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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Roxanne Petraeus and Susan Divers on Building a Listen Up Culture

In this episode of Great Women in Compliance, Hemma and Sarah visit with Roxanne Petraeus and Susan Frank Divers to talk about intentionally building a “Listen Up” culture. Tune in to hear the powerful origin stories of two great women in compliance who have been moved to drive significant impact in this space, from enterprising business solutions, to innovative learning and development strategies, to thoughtful approaches to measuring culture and employee sentiment as a measure of success.

Highlights include the ways in which listening builds trust, how to measure impact, not activity, how to achieve integrated risk management, how to design your employee training with employee experience and employee sentiment in mind, and despite our aspirational claims to be building a strong speak up culture, how our employees will always be the actual arbiter of our success.

You can learn more about Roxanne and Susan’s work at www.ethena.com.

Biographies:

Roxanne Petraeus is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ethena, a compliance training platform startup with intuitive and powerful admin tools that make required training easy, engaging, and effective.

Roxanne previously consulted for McKinsey, and before that, she was an officer in the US Army. She found that no matter the setting, whether consulting or in the military, there remained an opportunity to make compliance training better. She started Ethena in 2019 with Co-Founder Anne Solmssen.

Ethena enjoys incredibly positive word of mouth within the HR community, and is trusted by thousands of companies like Figma, Notion, Noom, Pinterest, and Carta to provide actionable training. And the employees love it: Ethena has a 93% positive rating, and over 2M positive reviews. Roxanne is a natural leader, and her eagerness to question and reinvent old paradigms is at the heart of Ethena’s ascendance.

Susan Frank Divers serves as an advisor to Ethena, Inc., an all-in-one compliance training platform that helps companies create more ethical and inclusive work cultures. Prior to joining Ethena, she was the director of thought leadership and best practices for LRN Corporation for seven years.

She has 30+ years’ accomplishments and experience in the ethics and compliance arena. This expertise includes building state-of-the-art compliance and training programs, designing user-friendly means of engaging and informing employees, fostering an embedded culture of compliance, and sharing substantial subject matter expertise in anti-corruption, export controls, sanctions, and other key areas of compliance.

Prior to joining LRN, Ms. Divers served as AECOM’s Assistant General for Global Ethics & Compliance and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. Under her leadership, AECOM’s ethics and compliance program garnered six external awards in recognition of its effectiveness and Ms. Divers’ thought leadership in the ethics field. In 2011, Ms. Divers received the AECOM CEO Award of Excellence, which recognized her work in advancing the company’s ethics and compliance program.

#GWIC is proud to announce that it has been nominated for the WomenInPodcastAwards.  This is a people’s choice award and whether you vote for #GWIC or other nominees, we ask that you send the elevator back down by voting. Voting opens August 1, 2024, and details can be found on the #GWIC LinkedIn page at http://www.linkedin.com/groups/12156164

Resources:

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.

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Blog

There is No ‘One Path’: Ethics and Compliance Education

In the ever-evolving field of ethics and compliance, one question remains: What kind of education do you need to become a great compliance officer? This topic was at the forefront of an episode of Great Women in Compliance. In this fascinating episode, hosts Hemma Lomax and Lisa Fine welcomed two guests: Barbara-Ann Boehler, Senior Director of Compliance and Ethics at Fordham Law, and Cindy Marsh, Senior Manager of Global Trade and Compliance at Victaulic, who shared their unique journeys and the educational paths they took.

Boehler has over 20 years of experience in financial services compliance. Before joining Fordham, she spent many years teaching compliance practice skills at Suffolk Law School and Boston University. Her extensive financial services and education background made her transition to Fordham a natural fit, where she now directs the corporate ethics and compliance program.

On the other hand, Marsh has been working in compliance since the 1990s, when the field was relatively unknown. Her career began in importation for an ocean carrier, and she is a licensed customs broker. To expand her knowledge, Cindy pursued a Master’s in Studies of Law (MSL) in Corporate Ethics and Compliance at Fordham. Her focus on trade compliance highlights the niche areas within the broader compliance field.

