Pennell Hart: Women in Compliance

SO: For many people the route into compliance is nonlinear, can you tell us how you entered the profession and what motivated you to pursue this career path?

SB: While many people may have taken a nonlinear path to enter the compliance profession, my journey was quite straightforward. During my legal studies, I quickly realized that the conventional path to becoming a lawyer did not pique my interest. Nevertheless, I remained fascinated by the law's fundamental purpose of promoting justice and facilitating ethical conduct within societies, corporations, and individuals. Immediately after completing my master’s degree, I joined a Big 4 consulting company in Switzerland, working in a team that specialized in legal and compliance matters.

From the very start of my career to this day, I have been driven by the passion to support individuals and corporations in making sound ethical decisions. Being able to advise on what is "right" has been a source of immense pride and fulfillment for me.

SO: What are some of the common misconceptions about compliance, and how do you work to dispel them?

SB: Compliance is often viewed as a roadblock to progress, hindering corporations from reaching their full potential. However, in today's global regulatory environment with enhanced regulatory scrutiny, especially in the UAE, compliance is no longer a nice-to-have, but a necessity for companies to thrive and remain competitive. As a compliance professional, I work tirelessly to dispel this common misconception and educate our employees, at all levels, about the critical importance of a strong and robust compliance program. By fostering a culture of compliance that values ethical conduct, integrity, transparency, and accountability, we can not only meet regulatory requirements but also enable our business to grow and expand while ensuring the trust and confidence of our stakeholders.

SO: What do you think are the most important qualities for success in compliance, and how can people develop these traits?

SB: Compliance can be a challenging field, requiring a strong and persistent commitment to ethical standards and regulatory requirements. While technical skills and industry knowledge are crucial, it is the intangible qualities that can truly set apart those who excel in compliance. Among these, unwavering optimism stands out as a vital trait. Without it, it is easy to become demotivated and overwhelmed by the challenges of the job. However, becoming more optimistic is not always easy. I find it helpful to focus on the progress that I have made and to draw inspiration from my colleagues' growing understanding of compliance. Seeing the positive impact that my work is having can be a powerful motivator and helps me to stay optimistic even when faced with obstacles.

SO: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work in compliance, and what keeps you motivated to continue in this field?

SB: Working in compliance, one may sometimes face daunting challenges, especially when working in regions or industries where the compliance culture is less developed. However, what I find truly rewarding is the opportunity to effect meaningful change by guiding employees towards a more ethical mindset and achieving compliance with regulatory standards. Every small step we take towards achieving this goal, no matter how difficult, is a source of immense satisfaction and keeps me motivated. The knowledge that my efforts contribute to creating a more ethical and responsible workplace is truly fulfilling.

SO:?How do you engage with your workforce to inspire an ethics and compliance culture?

SB: Creating a culture of ethics and compliance starts by engaging with employees in meaningful ways. Depending on the workforce's composition, this may involve leveraging various channels and means to reach employees effectively, especially those who work remotely or are not office-based in their day-to-day jobs. To inspire a culture of ethics and compliance, it's crucial to take the time to explain expectations clearly, foster open and honest discussions, actively listen to employees, and take their concerns and issues seriously. By building a shared understanding of what it means to act ethically and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations, we can create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to make the right choices.

SO: Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with compliance…

SB: The world of compliance can be rigid and I have an invigorating way of escaping this world: boxing. It is an activity that helps me achieve a sense of balance and focus, both physically and mentally. I find that the discipline and training required in boxing enables me to clear my head and fully disconnect from my professional life and allow me to dive back into compliance with new perspectives and a fresh mindset.??