The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters cover art

The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters

The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters

Written by: Sonja Stirnimann
Listen for free

About this listen

 In today’s world, corporate integrity is not just about compliance—it’s about strategic foresight, resilience, and leadership accountability. This podcast is designed for board members, C-suite executives, and decision-makers who navigate governance challenges at the highest levels. Through insightful conversations, deep-dive analyses, and real-world cases, we explore how integrity-driven leadership safeguards organizations, protects reputations, and ensures long-term success. Hosted by Sonja Stirnimann — an independent board member, sparring partner, and global authority in corporate integrity and risk leadership. 🔹 Board Advisor & Strategic Partner to Decision-Makers 🔹 Former Corporate Leader & Independent Director 🔹 Certified Public Accountant | Certified Fraud Examiner | Executive MBA | Board Diploma 🔹 Expert in High-Stakes Governance, Crisis Navigation & Resilience 🔹 Passionate crisis-proven Sailor – Navigating Corporate Risks With Precision & Foresight What to Expect: ✔ Thought-provoking discussions on boardroom governance, risk, and resilience. ✔ Lessons from real-world integrity failures—what went wrong and why. ✔ Insights from global experts on the future of corporate integrity. ✔ Frameworks for strengthening leadership decision-making in high-stakes environments. This is not just another business podcast. It’s an invitation to a strategic, high-trust conversation about the decisions that define corporate success—or failure. 🎙 For those shaping the future of governance, leadership and resilience. Corporate Integrity Concepts® More about your host and further resources: https://sonjastirnimann.ch/ https://www.corporateintegrityconcepts.com/ https://www.structuul.ch/Copyright 2026 Sonja Stirnimann Economics Management Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 081 - Integrity talk with Nick Gallo

    081 - Integrity talk with Nick Gallo
    Feb 10 2026

    In this conversation Sonja Stirnimann and Nick Gallo, co-CEO of Ethico, discuss the multifaceted nature of integrity in business, emphasizing its importance beyond mere compliance. They explore the interplay between individual and corporate integrity, the role of culture in fostering ethical behaviour, and the challenges leaders face in maintaining integrity under pressure. Nick Gallo shares personal experiences and insights on mentoring future leaders, the significance of a long-term perspective, and the essential role of people in cultivating a culture of integrity.

    Just a few highlights of our conversation with Nick Gallo:

    Compliance is maybe the bricks in the wall, and integrity is what kind of holds it together.I just think culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage in business. And culture is like a bonfire.And especially also now with all the globalization we have, we have different cultures. And different culture also means different understanding of integrity.A leader has that strategic foresight, also makes sure that the organization and also the teams are resistant and resilient.

    Some of the takeaways of this integrity talk:

    • Integrity is the mortar that holds compliance together.

    • Culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage in business.

    • Words on a wall are often aspirational and not reflective of actual behaviour.

    • Every business is fundamentally a people business.

    • Integrity is not set in stone; it evolves with the organization.

    • Maintaining integrity requires constant reinforcement and focus.

    • Long-term perspectives help navigate ethical challenges effectively.

    • People want to be part of organizations they can be proud of.

    • Leaders must continually tend to the culture of integrity within their organizations.

    IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS

    The following episode might be also of interest for you:

    Episode 072 - Back to Boardroom Reality – Integrity in Strategic Reset

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING, SUBSCRIBING AND REVIEWING

    Thank you for joining me on this episode of THE HUMAN FACTOR – Corporate Integrity Matters

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music so more people can enjoy the upcoming episodes.

    Don’t forget to follow and connect with me on Linkedin, and Instagram. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

    YOU ARE IMPORTANT

    Let me know what topic you would like to have on spot – via contact@corporateintegrityconcepts.com

    Further information about Corporate Integrity can be found on www.corporateintegrityconcepts.com
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • 080 - Integrity talk with Melanie Shong

    080 - Integrity talk with Melanie Shong
    Jan 13 2026

    In this conversation, Melanie Shong discusses the evolving role of HR in corporate integrity and ethical leadership. She emphasizes the need for HR professionals to reassess their approach to decision-making, the importance of understanding business needs, and the challenges they face in hiring practices. Melanie advocates for creativity in problem-solving and the necessity of asking the right questions during the hiring process. The discussion also highlights the collaboration between HR and compliance to ensure ethical practices within organizations.

