There’s a difference between doing “what’s required” and doing “what’s right.” And if you’ve been paying attention, you know that we’ve also done whole episodes on the shortcomings of “do the right thing” language. So, in this episode of The Better Way?, Hui and Zach thought it was time to give ethics the explicit spotlight it deserves. It is, after all, our “E.”

They start by unpacking the differences between compliance (think: rules, regulations, and external demands) and ethics (think: values and the messy beauty of human judgment). Then, through a combination of historical lessons and real-world dilemmas, Hui and Zach dig deep into the role of today’s “ethics and compliance” officer. What does it mean to wear “ethics” as a badge? And are those who carry the badge truly empowered to be the conscience of their companies—should they be? As always, they end with tips for navigating the complexities of today’s workplace, with a focus on having the moral courage to initiate the sort of difficult conversations that make organizations better.