It’s been a while since I interviewed someone for the Women of Grace. You know, the series here on The Age of Grace featuring fabulous ladies over the age of 50 who possess a certain je ne sais quoi. Today, the latest Women of Grace: Meet Dr. Robyn Joppy.
You may recall some Women of Grace beauties: my bestie, Cynthia, the singer; Lesley, the seamstress; Anita, the minister of style; Cathy and Sheila, the Silver Sneaker Fitness guru.
I met Robyn when we were clients at a local hair salon in Central Pennsylvania. Our paths recently crossed via Facebook, the social media giant that connects everyone.
Dr. Robyn fits the Women of Grace profile. She is a woman of faith, over 50, and aging gracefully. Robyn is fit, healthy, and fabulous. Ms. Joppy is a Central Pennsylvania native.
Compliance and integrity are Dr. Joppy’s passions. She lives by the sayings, “Just because it’s legal does not make it ethical,” and “Compliance and integrity matters; be your word!”
Robyn is a gifted professional who has dedicated her career to the pursuit of regulatory compliance and corporate integrity. Dr. Robyn S. Joppy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling published author, has more than 20 years of experience in respect and integrity, including 15 years of international experience with non-profit human services organizations. Dr. Joppy also has experience working with both manufacturing and faith-based organizations.
As the Vice President of Corporate Compliance and Integrity for an international social services organization, Dr. Joppy was responsible for crafting a fully functional system of policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms, including the Compliance Gazette, a quarterly newsletter for more than 3,500 employees and senior executives.
During her tenure, Dr. Joppy completed the prestigious graduate certificate in Healthcare Compliance from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and co-authored One Company’s Perspective on Employee Education: E+E+E=E (Compliance & Ethics Professional, 2014). In July 2018, Dr. Joppy launched her first eBook: “Integrity Matters. Be your Word: Building a Sustainable Compliance & Integrity Program That Works.” The book is an Amazon bestseller. In June 2019, the paperback book was released.
With more than 300 workshops and keynote presentations, Dr. Joppy pursued her love of education and completed her doctoral degree in Leadership Management at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Dr. Joppy received her master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), a graduate certificate in Human Resources Development from Pennsylvania University (Penn State), and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Marketing and Speech Communications from Syracuse University.
Combined with her membership in the Health Care Compliance Association, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, and the Northeastern Educational Research Association, Dr. Joppy is considered an expert in compliance education and training, human resource development, mentoring and coaching, and market research and analysis. Her knowledge of international healthcare policy and financing issues, compliance requirements, trends, legislation, and initiatives has served her well.
After working and serving many years in corporate America, Robyn leaped into entrepreneurship and founded One Accord Consulting Firm, LLC in June 2016 and Pearls Management in 2018. A native of central Pennsylvania in the United States of America, Dr. Joppy takes great pride in advocating for her profession and establishing and maintaining relationships with hospitals, community groups, providers, and government officials. She was born in Harrisburg, PA, and currently resides there. She enjoys expanding her horizons by traveling the globe and wants to visit every continent.
Let’s get up close and personal with Dr. Robyn Joppy, shall we?
You recently obtained your Ph.D. Did you find the advanced degree necessary in your field of Compliance?
Pursuing higher education was always a goal of mine. As I continued to grow and advance in the Compliance field, I realized that the primary responsibility of Compliance professionals is education. When I consult with a company’s leadership, I always tell them this: If you want employees to follow the rules, you have to make sure you understand them. Also, when the rules change, tell them the changes.
One of the many things I learned from my years of experience is that people learn differently. Hence, finding ways to create education and training programs that are enlightening, engaging, and educational is essential. It is crucial because the information people/employees need to receive can have a significant impact on an organization’s bottom line, reputation, partnerships, etc. Consequently, pursuing an advanced degree was the right and natural thing to do. The process allowed me to look at leadership, educational models, research, and technology on another level.
Please elaborate on your leap from the corporate world to being an entrepreneur. Tell us about your company, One Accord Consulting Firm. What services do you provide?
One year before I left the organization, I knew I needed and wanted a change and was contemplating my departure. I was in my last year of graduate school and about to begin writing my dissertation when my father became very sick, and I knew he was going to need my assistance. If these vast concerns weren’t enough, some things transpired in the workplace, confirming it was time to leave. I truly believe life is intentional because God is intentional.
Approximately three months after I left, I was contacted by a former associate and asked if I could do some consulting for their company. I said yes and the rest, as they say, is history, One Accord Consulting Firm was born. I have not looked back; I am exactly where I should be.
