Coffee & Compliance

We are thrilled to publish our 2^nd edition of Coffee & Compliance, an interview series that delves into the world of corporate governance and the ever-evolving landscape of regulatory compliance. In this edition, we sit down with Ron Cohen, Co-founder and Partner at Sharp Recruitment & Consultants. Ron is a seasoned founder and professional with extensive experience in the field of legal and compliance, and has recruited hundreds of highly skilled compliance professionals over the years.

Join us as we uncover valuable insights, expert advice, and intriguing perspectives on driving better compliance practices within organizations.

Interview with Ron Cohen

Compliance plays a crucial role in ensuring corporate governance. In your experience, what are the key elements that make an effective corporate governance framework?

Ron: Leadership, transparency, responsibility, accountability, awareness & integrity.

‍With the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, how do you stay up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements and incorporate them into your organization's governance practices?

Ron: We follow a great many different channels and current news that comes out, everything from the Financial Supervisory Authority to other authorities. Newsletters from law firms, the Big4, and more. We also participate in various seminars and conferences each year. With today's technology and numerous social media channels, staying up-to-date is relatively easy. It's about showing interest and keeping track of everything happening in the regulatory area.

‍Based on your long experience from working with, and hiring compliance professionals, what advice would you give to aspiring compliance officers who want to make a positive impact on corporate governance and drive better compliance practices within organizations?

Ron: Wow, this question could fill a book with its answer! Firstly, being a good communicator is essential. It's also important to be a people person with a talent for adapting to new contexts. The perfect compliance professional combines accuracy, creativity, and a solution-oriented mindset, along with a solid understanding of relevant regulations. You must grasp the connection between running a profitable business while ensuring compliance. Ultimately, it's about achieving a profitable and sustainable business in the long term. As a compliance officer, be educational, adaptable, business-oriented, and driven by results—while maintaining a sense of humor.

‍What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Ron: Oh, now you'll get a clichéd answer! Spending time with my family, exercising, relaxing, and enjoying countless hours in the pool!

‍We all know that compliance can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth of rules and regulations. If you were to compare compliance to a popular board game, which game would it be and why?

Ron: Haha, I love this question! It's undoubtedly the classic board game RISK! I've been playing RISK since my early teens, and it requires strategic thinking, deep knowledge of the rules, and an understanding of all the game's challenges and principles. Collaboration and forming alliances are crucial. There's a certain cunning required, along with a winning mentality and the willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. But amidst it all, you must have fun and enjoy a good laugh while playing.

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Join us for future editions of "Coffee & Compliance" as we explore the multifaceted world of governance and compliance, unraveling insights and experiences that shape the way organizations navigate the intricacies of regulations. Stay tuned for more compelling conversations!

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