningfully with their work and peers. This year’s Agora Award recognizes the powerful content they have created, the community they have nurtured, and the doors they have opened for voices across the compliance spectrum. Indeed, while Mary has moved on in her compliance career, Great Women in Compliance continues to be as vibrant today, with Hemma Lomax co-hosting with Lisa and Ellen Hunt and Sarah Hadden hosting roundtable podcasts.

Mary Shirley said of the award,

Our aim to advance and empower women in the field of Ethics and Compliance and create a scalable knowledge-sharing opportunity for all was initially just an aspiration.  Receiving this award is a heartwarming acknowledgment that our efforts, those of our esteemed guests, our production team, and supporters, have not been in vain or gone unnoticed.  I believe that when one of our boats rises, all of our boats rise, and I know that the #GWIC team continuing to bring podcasts to the community and sending the elevator back down will continue to lift us all.

Lisa Fine said of the award, 

When Mary and I started the Great Women in Compliance podcast, we wanted to amplify the voices of the extraordinary women in the Ethics & Compliance field, given that so many women had built the profession.  We saw no women-led on the network, and we jumped in. I am so thrilled about what GWIC has become.  The podcast launched a community and book, building many personal and professional relationships.  And I am most proud of how it is constantly evolving, where we now have additions to our podcast team with Hemma Lomax, Ellen Hunt, and Sarah Hadden, and our GWIC emerita, Mary, to continue to uplift women and those who support women in Ethics & Compliance.

I hope that you will plan to join me on Tuesday, November 19, from 12 to 3 ET to celebrate Mary and Lisa and what they create, Great Women in Compliance. I will interview both Mary and Lisa about not only their experiences in creating GWIC but, equally importantly, other members, hosts, and guests from the Compliance Podcast Network.

  • Reflections on the International Growth of Compliance Podcasting

Podcasting has evolved dramatically within the compliance profession, and compliance professionals worldwide have found value in this accessible format. The event will celebrate how podcasting has supported compliance globally, creating a community of listeners and contributors who share a commitment to ethics and integrity. I will honor two of the international podcasters, Ajay Shamdasani (Regulatory Ramblings,  The Reglex Perspective and Heart of the Matter) and Jonathan Armstrong (Everything Compliance, Life with GDPR, Everything Compliance, TechLaw10) on the CPN about their experiences in podcasting from the international perspective. This panel will be from 12-1 ET.

  • From the Beginning to 2024: The Evolution of Compliance Podcasting

The story of compliance podcasting is rich with innovation, perseverance, and passion. Co-hosts and presenters including Mike DeBernardis (The Corruption Files and All Things Investigations), Matt Kelly (Compliance into the Woods and Everything Compliance), Mike Volkov (Corruption Crime and Compliance, Why a Duck? and a founding member of Everything Compliance) and  Karen Woody (Succession-the Final Season, The Woody Report, Classroom Insiders and Everything Compliance) have all been part of this journey, each contributing to a medium that makes compliance accessible, engaging, and impactful. Nick Gallo (FCPA Survival Guide, GalloCast, and The Ethics Experts) will interview these podcasters from 1-2 ET.

Why should you attend, and who should attend?  This event is not simply for compliance professionals; it is for anyone who believes in the power of podcasting to educate, inspire, and connect. If you are interested in the intersection of compliance and media, eager to gain insights from leaders in the field, or passionate about corporate ethics and governance, this celebration is for you. You will walk away inspired by the voices actively shaping the future of compliance and motivated to engage with this evolving medium. Whether you are a seasoned compliance officer, a budding podcaster, or a student of corporate ethics, this is your chance to be part of a historic moment in compliance podcasting.

In honoring the power of compliance podcasting, we acknowledge its unique role in building a dynamic, inclusive, and informed community. The First Annual Compliance Podcast Network Agora Award celebrates excellence, commitment, and vision. Through their dedication and innovation, Mary Shirley and Lisa Fine set a standard that inspires us all. They remind us that podcasting isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about listening, connecting, and creating a shared space for growth and change.

I hope you can join us. Register now and join us in recognizing the voices that are leading compliance today and paving the way for the future. Let us celebrate the conversations, insights, and leadership-defining compliance podcasting.

Registration and information are here. There is no charge for this event.

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FCPA Compliance Report

FCPA Compliance Report – GWIC Ladies Reflect

Welcome to the award-winning FCPA Compliance Report, the longest-running podcast in compliance. This episode features a special episode with guests Lisa Fine and Mary Shirley of the Great Women in Compliance podcast. Great Women in Compliance is coming up on its 200th-anniversary show and will move to GWIC 2.0. I asked the women if they would reflect on where they have been and where GWIC may be going.

