Meet Maria Flack-Davison, Head of Legal and Compliance.
Maria uplifts and guides her team with unwavering compassion and positivity, creating a work environment that thrives on encouragement and shared success.
- How long have you been with the company?
Almost 5 years.
- How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?
I started off as the Technical and Compliance Manager, today I am the Head of Legal and Compliance. I was afforded a wonderful opportunity to manage a newly expanding team known as the Technical Compliance Department (‘TCD’). It is comprised of various discipline areas of the business, including legal and training. This really made me feel excited for the journey to come! I have always enjoyed the multifaceted aspects and how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and the interplay between them and the law. This opportunity has given me just that! I will always be grateful and appreciative for this!
The TCD provides a specialised and invaluable contribution to the organisation, and in so doing, we ensure that we live up to the eCOGRA values in every aspect of our role with integrity and professionalism.
- What do you like most about the work we do here?
I have had extensive exposure to the corporate environment across multiple disciplines in my career. eCOGRA has provided the greatest personal and professional fulfilment in this regard, by far!
This role has allowed me to enjoy what I do in understanding the different aspects of the business and providing a positive impact. The organisation provides room for individuals to continually grow, whilst still understanding that we all make mistakes.
I can see how our accreditation process and the legal aspects of the various jurisdictions directly impact the business and the role that the TCD plays in delivering the services to our stakeholders, both internally and externally. As a lawyer, I enjoy my involvement in the legal and business interplay within the organisation.
Our CEO, Shaun Mc Callaghan and Chief Technical Officer, Bradley Khoury always has the best interests of the staff at the forefront. I enjoy observing their approach to business and their excellent application of business acumen. Their ethical and moral compass allows us the freedom to perform our work and take the organisation to greater heights. It is always wonderful to admire your leaders.
I enjoy being part of the culture within our organisation, I share in the value system and positive reinforcement. I am appreciative because I can remain true to my own value set in this role in an ethical and value driven manner with integrity. That speaks volumes for me as an employee and my fellow colleagues.
- What are your goals for the next year?
2024 Motto: “Seize the challenge!” Challenges will always stare us in the face, my approach will make all the difference, make it a good one with healthy balance!
Introspective ongoing goals: Remain grounded, have continued introspection, and have adventures.
Personal goals: Continue to spend time with family and friends.
Go on adventures and spend time on the community projects to which I am affiliated.
I want to live life in a humble, appreciative, grateful, kind, adaptable, resilient, and keen manner! Nothing good comes when you remain stagnant. Be open to listening and learning.
Professional goals: Strive to live up to the values of the organisation in a positive and professional manner.
Further career pathing for the individuals within the Technical Compliance Department to maintain job satisfaction and fulfilment.
Exceed expectations in assuring our new and current jurisdictions are managed successfully.
Leave no one behind and inspire people; they are our greatest resource.
- What is the one thing that our clients don’t know about you that they would be surprised if they found out?
I care, a lot. This is just who I am. This is me.
For context, I have four siblings in a big fat Greek family. I was raised to support the goals and aspirations of those around me in a positive and meaningful way understanding it is for the greater good.
- When you were 5 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?
At the ripe age of 5 years old, I wanted to grow into a wonderful and happy human being. Little did I know how difficult this would be. But boy, looking back, it is worth it! I realised at a young age that I enjoyed order. I became rather entrepreneurial. My friends and I raised funds for a media centre to be built at the school property, which now stands and serves the community today. I enjoyed a realisation for achieving something good, and importantly, I wanted to understand my environment and was excited to understand new things no matter what the challenges were.
