The Human Factor: Corporate Integrity Matters

Sonja Stirnimann
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • MONATLICH

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/

  1. 13. JAN.

    080 - Integrity talk with Melanie Shong

    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

    25 Min.

  2. 18.12.2025

    079 - Integrity Talk With Martine Richmann

    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

    26 Min.

  3. 09.12.2025

    078 - Closing the Loop – What the Year Really Taught Us About Integrity

    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.corporateintegrityconcepts.com

    6 Min.

  4. 20.11.2025

    077 - Integrity Talk With Salih Ahmed

    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

    23 Min.

  5. 11.11.2025

    076 - The Weight of the Signature – Responsibility When It Gets Real

    In this episode, Sonja Stirnimann discusses the critical theme of responsibility in leadership, particularly during the high-pressure month of November. She emphasizes that responsibility is not merely a value or vision statement but a reality that leaders must own. The episode explores the emotional weight of decision-making, the importance of clarity in accountability, and the need for ethical leadership. Sonja Stirnimann provides thought-provoking questions for leaders to reflect on as they approach year-end decisions, urging them to pause and consider the implications of their signatures and commitments. Takeaways • Responsibility is a reality that cannot be delegated. • Leaders often feel pressure to demonstrate control before year-end. • The emotional side of responsibility is often overlooked. • Higher positions can lead to fewer challenges to assumptions. • It's important to pause and ask uncomfortable questions. • Ethical leadership involves ownership before a crisis occurs. • Your signature represents a commitment to your organization. • Clarity in accountability is crucial for effective governance. • Leaders should reflect on what they are approving. • The human factor in leadership shows up in the pause before signing. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS The following episode might be also of interest for you: 017 – The 9 core sectors to identify risks in the business model 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.corporateintegrityconcepts.com

    6 Min.

  6. 27.10.2025

    075-3 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 3)

    This deep session with Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnmann delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity board reporting, focusing on a newly developed framework aimed at bridging the gap between operational and strategic governance. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding organizational maturity, risk levels, and the specific needs of different companies in crafting effective cybersecurity reports. Key factors influencing reporting, such as data assurance and content structure, are explored, along with the necessity for ongoing dialogue and adaptation in reporting practices. The conversation concludes with a call for feedback and collaboration in future research efforts. Highlights of this deep dive session with Maya Bundt: We have in the framework also factors that influence board reporting.If I don't get the assurance about the information I have in front of me, then it doesn't help me anything.Risk view is important. Cyber governance is important. So how is this risk being mitigated in the organization Some of the takeaways of this deep dive session: • The framework for cybersecurity reporting is a starting point. • Not all companies have the same cybersecurity needs. • Organizational maturity affects reporting requirements. • Risk levels influence board governance discussions. • Data assurance is crucial for reliable reporting. • The context of operations is essential for risk assessment. • Different types of reports can be structured for various needs. • Ongoing discussions about cybersecurity should be normalized. • Feedback from board members is valuable for future research. • The framework aims to facilitate a warm handshake between operations and strategy. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS The Report: https://www.cybersecurityboardreporting.com/ Our guest Maya Bundt https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-bundt-8b2532/ and a big thank you to the co-authors too: Chris Verdonck https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisverdonck/ Tommy Viljoen https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyviljoen/ The following episodes might be also of interest for you: Episode 052 - How to adress the 3rd party cyber risk 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 a href="https://www.corporateintegrityconcepts.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    17 Min.

  7. 24.10.2025

    075-2 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 2)

    In this deep dive session Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnimann discuss the findings from research on cybersecurity board reporting, emphasizing the importance of board-level governance and the need for strategic discussions on cybersecurity. The conversation highlights the challenges in current reporting practices, including the high level of aggregation of information and the lack of standardization. Maya advocates for a framework that facilitates effective communication between boards and executive teams, ensuring that cybersecurity is treated as a strategic priority. Highlights of this deep dive session with Maya Bundt: So one of the results and also for me honestly a surprise was that not all boards discuss cyber security in the full board.Cybersecurity needs to be at the top. So it means it needs to be discussed within the full board.There should be no cybersecurity strategy that is not linked to the business strategy.Some of the takeaways of this deep dive session: • Not all boards discuss cybersecurity at the full board level. • Cybersecurity risks consistently rank as top concerns. • Cybersecurity should be a strategic topic discussed by the full board. • Discussions on cybersecurity often last only 15 minutes. • The lack of dedicated technology committees is surprising. • Cybersecurity strategy must align with business strategy. • Board reports often present highly aggregated information. • There is no standardization in cybersecurity reporting across organizations. • A framework for effective cybersecurity communication is needed. • Both boards and executive teams must engage in meaningful discussions. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS The Report: https://www.cybersecurityboardreporting.com/ Our guest Maya Bundt https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-bundt-8b2532/ and a big thank you to the co-authors too: Chris Verdonck https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisverdonck/ Tommy Viljoen https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyviljoen/ The following episodes might be also of interest for you: Episode 059 - Cyber Resilience at Board level 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

    24 Min.

  8. 23.10.2025

    075-1 Integrity Deep Dive Session With Maya Bundt (Part 1)

    This deep dive session with Maya Bundt and Sonja Stirnimann delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity board reporting, highlighting the research process, challenges faced, insights gained from board member interviews, and the importance of frameworks in enhancing communication between boards and executive teams. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and informed dialogue in cybersecurity practices, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding and reporting standards. Highlights of this deep dive session with Maya Bundt: Concrete objectives were to provide greater transparency about current practices for cyber security board reporting.We did interviews, in-person interviews, about an hour each interview with board members in Belgium, Switzerland and Australia.I think the report itself is interesting and actually vital to both executive management and security leaders as well as to board members.Some of the takeaways of this deep dive session: • The research aimed to improve cybersecurity board reporting. • Board members often lack clarity on existing reports. • A well-designed questionnaire is crucial for effective interviews. • Interviews revealed a strong interest in cybersecurity topics. • There is a significant gap in existing research on board reporting. • The framework developed aims to facilitate board-executive communication. • Data collection involved interviews and analysis of real reports. • The research team consisted of international cybersecurity experts. • Board members expressed a desire for more training and information. • Future research will include perspectives from executive teams and CISOs. IMPORTANT LINKS AND MENTIONS The Report: https://www.cybersecurityboardreporting.com/ Our guest Maya Bundt https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-bundt-8b2532/ and a big thank you to the co-authors too: Chris Verdonck https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisverdonck/ Tommy Viljoen https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyviljoen/ The following episodes 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

    20 Min.
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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/

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