Episodes

  • Empowering SME’s Through Business Ethics with Fatma Elmaawy

    Empowering SME’s Through Business Ethics with Fatma Elmaawy
    Jan 23 2025
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this episode of Business Integrity Innovations, host Tom Fox and co-host Lola Adekanye sit down with Fatma Elmaawy, founder of Milestones Resource Solutions, to explore her diverse professional background and journey into business ethics and compliance training. Fatma shares her experiences from working in various sectors, including airlines, to founding her own training company that initially focused on sales and customer service but eventually specialized in business ethics. She highlights the challenges SMEs face in environments where corruption is rampant and discusses practical solutions, such as mindset engineering and the three R’s approach (Response, Report, Review), to help businesses operate with integrity. Fatma also touches on the importance of training the trainers to create a ripple effect of ethical practices within organizations and explains how pivotal leadership is in setting the tone for business integrity. The conversation further delves into the success stories of companies that have transformed their compliance cultures and shares strategies for leaders to embed ethical practices effectively. Key highlights: Fatma Elmaawy’s Professional Journey Challenges and Realities of Business Ethics Success Stories and Impact Training the Trainers and Leadership Practical Solutions and Collective Action Resources: Milestones Resources Solution
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    31 mins
  • Building a Corruption - Free Zimbabwe: Doris Kumbawa’s Vision

    Building a Corruption - Free Zimbabwe: Doris Kumbawa’s Vision
    Jan 9 2025
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this episode of Business Integrity Innovations, hosts Tom Fox and Michele Crymes welcome Doris Kumbawa, CEO and Founder of Ethics 360, and the CIPE country representative for Zimbabwe. Doris shares her professional journey and Ethics 360’s crucial role in promoting business integrity and anti-corruption compliance training. She elaborates on the challenges faced by the informal economy in Zimbabwe and the significant impact this economy has, especially on women. Doris discusses the collaborative efforts to formalize informal economy associations and reduce corruption through stakeholder engagement and effective policy recommendations. She also highlights the influence of Ethics 1st, a tech-based platform helping businesses transition towards ethical practices, and her work with organizations like Transparency International and the Environment Social Governance Network of Zimbabwe to promote ethical governance and compliance. This episode provides deep insights into grassroots efforts to combat corruption and foster a culture of ethics and integrity in business. Key highlights: Understanding Zimbabwe’s Informal Economy Ethics 360 and Anti-Corruption Efforts Impact of Ethics First on Small Businesses Collaborations and Training Initiatives Future Vision for Zimbabwe’s Compliance and Ethics Resources: Doris Kumbawa on LinkedIn Ethics 360 on LinkedIn CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    40 mins
  • Collective Action Against Corruption: Insights from Pana Ratanabanangkoon

    Collective Action Against Corruption: Insights from Pana Ratanabanangkoon
    Dec 19 2024
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this episode, Tom and Lola are joined by Pana Ratanabanangkoon, who has over 30 years of experience in the energy industry and is a key figure in the anti-corruption movement. Pana shares his journey from working with Shell in various countries to leading the Thai Collective Action Against Corruption (Thai CAC). He details the evolution of Thai CAC, highlighting its significant growth and innovative strategies in collective action, certification processes, and compliance. Pana also discusses establishing the International Collective Action Network (ICANN) to support similar initiatives globally. The conversation delves into the challenges and motivations driving anti-corruption efforts in the private sector and explores future trends, including the potential role of AI in enhancing compliance programs. Key highlights: Pana’s Professional Background Role in Anti-Corruption Efforts Evolution of Thai CAC Challenges and Experiences Future of Anti-Corruption Initiatives Business Solutions to Corruption Resources: Pana Ratanabanangkoon on LinkedIn CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    26 mins
  • The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption: Insights from Dr. Maximilian Burger-Scheidlin

    The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption: Insights from Dr. Maximilian Burger-Scheidlin
    Dec 5 2024
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this insightful episode of Business Integrity Innovations, hosts Tom Fox and Michele Crymes invite Business Integrity Innovations: The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption: Insights from Dr. Max Burger-Scheidlin from ICC Austria to discuss innovative strategies in the anti-corruption sphere. Dr. Scheidlin shares his journey from a lawyer engaged in corrupt practices to an advocate for business integrity. He narrates a compelling story of a Sudanese businessman who made profits without indulging in bribery by investing in after-sales service instead. This approach ultimately proved more profitable and sustainable than corrupt alternatives. Dr. Scheidlin emphasizes the importance of mindset change and a commercial approach to anti-corruption, especially in high-risk countries where legal compliance alone is insufficient. He argues that fostering long-term egoism by showcasing the profitability of non-corrupt practices can significantly reduce corruption. The episode delves into anti-corruption’s macro and micro impacts, illustrating the economic benefits of integrity in business. The conversation concludes with practical advice for companies looking to implement anti-corruption measures and an invitation to visit ICC Austria’s website for more resources. Key highlights: The Sudanese Businessman and the Wake-Up Call ICC Austria’s Mission and Role Tools and Strategies for Anti-Corruption Commercial vs. Legal Approach to Compliance The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption Macro and Micro Examples of Corruption Impact Future of Anti-Corruption Efforts Resources: ICC Austria ICC LinkedIn CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    32 mins
  • Trade, Integrity, and Investment in Africa: Insights from Toki Mabogunje

