Creativity and Compliance

Tom Fox

Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection - they all take creativity. Join your hosts Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on Creativity and Compliance, part of the Compliance Podcast Network. In this show, we’ll be exploring how creativity affects the world of compliance - the ways we use it, and the surprising impacts it can have on the work we do every day. From ethics to leadership, problem-solving to training - creativity permeates what we do as compliance professionals.

  1. Compliance 6-Pack: Part 4- Using “Yes, And”

    MAY 15

    Compliance 6-Pack: Part 4- Using “Yes, And”

    Tom and Ronnie continue their six part series highlighting the role of improv in compliance.  This series links improv lessons to corporate compliance, and some of the key tools and strategies Ronnie has brought from his former world of improv to the corporate compliance communications realm. In today’s Improv & Compliance Lesson 3, they focus Using “Yes, And” to Shift Compliance from the Office of No to a Collaborative Advisor.   Tom and Ronnie discuss the improv principle “Yes, and,” described as agreeing to the reality presented, dropping one’s agenda, and adding a new piece of information to build collaboratively. They explain how this mindset helps compliance move beyond the “office of no” by affirming and acknowledging business requests, then bridging to relevant risks, laws, and policies (e.g., gifts and entertainment, conflicts of interest) to problem-solve together without immediately shutting ideas down. Ronnie emphasizes “Yes, and” as both a personal communication technique and an organizational philosophy: learn the business, speak its language, and design simple, action-oriented, accessible policies and training that provide timely, embedded guidance. The episode ends with a preview of the next lesson on truth in comedy.  Resources:  Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions - inspired by "Mean Tweets" these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful.  E&C Training Jams - a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can't bore people into learning.     Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance is a multiple podcast award winner show and was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  2. Compliance 6-Pack: Part 3 - An Attitude of Gratitude

    MAY 8

    Compliance 6-Pack: Part 3 - An Attitude of Gratitude

    Tom and Ronnie continue their six-part series highlighting the role of improv in compliance.  This series links improv lessons to corporate compliance and some of the key tools and strategies Ronnie has brought from his former world of improv to the corporate compliance communications realm. In today’s Improv & Compliance Lesson 3, they focus on ” an attitude of gratitude,” which means being grateful for information shared, postponing judgment, and dropping personal agendas to fully commit to what others contribute. Ronnie explains how judgment on stage (of oneself or a scene partner) harms listening, support, and collaboration, while a silent “thank you” helps create openness and leads to more thoughtful responses. They connect this to corporate compliance, urging teams to resist judging employees who ask repeated questions (e.g., gifts and entertainment) and instead be welcoming, even when the ultimate answer is no. Feldman notes improv skills are practicable, references Viola Spolin’s action-driven approach to building intention, and recommends institutionalizing gratitude in reporting channels by thanking reporters, clarifying next steps, and reinforcing psychological safety. Resources: Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak-up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance, explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning. Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance is a multiple-award-winning podcast and was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  3. Compliance 6-Pack: Part 2 - Listen Like a Thief

    MAY 1

    Compliance 6-Pack: Part 2 - Listen Like a Thief

    Tom and Ronnie continue their six-part series highlighting the role of improv in compliance. This series links improv lessons to corporate compliance and some of the key tools and strategies Ronnie has brought from his former world of improv to the corporate compliance communications realm. In today’s Improv & Compliance Lesson 2, they focus on “listen like a thief” as a core active-listening skill for leaders and compliance professionals. Ronnie explains that when authority figures formulate answers too quickly, they miss verbal and nonverbal cues and critical late-breaking “doorknob comments,” undermining trust when people perceive inattentiveness. He recommends listening with the whole body, avoiding interruptions, using a “last word” silent repeat to create a pause, silently saying thank you, and asking clarifying questions before responding. They extend the concept to organizational listening through ethics ambassador/compliance champion networks, a tracking hotline, consultative questions, and surveys that assess speak-up awareness, perceived safety, organizational justice, and trust. They emphasize closing the loop by communicating outcomes through anonymized stories and metrics, so employees know they were heard.  Resources:  Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real, speak-up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.  Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance is a multiple podcast award-winning show and was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min
  4. Compliance 6-Pack: Part 1 - The Role of Improv in Compliance

    APR 24

    Compliance 6-Pack: Part 1 - The Role of Improv in Compliance

    Tom and Ronnie begin a six-part series highlighting the role of improv in compliance and the key tools and strategies Ronnie has brought from his former improv world into the corporate compliance communications realm. In today’s Improv & Compliance Lesson 1: “Got Your Back” and Psychological Safety. Ronnie defines psychological safety as the belief that employees won’t be punished for raising ideas, questions, mistakes, or concerns, and explains how improv teams deliberately practice support—often physically telling one another “I’ve got your back”—to enable creative freedom. They draw parallels to compliance programs by emphasizing proactive, frequent promotion of reporting channels, anti-retaliation messaging, and the use of short, interesting, creative formats (e.g., stories, songs, commercials) to avoid message fatigue. Tom adds that organizations must “walk the walk” by preventing retaliation and reinforcing the message throughout investigations. Ronnie also emphasizes humanizing the ethics and compliance team to create an “ensemble” feel.  Resources:  Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real, speak-up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.  Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance is a multiple podcast award-winning show and was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  5. Captain Compliance: Humor, Characters, and Creative Training at Premera Blue Cross

    MAR 6

    Captain Compliance: Humor, Characters, and Creative Training at Premera Blue Cross

    Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection all require creativity. Join Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on the award-winning Creativity and Compliance. Ronnie’s company, Learning and Entertainment, uses the entertainment devices people use to consume information in their everyday, non-work lives and applies them to important topics in compliance and ethics. It is not only about being funny. It is about changing the tone of your compliance communications and messaging to make your compliance program, policies, and resources more accessible. Tom and Ronnie are back with their first episode for 2026. They visit with Sven Peterson, VP of Compliance, Ethics, and Regulatory Services at Premera Blue Cross, to discuss using creativity and humor to make compliance more approachable and strengthen the speak-up culture in a highly regulated industry. Peterson explains why his team created “Captain Compliance,” a superhero-style character he plays, in both live and animated versions, to deliver ethical guidance through short skits, training sessions, meetings, and employee events; the program also includes an “Ethics League” and a contrasting character, Professor Pitfall. He emphasizes that ethics is a team sport supported by compliance champions across the company, and advises establishing credibility, gaining leadership buy-in, involving others as co-authors, and aligning with company culture. Reported results include strong employee awareness survey feedback and Ethisphere’s Compliance Leader Verification. Key highlights: Why Creativity Matters Meet Captain Compliance How the Skits Work Approachability and Speak Up Building Community and Champions Handling Skeptics and Buy-In Results and Measuring Impact  Resources:  Sven Peterson on LinkedIn Premera Blue Cross Captain Compliance Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams: a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance, explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real, speak-up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.  Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance is a multiple podcast award-winning show and was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  6. Using Creativity to Market Compliance

    09/26/2025

    Using Creativity to Market Compliance

    Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection – they all take creativity. Join Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on the award-winning Creativity and Compliance. Ronnie’s company, Learning and Entertainment, leverages the entertainment devices people use to consume information in their everyday, non-work lives and applies them to important topics related to compliance and ethics. It is not only about being funny. It is about changing the tone of your compliance communications and messaging to make your compliance program, policies, and resources more accessible. Today, Tom and Ronnie discuss the importance of addressing the marketing and PR issues in ethics and compliance programs in this episode of 'Creativity and Compliance.' Ronnie introduces his new white paper titled 'Ethics and Compliance has a Marketing and PR Problem,' emphasizing the need to revamp compliance programs by adopting marketing strategies. Key strategies discussed include creating a positive brand identity, gaining and maintaining attention, building and nurturing relationships, leveraging influencer status, and measuring the right metrics. Examples and anecdotes illustrate these concepts and practical applications. Key highlights: Marketing and Compliance: A New Approach Creating a Voice Identity and Brand Gaining and Maintaining Attention Building and Nurturing Relationships Becoming an Influencer The Importance of Measurement Resources: Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions - inspired by "Mean Tweets," these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams - a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can't bore people into learning.  Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  7. Crowdsourcing Compliance: Creative Strategies for Engaging Employees

    09/12/2025

    Crowdsourcing Compliance: Creative Strategies for Engaging Employees

    Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection – they all take creativity. Join Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on the award-winning Creativity and Compliance. Ronnie’s company, Learning and Entertainment, utilizes the entertainment devices that people use to consume information in their everyday, non-work lives, and applies it to important topics around compliance and ethics. It is not only about being funny. It is about changing the tone of your compliance communications and messaging to make your compliance program, policies, and resources more accessible. In this episode, Tom and Ronnie discuss innovative ways to tap into the collective intelligence of employees through crowdsourcing. They explore how creative methods can be used to promote an ethical workplace, including employee contests, mascots, and fun engagement activities. They highlight examples such as compliance trading cards, privacy promotions with pets, cocktail-themed compliance policies, and internal lip-syncing videos. They also discuss using internal podcasts to enhance corporate culture and the importance of creating a culture of trust where employees feel heard and engaged. Key highlights: Crowdsourcing Compliance: An Innovative Approach Creative Examples of Employee Engagement Building a Culture of Trust Fun and Cost-Effective Compliance Strategies The Power of Internal Podcasts Resources: Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning. E&C Has a PR Problem Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  8. Reinventing Compliance with Creativity: The Acteon I-Care Code

    08/08/2025

    Reinventing Compliance with Creativity: The Acteon I-Care Code

    Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection—they all take creativity. Join Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on the award-winning Creativity and Compliance. Ronnie’s company, Learning and Entertainment, leverages the entertainment devices people use to consume information in their daily lives and applies this approach to important topics such as compliance and ethics. It is not only about being funny. It involves adjusting the tone of your compliance communications and messaging to make your compliance program, policies, and resources more accessible. Today, Ronnie takes a solo turn as host to Diana Whitney and Jason Blue, both from Acteon, to discuss their innovative approach to revamping their compliance program. With a new ownership structure emphasizing compliance, they created the I-Care Code. Through a creative rebranding effort featuring mascots Connie Compliance and Easy Breezy, the I-Care Code encompasses key values of integrity, compliance, accountability, respect, and ethics. By leveraging videos, interactive sessions, and a global roadshow, they successfully boosted employee engagement and speak-up cases, demonstrating the power of creativity in compliance. Key highlights: The Need for a New Compliance Approach Introducing the I-Care Code Creating Engaging Compliance Characters Launching the I-Care Code: Roadshow and Global Engagement Success Stories and Metrics Advice for Implementing Creative Compliance Resources: Ronnie Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets,” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote a speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful. E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance, explaining policies, sharing examples, and debunking excuses.  Tales from the Hotline – Real speak-up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong. Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update, explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care. 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up, and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches. Custom Live & Digital Programming – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.  Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Creativity and Compliance was recently honored as one of the Top 35 Podcasts on Creativity by Feedspot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
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Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection - they all take creativity. Join your hosts Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on Creativity and Compliance, part of the Compliance Podcast Network. In this show, we’ll be exploring how creativity affects the world of compliance - the ways we use it, and the surprising impacts it can have on the work we do every day. From ethics to leadership, problem-solving to training - creativity permeates what we do as compliance professionals.

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