Compliance, Career Pivots, and Gen Z: My Conversation on the Driven by Dreamz Podcast
It’s not every day you get interviewed by a high school student with more drive and focus than many seasoned executives. I recently had the absolute pleasure of being a guest on "Driven by Dreamz," a podcast hosted by the incredibly impressive Anishka Sanghvi, and the experience was a powerful reminder that the future of business is in very capable hands.
Our conversation was wide-ranging, but it crystallized a few key themes that I wanted to share here: the value of a non-linear career path, the mission behind Aetos, and what the next generation can teach us about trust and technology.
You can watch the full conversation below, and I’ve expanded on my key takeaways underneath.
Takeaway 1: Your "Non-Linear" Path is Your Superpower
Anishka and I discussed my journey—from art history to law school, from nonprofit operations to earning an MBA and finally co-founding Aetos. To some, it might seem like a winding path, but I see it as the source of my unique perspective.
So many founders feel like they need to fit a certain mold. The reality is that your diverse experiences are what allow you to see problems differently. My background enables me to view compliance not just through a legal lens (the rules), an operational lens (the processes), or a business lens (the strategy), but as a synthesis of all three. Your unique journey is what gives you your edge.
Takeaway 2: Compliance Isn't a Roadblock; It's a Springboard
This is the core philosophy behind Aetos, and it was a major part of our conversation. For too long, startups have been told that compliance is a costly burden that stifles innovation. We believe the opposite is true. A proactive, intelligent compliance program is one of the most powerful tools for growth.
It Builds Trust: In a world of data breaches, demonstrating you care about protecting customer data is a powerful market differentiator.
It Accelerates Sales: Enterprise customers won't do business with you unless you can pass their security and compliance reviews. A solid program removes that friction.
It De-Risks Your Business: Investors look for well-managed companies. A mature approach to compliance signals a mature approach to business, which can directly impact your valuation.
Takeaway 3: The Next Generation Gets It
Talking with Anishka was refreshing because her generation intuitively understands the importance of trust, privacy, and corporate responsibility. For them, it’s not an abstract concept; it’s the expectation.
It was a clear reminder that building a compliant and ethical business isn't just about meeting today's regulations. It's about building a future-proof company that will earn the trust and business of the next generation of customers and leaders.
Ready to Turn Compliance into Your Competitive Advantage?
My conversation on "Driven by Dreamz" was a fantastic opportunity to share the "why" behind our mission. If you're ready to explore the "how" for your own business, the first step is understanding where you stand.
Take our free, 3-minute risk assessment today and get a clear picture of your compliance posture.