    Trade, Integrity, and Investment in Africa: Insights from Toki Mabogunje
    Nov 21 2024
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. Tom and Lola welcome Toki Mabogunje, a distinguished business leader and former Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, in this episode. She is also the Vice Chair of Africa at ICC World Chamber Federation. Toki shares insights from her extensive career, spanning public service, international law, and business development. Her discussion offers a deep dive into challenges and opportunities for businesses in Africa, emphasizing the importance of compliance and ethical practices. Toki also highlights the unique hurdles SMEs face, including access to finance and fluctuating government policies, and advocates for foreign investment and technical skill transfer to boost Africa’s economic landscape. Additionally, Toki discusses her role as the honorary consul for Tanzania to Nigeria, focusing on fostering trade relations and economic diplomacy between the two nations. Key highlights: Toki’s Professional Journey Challenges in Accessing Finance Importance of Business Compliance Government Policy and Business Challenges Opportunities for Western Companies in Africa Resources: Toki Mabogunje on Linkedin TMC ICC World Chamber Federation CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    32 mins
  • Championing Integrity - Samia Tnani on Driving SME Growth Through Ethical Governance

    Championing Integrity - Samia Tnani on Driving SME Growth Through Ethical Governance
    Nov 7 2024
    The Compliance Podcast Network (CPN) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) are bringing you Business Integrity Innovations. This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this episode, Tom Fox and Michele Crymes visit with Samia Tnani. Samia is a distinguished finance professional specializing in banking and impact investing, currently at the helm of impact and sustainability initiatives for AfricInvest Private Credit. She is deeply committed to integrating ethical business practices within SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, employing a comprehensive theory of change to ensure these principles are upheld across all investment stages. Samia believes that educating companies about the detrimental costs of unethical practices is paramount in encouraging them to adopt ethical standards, emphasizing that a culture of integrity and mutual trust is essential for business sustainability and growth. Through her leadership, AfricInvest Private Credit has secured over $2 billion in funds, showcasing the importance of ESG factors and high ethical standards to investors worldwide. Key highlights: Driving SME Growth Through Ethical Governance Ethics First: Promoting Integrity in Business Relations Benefits of Ethical Business Practices Fostering Ethical Standards for Sustainable Business Resources: Samia Tnani on Linkedin AfricInvest Private Credit CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    27 mins
  • Business Integrity Innovations: Promoting Transparency: Bridging the Trust Deficit in Business – Odeh Friday

    Business Integrity Innovations: Promoting Transparency: Bridging the Trust Deficit in Business – Odeh Friday
    Oct 24 2024
    The Compliance Podcast Network (CPN) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) are bringing you Business Integrity Innovations. This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics. In this episode, Tom and Michele Crymes visit with Odeh Friday, Country Director, Nigeria for the Accountability Lab. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in business to promote accountability. Trust and ethical standards in business dealings are crucial for building trust with stakeholders and the broader community. The trust deficit within the private sector highlights the need for ethical behavior. The conversation also touches on ongoing collaborations with state governments on procurement processes, including initiatives like open contracting to ensure better accountability. However, they identified a need to shift focus from merely holding the government accountable to encouraging ethical practices within business communities. Key Highlights: The Role of Trust and Integrity in Business Collaborating with State Government on Procurement Challenges in Community and Business Ethics Resources Odeh Friday Odeh Friday on LinkedIn The Accountability Lab-Nigeria CIPE CIPE Ethics 1st
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    26 mins
  • Championing Integrity - Em Ekong on the Future of African Entrepreneurship

    Championing Integrity - Em Ekong on the Future of African Entrepreneurship
    Oct 10 2024
    Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st - a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE, that is creating pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics using Ethics 1st. In this episode of the Ethics First podcast, hosts Tom Fox and Lola welcome Em Ekong who discusses her extensive experience in entrepreneurship with a focus on supporting minority communities and women's entrepreneurship in the UK and Africa. Emma shares insights from her work with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships to nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems. She highlights the role of ANDE in helping small businesses in the Global South access finance, markets, and development support, particularly through overcoming systemic challenges like corruption. Em shares her vision of a future where African businesses maintain standards that attract global investment, advocating for consistent messaging, collaboration, and championing ethics. Key highlights include her work on ethics initiatives with the Center of International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and successful convenings that provide platforms for honest dialogues about challenges. Lastly, the episode underscores the long-term effort required to change entrenched systems and the importance of maintaining momentum in pursuit of transparency and ethical practices. Key Highlights · Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) Overview · Challenges and Success Stories in African Entrepreneurship · Addressing Corruption and Standards in African Business Resources Em Ekong on Linkedin Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)
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    29 mins