Boehler and Marsh underscored the significance of advanced studies in compliance. Boehler explained Fordham’s offerings, including a Master’s in Studies of Law for non-lawyers and an LLM in Corporate Compliance for lawyers. These programs are tailored to address the needs of highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, and human resources.

One key benefit of these advanced studies is learning from peers equally passionate about compliance. Marsh noted that being surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand and respect the nuances of compliance was an invaluable aspect of her education at Fordham. This community fosters rich discussions and a deeper understanding of complex regulatory issues.

The practical application of compliance education was another focal point of the discussion. Boehler highlighted the importance of capstone courses, where students can engage in real-world compliance scenarios. These courses are designed to be highly interactive, with students often leading the discussions based on their experiences and insights.

Marsh shared her experience with the MSL program, noting how it allowed her to delve deeper into areas of compliance she hadn’t previously explored. For instance, a crisis management class opened her eyes to the compliance aspects of public relations and crisis communication. This broadened perspective is crucial for compliance professionals navigating various challenges.

Both Boehler and Marsh emphasized the importance of community in the compliance profession. Boehler articulated how Fordham fosters community among its students, including lunch-and-learn sessions and networking events. These initiatives help students and alumni stay connected and continue learning from each other.

Marsh’s experience with her cohort, which she affectionately called “Compliance Force Five,” exemplifies the lasting bonds formed through the program. Her connections with her peers have been instrumental in her professional development, providing a support network beyond the classroom.

The compliance landscape constantly evolves, and educational programs must adapt to keep pace. Boehler discussed how Fordham continuously updates its curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the field. This includes adding new courses on emerging topics such as cannabis compliance and market regulation.

Flexibility is also key. Marsh praised Fordham for its responsiveness to student feedback, noting how the program has expanded to include more diverse subject areas based on student interests. This adaptability ensures the program remains relevant and valuable to current and future compliance professionals.

Not everyone can pursue a formal degree program, but there are numerous other ways to enhance one’s knowledge and skills in compliance. Both guests highlighted the wealth of resources available to those interested in the field, from podcasts and webinars to professional organizations and certifications.

The guests advised a thoughtful approach to those considering further education. Understanding one’s career goals and how a specific program aligns with those goals is essential. Boehler emphasized that the MSL program is ideal for those passionate about compliance, but there may be a better fit for someone aiming to become a litigator.

Both Boehler and Marsh’s experiences underscore the multifaceted nature of a career in compliance. There is no right or wrong path. Indeed, there is no One Path. Whether through formal education or ongoing professional development, the path to becoming a successful compliance officer is paved with continuous learning and community engagement.

This discussion offers valuable guidance for compliance professionals on the importance of advanced studies, practical skills, and the supportive community that makes this profession unique. As the compliance field continues to grow and evolve, so must the educational opportunities and professional networks that support it.

By being endlessly curious and staying informed and connected, compliance professionals can not only navigate the complexities of their roles but also contribute to advancing the field.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Beth Colling – Common Sense and Compliance

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance podcast on the Compliance Podcast Network, sponsored by Corporate Compliance Insights.

In this episode, Lisa speaks with Beth Colling, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at CDM Smith. Beth joined organizations after they had to address a significant regulatory change or investigation, and she worked to operationalize and then maintain a compliance program. Lisa and Beth specifically talk about how, as issues inevitably arise, compliance officers will get the resources they need to make and implement changes, but over time, memories fade, and the attention and resources may diminish. Beth provides her insight on this.

Beth uniquely evaluates her work and program by “firing herself” on Friday and re-hiring herself on Monday to examine it with new eyes. After the past several years, with the pandemic and hybrid work, this review became even more relevant. This leads to a discussion of “common sense,” not just within a compliance program but also in terms of personal responsibility and how employees rationalize bad behavior.

One of Beth’s (and Lisa’s) childhood heroes was “Wonder Woman,” and Beth may be Wonder Woman. Outside her work, she coaches young adults to enjoy running, and by the end of 2024, she will have completed 5 of the 6 “World Marathon Majors.”