    Just a few highlights of our conversation with Melanie Shong:

    We have to kind of wake up and reassess how we go about doing our HR business to guide our leaders and make sure that they are making ethical decisions.But a bad hire costs even more..The higher the people are, they are trying to find the less critical HR is when it comes to the CV.The most important thing you can do is to listen carefully to what they need.

    Some of the takeaways of this integrity talk:

    • HR must reassess its role in ethical decision-making.

    • Integrity starts with the individual and their character.

    • HR professionals often feel they lack a seat at the table..

    • A bad hire can be more costly than anticipated.

    • Creativity in problem-solving is essential for HR.

    • Hiring practices should be critically evaluated, especially for higher-level positions.

    • Collaboration between HR and compliance is vital for corporate integrity.

    • Understanding the business is crucial for effective HR practices.

    • Empowering HR professionals can lead to better hiring outcomes.

    IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS

    The following episode might be also of interest for you:

    Episode 048 - Human based challenges in (investigative) interviews

    Episode 049 - First integrity talk with Melanie Shong

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING, SUBSCRIBING AND REVIEWING

    Thank you for joining me on this episode of THE HUMAN FACTOR – Corporate Integrity Matters

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music so more people can enjoy the upcoming episodes.

    Don’t forget to follow and connect with me on Linkedin, and Instagram. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

    YOU ARE IMPORTANT

    Let me know what topic you would like to have on spot – via contact@corporateintegrityconcepts.com

    Further information about Corporate Integrity can be found on www.corporateintegrityconcepts.com
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 079 - Integrity Talk With Martine Richmann

    079 - Integrity Talk With Martine Richmann
    Dec 18 2025

    In this integrity talk, Sonja Stirnimann and Martine Richmann discuss the intersection of digital transformation, corporate integrity, and the ethical implications of AI adoption. They explore the necessity of having a clear digital strategy, the importance of guidelines for ethical AI implementation, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of integrity within organizations. The discussion emphasizes the need for organizations to align their actions with ethical principles and to manage risks associated with data integrity and AI technologies.

    Just a few highlights of our conversation with Martine Richmann:

    But it's really important, not only for reputational risk, if we think of AI, but also for the other financial impact that you will have.I really recommend to build basically AI ethics board.The more complex it is, the less we can expect that people can follow through.So integrity or corporate integrity is not an option.Then we have all these kind of ethic boards, but maybe not staffed with the expertise we would need to have.

    Some of the takeaways of this integrity talk:

    • Digital transformation requires a clear strategy for alignment.

    • Corporate integrity is essential for ethical decision-making.

    • AI adoption must be guided by ethical principles.

    • Organizations often overlook the need for an AI strategy.

    • Guidelines for AI should be simple and accessible.

    • Data integrity is crucial for effective AI implementation.

    • Leadership accountability is key in promoting ethical practices.

    • Awareness of AI risks should be spread across all levels.

    • Creating a culture of integrity enhances corporate governance.

    • Continuous training and awareness are necessary for ethical compliance

    IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS

    The following episode might be also of interest for you:

    Episode 016 - Check your security in the cyber territory

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING, SUBSCRIBING AND REVIEWING

    Thank you for joining me on this episode of THE HUMAN FACTOR – Corporate Integrity Matters

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music so more people can enjoy the upcoming episodes.

    Don’t forget to follow and connect with me on Linkedin, and Instagram. I am looking forward to meeting you there.

    YOU ARE IMPORTANT

    Let me know what topic you would like to have on spot – via contact@corporateintegrityconcepts.com

    Further information about Corporate Integrity can be found on www.corporateintegrityconcepts.com
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
No reviews yet