I chose to interview Vicky Lock because when I was researching for this assignment. I came across her, and I read a bit of what she did for her company, and I was very inspired, and I am glad that I was able to ask her more about what she did.
Can you explain your roles and responsibilities with your current position?
“I am the senior legal compliance program manager. I am responsible for creating and managing the global corporate compliance and ethics program. My team develops and communicates the business conduct standards and procedures to employees. We determine the content that is required for training and ensure it is administered to all employees globally. We are also responsible for the due diligence and risk analysis in determining who the company may engage in business with. We attempt to manage potential conflicts of interests both internally and externally for the benefit of both the company and employees. Basically, we make sure the company conducts business legally and ethically in all jurisdictions. We guard the safety of our employees against each other and the business.”
Why are you passionate about your job or role?
“I’m not sure if I’m passionate, but the job is extremely interesting. The scope of work is global. What I do affects every employee in the company. I have to be current on global affairs, foreign legislation and it heightens my awareness. The job gives me perspective.”
What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
“No real obstacles, other than on a personal side of whether I wanted to stay comfortable or be challenged. I was very fortunate and I worked hard. I am surrounded by a team that is extremely supportive and we champion each other. I’ve been with the company for 17 years, in 4 different roles and each role was a step up. I honed my skills each time, my peers and managers recognized them and then I was promoted.”
What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
“It’s an oxymoron but you have to always listen but know when to speak up. The role is global – if you have a project to implement, think about everyone and think outside the box. One plan does not fit all so always have a backup plan (maybe even 5 backup plans) and be willing to action different plans for different regions. You have to be flexible.”
What do you find most rewarding about out your job?
“There is a misconception that ‘compliance’ is about rules and that we will always say ‘no’. While there are rules that we must enforce, I like to find a way to say ‘yes’ within the rules. For example, when an employee is passionate about a personal project but it would not be in the best interest of the company for them to pursue, it is my responsibility to review and identify the risk. When I can figure out a way to make it happen that is beneficial for everyone, it’s a win. My job allows me to find alternate solutions, it’s like figuring out a puzzle.”
Did you always see yourself doing something like this for your career?
“Absolutely not. I was going to find a rich husband and live a life of leisure.
I got lucky, this job utilizes my skills and it wasn’t on my radar. Right time, right place.”
I had a wonderful time talking with Vicky about her job. I think that learning how to make connections is very important because when you are working, you won’t have all the answers so it is good to have people that you can ask.
I find the legal aspects of working in big companies quite appealing because I don’t think there would ever be a dull moment. I also like the idea of being able to help people.