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Blog

The Power of Mentorship in Compliance

Lisa Fine and Ellen Hunt recently hosted Melanie Sponholz, recently honored as Compliance Week’s 2024 Mentor of the Year, and Margarita Derelanko, Senior Director of Compliance at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, on an episode of the Great Women in Compliance podcast. They had a lively discussion about mentorship, featuring some of the most influential voices in our field. Melanie and Margarita share a mentor-mentee relationship that exemplifies the value of mutual growth and support in our profession.

Mentorship in compliance is more than just guidance; it’s a two-way street that fosters growth and learning for mentors and mentees. Melanie highlights this beautifully, noting that she knows as much from Margarita as Margarita does from her. This reciprocal relationship underscores a fundamental truth about mentoring: an ongoing exchange of knowledge, experience, and support.

Ellen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the compliance community’s open, sharing nature. In a profession where continuous learning and adaptation are crucial, connecting, sharing, and learning from others is invaluable. Whether through LinkedIn connections, conferences, or casual conversations, every interaction holds the potential for growth and learning.

One of the most critical skills for any mentor is the ability to listen. Ellen stressed that understanding what the mentee needs is paramount. Whether they are seeking career advice, expertise in a specific area, or simply a supportive ear, a good mentor listens first and provides guidance tailored to those needs.

Margarita added that an impactful mentor must be fully present during interactions. This means dedicating undivided attention to the mentee and fostering deep, meaningful conversations that can lead to significant insights and growth. For mentees, being open-minded and receptive to feedback is equally important. Actual progress comes from incorporating the advice and perspectives shared by mentors.

Authenticity and confidence are foundational qualities that mentors should possess. Melanie highlighted the importance of mentors who are comfortable in their skin and genuinely interested in lifting others. This positive energy not only makes mentoring relationships more enjoyable but also more effective.

Lisa shared a personal reflection on the value of vulnerability in mentorship. Early in her career, she found it challenging to relate to mentors who always presented a perfect facade. Only when mentors began sharing their fears and failures did she realize everyone faces challenges. This openness fosters a deeper connection and gives mentees a more realistic view of their journeys.

In today’s interconnected world, mentorship doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. Margarita noted that mentors can be found in various ways, including blogs, newsletters, and virtual interactions. Compliance professionals like Kristy Grant-Hart and Amy Barnard Bahn, who frequently share their expertise online, serve as mentors to many without formal relationships.

This flexibility in mentorship avenues is a testament to the compliance community’s adaptability. Whether through structured programs or informal exchanges, the opportunities to learn and grow are abundant. Ellen related the value of building a diverse network of mentors, akin to having a “kitchen cabinet” of advisors for different aspects of one’s career and personal development.

For those seeking mentors, taking the initiative to reach out is crucial. Melanie encouraged professionals not to be bold and to ask for a virtual coffee or a quick chat. Specificity in your request—highlighting what you admire about their work and what you hope to discuss—can make the approach more effective. Most people in our field are willing to share their knowledge and experiences, especially when approached with genuine interest and respect.

Mentorship is also about fostering confidence. Margarita highlights how influential mentors can instill a sense of belief in their mentees, helping them recognize and harness their potential. This confidence is essential in a field like compliance, where the ability to stand firm in your decisions and actions can have significant implications.

Ellen iterated on the need for safe spaces in mentoring relationships. Whether you are navigating a difficult situation at work or seeking to improve your skills, having a mentor who provides honest feedback in a supportive manner is invaluable. These safe spaces allow growth without the fear of judgment, enabling mentees to tackle challenges head-on.

It is clear that mentorship in compliance is not just about passing down knowledge—it is about building relationships that foster mutual growth, support, and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, there is immense value in seeking and providing mentorship.

