In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, Ghassan Zeidan welcomes Tomell deSilva Ceasar, a seasoned GRC professional with nearly two decades of experience across public and private sectors. Tomell has held leadership roles at companies such as Total, Emirates National Oil Company, and Careem. He is the co-founder of the Middle East and Africa Compliance Association (MIACA) and founder of Caliber Advisory. Tomell’s articles on ethics and compliance have been featured in Forbes, and he is currently working on a book addressing systemic corruption and governance challenges.

Tomell shares his journey of self-discovery within the GRC space, explaining how he found a deeper purpose in his work. He emphasizes the importance of asking “Why?” and discusses how GRC professionals play a vital role in shaping an ethical corporate world and fostering global stability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of working across different industries and jurisdictions, the evolution of compliance in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This episode offers valuable insights for GRC professionals, compliance officers, and those looking to build purpose-driven careers in governance and ethics.

Timestamps
•[0:00] – Introduction to Tomell deSilva Ceasar
•[3:01] – The Global State of Poverty and Corruption
•[5:26] – GRC as a Force for Good: Shaping Ethical Business Practices
•[7:12] – Writing a Book on Corruption and Governance
•[12:04] – GRC Across Sectors: Industry-Specific Challenges
•[17:04] – GRC Growth in Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030
•[22:31] – Founding MIACA: Empowering Compliance Professionals
•[25:01] – Launching Caliber Advisory: Supporting Companies on Their GRC Journey
•[28:00] – Final Thoughts and Where to Connect with Tomell

Quotes to Remember
•“GRC professionals are the ethical compass of the corporate world.”
•“Understanding the ‘why’ behind your work is essential to staying motivated and making a difference.”
•“Breaking down silos between industries is key to solving systemic challenges.”
•“Compliance without ethics is just a checkbox exercise.”

Conclusion
This episode offers an inspiring look into the deeper purpose of governance, risk, and compliance, with Tomell deSilva Ceasar sharing his journey toward finding meaning in GRC. From tackling corruption to navigating industry challenges, Tomell emphasizes the importance of ethics and continuous learning. With insights into the evolving GRC landscape in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, this conversation is packed with practical advice and thoughtful reflections for GRC professionals and leaders.

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📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan