The Ethics Experts

Tom Hardin previously spent much of his career as a financial analyst in New York City. In 2008, as part of a cooperation agreement with the Department of Justice, Tom assisted the U.S. government in understanding how insider trading occurred in the financial services industry. Known as “Tipper X,” Tom became one of the most prolific informants in securities fraud history, helping to build over 20 of the 80+ individual criminal cases in “Operation Perfect Hedge,” a Wall Street house-cleaning campaign that morphed into the largest insider trading investigation of a generation. After resolving his case, Tom was invited by the FBI's New York City office to speak to their rookie agent class. He has since become a sought-after corporate trainer and speaker on a global scale, addressing issues related to compliance, conduct risk, and behavioral ethics based on his unique, first-hand experience. His memoir, Wired on Wall Street, will be published by Wiley in February 2026.Wired on Wall Street: https://www.tipperx.com/bookConnect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipperx/

Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high-achievers struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety. Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic. She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. A sought-after speaker, Leah has presented her Support, Don’t Solve framework to leaders nationwide. Her book, Serial Fixer, releases this year, exploring the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free.Order Leah's book here: https://www.serial-fixer.com/

Ashley Kurien is a Certified Fraud Examiner and criminal defense investigator who specializes in evidence-based interviewing and communication. She is the author of A Curious Mind: Mastering the Art of Investigative Conversations, which helps readers apply investigative techniques to build trust, ask better questions, and communicate more effectively in both professional and everyday life.Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleykurien

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick Gallo welcomes Michele Lee.Michele C. Lee is a prominent figure in technology law, specializing in the intersection of online behavior and continually changing legal frameworks. Her expertise encompasses youth safety, privacy, artificial intelligence, and the evolving regulatory landscape governing online platforms.Lee's contributions have garnered significant recognition. She was distinguished as one of the "2023 Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business" by the San Francisco Business Times, honored as the "2020 Woman Leader in Tech Law" by The Recorder, and recognized as a "2021 Thought Leader" by Corporate Counsel's Women, Influence, and Power in Law.Connect with Michele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-c-lee/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Noreen Fierro.Noreen Fierro is Senior Vice President, Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Principal Financial Group She joined Principal in 2022. Prior to joining Principal, Noreen has had a 30- year career in the financial services industry both in-house in legal and compliance roles and as outside counsel. Most recently, Noreen served as the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Guardian Life (2016-2021). Prior to her time at Guardian, Noreen spent 10 years at Prudential Financial in various senior compliance/legal roles. She started her career in private legal practice doing defense and regulatory work for large broker-dealers and insurance companies.Connect with Noreen on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/noreen-fierro-09a5228

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Norm Ashkenas.Norm Ashkenas is Chief Compliance Officer of Robinhood Markets, joining in 2020. He has been in the financial services industry for 30 years in a variety of legal and compliance roles, including as Chief Compliance Officer for large retail brokerage and investment advisory firms. Norm is a leader, committee member and frequent speaker for a number of industry and regulatory groups including SIFMA, FINRA, NSCP, FSDA and FMA. He holds a B.A. in European History & American Culture from Northwestern University, a J.D. from Fordham Law School, and FINRA Series 7, 14, 24, and 63 licenses.

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Daniel Montenaro.Dan has been an effective business partner for leading BPO firms for nearly 15 years and has expertise in transactions, complex litigation, real estate, human resources, international legal matters, compliance and corporate governance. As Alorica’s Chief Legal Officer Dan is a member of the Operating Committee and leads the Transactions, Compliance, Corporate Governance, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property functions for Alorica as well as its corporate secretary. Dan has been with Alorica for nearly seven years, previously serving as Deputy General Counsel.Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-montenaro/

James "Jim" Downing is a seasoned compliance professional with over 25 years of experience in the broker-dealer and investment advisory industry. Currently serving as the Chief Compliance Officer of JLL Securities, Jim has held similar roles at esteemed organizations such as Morningstar, Aon, BMO, and JP Morgan. Prior to his corporate positions, Jim worked as a FINRA examiner at the Chicago District Office for 5 years, gaining valuable insights into regulatory compliance. Jim has his Juris Doctorate with honors from Taft Law School and a Masters of Accounting with honors from Roosevelt University.Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrdowning/

In this episode of The Ethics Experts, Nick welcomes Bill Ryan.Bill Ryan is responsible for leading AT&T’s compliance’s organization and supporting AT&T’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of the countries and jurisdictions where AT&T operates. Bill also leads legal support for AT&T’s Operations organization under Jeff McElfresh and for AT&T Latin America and Global Marketing organization led by Lori Lee, including support for AT&T Mexico.Before taking his current position, Bill provided legal support for the Consumer organization, including sales, products, marketing, advertising, digital, retail and care operations. Prior to that role, Bill was vice president and associate general counsel responsible for providing legal support for Content strategy and execution, including negotiating programming agreements entered into by DIRECTV and U-verse, acquiring rights necessary to develop new technologies and providing legal support for key strategic transactions.

Jason Lesandrini, PhD, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C is a distinguished ethicist and leader with over two decades of experience in clinical, research, and organizational ethics. He is the founder and principal of The Ethics Architect: an outcomes-driven consulting firm specializing in the assessment and execution of ethics programming, the creation of ethical cultures and developing ethical leaders. In addition, he leads the departments of ethics, advance care planning, spiritual health, and language access for a large health system in Georgia. As a certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant (HEC-C) and a Leadership Professional in Ethics and Compliance (LPEC), Dr. Lesandrini brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to his work. He has developed innovative programs in ethical leadership, ethical climate, and organizational ethics that have significantly improved organizational culture.Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lesandrini-phd-fache-lpec-hec-c-8a75658/