Jennifer Newton: How you start is how you finish. Leading with integrity in uncertain times

This climate can be challenging, but it also highlights why I chose this profession and why I remain committed to it. Compliance is not just about rules and checklists. It is about being a figure of integrity and a trusted guide for organizations as they define who they are and what they stand for.

I often caution clients, “How you start is how you finish.” The early stages of a company are where its values and culture are built. Decisions made during this time set the tone for everything that follows. As a fractional Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, I get to help startups and founders establish strong ethical foundations before problems arise.

One of the biggest challenges is justifying the investment in compliance and ethics when the rewards are not immediately visible. Much of our success shows up in what never happens: the regulatory inquiry avoided, the lawsuit that never materialized, the employee who spoke up because they trusted the process. These quiet wins are hard to quantify, but they are the difference between a company that thrives and one that stumbles under the weight of preventable crises.

In a polarized environment, compliance officers also play a unique role as stabilizing forces. We rise above politics and personal bias to focus on universal principles like fairness, transparency, and accountability. This sometimes means delivering hard truths or pushing back on decisions that could compromise the organization’s integrity. It is not always easy, but it is always necessary.

For me, this work is deeply personal. Founding the National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals (NABCRMP) was my way of building a community for those who share this calling. NABCRMP was created to be a hub for connection, education, and advocacy for Black professionals in governance, risk, and compliance. Through this network, I have seen firsthand the resilience and brilliance of compliance officers who are leading in every sector, from financial services to healthcare to emerging technology. At its core, compliance is about building something that lasts. When organizations prioritize ethics from the very beginning, they create a culture where doing the right thing is part of everyday business, not an afterthought.

To my fellow compliance professionals, know that your work matters. Even when the wins are quiet, you are shaping the future of your organization and the communities it impacts. And to those just starting out, remember: how you start is how you finish. Build with integrity, lead with courage, and never underestimate the power of doing the right thing from day one.