In this podcast, Mary and Lisa reflect on their podcast journey, discussing their impact on their audience and themselves. They talk about their interview style, attempts to get Dolly Parton’s permission to use her song, and upcoming episodes, including adding a co-host. The podcast highlights the importance of diverse voices and perspectives and aims to make guests comfortable while maintaining a professional yet relaxed tone. Join these dynamic hosts as they share memories and tease new ideas, including a book release and round table discussions with women. Take advantage of this engaging and authentic conversation about success, imposter syndrome, and making a difference!

Key Highlights:

  • Great Women in Compliance: 200th Episode Reflections
  • Evolution of a Passion Podcast
  • Overcoming Impostor Syndrome on Podcasts
  • Opportunities and Authenticity in Podcasting
  • Approach to podcasting and favorite moments
  • Podcast Length and Dolly Parton’s Theme Song
  • Building Successful Business Relationships as Co-Hosts
  • Thanking Listeners for Ideas and Growth

Notable Quotes:

“As a true supporter of women, you looked at us and said, ‘Why don’t you do it?’ And suddenly, right away, it went from this thing we talked about into something bigger than both of us and turned into a book where the people interested in this shared their stories.”

“The podcast started as a hobby but has become an intricate part of our lives, not only as individuals but at least as in my life as cohosts and friends.”

“And what I think was an honor for Lisa and myself as people who aren’t necessarily on the speaking circuit, that we wanted to get the diversity of thought and new voices on the show.”

“Everybody is a thought leader. I’m talking to you because I think you’re a thought leader, and I think you’re bringing something to the table that, again, in a way, which not to make somebody feel pressured into doing it But I also think that’s how I connect with people. Whether they like it or not, this is the conversation. And this is who I am.”

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Great Women in Compliance

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance-Reflections from Lisa and Mary

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast, hosted by Mary Shirley and Lisa Fine.  Today, however producer Tom Fox guest hosts Mary and Lisa.

The Great Women in Compliance podcast is not quite at 200 episodes. However Lisa, Mary and Tom wanted to do special joint episode, looking back on the last 4.5 years of #GWIC.

Tom leads this episode by putting questions to Lisa and Mary while sharing his own perceptions and observations about the journey so far.  The team discusses some behind-the scenes content about how the episodes were put together in light of the goals Lisa and Mary had for their audience.  They discuss the lighter moments and memorable times from various perspectives and what the community support has meant to them. This episode sets the stage for the 200th episode which we invite you to join us for on 5 July 2023.

Some of the highlights include:

·      How the kernel of GWIC began and how it still resonates today.

·      How Mary and Lisa helped several guests overcome the imposter syndrome by coming on the podcast as guests.

·      How the podcast led to the book.

·      How Mary and Lisa have built upon their GWIC experiences.

·      Lisa previews GWIC 2.0.

·      Some favorite memories.

·      Some funny memories.

You can find the Great Women in Compliance Podcast on the Compliance Podcast Network where you can find several other resources and podcasts to keep you up to date in the Ethics and Compliance world. You can also find the GWIC podcast on Corporate Compliance Insights where you can learn more about the podcast, stream prior episodes and catch up on Mary’s monthly column “Living Your Best Compliance Life.”

Corporate Compliance Insights is a much-appreciated sponsor and supporter of GWIC, including affiliate organization CCI Press publishing the related book; “Sending the Elevator Back Down, What We’ve Learned from Great Women in Compliance” (CCI Press, 2020). If you enjoyed the book, the GWIC team would be very grateful if you would consider rating it on Goodreads and Amazon and leaving a short review.  Don’t forget to send the elevator back down by passing on your copy to someone who you think might enjoy reading it when you’re done, or if you can’t bear parting with your copy, consider it as a holiday or appreciation gift for someone in Compliance who deserves a treat.

If you enjoyed the book, the GWIC team would be very grateful if you would consider rating it on Goodreads and Amazon and leaving a short review.  Don’t forget to send the elevator back down by passing on your copy to someone who you think might enjoy reading it when you’re done, or if you can’t bear parting with your copy, consider it as a holiday or appreciation gift for someone in Compliance who deserves a treat.

You can subscribe to the Great Women in Compliance podcast on any podcast player by searching for it and we welcome new subscribers to our podcast.

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.