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The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters

The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters

Written by: Sonja Stirnimann
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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
  • 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
  • 078 - Closing the Loop – What the Year Really Taught Us About Integrity
    Dec 9 2025

    In this final episode of the year, Sonja Stirnimann emphasizes the importance of reflection in leadership, particularly during the busy month of December. She encourages leaders to assess their integrity, resilience, and ethical clarity, and to consider how they can improve their decision-making and presence in the coming year. The conversation highlights the need for closure and meaningful reflection rather than just task completion, urging leaders to carry forward insights gained from the past year into their strategic planning for 2026.

    Takeaways

    • What did this year reveal for us?

    • Where were we tested as a person, as a team, and as an organization?

    • Integrity is shown under pressure, not just in planning.

    • We often miss closure, not just project closure but growth closure.

    • Ambiguity can be mistaken for agility, losing ethical clarity.

    • Reflecting on decisions helps recalibrate our values.

    • Presence is crucial for visible integrity in leadership.

    • Real leaders review decisions, not just results.

    • Integrity is carried forward, not reset in January.

    • Unstructured reflection is essential for meaningful leadership

    IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS

    The following episode might be also of interest for you:

    054 - How a diverse Board impacts Corporate Integrity


    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 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.coporateintegrityconcepts.com

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 077 - Integrity Talk With Salih Ahmed
    Nov 20 2025

    In this conversation, Salih Ahmed Islam discusses the critical role of internal audit in organizations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication with management and the board. He shares insights on the challenges faced by internal auditors, the necessity of board support, and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on auditing practices. Salih also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining independence and fostering relationships with management, concluding with best practices for internal auditors.

    Just a few highlights of our conversation with Salih Ahmed:

    Clear communication is the backbone of internal auditing.The finding doesn't end when the report is issued. It's only truly closed when the risk is mitigated.Internal auditors power comes from the top.We are allies of the truth.

    Some of the takeaways of this integrity talk:

    • Clear communication is essential for effective internal auditing.

    • The method of communication can impact the effectiveness of audit findings.

    • Board support is crucial for the success of internal audit functions.

    • Managing audit findings requires diligent follow-up and resolution.

    • AI and technology can enhance audit processes but require proper implementation.

    • Internal auditors should focus on auditing processes, not individuals.

    • Independence is vital, but relationships with management can be beneficial.

    • Timely closure of audit findings mitigates organizational risk.

    • Internal auditors must be proactive in their roles to ensure effectiveness.

    • Establishing clear boundaries in relationships with management is important.

    IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS

    The following episodes might be also of interest for you:

    032 – Integrity talk with Salih Ahmed Islam

    Linkedin Profile

    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
    23 mins
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