What is life like when your job is quite literally “doing the right thing?” Joining us on this episode is Charlotte Young, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Winrock International. Today we’re talking about the important relationship a compliance officer should have with their board of directors, doing the right thing in and out of work, and two tips based on her decades of experience.
Board of Directors:
Charlotte has been on both sides of the board: as someone reporting to them, and as a volunteer board member.
Reporting to the board is crucial for compliance directors, because you need to be at the top level on the inside, not only to have influence, but also to know what’s going on — so nurture that relationship. Working on a volunteer board, on the other hand, is a rewarding experience, especially because you’re in a position to really bring value and make a difference.
Being on both has given her perspectives that she can bring to either role: as a board member, she can advocate for how issues should be dealt with on the ground (because she’s been there), and as a reporting officer, she knows exactly what and how much information a board needs to be able to strategize and guide an organization with.
Doing the right thing:
Charlotte agrees with Stephanie Davis: it’s too stressful not to be who you are in your job. We are more effective the more genuine and authentic we are, and Charlotte loves having a job where her job is to do the right thing. It’s not always easy, but it’s great to have a job where you’re the guiding light on things like integrity and transparency.
It’s also changed her personal life. Charlotte shares a personal story of an example, because if her job is to do the right thing at work, then it’s also her job to do the right thing at home.
You need a lot of judgment in these jobs because there are a lot of subtleties involved in compliance. So if you enjoy that, or if you feel like you have good judgment, you’re going to be a great fit.
Two pieces of advice:
One, fully appreciate the importance of spending time with your board. Your board wants to do the right thing, so for the most part, they’re willing to hear from compliance officers. Use your judgment and trust that you are doing the right thing with the board because they’re there for you as backup and support. Spend the energy to work on this relationship.
Two, work on your recognition programs. Charlotte shares examples of how you can recognize people who have acted with integrity — whether publicly or privately, depending on the circumstances — that are great ways to thank people for the hard work that they do.
Resources: Charlotte Young | Episode 9: The Only Woman in the Room with Stephanie Davis
