Transforming governance by bringing ethics to power and decision-making

A woman with short brown hair wearing a colorful floral blouse, jewelry, and a smartwatch sitting at a black table, smiling against a dark background.

Vera serves as chair, director, and ethics advisor to global professional bodies, corporations, and international nonprofits. I am the Executive Director of Boards of the Future, a US-based nonprofit advancing ethical leadership and integrity at the highest levels of corporate power.

She is the author of books, book chapters, practical guides on ethics, compliance, and governance, as well as an award-winning case study on business ethics and entrepreneurship.

Her insights have been featured in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Law360, CityAM, and Thomson Reuters.

In 2024, Vera received the U.S. EB-1A “extraordinary ability” designation in Compliance & Ethics, recognizing her contributions to the field. EB-1A designation allows individuals with top-tier skills to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. by demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim and demonstrating that their work will substantially benefit the country.

Meet Vera

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Honors and Awards

Finalist - Compliance Influencer
Business Book of the Year 2016 Nomination
Honorary Award for Promoting Compliance Practice
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. Humility and curiosity are the precursors of my growth path.

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.