Shows
The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters077 - Integrity Talk With Salih AhmedIn this conversation, Salih Ahmed Islam discusses the critical role of internal audit in organizations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication with management and the board. He shares insights on the challenges faced by internal auditors, the necessity of board support, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on auditing practices. Salih also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining independence and fostering relationships with management, concluding with best practices for internal auditors.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Salih Ahmed:Clear communication is the backbone of internal auditing.The finding doesn't end when the...
2025-11-2023 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters076 - The Weight of the Signature – Responsibility When It Gets RealIn this episode, Sonja Stirnimann discusses the critical theme of responsibility in leadership, particularly during the high-pressure month of November. She emphasizes that responsibility is not merely a value or vision statement but a reality that leaders must own. The episode explores the emotional weight of decision-making, the importance of clarity in accountability, and the need for ethical leadership. Sonja Stirnimann provides thought-provoking questions for leaders to reflect on as they approach year-end decisions, urging them to pause and consider the implications of their signatures and commitments.Takeaways• Responsibility is a reality that cannot be de...
2025-11-1106 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters075-3 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 3)This deep session with Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnmann delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity board reporting, focusing on a newly developed framework aimed at bridging the gap between operational and strategic governance. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding organizational maturity, risk levels, and the specific needs of different companies in crafting effective cybersecurity reports. Key factors influencing reporting, such as data assurance and content structure, are explored, along with the necessity for ongoing dialogue and adaptation in reporting practices. The conversation concludes with a call for feedback and collaboration in future research efforts.Highlights of...
2025-10-2717 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters075-2 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 2)In this deep dive session Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnimann discuss the findings from research on cybersecurity board reporting, emphasizing the importance of board-level governance and the need for strategic discussions on cybersecurity. The conversation highlights the challenges in current reporting practices, including the high level of aggregation of information and the lack of standardization. Maya advocates for a framework that facilitates effective communication between boards and executive teams, ensuring that cybersecurity is treated as a strategic priority.Highlights of this deep dive session with Maya Bundt:So one of the results and also for me...
2025-10-2424 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters075-1 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 1)This deep dive session with Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnimann delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity board reporting, highlighting the research process, challenges faced, insights gained from board member interviews, and the importance of frameworks in enhancing communication between boards and executive teams. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and informed dialogue in cybersecurity practices, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding and reporting standards.Highlights of this deep dive session with Maya Bundt:Concrete objectives were to provide greater transparency about current practices for cyber security board reporting.We did interviews, in-person interviews, about an...
2025-10-2319 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters074 - Shadow Governance – Where Decisions Are Really MadeIn this episode Sonja Stirnimann explores the concept of shadow governance, the informal influences that shape decision-making in organizations. It highlights the risks associated with unacknowledged power dynamics and the importance of transparency and trust in leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for board members and executives to recognize and address these hidden influences to ensure integrity in governance.Takeaways• Shadow governance exists in the informal layer of leadership influence.• It can be dangerous when left unchecked, leading to unchallenged decisions.• Social capital and legacy authority are key drivers of shadow govern...
2025-10-1407 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters073 - Integrity talk with Melody MooreIn this conversation, Sonja Stirnimann talks to Melody Moore about the importance of corporate integrity and how it shapes leadership. They explore the clash between personal and corporate integrity, the impact of cognitive dissonance on decision-making, and the need for authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. The discussion also touches on the challenges of toxic environments, accountability for misbehaviour, and the importance of redefining success and values in organisations. The conversation concludes with a call for greater awareness of and commitment to integrity in corporate culture. Just a few highlights of our conversation with Melody Moore:Corporate...
2025-09-1838 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters072 - Back to Boardroom Reality – Integrity in Strategic ResetIn this episode Sonja Stirnimann discusses the critical role of integrity in leadership decision-making, especially during strategic resets in September. She emphasizes that integrity should not just be a value but a decision filter, as financial stress can lead to prioritizing speed over ethical considerations. The episode highlights the importance of embedding integrity into goals and decision rights, and the need for courageous challenges in discussions to ensure that integrity is not overlooked. Sonja Stirnimann provides prompts for leaders to reassess their approach to integrity and resilience as strategic assets in a rapidly changing business environment.Takeaways
2025-09-0905 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters071 - Integrity talk with Maya BundtIn this conversation, Sonja Stirnimann interviews Maja Bundt, a prominent figure in cybersecurity and corporate governance. They discuss the importance of integrity in leadership, the challenges of identifying blind spots in risk management, and the personal experiences that shape one's ethical choices. Maja shares insights on the dynamics of the boardroom, the need to listen to diverse perspectives, and the importance of being prepared for unexpected risks. The conversation emphasises the need for strong personal integrity and the courage to uphold it in professional settings, particularly in the context of cybersecurity.Just a few highlights of our...
2025-08-2123 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters070 - When No One’s Watching – The Risks Lurking in Quiet PeriodsIn this episode Sonia Stirnimann discusses the often-overlooked concept of 'silent risk' in corporate integrity. She emphasizes that integrity and ethical leadership are crucial for resilience and reputation, especially during stable periods when organizations may neglect to challenge their assumptions. She provides reflection prompts for leaders to identify potential silent risks and stresses the importance of vigilance and anticipation in leadership.Takeaways• Leaders must prepare for the worst and build resilience.• Silent risk erodes integrity and decision-making.• The most significant risks often arise during stable periods.• Cognitive bandwidth depletion leads to...
