Changemaker Interviews
Elevating Ethics: Vera Cherepanova’s Mission to Redefine Corporate Governance

For Vera Cherepanova, ethics isn’t an abstract principle—it’s the foundation of good business. As the Executive Director of Boards of the Future, she’s leading a movement to bring ethics and compliance expertise into corporate boardrooms.
With over 18 years in the field of ethics and compliance, Vera has seen firsthand how businesses struggle to balance ethical decision-making with financial and operational pressures. Too often, compliance is treated as a checkbox exercise rather than a driver of long-term success. Changing this perception has been one of the biggest challenges of her career.
A Reluctant Beginning, A Lifelong Commitment
Vera’s journey into compliance started in an unexpected way. Early in her career, she worked as an Internal Auditor, enjoying the structured approach of financial oversight. Then one day, her General Manager handed her a new responsibility: “Headquarters wants us to do compliance. I don’t know what it is, but you will do it.”
What began as an assignment quickly became a passion. Vera watched as the field evolved from a narrow focus on anti-corruption laws to a broader, more dynamic role that considers corporate culture, ethical leadership, and governance. Over the years, she moved from calling herself an “anti-corruption compliance person” to a “compliance person,” then an “ethics and compliance person,” and now, an “ethics advocate.” Each shift in title reflected the growing importance of ethics in business decision-making, moving from compliance oversight to reshaping how businesses think about ethical leadership.
Her contributions to the field are undeniable. She authored Corporate Compliance Program, the first book on compliance in Russian, which is now a leading textbook in universities across Russian-speaking countries. She has coauthored books on anti-corruption law and compliance leadership and written hundreds of articles featured in major publications like the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and Compliance Week.
Shifting the Conversation in the Boardroom
Despite the progress in compliance and ethics, Vera saw a major gap in corporate leadership with many boardrooms still treating ethics as an afterthought. Many board members she encountered openly admitting they had never heard the word “ethics” discussed in their meetings.
That’s where Boards of the Future comes in. Founded just six months ago, the non-profit is already gaining traction, engaging with recruiters, investors, and board nomination committees to elevate the role of ethics in governance. Vera’s goal is to change the perception that compliance is a roadblock to business growth. Instead, she wants to show that ethical leadership prevents crises, strengthens corporate reputation, and drives sustainable success.
The Role of Collaboration and Inclusion
For Vera, ethics is not a solo endeavor—it’s a collective effort that requires engaging multiple stakeholders. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy, Vera is equipping boards with the tools to integrate ethics into governance, ensuring that companies operate with integrity.
She rejects the outdated idea that ethical failures are caused by a few “bad apples.” In nearly every case, systemic issues—not individual actors—are the real problem. The solution? A shift in corporate culture that prioritizes ethical decision-making at every level.
This is why Boards of the Future is focused on an often-overlooked aspect of diversity: the need for ethics and compliance expertise in leadership. While many organizations work toward demographic representation in the boardroom, Vera is advocating for diversity in knowledge, experience, and perspective—ensuring companies don’t just look inclusive but operate with integrity.
A Call for Ethical Leadership
The urgency of Vera’s work is clear. Recent reports show that trust in business leaders is at an all-time low. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that two-thirds of people believe executives intentionally mislead through false or exaggerated statements. Meanwhile, a Gallup survey revealed that only 12% of people rate business executives’ honesty and ethics as “very high.”
This isn’t just a PR problem—it’s a leadership crisis.
Rather than addressing these concerns at their root, many companies turn to damage control—hiring PR firms, crafting better messaging, and hoping the issue fades. But Vera sees a deeper solution: embedding ethics into leadership itself. Until companies prioritize ethical decision-making as a core competency, scandals, distrust, and systemic failures will continue.
Looking Ahead
As she expands Boards of the Future, Vera is focused on increasing her presence in the U.S. and introducing governance practices from Europe, such as board apprenticeship programs. She plans to continue engaging in global conversations about governance, risk, and ethical leadership, ensuring that ethics isn’t just a conversation happening on the sidelines—but at the head of the table.
Ultimately, Vera’s vision is simple but powerful: a business world where integrity isn’t optional—it’s essential.
To help boards build stronger ethical foundations, Vera has created the Boardroom Assessment Tool: A Self-Assessment Framework for Ethical & Purpose-Driven Board Leadership. This resource is designed for board members and executives who want to evaluate and improve their governance practices with an ethical lens.
Download it here: Boardroom Assessment Tool
Connect with Vera Cherepanova
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/follow-vera-cherepanova/
- Website: https://veracherepanova.com/
- Website: https://newboards.org/
Changemaker Interviews
Redefining Fashion: How Kenchen Bharwani Turns Excess into Opportunity

Kenchen Bharwani didn’t just find a niche in the fashion industry—she built a movement. For over 17 years, she has been at the forefront of the off-price fashion world, proving that excess inventory isn’t waste; it’s potential waiting to be unlocked.
