We spoke to Pat Poitevin, CACM, TASA, corporate ethics, compliance and financial crime expert.

Pat is the Co-Founder and Executive Director for the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC) & CEO of Active Compliance and Ethics Group Inc.

Tell us about yourself

Starting my journey in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where I served for 35 years, to now leading international anti-corruption efforts, the far-reaching impact of corruption that I have witnessed and learned about has fueled my passion for making a genuine difference.

In roles like Co-Founder of CCEAC and CEO of Active Compliance and Ethics Group, I’ve focused on capacity building both in Canada and globally. This commitment energizes my work, from collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to various NGOs, striving to elevate E&C standards and assisting people and organizations improve their E&C program and culture.

My motivation lies in fostering transparency and accountability, aiming to inspire change through ethical governance, transparency and accountability.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Your journey in tackling corruption and promoting ethical practices will be both challenging and rewarding. Trust in the value of integrity and the impact you can make.

Remember, the path to making a difference globally in E&C begins with steadfast commitment and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives. Stay true to your passion for making a difference; it will be your guiding light in the complex world of E&C.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

Undoubtedly, working with Global Affairs Canada and other international development agencies on projects that make a real, tangible difference in developing countries. Helping these nations build capacity to address corruption has been both exciting and deeply rewarding. Not many can say they’ve had such an opportunity.

The ability to leave a positive legacy, however minor, in the fight against corruption is something I hold with great pride. It underscores the impact and significance of our collective efforts in fostering global integrity and ethical governance.

Tell us an amusing anecdote about your work

In my international training sessions, I often leverage the quintessentially Canadian symbols of apologies and maple syrup. I bring maple candy and cookies as incentives for participants to engage in discussions.

It’s amusing to witness the transformation of serious, well-educated professionals in positions of authority, who start with a tough veneer but gradually clamour for maple treats like teenagers! This humorous strategy not only breaks the ice but also fosters a sense of unity, turning reserved individuals into active participants eager for their sweet rewards.

Can you recommend a good book?

There are many exceptional books out there, but for those focused on Ethics & Compliance (E&C), I highly recommend Bootstrapping Ethics by Rupert Evill and Humanizing Rules by Christian Hunt. These books are essential for E&C professionals looking to deepen their understanding of effectively preventing, detecting, and mitigating unethical behaviors and risks.

Together, they provide a comprehensive view on how to approach E&C with both a strategic and human-centric perspective, making them must-reads for anyone in the field.

What can we expect in 2024?

I anticipate a dynamic shift focusing on AI, data analytics, and LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini, alongside an increased regulatory emphasis on ESG factors. The transformative impact of AI will drastically change business conduct and E&C risk management, offering both immense potential for enhancing ethical practices and significant challenges in the hands of bad actors.

Balancing these technological advancements with human intuition and oversight will be key. As we navigate this era, ensuring responsible AI use and adapting to evolving ESG regulations will be critical for the future of ethical business conduct.

What’s your wish for the new year?

To navigate the AI and E&C sector with the wisdom of Yoda and the strategic insight of Spock. My wish for 2024 is to see a universe where ethics and compliance is as common as droids in a Star Wars movie.