2025-08-1206 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters069 - Integrity talk with Gitte GundrupGitte Gundrup co-founded an AI consultancy and discusses in our today’s interview with Sonja Stirnimann the intersection of AI, corporate integrity and ethical leadership. She highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with AI, the need for AI literacy among board members, and ethical considerations in AI projects. Gitte shares insights on navigating personal integrity during business transformation and the future of AI in fostering human connections. The discussion highlights the critical role of governance and ethical frameworks in the responsible use of AI while maintaining a human-centred approach.Just a few highlights of our co...
2025-07-1724 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters068 The Subtle Decline – How Governance Fatigue Threatens Decision QualityIn this episode Sonja Stirnimann delves into the concept of governance fatigue, a subtle yet dangerous decline in oversight and strategic engagement within organizations. She explains how governance fatigue manifests in boardrooms and offers practical solutions for leaders to combat this issue, emphasizing the importance of active questioning and maintaining a culture of integrity.Takeaways• Governance fatigue is a slow, dangerous decline in strategic shortness.• It occurs when oversight becomes routine and decisions are made out of compliance, not conviction.• Even seasoned leaders can fall into governance fatigue due to over-reliance on sys...
2025-07-0806 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters067 - Integrity talk with Patrick StählerSonja Stirnimann interviews Patrick, an expert on business models and corporate integrity, in this fascinating conversation. They explore the importance of understanding customer value, the role of values in business and the need for ethical leadership. Patrick shares insights from his extensive experience and emphasises the importance of creating a culture that fosters open communication and accountability. The discussion also touches on the challenges of corporate life and the necessity for innovation in business models to adapt to changing environments.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Patrick Stähler:We think businesses have rational s...
2025-06-1738 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters066 - Crisis Experienced Leadership: Integrity when it matters mostIn this episode, Sonja Stirnimann discusses the critical need for crisis-experienced leaders in today's complex and volatile environment. She emphasizes that while crises reveal character, they also highlight the importance of ethical decision-making and integrity. The episode outlines essential skills for building crisis resilience, such as calm self-regulation and transparent communication, and encourages leaders to create environments where team members feel safe to speak up. Ultimately, the episode underscores the necessity of resilience in leadership to maintain trust and integrity within organizations.Takeaways• Crisis reveals character, it does not build it.• Leaders must lead...
2025-06-0309 min
The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters065 - Integrity talk with Andrea Bonime-BlancIn this conversation, Andrea Bonime-Blanc discusses ethics in leadership and corporate integrity, especially in her new book on technology governance. She emphasises understanding governance's megatrends, leaders' challenges in staying ethical in fast-changing environments, and the need to recognise corporate governance blind spots. She shares experiences of navigating integrity under pressure and offers insights into risk management and leadership resilience. The conversation ends with advice for future ethical leadership and the value of staying true to one's values in tough times.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Andrea Bonime-Blanc:If you don't have those thoughtful...
2025-05-2032 min
The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters064 - Anchored in Integrity: Our Journey ContinuesAfter an extended pause, the podcast "The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters" is back - more anchored than ever in our mission to give a voice to integrity and ethical leadership. In this special solo episode, Sonja Stirnimann reflects and invites you to continue building a future where integrity builds resilience, the human factor and values guide leadership decisions. Welcome back to the conversation.IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONSThe following episode might be also of interest for you:001 – A journey of corporate integrityTHANK YOU FOR SHARING, SUBSCRIBING AND REVIEWING...
2025-05-0605 min
SalesX und InnovationEpisode 103: Vertrieb: Strategie und die Kunst, Kunden wirklich zu verstehenIm Podcast mit der Unternehmerin, Sparringspartner von Führungskräften und Verwaltungsrätin Sonja Stirnimann sprechen wir darüber, warum eine gute Strategie ohne den richtigen Vertrieb nur ein „Rohrkrepierer“ ist. Sonja teilt ihre Einsichten, wie essenziell es ist, Kundenbedürfnisse zu verstehen und wie ein kluges Vertriebskonzept Unternehmen dabei hilft, ihre Wertschöpfung tatsächlich bei der Zielgruppe ankommen zu lassen. Wir diskutieren praxisnahe Beispiele: Wie wichtig ist eine starke Fehlerkultur für ehrliche Kommunikation? Warum können innovative Vertriebskonzepte den entscheidenden Unterschied machen – besonders in konservativen Branchen? Und wie unterstützt eine enge Verzahnung von Daten, Strategie und operativer U...
2025-02-2837 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters063 - Integrity talk with Rupert EvillToday's guest in my integrity talk is Rupert Evill. Rupert shares his experience – seeing what works in high-stakes frontline situations – to help organisations better predict, prevent, and respond to risks. Rupert is the founder of Ethics Insight and has more than 20 years of experience managing risks across 30 sectors and 50+ countries. He worked in roles focused on investigations, counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, crisis response, and ethics & compliance advisory support. Rupert has a Postgraduate Diploma in Behavioural Analysis and Investigative Interviewing and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.Just a few highlights of our conversation with...
