Earning trust in quality assurance without formal experience

Here's something I've learned and value over the years. Fresh eyes, big impact. You don't need a background in AML operations to add value in QA and oversight. Your fresh perspective is an advantage. Some of the best value comes from people who bring a fresh perspective, people who aren't tied to the way things have always been done. I once had a conversation with someone in internal audit who had zero experience in AML operations. No time in transaction monitoring, no exposure to KYC onboarding workflows. But they asked me one simple question about our controls that completely shifted my thinking. "How do you know this process is effective, or are you assuming it is because it's always been done this way?" That's when I understood. You don't need to have cleared queues to add value in QA, oversight, and effective challenge. What you need is the ability to: - ask the right questions. - look at data objectively. - bridge the gap between policy and practice. - challenge assumptions. Success in QA and oversight isn't about knowing how to do the work, it's about knowing how to evaluate it. So, if you are stepping into an oversight role without direct ops experience, don't see it as a weakness. See it as an advantage. Because sometimes, the best people to identify gaps are the ones who aren't too close to the process to see them. Simply put, the best way to improve process is to see it from the outside, without operational bias.

“I don’t have years of experience…” Let me stop you right there. In the remote world, credibility isn’t always about time; it’s about proof. You don’t need 10 years. You need 10 clear examples of how you solve real problems. Here’s how to show up as credible even if you're early in the game: ✅ Share your process Walk us through how you work. Your thinking > your title. ✅ Show your results Even small wins count. Did you help a client gain visibility? Save time? Hit a goal? Talk about it! ✅ Create valuable content. Teach what you know. Nothing builds trust faster than sharing valuable insights consistently. ✅ Leverage testimonials Ask for feedback. Even one good review can position you as trusted. ✅ Be visible + consistent. Show up with intention. You don’t need to be loud, just clear. The truth is, some people have 5 years of experience... doing the same thing badly. Don’t underestimate your skills just because they’re new. You don’t need more years. You need more evidence. So go ahead, showcase what you’ve done, how you think, and who you’ve helped. That’s your credibility. Own it.

The reality of quality is not what you learn in training. ❌ In training, you delve into principles, standards, methods, and tools. That's great. But real life is about dealing with colleagues. It's about the human factor. When you come out of training, you're an expert in theory. But in the workplace, you face Mitch. You can tell him everything you want. But he doesn't care about your theory. In fact, he doesn't care much about quality at all. Or at least, not about what he understands from what you're telling him. Because the resistors are often good quality professionals who don't realize it. They have optimized their own systems but don't want to change. In short, you have no control over them. So what do you do? Your primary objective isn't to be an expert. It's to be accepted. To gain credibility. To add value to your words. And you can do that through your approach. You can share your point of view without being dogmatic. Serve them well, seizing every opportunity to do so. Gradually, you'll earn their trust. Gradually, you'll plant seeds. Gradually, they will grow. And then, one day, not like any other. Mitch will need you. He will be receptive. And only then can you move forward. You can nurture that tiny seed that is sprouting. You can explain the principles and methods you advocate for. Don't expect miracles overnight, there won't be any. But be aware that Mitch can become your best ally. He will help you confront theory with reality. So gain his trust. He will support you in front of John. And when you manage to get these guys on your side, you'll understand. Quality is not just about methods or tools. It's about humanity. Trust. Involvement. Commitment. And that can't be decreed. It's earned. Commitment is a personal journey. The most important thing is not to be an expert. It's to be able to inspire people to get on the boat. Even the most resistant ones. The boat of quality. But you can only learn that on the field. PS: Who was your worst resistor? _________________________________ I talk about quality management that is simple, agile, and sexy. Like and comment Follow me and turn on notifications to stay updated. 🙏