to be driving people's compliance with, way beyond the regulatory expectations, people will be
making a call, firms are making a call as to which side of this debate do you want to be on.
So, I think it is going to be less about the ordinance, less about the actual sanctions
themselves, and more about businesses reflecting on where they want to be, which side of
history do you want to be on? And I think that's going to drive it. And I think social media is the
engine that provides that energy for that drive.
51:28 | William Lewis
Ok, well, look, it's been a really fascinating conversation. Thank you very much. Tom, I just
want to put the final question to you, if I may. What does this all end up as? So, should we
settle in for long term sanctions? Are we going to split from Russia entirely or are these
temporary measures while the war plays out?
51:58 | Tom Scampion
I think my colleagues answered it very well. When we think about the objectives, the purpose
of this, and once the purpose is met, I think we move into a different space. Whether that's in a
series of weeks or a series of months or even longer, unfortunately, only time will tell.
52:14 | William Lewis
Ok. All right, well, look, I'm going to hand back in a minute to Simon, but just thank you very
much, Tom, Wendy, Guy, it's been a fascinating conversation. I've learned huge amounts, as
has everyone who's joined in, so thank you very much. And now, Simon, back to you.
52:30 | Simon Freakley
Thank you, Will. And thank you, Wendy, Guy, and Tom, for leading a really insightful
discussion.
A particular thanks, of course, to you, Wendy, where I know it's beyond midnight now from
where you're speaking. Thank you all.
Obviously, issues of real complexity here. We all understand the imperative of these sanctions,
but understanding the complexity of administering them, of course, is core to us all stepping
up to our understanding and responsibilities. So, a great discussion to explore that.
I agree, Tom, with the point you've just made, I agree with many points that were made in the
last hour, but Tom, when you talked about the reputational test really being the higher bar than
the strict compliance with the sanctions, I think all of us in our businesses are having to be
very mindful of that.
Now, obviously, we all hope that this humanitarian catastrophe is going to be over soon, very
soon, we hope. But in the meantime, we at AlixPartners will be leading talks like this,
supported by Will and others, as we explore some of the further complexities to understand
how we step through it, in addition to the other disruptions, of course, that we're all managing
every day. So, thank you again to the team. Thank you all for joining us today. And we very
much look forward to seeing you on future sessions. Thanks so much.