The Ethics Experts

Tom Hardin previously spent much of his career as a financial analyst in New York City. In 2008, as part of a cooperation agreement with the Department of Justice, Tom assisted the U.S. government in understanding how insider trading occurred in the financial services industry. Known as “Tipper X,” Tom became one of the most prolific informants in securities fraud history, helping to build over 20 of the 80+ individual criminal cases in “Operation Perfect Hedge,” a Wall Street house-cleaning campaign that morphed into the largest insider trading investigation of a generation. After resolving his case, Tom was invited by the FBI's New York City office to speak to their rookie agent class. He has since become a sought-after corporate trainer and speaker on a global scale, addressing issues related to compliance, conduct risk, and behavioral ethics based on his unique, first-hand experience. His memoir, Wired on Wall Street, will be published by Wiley in February 2026.Wired on Wall Street: https://www.tipperx.com/bookConnect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipperx/

Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high-achievers struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety. Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic. She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. A sought-after speaker, Leah has presented her Support, Don’t Solve framework to leaders nationwide. Her book, Serial Fixer, releases this year, exploring the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free.Order Leah's book here: https://www.serial-fixer.com/

Ashley Kurien is a Certified Fraud Examiner and criminal defense investigator who specializes in evidence-based interviewing and communication. She is the author of A Curious Mind: Mastering the Art of Investigative Conversations, which helps readers apply investigative techniques to build trust, ask better questions, and communicate more effectively in both professional and everyday life.Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleykurien

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick Gallo welcomes Michele Lee.Michele C. Lee is a prominent figure in technology law, specializing in the intersection of online behavior and continually changing legal frameworks. Her expertise encompasses youth safety, privacy, artificial intelligence, and the evolving regulatory landscape governing online platforms.Lee's contributions have garnered significant recognition. She was distinguished as one of the "2023 Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business" by the San Francisco Business Times, honored as the "2020 Woman Leader in Tech Law" by The Recorder, and recognized as a "2021 Thought Leader" by Corporate Counsel's Women, Influence, and Power in Law.Connect with Michele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-c-lee/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Noreen Fierro.Noreen Fierro is Senior Vice President, Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Principal Financial Group She joined Principal in 2022. Prior to joining Principal, Noreen has had a 30- year career in the financial services industry both in-house in legal and compliance roles and as outside counsel. Most recently, Noreen served as the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Guardian Life (2016-2021). Prior to her time at Guardian, Noreen spent 10 years at Prudential Financial in various senior compliance/legal roles. She started her career in private legal practice doing defense and regulatory work for large broker-dealers and insurance companies.Connect with Noreen on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/noreen-fierro-09a5228

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Norm Ashkenas.Norm Ashkenas is Chief Compliance Officer of Robinhood Markets, joining in 2020. He has been in the financial services industry for 30 years in a variety of legal and compliance roles, including as Chief Compliance Officer for large retail brokerage and investment advisory firms. Norm is a leader, committee member and frequent speaker for a number of industry and regulatory groups including SIFMA, FINRA, NSCP, FSDA and FMA. He holds a B.A. in European History & American Culture from Northwestern University, a J.D. from Fordham Law School, and FINRA Series 7, 14, 24, and 63 licenses.

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Daniel Montenaro.Dan has been an effective business partner for leading BPO firms for nearly 15 years and has expertise in transactions, complex litigation, real estate, human resources, international legal matters, compliance and corporate governance. As Alorica’s Chief Legal Officer Dan is a member of the Operating Committee and leads the Transactions, Compliance, Corporate Governance, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property functions for Alorica as well as its corporate secretary. Dan has been with Alorica for nearly seven years, previously serving as Deputy General Counsel.Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-montenaro/