The bottom line is you need to take action: reach out to someone who inspires you, whether it’s through LinkedIn, a professional network, or an email. Build your kitchen cabinet of mentors and be open to the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring. Remember, the compliance community thrives on collaboration and support; there is always room for one more connection.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Building Great Mentor/Mentee Relationships

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance podcast on the Compliance Podcast Network, sponsored by Corporate Compliance Insights. In today’s episode, Lisa Fine and Ellen Hunt speak with Melanie Sponholz and Margarita Derelanko, Senior Director of Compliance, Ivy Rehab Network, about mentor/mentee relationships.

The group discusses various aspects of mentoring, from choosing a mentor to building a relationship. They also discuss how this is a 2-way street and how mentors and mentees learn from one another. Mel and Margarita have an established mentoring relationship, and they talk about their experiences with one another and what they see as successes and pitfalls. They discuss the importance of having an authentic connection between the two individuals.

A mentor can provide critical support and guidance throughout one’s career. This episode can help those looking for mentors and how you can maximize this relationship, whether you are the mentor or mentee.

Topics include:

  • How being curious is a critical skill for a mentor
  • The importance of being open and vulnerable
  • How to reach out and make an initial connection with a potential mentor
  • Mentor/mentee relationships take many different forms 
  • Practical tips for mentors and mentees

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Juliana Molina on The Culture We Deserve

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast. In this episode, Hemma visits with Juliana Molina, the globe-trotting Compliance and Ethics expert. With law licenses in Brazil and Spain, and as in-house counsel in the US, she brings a multicultural touch to her work. She thrives as an advisor to various industries, driven by a passion to make compliance and ethics more human-centric.

Juliana’s extensive international experience gives her a unique perspective on how culture influences compliance and ethics practices, and how to adapt to different cultural contexts. She prioritizes facilitating ethical choices and fully informed decisions.

Juliana’s perspective on cultural transformation in ethics and compliance is deeply rooted in her belief that an ethical organization is one that views compliance not just as a matter of adherence to rules, but as a commitment to prioritizing the well-being and dignity of all its stakeholders.

Her experience in advising international businesses has reinforced her emphasis on understanding and addressing the diverse needs and experiences of everyone involved, including employees, customers, shareholders, and vendors.

Juliana’s vision of a human-centric approach to compliance promotes empathy, open communication, and collaboration in the co-creation and implementation of compliance programs. By embracing the diverse perspectives within an organization, Juliana believes we can make more informed decisions, drive cultural change, and ultimately align our operations with our vision and goals.

Key Highlights:

  • Human-Centric Cultural Transformation in Ethics and Compliance
  • Fostering Open Communication for Ethical Leadership
  • Leadership’s Role in Driving Organizational Cultural Transformation
  • Ethical Leadership to Prevent Toxic Workplaces
  • Ethical Culture Through Compliance and Empathy
  • An Inclusive Approach for Female Empowerment in Compliance

Resources:

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Nick Gallo on Being an Ally

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast. In this episode, Lisa Fine visits with a great gentleman in compliance, Nick Gallo, co-CEO at Ethico.

Nick started his career in private equity, and when he and his brother Gio wanted to grow a business together, they both saw the opportunity to build something that would benefit the compliance space.

Nick’s view about being an ally was shaped when he was young and saw his mother’s challenges as a woman in male-dominated industries, which continues today, where he is an advocate for supporting women and diversity, particularly in Ethics and Compliance.

Nick and Lisa discuss the importance of being proactive as allies and constantly trying to improve our workplaces, whether that means speaking up against injustice or supporting those who may not be heard.

They also speak about how unique and special this profession, and this community are, and the importance of building the next generation of compliance leaders and women in the profession.

Key Highlights:

  • Advocacy for Equality and Workplace Support
  • Active Allyship for Positive Social Change
  • A Mentorship’s Role in Professional Development Journeys
  • Fostering Inclusivity for Diverse Women in Compliance
  • Fostering Transparency and Fairness in Hiring

Resources:

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance: Amy Mertz Brown on Financial and Regulatory Compliance

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast!

In this episode, Lisa visits with Amy Mertz Brown, the SVP Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer at BECU.

