01 // TELL US WHAT YOUR GROUP IS FOCUSED ON THESE DAYS.
We are focused on key topics that we feel can further refine the ethical culture of our organization. I believe we have a very solid base to work from but we are not content to let this be the status quo and wish to build on that momentum to properly embed our Code of Business Principles in everyday life at Unilever.
02 // WHAT PART OF YOUR BACKGROUND HAS MOST PREPARED YOU FOR THIS POSITION?
My dispute resolution and internal inquiry and prosecutorial work with regulators and background have been immensely helpful for my position in balancing the safeguards of employees and the interests of the company. Without the benefit of this experience, I would not have been able to take definitive views on difficult issues.
03 // WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
How to continue to convince each and every individual at Unilever that the principles and ethics that we espouse should be internalized and practiced and that where there are grey areas for tough ethical decisions, we consistently make the right ones.
04 // IS THERE ONE SPECIFIC PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU COULD SHARE THAT YOU WISHED YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU FIRST GOT THE JOB?
I came from private practice and the different functional departments in the organization were something I had to get used to pretty quickly. My advice is to go and talk to each of the heads of the various departments before you assume anything!
05 // WHO DO YOU REPORT TO? WHAT ROLE HAVE THEY PLAYED IN THE COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS PROGRAM?
I report to the regional general counsel.
06 // WHAT’S THE WORST JOB THAT YOU HAVE EVER HELD?
I once had to be stationed overseas for four days out a week for a period of six months. That’s tough when you have young kids. But, when they came running and jumping into my arms at the airport, it was all worthwhile!
07 // WHAT’S THE DUMBEST/SMARTEST QUESTION THAT SOMEONE HAS EVER ASKED YOU IN AN INTERVIEW AND HOW DID YOU ANSWER IT?
Someone asked me why I thought it was so difficult for a partnership of lawyers that was the product of a merger to work harmoniously. My answer surprised even myself. I said that it was because “anything forged by compromise was bound to be mediocre.” That sealed the position.