2022-11-0131 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters062 - Integrity talk with Elena KovalevaToday's guest in my integrity talk is Elena Kovaleva.Get insights how compliance supports companies doing business in the legal way and how she challenges corporate compliance standards and silos, and believes compliance should be simple and logical.Elena Kovaleva is a global certified compliance expert with 15+ experience in compliance in large international companies, such as GE, Microsoft, ERG, working in regional and HQ levels, supporting board's compliance committees and stablishing compliance programs from the start. Just a few highlights of our conversation with Elena KovalevaThat is what compliance is supposed to...
2022-10-1829 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters061 - Integrity talk with Andrew SamuelsToday's guest in my integrity talk is Andrew Samuels.Get insights why investing in whistle blowing programs can have very large return on investment and how the international standard for whistleblowing management systems has been developed.Andrew Samuels is the founder and CEO of WislPort and is widely recognised as a thought leader in whistleblowing operations.Prior to founding WislPort, Andrew has over 20 years of experience delivering complex programmes in the Financial Services, Telecoms and Media Sectors in the UK, North America and AsiaPac, with the last decade specialising in regulatory and compliance...
2022-10-0422 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters060 - Integrity talk with Mohamed SaadToday's guest in my integrity talk is Mohamed Saad.Get insights when we talk about what role corporate integrity plays in his current function as the Deputy CEO at the Casablanca Stock Exchange or what typical situations are when the topic lands on his desk when it comes to corporate integrity. Mohamed is an IT and Digital Expert since 1991 and has 32 years of experience in Industry and Finance Sectors.He is the Past-President of Moroccan IT & Digital Association.Mohammed graduated from INSEA, holds an MBA and 7 international certifications in IT / Audit...
2022-06-2126 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters059 - Cyber Resilience at Board levelThe last two years when the world was in the pandemic mode the vulnerabilities in the cyber territory became more obvious than ever before. Often, the overconfidence of the boards and their management teams when it comes to the resistance and resilience of their cyber security put the organisations at risk. In this episode you will learn to understand the root cause.Have a deep understanding of the organisations resistance and resilience is one of the key responsibilities we as board and management have. Learn with four starting questions how to understand the...
2022-06-0713 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters058 - Integrity talk with Marlene UetzToday's guest in my integrity talk is Marlene Uetz. She is a Swiss-born multi-lingual global entrepreneur, executive coach and board member. She has lived, worked, and studied in Europe, Asia, USA, and Latin America. Marlene Co-founded one of the world’s first Gobal Coaching Boutique in Geneva over 30 years ago – I J. Martin & Co. Limited and she is the Managing Director of the Singapore company for more than ten years now. She is passionate about promoting principles-based governance and developing visionary and ethical global business leaders.”Get insights when we talk about Marlenes’ experienc...
2022-05-2429 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters057 - How to create a successful fraud investigation teamIn todays episode I talk about why the right team set up will let you achieve outstanding achievements.Whenever you are in the situation to build the best team for a delicate project one of the advice, we share in our peer group is “don’t look at the obvious data only”. This is also true when you have to set up your investigations team – no matter whether you plan to perform an internal or external investigation. Learn in this episode why it so important having the right skill set within the team to achieve the goal...
2022-05-1015 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters056 - Sonja Stirnimann as guest in great women in complianceIn today's episode Sonja is guest in the podcast «Great Women in Compliance» co-hosted by Lisa Fine and Mary Shirley.Sonja talks about her understanding of corporate integrity and gives insights about the challenges she has faced as a female leader and entrepreneur, and also where her own integrity was challenged verly early in her career.Just a few highlights of the interview with SonjaCorporate integrity is the DNA, the deep understanding of the agreed set of values you have in a corporation or in a team to successfully steer, lead and drive an...
2022-04-2630 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters055 - Integrity talk with Werner SchiesserToday's guest in my integrity talk is Werner Schiesser. He looks back to an executive career in the field of professional services for more than 40 years and he now focuses on his different board functions as chairman or member in several - very interesting companies mainly located in Switzerland.Get insights when we talk about the expectations he has when he trusts external advisors and what kind of red flags he sees in that specific industry when it comes to integrity. Just a few highlights of our conversation with Werner:For corporate...
2022-04-1926 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters054 - How a diverse Board impacts Corporate IntegrityThe impact on corporate integrity the board has is huge and there are different factors which can positively contribute.Today’s episode reflects on different case studies with the goal that also you identify the advantages and disadvantages of the individual constellations in boards.WHYThe most crucial argument why diversity in the borad room is important is that a diverse team - no matter in which room - increases corporate integrity which is fundemental for an organisations going concern.It is important by starting at the board level to make su...
2022-04-1209 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters053 - Integrity talk with Patricia BielmannWould you like to learn about the insights and experiences in external audit and quality control? Let's do that together with Patricia Bielmann whose professional knowledge and skills to ensure competent service was always a matter close to her heart.Patricia Bielmann has >25 years of experience as Auditor and Advisor for Financial Service Companies. In addition to that she has in depth experience advising clients in the finance area on complex transactions such as business combinations, issuance of debt or equity instruments etc. Over the years she was responsible for the...
2022-04-0530 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters052 - How to adress the 3rd party cyber riskIn todays episode we talk about how to tell the supplier that he or she puts an organisation at cyber risk and what can be done to to mitigate the exposure.WHYThird-party suppliers take on business operations functions and with that these benefits create significant cyber risks. With outsourcing, the vulnerability increases by generating new access points for cyber fraudsters. The ones responsible need to understand how organizations can implement proper third-party cyber risk management strategies.Not only when it comes to our organisations as such but also...