James "Jim" Downing is a seasoned compliance professional with over 25 years of experience in the broker-dealer and investment advisory industry. Currently serving as the Chief Compliance Officer of JLL Securities, Jim has held similar roles at esteemed organizations such as Morningstar, Aon, BMO, and JP Morgan. Prior to his corporate positions, Jim worked as a FINRA examiner at the Chicago District Office for 5 years, gaining valuable insights into regulatory compliance. Jim has his Juris Doctorate with honors from Taft Law School and a Masters of Accounting with honors from Roosevelt University.Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrdowning/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Bill Ryan.Bill Ryan is responsible for leading AT&T’s compliance’s organization and supporting AT&T’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of the countries and jurisdictions where AT&T operates. Bill also leads legal support for AT&T’s Operations organization under Jeff McElfresh and for AT&T Latin America and Global Marketing organization led by Lori Lee, including support for AT&T Mexico.Before taking his current position, Bill provided legal support for the Consumer organization, including sales, products, marketing, advertising, digital, retail and care operations. Prior to that role, Bill was vice president and associate general counsel responsible for providing legal support for Content strategy and execution, including negotiating programming agreements entered into by DIRECTV and U-verse, acquiring rights necessary to develop new technologies and providing legal support for key strategic transactions.

Jason Lesandrini, PhD, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C is a distinguished ethicist and leader with over two decades of experience in clinical, research, and organizational ethics. He is the founder and principal of The Ethics Architect: an outcomes-driven consulting firm specializing in the assessment and execution of ethics programming, the creation of ethical cultures and developing ethical leaders. In addition, he leads the departments of ethics, advance care planning, spiritual health, and language access for a large health system in Georgia. As a certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant (HEC-C) and a Leadership Professional in Ethics and Compliance (LPEC), Dr. Lesandrini brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to his work. He has developed innovative programs in ethical leadership, ethical climate, and organizational ethics that have significantly improved organizational culture.Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lesandrini-phd-fache-lpec-hec-c-8a75658/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Fabiana Klajner Leschziner.Fabiana is the Embraer Chief Compliance and Governance Officer since January 2025. From June 2016 to December 2024, she was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Prior to joining Embraer, she worked at DuPont in Brazil from September 2002 to June 2016 as Legal Director for Brazil and the Andean Region, responsible for the legal aspects of all businesses of DuPont in Brazil and Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. From June 1998 to December 2001, Fabiana was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York.Fabiana graduated from the University of São Paulo School of Law in 1993 and has an LL.M degree from Cornell Law School, Ithaca, USA, 1998. She specialized in corporate law, corporate finance, capital markets, antitrust, international trade and compliance.

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Jacqui Pruet.Jacquelyn Pruet - Driving change in challenging environments to achieve desired outcomes. Your solution to corporate content strategy, creation, program implementation, and oversight.A corporate "McGyver" that gets your organization to the moon with scotch tape, bubble gum, and a toothpick.A change management specialist, legal expert, and strategist that helps organizations achieve measurable outcomes for behavioral modification goals by creating award-winning programs which are cost effective and impactful.Connect with Jaqcui on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquelynsgpruet

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Elena Kohn.  After graduating from University College London and Stetson University College of Law (both with honors), Elena has been focusing her legal career in the healthcare space. She understands the challenges businesses face when navigating the ever-changing healthcare regulatory landscape. At AdventHealth, Elena is responsible for advice and counsel to several hospitals in the West Florida Division of the company in connection with healthcare legal issues, including medical staff issues, patient issues, physician contracts, practice acquisitions, Board advising, corporate matters, and federal and state laws. She has two children and loves fine-tuning her debate skills with her young daughter.For an extra challenge, she takes on her teenage son – and sometimes wins.  Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenakohn/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Anitha Vittal.Anitha is recognised as a global ethics, risk, compliance and internal audit leader with proven experience and expertise in establishing Centres of Excellence at GCCs across industry verticals.A passionate professional, she has over 23 years of service in leading and developing high performing teams across India, Europe and US markets. Her engagements include - internal audit, risk management, compliance, business process and financial compliance, data privacy, SoX, GRC program management, digitisation.

