By: Ann Hauerland
VP of Regulatory Operations at Comply
This month, I had the privilege of attending the Texas Conference for Women; a day filled with energy, insight, and stories that stayed with me long after the conference ended. The speakers, from Nicole Kidman to Bozoma Saint John, Mel Robbins, and Olympian Jordan Chiles, each offered their own version of the same truth: leadership takes confidence, clarity, and courage.
In compliance, those three qualities matter just as much as they do on a global stage. Confidence allows us to stand firm in our decisions. Clarity keeps us grounded in our “why.” And courage gives us the conviction to take action, even when the path isn’t certain.
Confidence as a Foundation
Bozoma Saint John said it best: “The confidence in my walk comes from knowing I am right and capable.” That line struck me because it captures what confidence really is: preparation. In compliance, confidence comes from the work you’ve done behind the scenes: building systems that stand up to scrutiny, documenting your decisions, and being ready when questions come your way.
True confidence isn’t loud; it’s earned. It’s what allows us to walk into a regulatory exam or a tough client conversation knowing that our integrity and our evidence are solid.
Clarity Through Connection
Nicole Kidman reminded us of the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. That resonated deeply. Whether you’re managing a team or supporting a firm’s compliance program, none of us succeed in isolation.
Clarity often comes from collaboration, the mentor who challenges your assumptions, the colleague who helps you see a blind spot, or the network that encourages you to lead in your own way. In a profession that can sometimes feel procedural, connection brings perspective. It reminds us that compliance is ultimately about people. Protecting investors, clients, and the trust our firms are built on.
Courage to Take Action
Mel Robbins’ message that “you’re always one decision away from changing your life” was a timely reminder that thinking is not doing. In compliance, we can sometimes get caught in the loop of analysis and perfection. But progress happens when we take action: launching a new policy review, addressing a risk head-on, or speaking up when something feels off.
Courage isn’t about never being uncertain; it’s about moving forward anyway. Every small, decisive step we take builds momentum, and momentum builds trust.
Rising Stronger Together
Olympian Jordan Chiles spoke about failure as a teacher, not an ending. That perspective is one I try to carry forward daily. Compliance, like life, is about resilience, learning, adjusting, and rising stronger after each challenge.
I left the Texas Conference for Women reminded that confidence, clarity, and courage don’t develop in isolation. They grow when we share experiences, lift others up, and choose to lead with purpose.
I’m grateful to work in an industry and a company that values that growth. At Comply, I’m surrounded by people who believe that leadership is a collective act: one grounded in integrity, transparency, and trust.
When we champion confidence, in ourselves, in each other, and in our work, we don’t just build better compliance programs, we build better leaders.