2022-03-2912 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters051 - Integrity talk with Salah Eddine MahrachWould you like to learn about how to successfully implementing and managing programs and structures aligning with international standards and frameworks?Let's do that together Salah Eddine Mahrach. He is a leading, trusted GRC professional with more than 18years of business experience in banking, financial services, and energy sectors.He is also one of the founders of the ISACA Moroccan chapter, where he serves as secretary General.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Salah:Losing integrity impacts the reputation of the organization and can cause huge damages.The culture of...
2022-03-2228 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters050 - Interview tactics 101While in episode 48 the human factor and its biases have been outlined let's focus in this episode on the key principles in the interview process.The key principles you will learn in this episode can also be used as the checklist or collection for reflection.WHYConducting interviews can be one of the most insightful parts of an investigation and – if correctly done – leads to the missing parts of your big picture. It helps you to get additional facts to understand what happened. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENT...
2022-03-1513 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters049 - Integrity talk with Melanie ShongWould you like to learn about the insights and experiences of a real human resource expert who conducted hundreds of ethics investigations every year for over five years – leading to terminations for harassment, theft, discrimination, etc in public procurement law reform, legislation drafting, ethics and compliance advisory activity?Let's do that together with Melanie Shong. She has over 30 years in leadership developmentand human resource management and she is a Certified Corporate Compliance and Ethics Professional.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Melanie:The role of integrity has to be in every single jo...
2022-03-0833 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters048 - Human based challenges in (investigative) interviewsIn todays episode we talk about how to deal with our own human behaviour in interviews. When it comes to the art of investigating the facts – interviews are one of the core disciplines with the inherent challenge of human behaviour on different levels.WHYUnderstanding the power of human behaviour in interviews, is one of the key success factors for individuals in-charge with the interview process.We can make a step into more clarity and transparency by asking the right questions in the right setting and even more factors for an ef...
2022-03-0116 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters047 - Integrity talk with Vilius BenetisWould you like to take a closer look to cyber security? Let's do that together with Vilius Benetis.Vilius is the Director at NRD Cyber Security in Lithuania and brings more than twenty years of relevant experience in his field. He is also serving as a board member at North European Cybersecurity Cluster called NECC lectures and is invited as speaker all over the world.His commitment and professionality is highly appreciated.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Vilius:Integrity means trust and the good faith, which brings up...
2022-02-2234 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters046 - Method to map strategy with the risk landscapeIn todays episode we talk about one of the non-delegable responsibilities of executives: risk management as an activity undertaken to support the strategy.WHYOne of the issues that is often seen in risk (and performance) management initiatives is a lack of clarity around the strategy and objectives.The initiatives – not only in risk management - lack a strategic context. And as discussed in Episode 44, the big picture plays an important role again.The question asked is “what are our risks” but not “what are we trying to achieve and therefore what are...
2022-02-1509 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters045 - Integrity talk with Dr. Kathrin CorneliusWould you like to learn about practical insights and perspectives of quality management, sustainability, and safety?Let's do that together with Kathrin Cornelius. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in global industrial companies. like Siemens and Thyssenkrupp.Next to that she chairs the Swiss Management Organization Chapter of Central Switzerland and lectures at different business schools.She says from herself that compliance is one of the most important topics that drives her.IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONSIf you would like to learn more about about ethical behaviour...
2022-02-0830 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters044 - How to keep the big picture during an investigationIf you are leading large internal or external investigation you know about the importance of keeping the big picture. But how to manage it in times when exactly that key element seems to be a challenge?In today’s episode three ares are introduced when the big picture could be at risk.WHYNo matter what project (and it is not only related to investigations) is on your top priority list, the ability to keep the big picture helps any leader on a daily basis and enables profound decision-making processes for the ones re...
2022-02-0109 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters043 - Integrity talk with Francesca CaliseWould you like to learn about the insights and experiences in public procurement law reform, legislation drafting, ethics and compliance advisory activity?Let's do that together with Francesca Calise who never looked for a job but always wants to make the difference.She was and is in legal, a procurement officer in international organizations such as the UN, the EU, the EBRD and others, in different countries and multicultural contexts (e.g., Albania, Kosovo, Haiti, Poland, Lebanon and London).And Francesca has an advanced degree in international law and is a qualified lawyer.
2022-01-2532 min
Great Women in ComplianceCorporate Integrity Matters with Sonja StirnimannWelcome to the Great Women in Compliance Podcast, co-hosted by Lisa Fine and Mary Shirley. Corporate Integrity is something that is a core component of a strong compliance program, and today's guest is a leader in helping organizations globally understand and provide guidance on in this area, as well as hosting a wonderful podcast on this topic "The Human Factor: Why Corporate Integrity Matters." Sonja Stirnimann is the Founder and Managing Director at Structuul AG, a consultancy based in Switzerland which focuses on preventing fraud and non-compliance, as well as hosting her podcast. Lisa had the op...
2022-01-1929 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters042 - Improve profitability by preventing fraud and foster ethical culturePreventing fraud increases profitability and that is one of the most underestimated results in the mindset of the C-level.Are you curious how to improve your profitability by preventing fraud and fostering a culture of integrity?Learn in this episode how you are able to boost your profit with six practical pillars. Establishing and implementing strong, understandable, and practical internal policiesUpdate relevant training Establish a reporting processSet and “rolemodel” the tone at the topCheck what you hireBe consistent, transparent and fairWHYIt seems to be obvious and is easily unde...
2022-01-1819 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters041 - Integrity talk with Mary BreslinWould you like to learn about practical insights and perspectives of fraud, leading and managing global investigations?Let's do that together with Mary Breslin. She is an expert in internal audit, fraud, accounting and management with more than 25 years of experience. She has led fraud investigations in numerous countries spanning six continents.She also gained her experience with working for global companies like Costco, Barclay’s Capital, ConocoPhillips, and Boart Longyear.Just a few quotes of our conversation with Mary"A lot of organizations are resistant to training." ...
2022-01-1139 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters040 - The most popular episodes in 2021Analysing our first 39 episodes of our podcast we launched in 2021 it was interesting to see what you as our listeners downloaded most.And here you see the top tree topics of 2021: FraudCrisesComplianceThese topics were the ones resonating most. Therefore - after a short reflection on where we stand now – in January 2022 – you have the chance to listen to the main parts of these three episodes in our todays Special Edition. With these three episodes we cover the following aspects you can directly use in our role as leader:Th...
2022-01-0459 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters039 - Why you should raise the expectations towards external auditorsDid you ever reflect on the expectations you have when it comes to the integrity of the team of external auditors of your organisation?The role of external auditors includes much more than just the signed report at the end of an audit cycle.Today I will talk about the value I see in external audit – when you have the right team on-site.WHYAuditors can bring added value in different areas to the organisation. But when the culture of integrity does not fit, the auditors create an additional risk to th...
2021-11-3012 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters038 - Integrity talk with Lisa FineWould you like to learn about the insights and perspectives of ethics and compliance program, including trainings and communications, risk assessments and leading and managing global investigations?Let's do that together with Lisa Fine. She is an expert in compliance. As Sr. Counsel and Director, Compliance for Pearson, the world’s leading learning company and co-host of the “Great Woman in Compliance” podcast she is in constant contact with compliance professionals.Lisa started her legal career at an international law firm, where she was a litigator and ran the Washington, D.C. pro bono program. She al...
2021-11-2335 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters037 - Integrity talk with Simon HartmannWould you like look behind the scenes of sales and aftersales?Let's do that together with Simon Hartmann.He is an expert in sales and aftersales. With years of experience in the automotive industry in more than 40 foreign markets.Just a few highlights of our conversation with Simon«If you starting you approach with the risk assessment, I think you have done really your homework.»«It is very important to be a role model each and every time, also for the employees or for partners.»«Sustainability standards are a...
2021-11-1626 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters036 - Integrity talk with Daniel DobrygowskiWould you like to learn about cybersecurity and principles for board governance of cyber risk?Let's do that together with Daniel Dobrygowski. He is one of the founders of the Centre for Cybersecurity and the Head of Governance and Trust at the World Economic Forum.Most of his career he spent as an attorney in private practice. Mainly in litigation on antitrust, intellectual property, and privacy issues for and against high tech companies in San Francisco and Washington DC.In 2015 Daniel was recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors in its Directorship 100...
2021-11-0932 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters035 - Why fraud awareness is crucial for the profit marginIn this episode we talk about one very specific topic – or better initiative. The Fraud Week 2021 initiated by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is starting on November 14.Fraud still costs at least 5% of the profit margin – every single year. Being aware when it comes to fraud patterns is important – not only once a year or during a specific week.Learn in this episode about the goals of the fraud week and what can you do in your environment to rise awareness to improve corporate integrity. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONSIf you...
2021-11-0206 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters034 - Integrity talk with Gabrielle Rudolf von RohrWould you like to learn about internal audit and integrity - not only when internal audit is conducting their audit plan – also the integrity we expect from internal auditors?Let's do that together with Gabrielle Rudolf von Rohr. She is the Head of the Cantonal Audit Office in Solothurn, Switzerland - for more than ten years and since 2015, she’s the President of Global Institute of Internal Auditors in Switzerland. Prior to that she held several positions in the professional environment and has a profound history in the M&A sector.She is a certified publ...
2021-10-2639 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters033 - Biases in the board roomIf you have ever asked yourself about the risk of being biased, you might be interested in this episode today.While everybody is talking about social engineering from external parties, I focus on how also board are engineered.Engineered by our colleagues: Consciously and unconsciouslyandtheir behaviour or simply biased by our own beliefs... WHYBeing biased could be dangerous and that is the main reason why we as responsible leaders should be aware of it. The daily business needs all our attention, no...
2021-10-1914 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters032 - Integrity talk with Salih Ahmed IslamWould you like to learn about the insights and perspectives of an international global expert in internal audit?Let's do that together with Salih Ahmed Islam. With more than 25 years of professional experience in internal audit he masters as a leader and role model the textile, iron and steel, petroleum, construction, FMCG and retail industries.WHYHe is one of the experts when it comes to managing the expectations of various stakeholders with diverse cultural backgrounds too. Integrity is not only important to him when it comes to business. As a...
2021-10-1225 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters031 - The myth of «Code of Conduct» in the cyber territoryHow do you behave when they enter the Internet? Do you change your identity and above all your behavior within seconds? Most of us would deny this. We behave like we do in real offline life. Why? Because we have acquired all these rules, norms, and beliefs over decades. For good and bad…. In today’s episode, we talk about the different territories – offline and online – and having our behavior in the cyber territory on spot.WHYShaping by behaving. Or we could also say leading by example – whi...
