I recently had the opportunity to visit with folks from Diligent we look down the road at key issues in 2024 in a podcast series, sponsored by Diligent, entitled Compliance professionals adapting to change: Industries, Regulations, and Beyond. I was able to chat with Nicolas Latham, Renee Murphy, Jessica Czeczuga, Yee Chow, and Alexander Cotoia. Over this series, we discussed compliant communications in regulated industries, managing conflicts of interest at the Board level, the Board’s role in compliance training and communications, navigating the current ESG landscape and professional growth and mentorship in compliance. In this concluding Post 5, we discuss professional development and mentorship for compliance professionals with Alexander Cotoia.

Continuous professional development is crucial for compliance professionals, especially those in leadership positions. In a dynamic regulatory environment with expanding responsibilities, staying up to date is essential. Compliance professionals must not only understand domestic laws but also international regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Directive (CS 3D). This extraterritorial impact of legislation emphasizes the need for continuous education to address these developments.

Mentorship plays a vital role in the professional growth of compliance professionals. Often, the focus is on the development of hard skills, but soft skills like communication, collaboration, and relationship-building are equally important. Compliance professionals need to be able to speak the language of different stakeholders within the corporate world, such as CFOs or CISOs. Obtaining a working vocabulary in a corporate context is crucial for effective collaboration and building positive rapport with operational functions.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources available for continuous professional development. Platforms like LinkedIn, Coursera, and Harvard Business School online offer courses that focus on soft skills, negotiation, building relationships, and strategic planning. These courses provide compliance professionals with the necessary tools to excel in their roles. Taking courses outside the realm of compliance, such as business fundamentals, can also enhance their understanding of critical business concepts.

Thought leadership is another valuable tool for continuous learning and professional growth. Writing blogs and articles not only showcases expertise but also forces compliance professionals to learn and digest new information. Engaging in thought leadership allows compliance professionals to stay informed, expand their knowledge, and contribute to the compliance community. It also opens doors for networking and potential collaboration opportunities.

The compliance profession offers a challenging yet rewarding career path. It provides opportunities for professional and financial growth. For students considering a career in compliance, mentorship and continuous learning are emphasized as essential elements. Starting in compliance can lay a solid foundation for future success.

Balancing the tradeoffs involved in continuous professional development for compliance professionals can be challenging. It requires finding the right mix of hard and soft skills, staying updated on regulatory changes, and actively engaging in thought leadership. Compliance professionals must consider the impact of their decisions on their own professional growth and the organizations they serve.

In conclusion, continuous professional development is crucial for compliance professionals, particularly those in leadership roles. The dynamic regulatory environment and expanding responsibilities necessitate staying updated on both domestic and international laws. Developing soft skills, obtaining a working vocabulary in a corporate context, and engaging in thought leadership are essential for success in the compliance profession. Mentorship and continuous learning are emphasized as critical elements for professional growth. Compliance professionals must strive to find the right balance and make informed decisions that benefit their careers and the organizations they serve.

Ready for Purpose-Driven Compliance? Diligent equips leaders with the tools to build, monitor, and maintain an open, transparent ethics and compliance culture.