01 // TELL US WHAT YOUR GROUP IS FOCUSED ON THESE DAYS.
We are currently focused on meeting the needs of the corporation’s international development. We are also busy working on the integration of new employees in the U.S. joining us through acquisition.
02 // WHAT SPECIFIC INITIATIVES HAVE WORKED WELL THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH OTHERS?
SBC (Standards of Business Conduct) Advisors are assigned to our major U.S. business units and offi ces with more than 100 employees. The group has been instrumental in creating the culture for ethics and integrity at AOL by demonstrating business ownership for AOL’s Standards of Business Conduct.
03 // WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND HAS MOST PREPARED YOU FOR THIS POSITION?
It’s a combination of having worked as in-house counsel managing litigation, as well as advising on employment issues. This provides a perspective on the benefi ts of proactively managing risk in the organization, and of educating employees on expected conduct, communicating the values of the organization and providing the process for the company to self correct when concerns are reported.
04 // WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
Have we done enough to support a culture of accountability? Do our employees feel a sense of ownership for the reputation and assets of the corporation? When the inevitable bad act occurs, will the good employees who observe the act tell us so that we can correct course before harm can occur?
05 // IS THERE ONE SPECIFIC PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU COULD SHARE THAT YOU WISHED YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU FIRST GOT THE JOB?
Join a professional association and network with your peers. Getting started in this area can be challenging because generally no one else in the company does this job and may not appreciate there is a professional body of knowledge already in existence. Joining the ECOA provides access to the body of knowledge in the profession and helps overcome the restrictions of a small staff and limited financial resources that may exist as a program gets started.
06 // HOW IS THE BUSINESS CONDUCT PROGRAM STRUCTURED AT AOL?
AOL is a division of Time Warner, and the ethics and compliance function sits within their legal department and at the divisions. We meet regularly with the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for Time Warner to share ideas and coordinate efforts on behalf of the entire Time Warner family.
07 // WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Listen to what people have to tell you, both positive and negative, but trust that internal voice that tells you what action should be taken and follow it.
