Compliance
How Can Compliance Officers Turn Risk into Opportunity?
The pressures on compliance officers are mounting more and more each day. From the rapid rise of AI and its associated concerns—such as bias, privacy, and ethics—to the growing need for emotionally intelligent leadership, compliance officers are called upon to manage these risks. And to navigate crises with agility, empathy, and foresight.
In honor of Compliance Officer Day—a holiday created by SAI360 to celebrate the critical role compliance officers play in protecting organizations—we sat down with Fabiana Lacerca-Allen, Chief Compliance Officer at the global pharmaceutical company Cipla USA and author of Crisis Capable. Fabiana’s career spans over three decades. Over the years, she has led global compliance teams, now serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to young professionals.
Fabiana’s insights into navigating crisis are rooted in a lifetime of facing real threats with resilience and integrity. Growing up in Argentina during a time of political turmoil, Fabiana was surrounded by physical risk including kidnappings and violence under a military dictatorship. Her father was the first state secretary of industry in the new democratic government. He showed her the importance of courage and ethical leadership in the face of danger.
These experiences taught Fabiana to stay calm under pressure and stand up for what’s right—skills she now uses to help companies navigate risks like AI, cybersecurity, and ethical challenges.
Below, we explore what makes for effective leadership in the face of unpredictable global events.
The Present and Future of Compliance: Q&A
SAI360: What are the biggest challenges you’re seeing compliance officers face right now?
Fabiana: The two biggest risks coming our way are the use of AI and the lack of compassion, value, and commitment in some of our leaders. AI is evolving so rapidly that compliance officers need to stay on top of its potential risks, like bias, privacy issues, and ethical concerns, that could impact businesses.
Additionally, the lack of ethical and emotionally intelligent leadership at the highest levels sets a tone that trickles down into organizations. We’re seeing more division and even hatred toward minorities. That divisiveness affects companies. Leaders who lack courage, empathy, and values are a risk because they aren’t equipped to navigate these growing complexities.
SAI360: How do these broader societal issues, like divisiveness and lack of ethical leadership, translate into business risks?
Fabiana: These issues don’t just stay in the realm of politics or society—they permeate everything. A divided society influences the workplace and corporate culture. For example, if a company tolerates or ignores unethical behavior, such as discrimination, it creates an environment where employees feel devalued. This leads to reputational risks, legal consequences, and loss of trust.
When leaders lack the ability to handle these situations with compassion and fairness, it impacts the entire organization. We’re going backward in some areas; that’s incredibly dangerous for businesses. The biggest risk is not just a lack of emotionally intelligent leadership but also a lack of courage to stand for the right thing when it counts the most.
SAI360: How important is emotional intelligence in leadership today, especially for compliance officers?
Fabiana: Emotional intelligence is crucial, particularly for compliance officers. It’s not just about following rules and regulations; it’s about understanding the human impact of those decisions. Leaders need to have compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others.
For example, when we think about cybersecurity breaches, it’s not just about protecting the company from fines or reputational damage. It’s about understanding the real people behind that data—families whose information could be stolen, impacting their lives in ways we might not imagine.
Compliance isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a deeply human one. Until we incorporate that mindset into our daily decisions, we’ll be missing the mark.
SAI360: How can compliance officers better protect organizations while staying compassionate?
Fabiana: It comes down to thinking beyond just compliance with regulations and focusing on the people you’re protecting. It’s about asking yourself, “How would I feel if this happened to me or my family?”
This question can be widely applied in areas like data protection, where real families are affected by breaches that compromise their financial security.
Compliance officers need to advocate for protecting not just the company but also the individuals whose lives are impacted. We need to foster an environment where care for others is woven into every decision we make.
For example, when hiring new team members, we should evaluate not just their technical skills but also their emotional intelligence and how they handle ethical dilemmas.
SAI360: You’ve spoken about the importance of building emotionally intelligent teams. What are the qualities you look for when assembling a compliance team?
Fabiana: When assembling a compliance team, I look for people who remain calm in a crisis, who can think clearly, and who prioritize the team’s interests over their own.
Growing up in Argentina, where kidnapping and political unrest were realities, I learned firsthand the importance of crisis leadership. When you’re in a crisis—whether in a corporate setting or a personal one—you need people around you who are emotionally stable and capable of making rational decisions.
I often say that I choose team members based on whether I’d feel confident being stuck with them in a difficult situation. Leaders need to have emotional intelligence, be able to communicate effectively, and work well under pressure. These are the traits that make a team resilient. Especially in times of crisis.
SAI360: Have you seen real-life examples of how emotionally intelligent teams navigate crises?
Fabiana: Absolutely. I’ve seen it firsthand, many times. The teams that work well together and are diverse—especially those that include women and minority perspectives—tend to excel during crises. They bring different viewpoints, which is critical for problem-solving.
Teams that have a high degree of emotional intelligence can manage their emotions, communicate openly, and collaborate effectively, which is crucial when decisions need to be made quickly and under pressure.
On the other hand, I’ve also seen teams that fall apart because their leaders are focused only on themselves. When leaders lose their cool or act out of self-interest, their decisions suffer, and it shows in the outcome.
SAI360: What’s especially urgent that compliance officers should focus on now?
Fabiana: The need for courage—courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. We’re past the point where we can just sit back and let things happen around us. The role of a compliance officer is to be a voice of reason and integrity within an organization.
We must be ready to stand up for ethical practices and hold others accountable. It’s no longer enough to just follow the rules; we need to be proactive in creating cultures of integrity. Compliance officers are often the ones pushing for that change, and it’s important that we’re ready and willing to step into that role.
SAI360: How do you think the next generation of leaders is responding to these challenges?
Fabiana: The next generation is watching closely, and they are very vocal about their values. They care deeply about ethics, integrity, and purpose-driven work. Younger leaders are not willing to compromise their values for a paycheck, and we’re seeing this play out in real-time.
I’ve seen many people in their sixties, for example, who are now taking a stand—leaving jobs after just a few weeks because they don’t align with the company’s values. The younger generations, especially, are very informed and concerned with ethics, and they will call you out if they see something that doesn’t align with their values. It’s a trend that companies need to be aware of because it’s shaping the future of work.
SAI360: What advice would you give to compliance officers who are struggling with the pressures of today’s fast-paced, risk-laden environment?
Fabiana: Stay grounded in your values. Be prepared to stand up for what’s right, no matter how challenging it may be.
We’re all faced with decisions every day that have a ripple effect on others, and it’s important to approach those decisions with a sense of responsibility and empathy.
The pressures of compliance are intense, but they also offer the opportunity to make a real difference.
I also encourage compliance officers to be flexible and open-minded because the landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed, stay connected to your team, and remember that every decision you make has an impact on the people around you—both within your organization and beyond.
Want to learn more about how SAI360 is partnering with compliance officers to make a difference? Let’s Start a Conversation
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