Takeaways from SCCE Compliance & Ethics Institute 2025

SpeakUp was proud to join compliance leaders at the 24th annual SCCE Compliance & Ethics Institute (CEI) 2025 in Nashville. Across four days of sessions, networking, and innovation, the message was clear: ethics drives business success. From Robert Greco’s keynote to hands-on demos of our AI Voice Agent, here are the lessons that stood out—and how they apply to your organization.

Top takeaways from CEI 2025

• Ethics is a strategic advantage
  Organizations that embed ethics in daily operations see stronger performance. The data is clear: ethical companies experience higher engagement, better retention, and stronger results.
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• Technology enables better reporting
  AI was a dominant theme in Nashville. Tools like SpeakUp’s AI Voice Agent are reshaping compliance by making reporting anonymous, instant, and actionable. Attendees saw firsthand how AI can remove barriers and help employees raise concerns with confidence.
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• Community and giving matter
  Compliance isn’t a competitive space, sharing knowledge lifts everyone. CEI reinforced the power of community, connection, and giving back. Small actions can ripple outward in meaningful ways.

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"From Blockers to Drivers" Robert Greco’s keynote

Chief Legal Officer Robert Greco delivered one of the most talked-about sessions: From Blockers to Drivers: Ethics as the New Competitive Edge. His session left the room buzzing, with conversations spilling into hallways long after. Three insights stood out:

• Transparency builds stability
  When employees feel safe to report misconduct, issues surface earlier, before they escalate into legal, financial, or reputational damage.
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• Strong compliance programs create measurable value
  Research shows companies with robust programs save an average of $5.8M annually in avoided penalties and fees. Ethical organizations also enjoy higher retention, employees are twice as likely to stay, and 83% report greater loyalty when they feel safe to speak up.
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• A blueprint for action
  Headlines from the keynote: Map your blind spots, resolve issues quickly, make values visible, and foster a speak-up culture.

Giving back by donating 166 books  

Rather than offering traditional swag, we chose to give back to our host community by donating 166 children's books, purchased from a local, independent bookstore, to the Nashville Book Connection.  Each book contained a personal note from an attendee, sharing encouragement and inspiration with children in underserved communities.

It was rewarding to see our booth become a hub for both learning and giving back. Many attendees paused to write messages for the kids, showing that ethics and compliance can extend beyond the office.

Looking Ahead

CEI 2025 showed that compliance is not just about rules—it’s about culture, communication, and community. From AI-powered reporting to values-driven leadership, the future of compliance is both practical and human.

We left Nashville inspired, carrying new ideas and deeper connections—and a renewed commitment to helping organizations empower employees to speak up.

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