From Indonesia to New York, Kenchen’s journey is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusion. She consults for Empire Apparel LLC, where she connects surplus stock from manufacturers to retailers, ensuring that high-quality fashion remains accessible while reducing industry waste. But her mission goes beyond business—she’s also a champion for women in global supply chains, pushing for their recognition and leadership.
From Surplus to Strategy
Kenchen’s career started with a simple yet powerful realization: just because something is unsold doesn’t mean it’s worthless. She saw brands sitting on excess inventory due to canceled orders, overproduction, or minor imperfections—items that still had value. By stepping in as the bridge between manufacturers and retailers, she transformed a common industry problem into a profitable and sustainable solution.
Her work isn’t just about moving products; it’s about reshaping perceptions. Off-price fashion has long been seen as an afterthought, a way to offload goods at a loss. Kenchen is changing that narrative, proving that when done strategically, it’s a win-win for businesses, consumers, and the environment.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Success didn’t come easy. As a woman, a minority, and a newcomer in the competitive New York fashion scene, Kenchen faced skepticism at every turn. The industry’s top decision-makers were often men, and she had to fight for her place at the table.
But instead of backing down, she let her results speak for themselves—negotiating deals that saved brands millions, building global networks, and turning overlooked inventory into high-demand products. She immersed herself in international trade laws, market trends, and cultural nuances, ensuring she was always two steps ahead.
Empowering Women in Fashion Supply Chains
Kenchen’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She is passionate about uplifting women in the industry, particularly those in production and supply chain roles who often go unrecognized. Whether advocating for fair wages, leadership opportunities, or ethical working conditions, she is determined to make fashion’s backbone—its workers—visible and valued.
Sustainability Meets Profitability
One of the biggest myths in fashion? That sustainability is expensive. Kenchen challenges this notion daily, proving that ethical sourcing and smart business strategies go hand in hand. By repurposing surplus inventory instead of discarding it, she reduces environmental impact while boosting profitability.
Through public speaking, media features, and industry mentorship, she’s inspiring brands to rethink their approach to inventory management. Her message is clear: fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful to be successful.
Lessons for the Next Generation
For those looking to break into the off-price fashion industry, Kenchen offers this advice:
- Think beyond trends. Understanding supply chains, negotiation, and global trade is just as important as knowing what’s “in” this season.
- Relationships matter. Trust is the currency of this business. Build strong networks and always operate with integrity.
- Adaptability is key. The industry moves fast, and opportunities don’t wait. Stay resourceful, keep learning, and be open to new strategies.
- Sustainability is the future. Consumers and retailers are demanding ethical solutions. The more you integrate sustainability into your work, the more relevant you’ll be.
The Future of Off-Price Fashion
Kenchen isn’t just participating in the off-price fashion industry—she’s shaping its future. She envisions a world where excess inventory is seen as an asset, not a burden, where quality fashion is accessible to all, and where women at every level of the supply chain receive the recognition they deserve.
Through her work, she’s proving that fashion can be profitable, sustainable, and inclusive all at once. And she’s just getting started.
Connect with Kenchen Bharwani
- Website: www.kenchenbharwani.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanchan.bharwani/
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kanchanbharwani
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanchanbharwani/?hl=en
Changemaker Interviews
Dr. Andrena Phillips: Empowering Others to Keep Moving Forward

Life has tested Dr. Andrena Phillips in ways she never expected. She’s faced heartbreak, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but through it all, she never stopped moving forward. Today, she’s a Transformational speaker, Certified Master Life Strategist, Award-Winning Podcaster, and Published Author. As the CEO & Founder of KeepMovinWithAndrena LLC, she helps people through transformational coaching, leadership development, confidence building, and shift their mindset, to step boldly into their purpose. But before she could guide others, she had to fight her own battles.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Dr. Phillips’ journey wasn’t easy. She’s faced struggles that shook her to the core—single motherhood, financial hardship, self-doubt, and the devastating loss of her husband. There were times when she wondered if she’d ever rebuild, but she refused to let life break her.
Instead of staying stuck in pain, she chose to grow. She leaned on her faith, did the inner work, and surrounded herself with the right people. She learned that every setback was just a setup for something greater. This mindset shift changed everything for her. Now, she teaches others how to do the same—how to move forward, no matter what life throws at them.
A Life of Service
Before stepping into the personal development world, Dr. Phillips spent 21 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She cared for people’s physical and mental health, but she knew healing wasn’t just about the body—it was also about the mind and soul. That realization led her to pursue a Doctorate and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She wanted to help people heal in a way that went beyond medicine.
That passion turned into KeepMovinWithAndrena LLC, a speaking, coaching and empowerment platform that helps individuals, especially women, reclaim their confidence, rewrite their stories, and step into their greatness. Every book she writes, every speech she gives, and every coaching session she leads is rooted in growth, healing, and transformation.
Breaking Barriers and Leading with Confidence
As a woman in leadership, Dr. Phillips has faced spaces where her voice wasn’t always welcomed. Instead of shrinking, she chose to stand taller. She learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about resilience, confidence, and the willingness to keep going.
