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I am still in contact with him, nearly 10 years and three organizations later. Not only did he encourage me during pivotal, and sometimes difficult, career steps, but he also helped me navigate balancing work with major life events ― like the birth of my first child. As a first-time mother and someone who has always been a“ workaholic,” it was very difficult to find a realistic balance between growing my career and being a grounded, present, first-time parent. There were some individuals who tried to“ mentor” me by telling me to relinquish some of my career goals and responsibility ― even suggesting I drop down to part-time or leave altogether. Others brushed off the stress and anxiety that came along with being a firsttime parent while actively trying to climb the ranks at work. Neither of these options were right for me, but I worked with my mentor to figure out a strong path forward, to be successful at home and at work.
This is what makes a great mentor, and having a great mentor makes you a better person all around. Having this experience has shaped my goals and helped me build upon the innate leadership skills ingrained in me. His leadership and mentorship led me to focus on the growth and development of others through a personal, respectful, honest and caring mindset. I contribute much of my success ― especially related to leadership growth and skills ― to his mentoring.
APC: How do you approach mentorship and support for individuals in the AFC field?
AK: Mentoring has been a very important and impactful component of my growth. I also believe mentoring does not have to be formal. It does not need to be scheduled and organized by the company where you are employed. Individuals can take a proactive approach to mentoring one another. In fact, forced mentoring can sometimes provide negative effects, including discouragement, possible jealousy and resentment.
I follow the approach that you should seek out a mentor with whom you have a good rapport, from whom you actively want to learn and you respect. It does not have to be the highest-ranking official ― it can even be a peer in the right circumstances. Respect, honesty and passion for growth are the key components. I take the opportunity during all engagements to help guide others, whether it be a one-off conversation about improvement opportunities or providing positive feedback in real time. Even if I never cross paths with this individual again, I try to provide some advice and show them I care about their career growth, as well as them as a person.
APC: What led you to a career in AFC and compliance? What personal qualities or experiences have shaped your approach to financial crime prevention?
AK: I believe my path to AFC may be a little unique, or not as linear as some others, but I have had an interest in AML, white-collar crime investigation and prevention and cybercrime in general far before any knowledge of BSA. While in college, I studied political science, international affairs, constitution law and criminal justice / criminal law. Through a variety of factors, I then found myself at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. This is where I focused more heavily on intelligence and security studies, cybercrime, terrorism( including terrorist financing) and gang-related activity ― which always includes money laundering. I was presented with an opportunity to work with a local organization that focused on white-collar crime, from a mutifocused lens including the financial industry and other nongovernmental organizations as well as governmental organizations and partnerships. This is really what led me to the financial industry side of the house. I knew I could be valuable while working locally within the Pittsburgh area by following the AFC route.
APC: What skills do you believe are essential for success in the financial crime field?
AK: Throughout my AFC career within the FI space, I have held roles varying from AML team leader through AML / BSA / the Office of Foreign Assets Control( OFAC) and compliance officer. I currently work within the consulting industry, assisting FIs with enhancing their current programs, staying compliant with existing, evolving and new regulation guidelines, as well as testing controls for accuracy and efficiency. Throughout all steps in my career, there have been a few key components that led me to success, I would say the most important components are the following.
Being teachable: Accept and respond positively to constructive criticism and feedback. This includes being open to change and growth, taking criticism and advice where appropriate, being open to pivoting your style and format when necessary, wanting to grow and focusing on the good for the institution( which includes the good for the client). Also, always be open to learn more.
Critical thinking skills: Think through all avenues, including seeing the perspective from the other side, especially within AML / BSA and OFAC.
104 acamstoday. org