Are you in a NYC ?? compliance ’State’ of mind ???

Welcome back to the Compliance Corner?? newsletter. And if we haven’t met yet, thank you for joining me! You can learn a little more about me and my work here, and by watching this short video.

As promised, I won’t top-off anyone’s inbox ?? more than once a month but wanted to thank everyone for all your support as we recently crossed the milestone of 13,000 subscribers ?? ??

And while this is a global ?? newsletter, February 13th is a very special day ??? in New York City, so for those Big Apple ?? subscribers, here we go:

It starts with an open and interactive discussion on Global Perspectives on E&C Program Effectiveness,? hosted at:

???? 德勤 NYC- 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m (Panel and discussion followed by networking and cocktails).

The panel includes, Susan Frank Divers , Director of Thought Leadership, LRN , Anthony Campanelli , Partner, 德勤 , Ted Diskant , Partner, McDermott Will & Emery and Catherine Muldoon , Chief Compliance Officer, Perdue Farms .?

Why attend this multi-perspective and interactive panel???

? Learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in Ethics and Compliance.?

? Engage in discussions with fellow professionals, with ample time for sharing perspectives.??

? Gain insights from a diverse panel of Ethics and Compliance experts sharing best practices with respect to? high performing programs? and changes? from past years.??

? Leave with practical takeaways for your program.

As shared by Kevin Michielsen CEO, LRN : “Businesses globally are facing numerous challenges from a regulatory and technological perspective, and it’s important that their E&C programs anchor board members and employees alike to company values and missions.” As to the event, Kevin added,?“During the program? we will share findings of the 2023 E&C Program Effectiveness Report and address the? link between fostering ethical cultures and business performance.”?

The event is co-hosted by LRN , 德勤 , and McDermott Will & Emery with thanks to Ty Francis MBE, CCEP , Vinnie D'Eramo , and Amy Hanan for all their hard-work, inspiration, and support.?

Kindly note that this event has limited capacity, and registration will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so feel free to RSVP ?? as soon as possible if you can attend. The registration link is here.?

And then after the event, it’s time to subway ?? (or Uber ??)?shuttle to:

???? 99 Hudson Street, 17th Floor for the 7:00 PM Book Launch Party ?? ?? of Alison Taylor ’s just-released book “Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World.”?

The purchase link can be found here and the party includes canapes, drinks, and books available for purchase and author signing ?? . Also, rumors are there will be special “Higher Ground” cookies and cocktails ?? Capacity is limited, so once again, feel free to RSVP quickly here.

The book is published by Harvard Business Review Press, and as shared by the publisher:

“We all want to work for and buy from ethical companies whose values align with our own. But what are we really asking of business? While demanding that they address poverty, pollution, and human rights abuses in their supply chains, we still want the stuff we ordered, right now…

In her new book, Higher Ground, Alison Taylor tackles these contradictory issues head-on, taking a practical approach to help leaders figure out the right choices for their business.”?

So, I hope to see friends, colleagues, and peers at either or both events and if you have any questions,?don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected].?

And speaking of New York City, just in case you don’t live close by, a special added bonus...

I love starting my days on Andrea Bonime-Blanc, JD/PhD ’s X account here where she posts the most spectacular and beautiful bird ?? photos. And when I asked Andrea how she developed such an ‘eye’ and zest? for photography she responded:

“I have always had a passion for photography and nature since I was a little kid growing up in the south of Spain ???? and through my daily walks in Central Park, I get to do it all, plus listen ?? to a good book ?? before I get back to my strategy and board work for the rest of the day.”?

With thanks to Andrea for sharing, here are a few of her favorite wood-duck favorites. ????

Now going digital ???, earlier in the month I had the pleasure and honor of sharing and exchanging perspectives with Fredrik Riiser , Head of Strategy and Business Development at Strise and co-host of the The Laundry Podcast ??. We had a great time addressing anti-bribery and corruption issues.?The full podcast link can be found here, where you can listen-in on your favorite podcast channel. And here’s a fun You-Tube teaser.

With thanks and appreciation to the entire Strise team in the development and launch of the podcast, including Fredrik, Marit R?devand , Lars Lunde Birkeland , and Matthew Dunne-Miles .?

Another HUGE ???? honor was being a part of Dorie Clark ’s Better Newsweek show, where I shared my journey from corruption to compliance, with a focus on giving former felons a ‘second chance,’ and what that means for inclusion and diversity initiatives. The entire video episode can be found here, with thanks again to Dorie for the opportunity to share this very personal and societal issue.?