One Accord Consulting is a privately owned consulting firm specializing in developing, revising, and implementing compliance and integrity plans. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our team consists of corporate compliance experts and professionals dedicated to helping you develop a program that will bring your business to the next level.
One Accord emphasizes establishing a long-term relationship with its clients based on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and transparency. We believe in working with and for you and recognize the importance of being in accord with every one of our clients. This enables us to create customized compliance programs tailored to your organization, its ethics, and the company’s culture, as well as a personalized plan that considers all facets of your business.
One Accord is a full-service consulting firm that provides various services, including codes of conduct, compliance and integrity plans, compliance education and training, audits and investigations, human resource development, coaching and mentoring programs, documentation training, and more.
How has your background in corporate America and non-profit as a compliance authority contributed to your becoming an international speaker?
My background in corporate America and non-profit organizations prepared me for becoming an international speaker. I spent many years studying and learning about compliance and integrity, and I understood the importance of understanding the laws and regulations that govern an organization’s business.
Moreover, I understood the consequences of not having a Code of Conduct, appropriate training programs for new employees, or protocols for handling unethical situations, to name a few. Moreover, I joined professional groups and associations that allowed me to speak and write articles. The more I talked about Compliance, the more opportunities came, ultimately leading to me speaking on international platforms.
You recently published a book, “Integrity Matters. Be Your Word! Building a Sustainable Compliance & Integrity Program That Works.” The publication is already a bestseller. How exciting. How did this idea come about?
I quickly learned about being on the international stage and visiting various countries. Often, the first question I am asked (usually by men after they ask about my credentials) is, “Do you have a book.” Somehow, being an author is seen as validating. I chose to write a book to share my experiences and expertise.
When I became a compliance consultant, I saw how people and organizations failed to do the right thing and the repercussions. I wanted to help people and organizations develop and implement a stellar Compliance and Integrity Program. My book will set them on the right path; there is something in it for everyone.
I see you plan to attend The International Shades of Beauty Hair and Beauty Trade Show in Dubai in November 2019. What is your association with the event? Are you a speaker?
I am the visionary behind the International Shades of Beauty (ISOB) Hair and Beauty Trade Show and on the team. I will be there!
We know it’s important to empower women of any age, so tell us about your involvement with the Women of Power and Transformation (WOPAT) event in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 22.
The mission of WOPATT is to build up our community of women by empowering them in a safe and healthy environment to rise as leaders, connect globally, and support one another mentally, spiritually, and economically for the greater good.
The event on 9/22 is called Women of Power and Men of Valor. This is a Power Mixer for Change Makers, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals.
It is a known fact that you like to travel. What are your top tips for looking stylish when traveling?
I like to invest in clothing that is of excellent quality, travels well, and is comfortable.
What is the secret to your exceptional style?
Thank you for the compliment! I got my style and love for fashion from my late mother and grandmother. They were the most stylish women I had ever seen. My mother taught me how to dress and pick the right clothes for the right occasions. She ensured I was comfortable with my body and taught me to select the right clothes for my body type.
How have you maintained a good size over the years?
As a woman, I know things happen to our bodies as we age; our metabolism slows down. It becomes more challenging to lose those last 5-10 lbs. I should say 15-20 lbs. I have a family history of chronic diseases on both sides of my family. It is incumbent upon me to eat healthily and regularly exercise so I can avoid pitfalls. I became a vegetarian ten years ago.
Has your beauty routine changed over the years? Are there any unique must-have products?
My skin is super sensitive and tends to be oily. As a result, I have to be careful with everything I put on my face. I have been using the same product line for years. Proactive when my face breaks out; a great moisturizer is a must.
I know that maintaining healthy hair as we age is challenging. Your hair, oh my, just fabulous. Can you share any tips?
Thank you. My hair has gone through a lot and continues to do so. I have experienced cycles of breaking and shedding to being healthy and whole. I ensure I trim my ends, get deep conditioners, and sit under the steamer twice a month. Additionally, I do not get styles that pull on my hair.
How has your faith helped you accomplish your goals in life?
My faith was and is the deciding factor in who I am and what I have accomplished. I know that God orders my steps, gives me guidance, and gives me downloads. I have to remain faithful and obedient.
Central Pennsylvanians, come out and support Robyn at her official launch and book signing party on Wednesday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m. You can and should register to attend at EventBrite; it’s free. If you can’t participate in the local event, Amazon carries both the paperback and the e-book.
Robyn, thank you for the opportunity to connect and share your hunger for education, your desire to become an entrepreneur, and the importance of integrity, faith, and graceful aging.
Not many people talk about integrity nowadays, but you can share your thoughts via Facebook comments or the Diskus App.
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As always, thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week.