Losing her husband was one of the hardest moments of her life, but it also showed her just how strong she was. It forced her to rebuild, to redefine herself, and to lead by example. Now, she helps others do the same. She reminds people that challenges don’t define them—how they respond does.
Building a Lasting Legacy
For Dr. Phillips, success isn’t just about motivation—it’s about real transformation. She doesn’t just want to inspire people for a moment; she wants to give them the tools to change their lives. Through her coaching, speaking, and writing, she helps people develop the mindset and confidence to move past fear, break generational cycles, and build a legacy of resilience.
Her plans for the future? Bigger stages, global impact, and more opportunities to empower people worldwide. She’s expanding KeepMovinWithAndrena LLC, growing TransformU Coaching Institute, and creating spaces for others to thrive. She wants to show people that no matter where they start, they have the power to rewrite their story.
At the heart of it all, Dr. Phillips is a woman on a mission—to help others see their worth, walk in their greatness, and keep moving forward.
Connect with Dr. Andrena Phillips
- Website: andrenaphillips.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/andrenaphillips
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drandrenaphillips
Changemaker Interviews
The Power of Fulfillment ROI: How Matt Ley Helps Organizations Thrive

Matt Ley isn’t just a consultant—he’s a builder, a thinker, and most importantly, a person who believes that work should be fulfilling. As the co-founder of Inflection Point Nexus (IPN) Consulting and author of Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management, Matt helps organizations navigate moments of change, optimizing their efforts so they can create more impact with less energy. He calls this Fulfillment ROI—the idea that true success happens when the value we create exceeds the energy we invest.
But Matt’s journey to this philosophy wasn’t a straight line. He’s worked across tech startups, nonprofits, heavy manufacturing, and consulting, always driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to help people move through pivotal moments in their careers and businesses. His experiences—both wins and failures—have shaped the way he leads and the way he helps others lead.
Lessons from Failure: The Power of Alignment
Matt’s perspective on leadership and business growth is rooted in real-life lessons. In a previous venture, he brought in three friends to help scale a business. At first, things looked promising—they had clear conversations and defined their roles. But there was one critical gap: they never aligned their expectations or ownership.
Without a shared vision, everything funneled back to Matt. Instead of multiplying their impact, they struggled to move forward. When they lost their main client, the business unraveled. It was a tough experience, but one that taught him invaluable lessons—about setting clear expectations, aligning ownership, and building a structure that supports real collaboration.
Now, with IPN, he’s applied those lessons intentionally, ensuring that partnerships are built on mutual strengths and a shared vision. And he’s bringing that same clarity to the organizations he works with as they answer the question of whether they are looking for partners or leaders.
The Magic of Collaboration
For Matt, collaboration is the key to sustainable success. No one can do everything alone—and they shouldn’t have to. True impact happens when people understand where they thrive and where they need support. When the right partnerships form, something incredible happens: 1 + 1 = 3.
That’s the kind of math that fuels great businesses. It’s not just about individual contributions but about how teams work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. This belief shapes how Matt and his team guide organizations through change, ensuring that leaders, teams, and structures are set up for long-term success.
Redefining Work-Life Balance
Matt doesn’t buy into the traditional idea of work-life balance. Instead, he operates from two core principles:
- There are no costs, only investments. Every decision—where we put our time, energy, and attention—is an investment. The key is to invest wisely.
- Fulfillment equals sustainability. When we align our energy with meaningful value creation, we build careers and lives that are not just successful but sustainable.
This perspective has shaped both his professional and personal life. With three children and a thriving business, Matt doesn’t see work and life as competing forces. Instead, he focuses on making deliberate choices that lead to greater satisfaction, impact, and fulfillment.
Driving Change at Inflection Points
Matt’s work is centered around inflection points—those moments when the old rules no longer apply, and the stakes feel high. These are the moments that define careers and businesses.
Organizations often struggle when they hit these transitions because change is uncomfortable. What worked in the past doesn’t always work moving forward, and without a clear strategy, teams can get stuck. That’s where Matt and IPN come in.
By blending organizational health with operational excellence, they help businesses:
- Understand shifting dynamics
- Manage the emotional impact of change
- Optimize energy investment
- Foster alignment and efficiency
It’s not just about reacting to change but making deliberate, strategic moves toward lasting success.
The Bigger Picture: Building a More Connected World
Beyond business, Matt has a broader mission: helping people reclaim wonder in the way they see and engage with the world. He believes that too many conversations are driven by division, suspicion, and fear. His work—whether in business, leadership, or community impact—is rooted in fostering curiosity, understanding, and connection.
At the core of it all is a simple truth: when we invest our energy into meaningful work and relationships, we don’t just succeed—we thrive.
And that’s what Matt Ley is all about.
For a deeper dive into Matt’s leadership philosophy and practical strategies, check out a sample of his book, Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management at https://www.manageyourgaps.com
Connect with Matt Ley
- IPN: https://www.ipnadvisors.com
- Manage Your Gaps: https://www.manageyourgaps.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattley/
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