As to 2023 ???, it was a great end to the year in Dubai ???? where I had the chance to catch-up with so many friends, peers, and colleagues. During the week we had a wonderful cross-industry dinner, which included Middle East & Africa Compliance Association Board Members, Stephan Lutz CAMS, CFE, Sabrine M., LL.M., CCEP-I, ICC , and MEACA co-founder Elvis Angyiembe .

Speaking of Elvis, if you have not had a chance to read his book ?? "Dream and Take Action or Die Dreaming: A Long Way From Ngwo,” I highly recommend it, and the purchase link can be found here.?

While in Dubai, I had a chance to ask Elvis a few questions about his book, so I hope you will enjoy our short exchange:?

Q: Elvis, why did you decide to write "Dream and Take Action or Die Dreaming: A Long Way From Ngwo?"?

Thank you, Richard. I have always had a dream to write a book, but have not really had time, being a busy professional.?

There are several book ideas I have had over the years, but this one was based on a conversation I wanted to have with my kids about where I came from,? to where I am today.?

Q: Is the book written for a certain audience, for example, those starting their careers?

As shared, the first audience I had in mind were my two kids. But as I began writing,? I realized that many more children and young adults, including professionals, can benefit from the book. It struck me that in Cameroon ???? (my birthplace) for example, and around the world, we have the same issue- the books read in school are mostly literature, history, or science, as examples; yet there is a need for books in schools so young adults can learn the soft skills needed in their future professional lives.?

But the feedback I have received so far is that there is something in the book for all age groups. From children to those well into their professional lives.

Q: Indeed Elvis- I found it so helpful in my own personal and professional journey ??

I know we both share a discipline for good health habits ?? and it is another theme throughout the book. How does this come into play concerning your thinking and work?

Being able to accomplish things at work requires great habits and discipline. There are projects to deliver, timelines to meet, and budgets to abide by. The work environment can be extremely stressful. To stay focused and productive you need good health habits and discipline. Finding ways to constantly give your body the chance to be at its best. Because if your body is not at its best everything else including work suffers.

Q: So true and thanks for introducing me to your boxing ?? coach in Dubai-?I have now found a trainer at home and love it ??

Q: When in Dubai, over our lovely dinner (pictured), we discussed the power of networking. Why is it “essential to success” as shared in the book?

Everyone you meet along the way in life is there for a reason. It is your responsibility to figure it out. Some people are there to help others and some people are there because they need your help. And for most of us, we can both offer and receive support- that is the power of mentoring and networking.?

Humans are there to be fed or to feed you with knowledge and information to help you along the way. Whether you can benefit, that depends. If you are just exploiting others transactionally, you likely won’t go far.

?For me, it is all about giving. Richard, as we discussed over our dinner, I don't believe in transactional relationships.

Someone out there needs a piece of information or support from you. Go out and find them- help them. That’s it.

Q: Thank you, Elvis- would it even be possible to share one ’nugget’ for us to think about, other than ordering the book???

We all have a life purpose on earth ??? Maybe mine is to help change someone’s life through this book. The only way you can find out is to dream and hopefully read it!?

Just wonderful ?? thank you, Elvis ??

I also had the chance to have multiple ‘compliance coffees’ ? in Dubai,? which included an opportunity to visit the Middle East Office of 勃林格殷格翰 , with thanks to Hani Bakry for hosting me, and for organizing a wonderful hybrid compliance discussion with the Middle East, Africa and India team, including (upper row from left), Mariam Talia , Regional Compliance Officer IMeta, Eslam E. , Ethics and Compliance Officer, Saudi Arabia ????, Khyati Shah , Legal & Compliance Officer, India ????, (second row, from left)? Leah Madiba , Compliance Officer, South Africa ????, Mohamed ElRayes , Compliance Officer-North East & West Africa ?? and? Lamiaa Kheir Bek , Lead Counsel, IMETA. It was also great, with thanks again to Hani, to tour the office after our virtual get-together and find out more about Boehringer Ingelheim’s “Life Forward” commitment and initiative.

And on a final note, I’ve been following the work of friend and colleague Angélique Parisot-Potter who has started a series titled “Corporate Chronicles: A 13-part weekly series on good governance and ethical conduct.” The first episode can be found here and is well worth the read ??. Also, if you missed it earlier, here is my interview with Anne Sugar in Forbes , “How Not to be a Passive Leader.”? Thank you again for the opportunity, Anne ??

?Well, that is all for now, and wishing everyone all the best. Thank you for reading this edition of the Compliance Corner ?? newsletter. I hope you found it helpful (fun) and engaging. Here are some ways to access further perspectives, tips, and resources:

★ Follow me on LinkedIn to join the conversation on my posts, and feel free to share the newsletter for others who might find it interesting by forwarding this link.

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