2021-10-0514 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters030- The one crucial question when hiring key personnelWhen it comes to the hiring process of key personnel the responsibility increases with the level that person will have within the organization. The more power a role has the higher the risk for the organization. In this episode, I will focus on asking the right questions when potential successors of a powerful role are interviewed.WHYThe more power a person has within an organization, the higher the risk for the stakeholders and shareholders. Sounds pretty simple and that is also what it is. But what I often see – es...
2021-09-2811 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters029 - Internal Audits’ impact in Cyber SecurityHave you ever asked yourself what the impact of the internal audit is when it comes to cyber security? Depending on your current role you might have different answers, and, in this episode, we will talk about the role internal audit has on cyber security. WHYThe cyber territory was and often still is a topic allocated to IT only. In my world of Corporate Integrity, Governance, Risk, and often also Non-Compliance and Fraud – it is not enough to see IT in its function being responsible for the territory of cyber. Why should it? Or to...
2021-09-2115 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters028 -Integrity talk with Deepa VijayanWould you like to learn about the perspectives and experiences of an international global head of compliance and data privacy? Let's do that together with Deepa. She's the global head of compliance and data privacy at Sonova in Switzerland. Deepas job as a compliance officer, both at Sonova and other organizations in the past involves establishing ethical standards and integrity platforms in large organizations.WHYEthic has been her own waiving north star and one which has helped her to establish herself as a strong leader during critical path in her...
2021-09-1431 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters027 -The 4 dependencies in fraudulent behaviour, non-compliance, and crisis resilienceWhat are the relevant areas depending on each other when it comes to organizational crises in the field of integrity and why? Just upfront- I broke it down to four key areas. Knowing that there were others too and analyzed it from different perspectives. As a board member, advisor, and entrepreneur with an investigative background. And if you would also like to reflect on what are the interconnections and why – that is the right episode to do so.WHYA framework helps to structure. And especially in extraordinary situations, it is proven that an int...
2021-09-0713 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters026 - Fact Finding: The 5 pitfalls of Report writingFor some, it is the absolute highlight and for the others a nightmare. The fact-finding report and especially the writing process. Being aware of some typical pitfalls is crucial – for all the stakeholders. And as always, they have different perspectives and positions to look at it. For an investigator, it is the final product. Whether you are an investigator or recipient of that report – the discussed pitfalls in this episode will sharpen your view when it comes to the quality of a fact-finding report.WHYWhen an organization is in the position that they need a fact-findi...
2021-08-3113 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters025 - The subtle difference between "White Collar Crime" and "Blue Collar Crime"There are a lot of colours around when we talk about crime and cyber security. White and black when we are in the cyber territory. White and blue when we talk about crime. Today we talk about the broader one. The one related to crime. If you are interested in the difference – this episode gives you the insights and background. WHYDifferentiating the terms white-collar and blue-collar crime is important when we analyse the fraud patterns. The fraud patterns are sub-summarized in the fraud tree. In short, the fraud tre...
2021-08-2415 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters024 - How to strengthen the board for directors' and managements' actionabilityWhen we talk about what should be done to reach the next maturity level– often the focus is rather on our teams and employees than on the boards.How about the boards? Especially the boards actionability?There are practical approaches to strengthen the boards actionability. And with that – the entire organisation they serve to!WHYWithout actionability we are having boat with a dysfunctional seamanship.Bringing it back to the business world – a dysfunctional board works against the vision – promised. Even though it is often not obvious.And the root cau...
2021-08-1716 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters023 - Five source to challenge your risk landscapeIt is unquestionable that the completeness of the risk landscape is one of the key success factors. But also a moving target. What was not on the radar a few weeks a go needds highest attention now.We all learned that - latest when COVID-19 changed from a risk to the event. An event which was on the risk landscapes of many organisations and also by the research teams.Not only the board of directors which have the overall responsibility but also the auditors are on duty when it comes to the risk identification process.
2021-08-1016 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters022 - Important skills to impactful sponsorshipAs member of a board – no matter whether it is a management or the non-executive board – whether you have one or two tier boards we have the responsibility that the strategy follows the vision and the tactics the strategy. The role of being a sponsor within the organisation is not new and there are many different forms and terms for that specific and important role. Especially when it comes to project management, we often see the approach of having a c-level sponsor which is part of the steering committee. When we take a clos...
2021-08-0316 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters021 - The type of characteristics not needed at C-LevelThere are people in the room poisoning the organisation. If they are sitting on your C-suite - it will negatively impact the vision but not only that.By understanding and identifying the red flags of such distracting traits you protect the organisations vision, strategy, and culture. It is worth to do so! WHYAs member of a board – no matter whether it is a management or the non-executive board – whether you have one or two tier boards we have the responsibility. And exactly here it starts with the different view...
2021-07-2716 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters020 - How to prepare for incidents? Secure actionability!Are you prepared for the worst or avoiding to even think about it? Doesn’t matter what position are in right now. This episode will give you the elements needed to be prepared for the worst and when I talk about the “worst” it is related to Non-complianceFraudWhite-collar crimeOr a cyber attackThe incidents which are happening all the time and are hardly discussed...WHYActionability is what every leader needs to protect – no matter what kind of situation. To protect the vision, strategy, and business – with all the related shareholde...
