The Better Way? Podcast

Nearly everyone believes they're curious, yet far fewer feel empowered to ask questions, challenge assumptions, or explore new ideas at work. In this episode, Katie Miserany, Chief Communications Officer and Global Head of Marketing at SurveyMonkey, joins Zach and Hui to discuss the company's State of Curiosity 2026 report and what it reveals about the gap between individual curiosity and organizational culture. Together, they examine why employees hesitate to ask questions, challenge assumptions, or slow down long enough to surface better ideas. Katie also discusses how leaders can avoid mistaking speed for progress, why better inputs matter more than faster outputs, and how organizations can create psychological safety, meaningful brainstorming opportunities, and stronger cross-functional connections. Along the way, we explore AI, surveys, leadership, creative thinking, and what it really takes to build a culture that rewards learning instead of certainty.

At the halfway point of the year, Zach and Hui pause to reflect on the ideas that have defined recent conversations in compliance, ethics, and culture. From the role of curiosity as a professional superpower to the growing push toward outcome-based reporting, they unpack why critical thinking—and better questions—remain at the heart of effective programs. Along the way, they highlight the persistent gap between activity and impact, and why simply doing more isn’t the same as doing better. They also dig into today’s productivity obsession and what it’s getting wrong, including the unintended consequences for culture, innovation, and decision-making. With insights ranging from inefficient meetings to shifting enforcement dynamics, the conversation ultimately points to a deeper issue: many compliance functions still lack a clear, articulated strategy. The episode closes with a call to move beyond outputs, rethink long-held assumptions, and build programs that are truly aligned with meaningful outcomes.

What really drives corporate scandals? In this episode, Zach and Hui sit down with Professor Guido Palazzo, co-author of The Dark Pattern , to explore how organizational environments shape behavior in ways that go far beyond individual intent or values. Drawing on cases like Wells Fargo, Theranos, and Boeing, Guido explains why misconduct is rarely about intent alone—and instead emerges from a powerful mix of pressure, incentives, culture, and context that can override judgment and values. They walk through the nine elements of the “dark pattern,” a set of recurring conditions that show up across major corporate scandals. Along the way, they also challenge the limits of “do the right thing” messaging and explore what it actually takes to build cultures where people can navigate ambiguity, speak up, and make better decisions. The result is a deeper understanding of how context shapes behavior in powerful and predictable ways.

We all complain about meetings—in fact, they just might be one of the biggest unmanaged investments in your organization. Is there a better way? In this episode, Zach and Hui sit down with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of meetings, to unpack why meetings so often fail—and what leaders get wrong about fixing them. From the surprising truth about agendas to the staggering scale and cost of meetings, this conversation reframes meetings as a critical (and under-managed) business investment. Dr. Rogelberg shares practical, research-backed tools you can start using immediately: structuring agendas as questions, shrinking meeting times, rethinking who really needs to attend, and shifting from dominating conversations to facilitating them. The result? Meetings that are shorter, more engaging, and worth the time. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a calendar full of ineffective meetings, this episode offers a clear—and refreshingly doable—better way.

In this episode of The Better Way , Zach shares reflections from an unusual professional crossover: serving on a criminal jury in a high‑stakes, multi‑week trial. What he experienced in the courtroom and the jury room—confusion caused by complexity, the absence of a coherent story, opaque instructions written in legalese, and the emotional weight of being questioned—sparked a series of insights that directly mirror some of compliance’s biggest challenges. From training that ignores people’s time, to investigations that underestimate the stress of being interviewed, the jury experience became a case study in how easily good intentions can be undermined by poor design. Zach and Hui explore what this experience teaches compliance professionals about prioritizing clarity over volume, outcomes over outputs, and listening over simply encouraging people to speak up. They also examine the uncomfortable question of evidence: could compliance leaders credibly testify to a “reasonable degree of compliance certainty,” that their programs actually work? The conversation ultimately reinforces a core truth—compliance, like justice, is not just about rules; it’s about people, behavior, and designing systems that work in the real world.

When the DOJ sneezes, the compliance community has a habit of mad dashing to the emergency room. And that’s pretty much what happened when the Department of Justice rolled out its “new” Corporate Enforcement Policy last month. And so, in this episode of The Better Way?, Zach and Hui—somewhat reluctantly—provide a high-level overview of the policy itself, before digging into a recent Law360 article Hui wrote in response. Together, they separate what’s truly new from what’s largely recycled and explain why the policy’s promises of clarity and certainty are far more complicated than the headlines suggest. Hui argues that the policy rests on an assumption that no longer holds: a stable, predictable enforcement environment. She points to shifting prosecutorial priorities, declining capacity, increased politicization, and a changing bargaining landscape. Instead of treating disclosure as the default “right” answer, Hui calls for rigorous critical thinking: weighing the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of detection, and the real‑world consequences of each option. Along the way, the conversation reframes the compliance program not as a shield against prosecution, but as a tool for detecting signals and enabling better decisions. The takeaway: slow down, look past the hype and headlines, and ground compliance decisions in context, evidence, and thoughtful analysis—not fear.

