Organizational change triggers emotional responses ranging from confusion to anxiety, creating vulnerability in ethical frameworks precisely when they’re most needed. CCI well-being editor Lisa Beth Lentini Walker explores how effective “culture carriers” provide stability during uncertainty by modeling behavior, offering guidance and — critically — empowering others to make principled decisions independently.
Change is inevitable in life. As anyone who has read the news lately can attest, there is quite a bit of uncertainty about everything from tariffs to enforcement agendas to intergovernmental relations. Combine the changes in the world and add a little bit of shifting in any organization, and you have the recipe for an environment that is truly difficult to navigate.
Whether it’s a regulatory shift, a merger or acquisition or the introduction of new technologies, employees are often faced with uncertainty. Amid these challenges, the role of individuals within an organization who can be seen as “heroes” becomes crucial.
These individuals are not superheroes in the comic-book sense but are those who lead by example, provide guidance and help others navigate the complex landscape of change. In terms of compliance and ethics, these “culture carriers” and counselors are indispensable in maintaining the organization’s integrity and guiding it through transitions.
A key component of any organizational transformation is maintaining a solid, ethical culture. A strong culture, grounded in the company’s values, sets the foundation for ethical behavior. When times are tough, these culture carriers are essential in ensuring that employees uphold the organization’s ethical standards. They are the ones who model the right behavior in the face of adversity, ensuring that the organization doesn’t lose sight of its moral compass. These “heroes” are the ones who remind others of the ethical standards expected, even when it feels like those values are being tested by external pressures.
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Read moreDetailsIn addition to leading by example, these ethical heroes also act as sounding boards and guides. They provide advice, interpretation and support to their peers who may be struggling to make sense of new realities. Emotional responses to adaptive change can range from anger and confusion to depression and anxiety — and everything in between.
Their wisdom helps others not only navigate the immediate crisis but also understand the long-term implications of their decisions. By helping employees understand the why behind compliance and ethical decisions, they foster an environment of predictability, trust and clarity. In doing so, these leaders prevent potential compliance failures that can arise from a lack of understanding or resistance to change.
The most important part about being a “hero” during times of change is knowing when to step in and when to step back. A hero’s role is not to be a constant presence but to step up at the right moments, offering a vision of clarity, protection and leadership when necessary. The key is balance — being visible when needed and taking a more hands-off approach when the team is capable of handling the situation independently.
A few other important points about ethical heroes:
- One of the most critical aspects of being a compliance hero is holding others accountable. Even as they lead by example, these individuals are not afraid to call out unethical behavior or breaches of compliance. By setting the standard, they create an environment where individuals feel responsible for upholding the organization’s ethical standards.
- True heroes don’t simply take charge; they empower others. They offer the tools, knowledge and confidence needed for employees to make ethical decisions independently. This empowerment is crucial for building a sustainable culture of compliance where individuals are not just following the rules but internalizing the organization’s values.
- A hero in compliance must strike a balance between being adaptable to the changing landscape and maintaining consistency in their adherence to the company’s ethical principles. Being too rigid or inflexible can hinder progress and adaptation during times of change, while being too lenient can lead to lapses in compliance and integrity.
Being a hero means putting the organization and the people we all serve at the center of what we do and how we lead. As organizations navigate periods of change, the importance of heroes — individuals who embody and uphold the values of the organization — becomes more pronounced.
These heroes are essential in preserving a strong ethical culture during transitions and guiding the organization through complex changes. However, just as important as knowing when to step in is knowing when to step back. The true hero understands the importance of empowering others, fostering accountability and adapting their role to meet the needs of the moment. In this way, they ensure the organization not only survives times of change but thrives by remaining true to its core values and commitments.
Are you ready to answer the call for a hero when your organization needs it most? And are you wise enough to know when to hang up the cape?
Lisa Beth Lentini Walker, who began contributing to CCI in 2022 as Well-Being Editor, is the CEO of Lumen Worldwide Endeavors, a firm specializing in compliance, governance and ethics consulting. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a certified meditation and mindfulness specialist. Lisa Beth has led award-winning legal and compliance departments within large public corporations (including a Fortune 50), privately held enterprises. She does this by strategically aligning resources to create efficiencies and advising the board of directors to further strategic initiatives while mitigating risks in all aspects of the domestic and global operations. Lisa Beth co-authored the book, 
