Agents of Change with Richard Chambers

Join Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, as he delves into the evolving role of internal auditors with Chris Chung, Chief Audit Executive of The Doctors' Company. In this episode of Agents of Change, they explore how internal auditors can become catalysts for transformational ideas, driving value and innovation within organizations.

Chris shares insights on the crucial interaction between audit, advisory, and enterprise risk, highlighting the strategic impact of these functions. He discusses the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by AI and emphasizes the importance of innovation and business acumen in the auditing profession.

Tune in to understand how internal audit can better navigate the uncertainties and disruptions characterizing today's business environment, while forging stronger partnerships and becoming trusted advisors within their organizations.

Join Richard Chambers, Senior Internal Audit Advisor for AuditBoard, as he welcomes back Cynthia Cooper, an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and best-selling author. Cynthia, the CEO of Cooper Group, LLC, shares her journey from uncovering the WorldCom scandal to advocating for ethical decision-making in the corporate sector.

In this episode, Cynthia discusses her collaboration with Erica Chung, the whistleblower from Theranos, and their joint efforts to support other whistleblowers. They provide guidance, resources, and shared experiences to help others navigate the challenging path of speaking truth to power.

The conversation delves into the similarities and differences between the WorldCom and Theranos scandals, highlighting the cultural issues and ethical lapses that led to these corporate failures. Cynthia and Richard also explore the critical role of corporate culture and offer practical advice for Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) on assessing and auditing organizational culture.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on the importance of integrity, the challenges faced by whistleblowers, and the steps organizations can take to foster a culture of ethical behavior.

Join Richard Chambers, Senior Internal Audit Advisor for AuditBoard, in this compelling episode of "Agents of Change," as he sits down with Cynthia Cooper, the renowned whistleblower behind the WorldCom scandal. Cynthia, a best-selling author and CEO of Cooper Group, LLC, reflects on her experiences and the lessons corporate America can learn from one of the largest corporate frauds in history.

In this insightful discussion, Cynthia shares her perspectives on the importance of integrity, courage, and a strong ethical culture within organizations. She also delves into the human aspects of fraud, greed, fear, and misguided loyalty, and emphasizes the power of choice and the significance of speaking up early.

Richard and Cynthia explore the vital traits of internal auditors, the challenges of leadership under pressure, and the personal growth that comes from navigating adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in corporate ethics, internal audit, and the transformative power of courageous leadership.

Hello, I'm Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor, Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, and welcome to another episode of Agents of Change. Today, I am joined by Leandro Pontes, a multi-certified seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in internal audit. He currently leads the global internal audit function at Tide, a UK-based fintech company. Welcome to the show, Leandro.

In this episode, we delve into the evolving role of internal auditors as catalysts for organizational transformation. Leandro shares his insights on how internal audit can add value beyond traditional roles, especially in a volatile and dynamic world. We discuss the importance of being objective-centric and how internal audit can fit into the broader strategic goals of a company.

We also explore how the internal audit function can navigate through the current era of 'perma-crisis,' characterized by continuous disruption since COVID-19. Leandro emphasizes the need for internal audit to be part of strategic conversations and to collaborate closely with the board and executive management.

Another critical topic we cover is the challenge of recruiting and retaining talent in the internal audit profession. Leandro offers valuable strategies for hiring the right candidates and fostering a dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset within his team.

Finally, we touch on the essential attributes needed to be an effective agent of change in internal audit, including strong business acumen, relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and innovation. Leandro provides his perspective on leveraging new technologies to solve problems and drive innovation within the organization.

Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the future of internal audit and its pivotal role in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and achieve their objectives.

Welcome to another episode of "Agents of Change" with Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor for Risk and Audit at AuditBoard. In this insightful session, Richard is joined by Russ Charlton, Chief Audit Executive at Advance, to explore the evolving role of internal auditors in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Russ shares his extensive experience in both external and internal audit across various companies, including his current role at Advance, a diverse portfolio company owning well-known brands like Condé Nast and Iron Man. He highlights the significance of internal audit functions adapting to the era of perma-crisis, emphasizing the need for auditors to act as catalysts for transformational ideas rather than merely providing assurance.

The discussion delves into the integration of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) with internal audit, the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and the importance of trust and collaboration within organizations. Russ provides valuable insights on how internal auditors can leverage AI to enhance their roles and the critical skills needed to be effective change agents in the 2020s.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how internal audit can drive organizational success in an era marked by constant disruption and innovation.

Join Richard Chambers, the Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, in this special podcast edition of "Agents of Change," recorded live from the 2024 IIA International Conference. Richard is joined by Ursula Schmidt, a seasoned internal audit and compliance expert with over 20 years of global experience.

In this insightful episode, they discuss Ursula's unconventional approach to internal auditing and risk management, the impact of dynamic risk cycles on the profession, and the critical importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. They also delve into the role of AI in internal audit, exploring its benefits and potential pitfalls.

Discover Ursula's unique perspectives on stakeholder relationships, the need for internal auditors to serve better, and her advice for new Chief Audit Executives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the internal audit and risk management fields.

Welcome to a special podcast edition of "Agents of Change" with Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard. Broadcasting live from the 2024 IIA International Conference, Richard sits down with Charlotta Hjelm, a seasoned internal audit executive with over 20 years of experience in the field. Join us as Charlotta shares her journey, the evolving landscape of internal audit, and the lessons learned from recent global disruptions.

Charlotta offers a unique perspective on the importance of communication, resilience, and the strategic use of AI in internal auditing. Discover how the profession has adapted to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and what the future holds for internal auditors. Charlotta also discusses her personal aspirations and the joy of mentoring the next generation of auditors.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights and forward-thinking strategies to navigate the ever-changing world of internal audit.

Welcome to another episode of Agents of Change with Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard. In this insightful episode recorded in March of 2024, Richard is joined by Aaron Gagnon, Chief Audit Executive of McKinsey & Company, who brings over 30 years of experience in the internal audit field, including leadership roles at Apple and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Aaron shares his perspectives on how internal auditors can go beyond traditional roles as value protectors to become value creators and enhancers. He discusses the importance of balancing assurance and advisory roles, the significance of building strong relationships within the organization, and the need for internal audit teams to be agents of change, starting from within.

Through engaging stories and practical advice, Aaron emphasizes the need for a strategic mindset and long-term planning in internal audit functions. He provides examples from his tenure at Apple and McKinsey, highlighting the challenges and successes of transforming internal audit teams to better serve their organizations.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on becoming an effective change agent in the internal audit space.

Join Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, in this episode of "Agents of Change" as he sits down with Kiko Harvey, a seasoned Chief Audit and Risk Executive with over 35 years of experience. From her impactful tenures at Starbucks, Delta Airlines, and the UN World Food Program, to her current role at the University of Southern California, Kiko shares her journey of driving transformation across various industries.

Explore Kiko's insights on adapting to different organizational cultures, the importance of embracing data analytics in audit processes, and strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent in today's dynamic environment. Learn how internal auditors can become credible change agents by evolving their own departments and staying ahead of emerging risks.

Whether you're an internal audit professional or a leader looking to foster change within your organization, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, flexibility, and the future of internal audit.