In an extensive interview, Johannes Orgzall and Ines Techt, had the distinct privilege of speaking with Marcus Sydon – a highly experienced and respected interim manager in Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC). His long-standing expertise and deep insights into this complex and increasingly critical discipline provided us with a detailed perspective on the day-to-day practice of a GRC manager and the strategic considerations and challenges that come with the role. Our conversation opened up a profound understanding of the core aspects of his work, as well as his unique approaches to managing risks, ensuring compliance, and supporting companies in navigating their governance structures.
Swiss Interim Management :
“To set the context for our conversation, Marcus, we should briefly introduce ourselves, so you know who we are.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“I’m Ines. I live in Madrid, but I travel frequently for work, like today, in Bern. I’ve been with Swiss Interim Management for two years, focusing primarily on content creation, social media, and newsletters.”
Marcus Sydon:
“Pleasure to meet you both. It’s always helpful to know the people behind the voices.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“I’m Johannes, I am working as a graphic designer and copywriter at SIM. Marcus, you’ve had an impressive career. How did you get into the GRC field, and what inspired you to focus on this area?”
Marcus Sydon:
“My interest in analyzing and interpreting regulations and laws began early on during my training at the employment office. There, I worked with laws and business processes daily, which led me to pursue a degree in economics, focusing on finance and auditing. After my studies, I joined PwC, "where I worked for 16 years, among other roles, as an IT auditor in various industries but also internally in several functions." This experience gave me the necessary benchmark knowledge successfully establishing processes in DAX companies like CGM and family-owned businesses like Miele."
Swiss Interim Management:
“That sounds like a very purposeful career path. What would you say are the biggest challenges in your work, particularly regarding governance, risk, and compliance?”
Marcus Sydon:
“One of the biggest challenges is aligning different departments of a company around a common strategy. This requires a deep understanding of internal and external requirements and the ability to communicate and enforce these requirements effectively. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a crucial role here, as does the ability to see risks not just as threats but also as opportunities.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“What strategies have proven particularly successful?”
Marcus Sydon:
“Clear and realistic goal setting, backed by sufficient budgets and resources, is essential. Good project monitoring and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges are also critical. Furthermore, involving stakeholders from the beginning and establishing clear communication channels is key.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“I think it's interesting that despite the technical and legal demands of your work, you come across as very relaxed and approachable. How do you balance that?”
Marcus Sydon:
“That’s a great question, Johannes. After 26 years in the industry, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to remove tension from audit situations. Many people associate audits with pressure and control, but I see it as my job to ease that atmosphere. I approach people openly and try to build trust through dialogue.
My experience gives me the calmness to stay composed in difficult situations, which, in turn, helps reduce stress for those involved.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“It seems like you value communication and empathy a lot."
Marcus Sydon:
“Absolutely. Working in auditing requires not only analytical skills but also emotional intelligence. I need to be able to build relationships to understand the root causes of problems and develop constructive solutions. My Rhineland mentality, which is complemented by Hanseatic reliability."
Swiss Interim Management:
“How do you see the future development of internal auditing and compliance? What trends should companies keep an eye on?”
Marcus Sydon:
“Developments in IT, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, will have a significant impact on auditing and compliance. New legal requirements, such as the Supply Chain Act and ESG standards, will also present major challenges. The EU Supply Chain Act requires companies to respect human rights and environmental standards throughout their entire supply chain. Swiss companies will also be affected by these regulations, especially if they trade with the EU or are part of global supply chains. The regulation requires companies to identify potential risks in their supply chains and take measures to mitigate them. Additionally, they must regularly report their progress and ensure transparency. For many companies, this means rethinking their supply chain processes and placing a stronger emphasis on sustainability. It’s important to stay continuously updated and adapt to changing conditions.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“What personally motivates you in your work, and how do you stay inspired?”
Marcus Sydon:
“The joy of my work, curiosity about new things, and interacting with people keep me motivated. It’s the constant variety and the opportunity to bring about sustainable improvements that inspire me. I don’t see my work just as a job but as an opportunity to make a real difference.”
Swiss Interim Management:
“Is there a particular book or resource that has had a significant impact on you and that you would recommend to other professionals?”
Marcus Sydon:
“Yes, two people have influenced me the most: My department head at the employment office in Cologne, who encouraged me to pursue my studies, and my board member at a major auditing firm, who gave me a lot of freedom and supported my development. These two individuals taught me how important it is to focus on the essentials while remaining open to new ideas.”
For the future, Marcus Sydon aims to continue finding exciting projects and meeting interesting people. “I want to share my knowledge, learn new techniques, and support their implementation. I’m particularly interested in the development and application of AI in my field.”
The interview with Marcus Sydon highlighted how versatile and challenging the work in Governance, Risk, and Compliance can be. His passion for consulting and his deep understanding of business processes make him a valuable partner for any company. His combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and human empathy offers a comprehensive approach to the challenges businesses face today.
To conclude the conversation, he leaves our readers with two inspiring quotes: “Everyone said it couldn’t be done. Then someone who didn’t know that came along and just did it.”
And: “Those who walk the paths of others leave no footprints of their own.”
Is your company ready to take its Governance, Risk, and Compliance management to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how our interim management services can help protect and lead your business to success.
Comments