For this chapter of The People Behind Compliance, the journey into compliance starts a little earlier than most.
For our compliance project manager, Kristen Stratz, those experiences go back generations. Kristen didn’t stumble into compliance while choosing a career. She grew up around it, first through her grandfather and later through her mother. Today, she is building her career with the same curiosity that first pushed her to learn more.
In the final edition of this series, Kristen Stratz reveals how her family legacy shaped her path, why every client interaction is a unique adventure, and what fuels her curiosity four years into this dynamic industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in compliance?
My grandfather started in this industry back in the 1980s, so I’ve really been around it my whole life. One of my favorite memories is going to the office with my mom, who also worked in the industry, and playing hide-and-seek in the cubicles on the collection floor after hours.
When it came time to choose a major in college, studying business just felt like the right fit because it’s what I grew up around. My family really inspired me to learn more about the compliance side of the industry, and I’m grateful they introduced me to it. It’s been rewarding to build a career in something that has been such a big part of my life from the very beginning.
What do you enjoy most about working with our clients?
What I enjoy most is that every client is different. Since I’m still fairly new to the industry, every project is an opportunity to learn something new. Working at ARM Compliance Business Solutions has given me the chance to see so many different sides of compliance because of the variety of clients we work with. It’s really helped me understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
I also enjoy seeing the impact our team has. Hearing clients talk about how much one of my colleagues helped them always makes me proud to be part of this team. It’s rewarding to know we’re making a difference and helping our clients succeed.
What area of compliance are you most passionate about, and why?
Right now, I’m most passionate about learning the rules and regulations that make up compliance. What I enjoy most is that it’s always evolving; there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new regulation, a different client situation, or a new way to approach a challenge. I like the fact that it’s fast-paced and keeps me on my toes. Every day is different, and that’s what makes compliance so interesting to me.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone working in compliance today?
I would tell them to keep going and not to be afraid to ask questions. Compliance can feel overwhelming at first because there’s so much to learn, but you’ll be surprised by how much you pick up just by doing the work every day. Before you know it, things that once seemed complicated will start to feel like second nature.
What motivates or inspires you each day?
Learning is what motivates me every day. Even though this is my fourth year in the industry, I know there’s always something new to learn. That’s one of the things I love most about working at ARM Compliance Business Solutions. Every client is different, so every project teaches me something new.
I’m also lucky to work with such an experienced team. I learn something from my colleagues every day, whether it’s during a client call or just talking through different compliance topics. I really couldn’t ask for a better group of people to learn from.
Tell us one fun fact that most people don’t know about you.
I moved from a big city to a small island only 5 miles long; it gets very quiet once the summer months are over. Some people may get bored, but I find it quite relaxing!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I have one cat; her name is Guppy. She is an extremely needy cat. I always say, I don’t know who told me that cats are independent, but they were lying.