2021-07-2018 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters019 - Corporate Resilience: Hype or Asset?Resilience is one of the terms we read and hear more often than ever before. If you would like to have a look behind the scenes of what it means for Corporate leaders and how you could make resilience work for youThis episode will give you food for thoughts.And of course the possibility to start right afterwards. At the end it is all about implementing what makes you successful. WHYFirst, why should we as Board members and business leaders think about resilience when it comes to business? Individually...
2021-07-1315 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters018 - Build impactful alliances on corporate levelNo matter what you envision – there is a specific moment when you realise – we all need allies.Have you every thought about who you allies are? How they became your allies? Or maybe who could be my allies to have the impact you want to have?It is very interesting to see how these allies also transform over the time and depending on your and their vision to accomplish.The next minutes are spent for all these existing and future allies supporting us on our vision of having impact in your specific field of e...
2021-07-0614 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters017 - The 9 core sectors to identify risks in the business modelThere isn’t anybody else understanding your business model better than you and your team. Correct?What kind of insights would you receive if the business model would be analysed from a completely different perspective? For example, focusing what could harm the successful implementation of your vision.Identifying the core sectors of your business model when it comes to protect the most valuable assets. And especially your vision. That is what I would like to invite you to.Bringing in a new perspective when it comes to challenging the business model is key in...
2021-06-2918 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters016 - Check your security in the cyber territoryWhen we talk about cyber security, this includes protection in the social structures of the Internet. It is about protecting people from the violation of physical or mental integrity. Accordingly, security is a broader view than crime. Cybersecurity encompasses more than cybercrime. “The absence of security begins where an individual suffers harm or is likely to suffer harm.” Violation of physical or mental integrity The interpretation of the violation of physical or mental integrity of individuals requires a more flexible approach. If we focus exclusively on individuals, we miss out on those be...
2021-06-2217 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters015 - The overseen (fraud) vulnerabilityRaising awareness – also when it comes to topics like biases – is where everything starts. Without being aware of xyz no transformation can happen. Therefore, I am convinced that with your personal awareness of being biased the protection already starts. And if you extend it to your team, your organisation, you have a powerful tool at hand which is understood and supported. That is what you need to secure your most precious assets. When it comes to social engineering there is that common myth of putting the term to the tech side and forget. But it is...
2021-06-1520 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters014 - How to conduct fraud investigations in a remote environmentWe cannot deny the changes and additional requirements. Therefore, I am convinced that it needs some reflection and review of the investigations process too. The use cases and examples of the last few months demonstrated a wide variety of maturity level of the teams conducting investigations. And by saying that, these different set-ups and processes were raised by one of the peers of the Corporate Integrity Circle a few weeks ago. It became obvious how different the maturity levels are in terms of Team set up Investments done or especially hold back (in the...
2021-06-0818 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters013 - What changed in the fraud industry since the crisis?I would like to focus on three aspects how the fraud industry was and is affected by the pandemic Fraud Risks Anti-Fraud Programs Investigations Fraud Risks When it comes to the question how the pandemic affected the different risks of becoming a victim there were different areas to be taken up How was the risk landscape and risk management setup “before”? How did the landscape change? Where do we expect the journey to go? If there is no existing risk mapping the change can not be measured. We then only talk about the gut f...
2021-06-0123 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters012 - Three perspectives to identify risksThe ability to change perspectives – not only when it comes to risk – is crucial for business leaders.As initially mentioned, I will introduce three perspectives to identify risks. This means only three and not all the six we have for example in our toolbox called “Personal Risk Area Identifier”Starting with three will give you - and hopefully also your team – enough food for thought in a first step.I prefer getting things implemented and done versus teaching and preaching complex frameworks which nobody ever want to have implemented in the organisati...
2021-05-2515 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters011 - There is no vaccination to the risk of fraudRisks are managed differently. Some of them can be managed by a vaccination. Others not.Fraud, economic crime, cyber-attacks, and non-compliance are risks which are not possible to be managed by a vaccination.For the time being….Board of directors are not only responsible for overseeing management strategy, but also, for their risks management which is significant in these fast-evolving times – especially under the actual circumstances of the global crisis.The Pharma industry produces the vaccination against COVID-19. All great. For cyber-, non-compliance and fraud-risks there will never be a va...
2021-05-1815 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters010 - Why the Code of Conduct is not an alibiI am convinced that an implemented code of conduct is essential to set the framework on what we do how. No matter what form such a code has. Bringing up the topic “code of conduct” is often misunderstood as an additional regulatory paper created by one not understanding the business.We call it code of conduct (CoC) - this meaningful paper (or file in this day and age of digitalisation), which is intended to regulate our actions and give us security in this regard.What does the code of conduct say?Prev...
2021-05-1112 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters009 - The myth of crisis communicationIt is obvious that many business leaders feel stressed during crises. Also, the actual pandemic - which could harm the business - can be stressful.And a fraud case often ends in corporate crisis as we can witness reading the daily news. I am sure - this isn’t’ something you want to have on our bucket list.What I observe is, that there are too many excuses out there why communication in times of crises does not get enough focus. With the right tools and allocation of resources communication is one of the...