Amy started her career in the US government, where she was one of the first leaders at the  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and was formerly the Chief Compliance Officer at the US Securities and Exchange Commission.  She discusses the similarities and differences between her government and in-house regulatory experiences, and the importance of specific training and detailed work instructions in highly regulated industries.

Amy also shares how she has built her career, and what she views as important in deciding on taking on a new role. Amy and Lisa also talk about Reshma Saujani’s views about imposter syndrome, rather than looking at the reasons someone feels like an imposter and questioning the concept and how it impacts women.

Key Highlights:

  • Regulatory Compliance in the Government and in the Private Sector
  • Regulatory Compliance Through Monitoring and Training
  • Navigating Evolving Financial Regulations
  • Questioning the Imposter Syndrome

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance – Christina Marshall on Global Compliance Leadership

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast. In this episode, we visit Christina Marshall, an experienced ethics and compliance leader with extensive experience working with US and foreign regulators. Her expertise is in fraud and corruption investigations, risk assessments, and operationalizing compliance in complex global organizations. She currently leads the Oracle EMEA Compliance team, which is responsible for driving compliance through Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She is a US-trained litigator with a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law.

Christina has worked in private practice as well as as a senior counsel within the Division of Enforcement at the Securities Exchange Commission, which is responsible for investigating violations of the FCPA. Her extensive experience also includes teaching as a professor of Securities Regulation, White Collar Crime, Corporations and American Law. Based on her extensive experience, Christina is highly skilled in investigating procurement fraud, money laundering, and corruption, leading risk assessments, and creating preventative compliance practices.

Christina’s perspective on compliance best practices is that it should function as a partnership with the business, focusing significantly on transparency and support for business leaders, rather than acting as the ‘police’. Her knowledge in this area has been shaped by her prior experience at the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement and her extensive engagement with regulators worldwide. Additionally, her time spent teaching law in Russia has enriched her global perspective. She emphasizes the necessity of involving business partners in risk mitigation, with an emphasis on fostering trust and respect, particularly during challenging investigations.

Key Highlights:

  • Collaborative Approach to Achieving Compliance Goals
  • Efficient Risk Management Through Practical Prioritization
  • Fostering Trust Through Investigative Transparency
  • Encouraging Curiosity and Open Communication Culture
  • Global Compliance Strategies in Multinational Operations
  • Tailoring Compliance Programs for Regional Teams
  • Enhancing Compliance Practices Through Root Cause Analysis
  • Enhancing Efficiency Through Clear Communication

Resources:

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.

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Great Women in Compliance

Great Women in Compliance – Alejandra Montenegro Almonte on Workplace Culture and Compliance

Welcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast. In this episode, Lisa visits with Alejandra Montenegro Almonte, who is a member at Miller & Chevalier and is the Chair of their International Practice and Practice Co-Lead, Workplace Culture. Prior to joining Miller & Chevalier, she was General Counsel for the North American and Latin American Division at Gategroup and an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges.  Alejandra has won awards and recognition from Chambers, Best Lawyers in America and Latin America, among others.

In this episode, Alejandra discusses her experience in global ethics and compliance programs, from advising on best practices to workplace investigations.  Alejandra has leveraged her experience in-house and at law firms to provide practical advice and explains her approach to advising clients.

Alejandra also provides insight on her experiences with monitorships, as she has advised clients in monitorships and acted as a monitor.  She talks about the importance of a proactive relationship between the monitor and the organization, as well as some thoughts about best practices for communications and meetings.

She applies a similar set of principles to all of her work, focusing on learning about a business, including its market dynamics and risks, as part of building the best program for that organization.  She uses that as a foundation for her work on program enhancements and on how to conduct workplace investigations.

As this is Women’s History Month, Alejandra provides some ideas on how we can best support women and diversity in our workplaces.

Key Highlights:

  • Building Global Ethics & Compliance Programs
  • Experience in Monitorships as an Advisor and a Monitor
  • Providing Practical Advice on Compliance Risks
  • Cultural Nuances in Global Workplace Dynamics
  • Insights During Women’s History Month

Resources

Join the Great Women in Compliance community on LinkedIn here.