In this episode, Zach and Hui trace how corporate compliance evolved from early antitrust enforcement to today’s legal‑dominated structures, showing how scandals, regulation, and enforcement—not a desire to “do the right thing”—shaped the function’s modern form. They also unpack why compliance so often reports into legal and why reporting lines rarely reflect the true power dynamics inside companies. The conversation then explores what compliance should be when it’s not treated as an extension of legal: a proactive, behavior‑focused, data‑driven discipline centered on culture, risk, and prevention. Zach and Hui highlight the skill sets compliance really requires and the limitations created by lawyer‑only leadership pipelines. Finally, they end with practical guidance for compliance professionals who encounter a limiting, overlying legalistic approach to the discipline.

In this episode of The Better Way? , Zach and Hui shine a light on some of the compliance metrics that rarely get used but matter most—from behavioral signals and free‑text insights to knowledge‑acquisition and retention and early risk indicators buried inside culture surveys and HR systems. They argue that traditional outputs like training completions and policy attestations tell us almost nothing about trust, behavior, or risk. They walk through high‑value but overlooked metrics that reveal whether a program actually works—how long misconduct went undetected, which managers drive repeated issues, and the questionable choices and risky behaviors that systems and controls managed to prevent in real time. These underused data points—especially when connected—offer a far more accurate picture of prevention, detection, and real‑world effectiveness.

In this episode of The Better Way? , Zach and Hui sit down with Emily May, President and Co‑Founder of Right To Be, whose work has transformed global understanding of harassment and bystander intervention. Emily shares the origins of her movement; breaks down the powerful 5Ds framework to bystander intervention; and explains how these simple, accessible tools help everyday people safely intervene in moments of harm and reduce trauma for those targeted (in life and at work!). But the conversation goes even deeper. Emily offers grounded optimism for a fractured world, arguing that stories shape empathy, empathy builds community, and "community is our immunity.” She reminds us that solving massive societal challenges begins with small, repeatable human actions—and that people are far more eager to take care of each other than we often realize. This is an episode filled with practical guidance, hope, and heart.

In this reflective episode, Zach and Hui open up about pivotal moments that shaped how they think about ethics, culture, and compliance—from unexpected lessons in empathy and communication to the realities of navigating risk, culture, and power inside global organizations. Their stories reveal how the work of compliance is far more human, nuanced, and emotionally complex than policy manuals ever acknowledge. They also explore how data, design thinking, and personal courage can transform the way organizations (and individuals) approach integrity and decision‑making. Ultimately, the conversation invites listeners to reflect on the experiences that have shaped their own professional journeys—and to consider whether there might be a better way forward.

In this episode of The Better Way?, Zach and Hui sit down with Dr. Leann Pereira to explore the psychology behind compliance training—why meaningful learning isn’t about entertainment, quizzes, or catchy trends, but about context, behavior, and relevance. Leann breaks down how bias shows up in everyday managerial decisions, why learning transfer requires realism over edutainment, and how organizations often underestimate the complexity of human behavior at work. They also dive into the power of data to reveal cultural blind spots, challenge leaders’ assumptions, and surface the micro‑cultures that shape the employee experience. Leann explains how analytics from mandatory training become a diagnostic tool for identifying hotspots, predicting risk, and tailoring development—not relying on silver‑bullet solutions or buzzword‑heavy fads. It’s a clear-eyed, evidence‑based look at how real behavior change happens and what it takes to build healthier workplaces. Plus, the return of The Better Way? questionnaire!

Investigations can be rigid, legalistic exercises—but as Zach and Hui remind us, they’re fundamentally human. In this episode, they unpack the viral “Coldplay Kiss Cam” incident as a case study in why rushing to judgment is so dangerous, especially in ethics and compliance. From the purpose of investigations to the importance of withholding conclusions until the facts are in, they explore how curiosity, open‑mindedness, and fairness shape better outcomes for people and organizations alike. They also break down the practical craft of investigations: who should conduct them, how to triage and scope matters, how to interview effectively, and why planning, documentation, and root cause analysis matter. Whether you're building an investigations program or sharpening your own investigative skills, this episode offers grounded, experience‑driven insights and investigate “better ways."

Critical thinking sounds simple—but in practice, it’s one of the most overlooked skills in compliance and culture work. In this episode of The Better Way? , Zach and Hui dive deep into what critical thinking really means: objective analysis, bias awareness, and evidence-based decision-making. They explore why curiosity is the foundation of critical thinking and why assumptions, incomplete information, and invalid metrics often lead organizations astray. Through real-world examples—from FOFO (fear of finding out) to confirmation bias and groupthink—they reveal how these traps show up in compliance programs and what leaders can do to avoid them. The conversation closes with a practical framework for applying critical thinking every day: separating facts from perceptions, questioning assumptions, and seeking diverse perspectives. If you’re looking for strategies to improve decision-making, this episode is your roadmap. Oh, and Happy New Year!