2021-05-0420 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters008 - Common pitfalls for corporates on ethical behaviourIt is not new that ethical behaviour and integrity increases profitability and attract talents. The right talents! That is one of the responsibilities we have as business leaders.And with that there are frequently seen pitfalls in organisations sabotaging the main vision, the purpose and the initially „good will“ to have a bigger impact. Some of these most common pitfalls on ethical behaviour are on spot in todays episode. I am convinced that with the awareness of the importance regarding ethical behaviour a lot of troubles can be eliminated at the source.But this...
2021-04-2714 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters007 - Are you successfully managing the decreasing willingness to comply?Have you ever tried to convince someone without good arguments? Difficult. Therefore, every negotiation specialist would give you the good advice of understanding the resonating arguments leading to the expected goal. The driving reasons. In this episode you will get ideas how to manage the decreasing willingness to comply within your organisation. And maybe also detect your own lacking discipline and how to cope with it.Depending on what area we are focusing on being compliant can be crucial for our organisation and especially for ourselves. Therefore, I am convinced...
2021-04-2013 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters006 - Why the fraud triangle is your partner in crimeWhat are the resources, tools, approaches, or methods you apply when it comes to fraud, misbehaviour, or non-compliance?Today you will learn how the fraud triangle could become your partner in crime during prevention, detection, and reaction to fraud. On a strategic and operational level.What I have experienced of over the last two decades of working in an environment where fraud is daily business is, that having a profound knowledge about the fraud drivers is key to understand the root causes of misbehaviour.What I have learned is, that the easier it i...
2021-04-1322 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters005 - White-collar crime: What it needs to become a violator for trustHave you ever asked yourself what kind of tools could be helpful to prevent and identify fraudulent actions or non-compliant behaviour? If so, in this episode you will receive a first tool in form of a hypothesis at hand which I highly appreciate and – after so many years into that business – I use on a daily basis. Sometimes even unconsciously. I talk about the drivers of fraud and where these come from. It is definitively not a new art at all.I am convinced that it is essential to understand the different fraud driv...
2021-04-0617 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters004 - How to improve the Risk Identifcation ProcessHave you ever questioned your – personal or professional risk identification process? If not, I will give some input how you could identify the three (or even more) key success factors of how to identify risks. You are the one knowing your business and responsibilities best and are you also aware of your own blind spots?The completeness of risks is keyI think there aren’t any business leaders and especially risk owners who wouldn’t agree on that. But how does it look like when it comes to daily business? In my...
2021-03-3016 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity MattersIs compliance in crises needed?Is compliance in crises possible? That was the question I have received in Summer 2020 – in the middle of the pandemic.The question itself made me think. Not the answer, which is cristal clear to me. By answering such a question there are more additional thoughts to be considered than just the isolated question.All business leaders receive questions they would never have thought about. Until the moment they are asked. And then they suddenly realize: the mindsets are different so are the value systems.And how can we now ensure that an organization is...
2021-03-2324 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity MattersWhy we are fraud risk factorsIn todays episode we talk about how our own human behaviour becomes one of the key risk factors for fraud.Understanding why we all are potential fraud risk factors by our human behaviour let us take the necessary measurements to avoid being harmed and to protect our assets.By learning what the key success drivers of the human factors are an important awarness level is set. For those who want to take actions - easy implementation steps can be taken.Understand the following elements:Impact of pressure on human behaviour is underestimatedCorporate...
2021-03-2317 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity MattersA journey of corporate integrityIn todays episode we talk about the my individual journey where corporate integrity plays a key role since the early 90ies.But more important, what you can expect from this podcast and how I would like to interact with you, with the actual topics and how we can all contribute.Understanding the root causes is key. No matter whether we talk about individuals or organisations.My why is part of this episode together with its relevance for Corporate Governance, Integrity, Ethical Leadership, Fraud, White-Collar crime, Cyber crime and Non-compliance.KEY MESSAGES:
2021-03-2312 minThe Human Factor: Corporate Integrity MattersTrailerI am Sonja, Entrepreneur, Independent Board Member, Speaker, Author of the book "The Human factor in white-collar crime. AND: I am your host.I live along the motto: Either I get involved properly or not at all. There is not path in between. And there is hardly any situation where I do not have skin in the game.By the way, what only a few people know about me so far: I am a passionate, storm- and crisis-resilient offshore sailor. A deep love to the sea goes far back in our family’s history.I...
2021-03-2106 min
The Pirate Talks - Jenseits der Konformitäts-ZoneDie Unternehmenskultur als Nährboden für Wirtschaftskriminalität und Cyber-Angriffemit Sonja Stirnimann, Expertin Wirtschaftskriminalität und Cyber Security
Der Possibilist redet mit Sonja Stirnimann, Expertin für Wirtschaftskriminalität über die Möglichkeiten in einem Bereich, der sich eng anhört. Jedoch aus der Perspektive von Sonja auch wieder eine Vielfalt an Möglichkeiten birgt: Cyber Security.
Schon seit 1992 jagt Sonja Wirtschaftskriminelle und sieht sich als Realistin, die gerne Risiken eingeht, sich aber ungern Gefahren aussetzt.
Als Unternehmerin, mehrfache Verwaltungsrätin und Autorin macht sie sich stark, dass Cyber Kriminalität unter dem Aspekt "Faktor Mensch" betrachtet wird. Cyber Kriminalität soll in Unternehmen nicht als...
2020-11-1033 min