Large Scale Compliance Programs with Gwen Hassan - a podcast by Mary Shirley and Lisa Fine

What is it like to run a compliance program that encompasses over 190 countries? Today we have Gwen Hassan, Managing Counsel and Trade Compliance Counsel for Global Compliance for CNH Industrial. She runs their compliance program globally, and today we’re talking about international trade, working with multiple cultures, and practical ways to step up in your career.
Trade ComplianceTrade compliance can be divided into three categories: (1) import, or bringing products into the country, (2) export, or moving products out and across borders, and (3) trade as a political tool, which includes things like boycotts and sanctions and denied parties.
If you’re starting out with trade compliance, start with trade sanctions. These apply universally regardless of which side of the exchange you’re on, and it’s very easy to find the law.Best practice trade compliance programs
A solid program will cover the three areas mentioned above:A program that addresses import risk and compliance, involving team members who are customs brokers, people who are licensed to conduct transactions through the import into the United States.
The export side of your program, where you must be aware of all the different regulations that apply.Have a handle on your sanctions. Do you have a system for screening to make sure you’re not violating sanctions or restrictions of any kind?
Going globalA global role isn’t just “shifting” from a regional role — it’s akin to biting the whole apple at one time. Gwen’s advice? Get as much experience as you can on global projects, work on projects that span multiple regions or involve regions you’re not currently working on. Be the first to volunteer for these. And then make sure you have cultural or language skills, because they are a big deal.
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of culture on a global team, so one of Gwen’s biggest challenges has been to learn not only to accept the cultural differences but find a way to work within them and get to the place you need to go. This requires some creativity and strategy, but it’s a challenge she enjoys a lot.Building international relationships
There’s no replacing good old fashioned frequent flyer miles. Being face to face with people is so vitally important, especially in a number of cultures. Gwen recommends breaking bread with someone, sitting down for a meal, and getting to know each other on a personal level. Until you can establish that kind of trusting relationship with a person, it will be difficult to have a work relationship with them.Also, when you’re developing relationships with people, it’s easy to assume that your mindset and frame of reference is “the right one”. But people are coming into this relationship with their own frame of reference which they believe to be correct as well. Identify and acknowledge these so you can find a way to work well together. 
ConfidenceMen apply for jobs they aren’t fully qualified for all the time. Women, not so much. How can we boost our confidence? Talk about the skills and knowledge you do have, be transparent about the gap, and then highlight your ability to learn. Talk about times when you’ve had to learn things quickly, how you went about it, and how you got it to a level that benefited the company. Talk about that skill set and how motivated you are to get there.
ResourcesGwen Hassan | The International Lawyer | Baker McKenzie

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