It’s the last episode of the year, and Zach Coseglia and Hui Chen are taking a step back to reflect on what made 2025 so memorable. From a new presidential administration and major regulatory and enforcement changes to questions about the rule of law and the future of DEI— they talk through what these shifts mean for businesses and compliance professionals trying to stay grounded in an increasingly unpredictable world. They also dive into the year’s other big headline: artificial intelligence. How much are people really using it at work? Do they trust it? And what does “AI-powered” actually mean? They’ll share some surprising data, practical insights, and a few laughs as they explore how companies can move beyond the hype to use technology in smarter, more meaningful ways. Plus, they highlight some of the most rewarding work they’ve done this year—helping organizations listen better and solve problems faster. It’s a thoughtful, honest wrap-up of a year full of change.

In this episode of The Better Way?, Zach and Hui unpack the complexities of corruption with Professors Oguzhan Dincer and Michael Johnston, authors of Corruption in America: A Fifty-Ring Circus. They explore why corruption is not a simple crime—but instead, a deeply entrenched phenomenon with long-term consequences for democracy, development, and institutional trust. You’ll hear why defining corruption is harder than you think, how campaign finance and lobbying create a race to the bottom, and what our guests' five-year survey of political reporters uncovered about corruption right here at home. Plus, practical advice for those who want to fight back—not just by checking compliance boxes, but by demanding accountability and informed participation. By the end, you’ll see corruption not as a distant problem, but as a challenge we all have a stake in solving.

Root cause analysis isn’t just a box to check—it’s the difference between fixing symptoms and solving real problems. In this episode, Zach and Hui unpack why so many organizations stop short of the true root causes, settling for easy answers like “more training” or “rogue employee.” They explore how curiosity, context, and critical thinking can transform investigations from blame games into learning opportunities. From the five whys to fishbone diagrams, they share practical methods for digging deeper and highlight why cultural and systemic factors often lurk beneath the surface of compliance failures. Along the way, they connect lessons from NASA’s Challenger disaster and Deepwater Horizon to everyday compliance challenges, showing how disciplined analysis and data-driven insights can prevent repeat mistakes and build stronger, smarter programs.

What do Icelandic elves, Chilean political ads, and Uruguayan tea rituals have to do with ethics and compliance? More than you’d think. In this episode of The Better Way ?, Zach and Hui take you on a global journey—literally—sharing travel stories that spark fresh insights into culture, data, and the human side of corporate integrity. From folklore that reveals workplace truths to a cruise ship complaint that becomes a case study in speaking up, this episode is packed with unexpected connections, sharp observations, and a whole lot of curiosity. Whether you're a compliance pro or just love a good travel tale, this one might make you rethink how we measure, motivate, and manage culture and compliance.

It’s human nature to be curious about what other people are doing. But is it helpful. And is benchmarking just a modern day, corporate version of our naturally human instinct to "keep up with the Joneses?” In this episode of The Better Way? , Zach and Hui dive deep into the widely used, yet often over-valued, practice of culture and compliance benchmarking. They define it, explore why organizations do it, and acknowledge its potential to inspire (and maybe even help you find “better ways”). But they also caution against over-reliance, arguing that benchmarking-based comparisons usually lack the context necessary to be truly meaningful. Understanding what others are doing can be helpful to charting your own course; but when things go wrong, there is rarely strength in numbers. And who the heck are the Joneses anyway?

In this episode of The Better Way?, Zach and Hui welcome investigative journalist Anna (A) Bianca Roach for a conversation about the intersection of corporate strategy, ethics, and global risk—and the evolving priorities for today’s corporate boards. Drawing from experience reporting for Agenda , a Financial Times publication, A shares insights into what keeps boards up at night: from tariffs and supply chain complexity to the murky waters of AI oversight and education. A, Hui, and Zach explore the nuanced reality behind corporate DEI and climate commitments, where public silence doesn’t always mean inaction—and how short-term shifts in public transparency may have long-term effects on public trust. The conversation closes with reflections on immigration policy, the environmental cost of AI, and the importance of asking “dumb” questions . . . because sometimes, that’s where the smartest answers begin. A also also reflects on their journey from multilingual childhood in Switzerland to a career in journalism shaped by curiosity and interest in cross-border collaboration.

It’s easy to measure output. How many trainings. How many policies. How many messages. All "the things" we did to protect the company and shape a culture of ethics and integrity. But did any of those things work? And what does it even mean for something to “work"? In this episode of The Better Way? , Zach and Hui focus on the distinction between output and outcome—and advocate for a mindset of experimentation and verification. Drawing parallels to healthcare and public safety, they emphasize that true effectiveness involves behavioral change, risk reduction, and cultural alignment. But they also acknowledge that this is hard—so much harder than tallying up output. From FOFO (fear of finding out) to data access challenges, they unpack (some of) the reasons why compliance often falls into the output trap. And in the end, they call for a fundamental shift in mindset: one that starts with defining your desired outcomes, collecting meaningful data, and being brave enough to test whether what we’re doing is working.