Transforming workplace culture by applying an ethical lens to your business

Vera is an award-winning ethics and compliance expert who writes and speaks about business ethics, workplace culture, behavioral compliance, risk, and governance.

She is the author of Corporate Compliance Program, the first-ever book on compliance in the Russian language, and a co-author of The Transnationalization of Anti-Corruption Law, as well as hundreds of articles on all aspects of ethics, compliance, and governance.

Her insights have been featured in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Law360, Compliance Week, and Chartered Management Institute publications.

Vera serves as an ethics advisor for market-leading corporations and international not-for-profits.

Meet Vera

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Honors and Awards

Finalist - Compliance Influencer
Business Book of the Year 2016 Nomination
Best Compliance Officer in Anti-Corruption
Alien of Extraordinary Ability in Compliance and Ethics
Outstanding New Case Writer

Q&A with Vera

Why did you choose to focus on business ethics?

Business ethics operates in a unique social environment where people, to some extent, tolerate, expect, and even praise the selfish pursuit of personal gain. Still, we want them to follow at least some ethical rules, which is a major challenge.

What is a typical workday like for you?

My workday swings between sensible hours and what Brits call "stupid o'clock", dictated by both work commitments and childcare duties. It's less a choice and more a necessity to blend work with family life. While not a recommendation, there's a strange charm to working at sunrise.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

It will probably sound cliched, but "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" has always been my mantra in work and life. I love to learn, and fortunately, my work allows me to do so. Also, I feel fortunate to be part of the compliance community, as they are a fantastic group of people to work with!

What has been your greatest professional achievement?

I'm proud of my book, particularly because it serves as a textbook for educating the next generation of compliance professionals. However, I believe my greatest achievement is still on the horizon.

What part of your job gives you the most frustration?

I'd love to see ethics and compliance having more impact. There are many good initiatives, regulatory and voluntary, nudging individuals, businesses and governments to do the right thing, but we still need political will, legal capacity and the energy and focus to move the needle.

What pearl of wisdom can you give to a budding compliance officer?

Step outside the compliance bubble. Experience it from the organization's viewpoint. Are you approachable and supportive, or just intimidating? This perspective shift can be enlightening and offer insights for growth.

Read more in Thomson Reuters’ interview here.