Coffee & Compliance - Interview with Ann Grevelius

Today North House are thrilled to publish the third 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're excited to spotlight a conversation with Ann Grevelius, Co-Founder of Opti, board professional, and angel investor.

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

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

Ann: I would say that the key elements of effective corporate governance framework is all about having the right structure based on the right processes and the right competences. With a constant focus on the business, and the dynamics around that. Legal requirements is of course important elements, but also the actual implementations both from management and the board. Overall focus also has to address the obvious; challenges, risks and opportunities .

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? 

Ann: I get a lot of input from the different boards I am active in, where compliance issues for sure are getting an increasing part of the agenda. I also appreciate all the contacts with the compliance and risk officers and learn a lot from them. I also get valuable information from reading articles on the topic and from different networks. But it’s not an easy thing, to stay fully updated at all times.

When it comes to governing documents, what are some common challenges faced by companies in maintaining compliance? How can these challenges be overcome?

Ann: Some of the main challenges when it comes to governing documents is the risk of having too many, not updated and written in a very ”legal” way that people in the organization might have difficulties in understanding. They might also risk to be detached from reality, making it hard to reach acceptance. 

With your long experience from leading positions and board positions, what advice would you give to legal- and compliance professionals who want to make a positive impact on corporate governance and drive better compliance practices within organizations?

Ann: Sort things out in an understandable way for the organization and try to focus on reaching ”the core” content and explain the intentions with the regulation. It’s important to remember that we want to achieve a positive impact on corporate governance, not just pass all types of regulations further in the organization. Legal- and compliance professionals have to help out with guidance and in making compliance practices understandable, accessible and visualize relevance for different people in different parts of the company.

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?

Ann: Wow, I can’t even remember when I last played a board game… But I remember I used to love a game called Cluedo when I was a child - it was all about solving mysterious crimes, finding clues and navigating different risks - so I guess that could serve as comparison with the complicated and sometimes challenging world of compliance.

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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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