Q&A

Could you share a bit about your current role and the journey that led you to this position?

"My current role as a compliance investigator is built on my previous foundation and experience as a criminal lawyer. I’ve been a lawyer for around 12 years, mostly involved in complex white-collar business crime cases and conducting investigations as external counsel for corporate clients.

I found the transition to an in-house compliance investigation’s role quite smooth. My legal background gave me more than just courtroom experience, but also commitment to uncovering the truth, mitigating risk, and helping organizations uphold integrity which has helped me transition into compliance and investigations.

Ultimately, this journey has been about evolving from a reactive role - defending companies after issues arise - to a more proactive one, where I can prevent those issues from occurring in the first place. I’ve found that compliance investigations combine the rigor of legal analysis with the forward-thinking mindset of risk management. That’s why I’m deeply engaged in this role, and why I see compliance investigation not just as a job, but as a critical function in building resilient, ethical organizations."

What aspects of working within compliance and investigations do you find most fascinating?

"The unique combination of fact-finding, risk assessment, and human behaviours.  Every case is a nuanced situation that requires not only analytical rigor but also emotional intelligence, discretion, and cultural sensitivity. It’s like solving a puzzle. Even though a process is being followed, each investigation requires adaptation."

What do you appreciate most about working in the compliance and investigations sector?

"First, compliance aligns closely with my personal value of integrity. 

Second, this area of expertise keeps me intellectually and psychologically engaged. The dynamic nature of the role, especially working across different cultures and jurisdictions, keeps me motivated and helps me grow. 

In short, compliance and investigations offer a rare blend of analytical challenges, ethical purpose, and global perspective. It’s very challenging, but in a good way."

How did you become involved with the GIR Academy, and what motivated you to join?

"I first discovered the GIR Academy during last year’s Women in Investigations conference, I believe that’s when the Academy was launched. It immediately resonated with me, both from a personal and professional growth perspective. Being part of this community of impressive women professionals and seeing its global reach is very inspiring. Hearing those voices and seeing how deeply committed the community was to collaboration, professional growth, and ethical leadership inspired me to stay engaged beyond the conference. "

Which course/s are you currently enrolled in, and what influenced your decision to choose these course/s?

"I’ve completed the Internal investigations: witness interview skills course and am registered for the Life cycle of an internal investigation course. I’m also very interested in the new course - Compliance Lessons from the Investigations World - especially because it touches on AI in investigations, which is a current focus area for me."

Has any story or piece of advice from the faculty resonated with you or been particularly impactful?

"There isn’t a specific phrase that comes to mind, but the module on cultural and jurisdictional differences in the Interview Skills course was particularly impactful. It helped me become more attuned to how cultural norms influence witness behaviour and communication, which significantly improved how I prepare for interviews in a global, multicultural context."

Would you recommend the courses at GIR Academy to others?

"Yes, absolutely. The format is engaging and self-paced, which is perfect for busy professionals. The content is practical and very well presented. Although the trainers are renowned, experienced experts, the courses are not overly academic, but useful and immediately applicable, which I really appreciated."

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in compliance and investigations?

"My advice would be to approach this career with curiosity. While integrity, legal knowledge, and staying updated are extremely important, curiosity is key. Compliance investigations is a field where technical skills are important, but your ability to think critically, ask the right questions in the most appropriate manner, and remain objective is what sets you apart."

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the compliance and investigations field?

"Through conferences, e-learning, and internal training. Our team also works closely with our compliance team, employment legal team, privacy team which helps us stay updated on all the investigations related areas. 

Also, given my legal background, it’s natural for me to stay informed on regulatory changes. We are constantly encouraged to have a development plan, so learning is a continuous process."

How has your experience at GIR Academy influenced your professional growth and career trajectory?

"GIR Academy has had a meaningful impact on my professional growth, especially as this is my first corporate role. The courses provided practical tools and high-level insights which have enhanced the way I approach compliance investigations which supported my transition and helped me build on my existing skills. "