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Pat Poitevin.Mr. Pat Poitevin is an internationally recognized expert in anti-corruption, corporate ethics, and compliance. He is the co-founder and executive director of the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC). He is also co-founder & CEO of the boutique advisory firm Active Compliance and Ethics Group (ACEG). Mr. Poitevin is a 35-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and retired in October 2017, where he was the RCMP's anti-corruption and compliance expert. He has also been an investigator and expert on drugs, organized crime, and financial crime. He is in demand as a speaker, university lecturer, and trainer at the international level and has extensive experience in program development and capacity building. Mr. Poitevin has been advising and helping public and private organizations to improve their ethics, compliance, and anti-corruption measures. Mr. Poitevin has also worked on research, consultative, and advisory projects with the G20, UNODC, and the IMF. He was a member of the Canadian Project Committee (PC278) involved in the development of the ISO 37001 Anti-bribery and ISO 37002 Whistleblowing Management systems standard as well ISO 42001 AI Management systems. He is a member of the Transparency International Expert Network, ACFE, IAFCI, AACI, and several other professional associations. He also has the CACM and TASA professional designations. He is a member of Transparency International Canada and a Certified Anti-Corruption Manager (CMAC-USA).Connect with Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patpoitevin/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Elizabeth Wilks-Wood.Elizabeth is a barrister by training, who started her legal career as a regulator, in the Office of Telecommunications and the European Commission. She has over 20 years’ in house experience of advising companies in the UK and internationally, including at Digicel, du and Royal Mail. Elizabeth is passionate about making compliance simple, and empowering all to make ethical decisions every day. In 2017, her team in Royal Mail was awarded “In House Compliance Team of the Year” by Women in Compliance. In 2018, as compliance lead for the Ritz Hotel Casino, the company was awarded “Socially Responsible Operator of the Year”, for their innovative work with a clinician and economist, to proactively identify those who may develop problematic play. She joined Carlsberg in 2019, and during her tenure her team worked to embed and enhance compliance in over 100 markets, many of which are high risk. Elizabeth is a lifelong learner. She has master’s degrees in international business law, economics and a distinction in the psychology of behaviour change.Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-wilks-wood-46b0b448

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Michael Levin.Michael Levin has a proven track-record of developing strategies and tactics for reducing compliance and ethics risks and has designed best-practice compliance programs for more than 100 companies.Michael spent 10+ years overseeing Compliance and Ethics at Freddie Mac, leading a team of compliance professionals and corporate investigators, and setting the strategy to manage and mitigate Ethics, Culture and Conduct risk across the enterprise. This includes the Compliance Helpline, the Code of Conduct, employee trading controls, corporate investigations, and enterprise risk and compliance training. Levin was the founder of and also served as Secretary of Freddie Mac’s Conduct Risk Committee.Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-levin-0a958a1/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Mark Jaffe.Mark Jaffe leads the Rivian ethics, compliance and privacy program which includes ethical culture, compliance oversight, privacy, and investigations. He leads a team of 16 people which includes privacy professionals, lawyers, compliance professionals, and investigators responsible for developing and implementing Rivian’s ethics, compliance and privacy programs and to investigate allegations of employee wrongdoing. Mark and his team work on issues related to privacy, information governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data ethics.https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjaffe/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Ken Myers.Ken Myers is a global strategic business executive of global product compliance turned regulatory and business consultant with a passion and history of building organizations, relationships, practices, and cultures aimed at defending and emboldening omni-channel brands following a cross-functionally collaborative, risk-managed, data-driven, decision-making approach. Ken has over 20 years of experience lifting Supplement, Functional Food, OTC, Cosmetic, and Beauty/Medical/Electronic Device brands to achieve their goals. He is presently the Executive Director of Regulatory Avenues Consulting.Connect with Ken Myers on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-myers-4b56235

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Matt Fawcett.Matt Fawcett is general counsel for DXC Technology. He serves as principal counsel and advisor to senior leadership and the DXC Board of Directors. He has global responsibility for all legal, privacy, contracting, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and compliance activities, as well as government and regulatory affairs.Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfawcett/