Audit Bites

Something interesting is happening inside organizations right now.

New tools, like AI, are being introduced.

New tool adoption is being encouraged.

And in some cases… it’s being measured.

That sounds normal.

But there’s a pattern here.

A familiar one.

The kind that starts with good intentions… and slowly shifts into something else.

You’ve probably seen it before. In different forms. In different environments. With different outcomes.

And if you work in internal audit… you’re usually one of the first to see where that shift actually leads.

In this episode, we explore what happens when measurement becomes more than observation… and starts shaping behavior. Not just at the organizational level… but inside the very systems auditors are expected to evaluate.

Because sometimes the risk isn’t the process itself. It’s what the process is quietly encouraging.

In Episode 78 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry dives deep into one of the most common sources of audit frustration: why internal audit strategic plans so often derail.

And what you can do to make yours work.

Drawing from real-life stories, behavioral psychology, and years of experience, Rob Berry breaks down the seven key reasons audit plans fall apart.

We'll talk about:

1. The dangers of self-centered strategic planning and how to align with organizational objectives
2. Why "trusted advisor" is more than a buzzword
3. How to combat the planning fallacy and keep your plan alive
4. The trap of overengineering your frameworks and keeping objectives simple and actionable
5. The importance of forward-looking audits over reactive, backward-focused ones
6. Critical communication techniques to inspire, engage, and involve your audit team and stakeholders
7. Ensuring your strategy is resourced for reality, not just wishful thinking

Whether you’re a Chief Audit Executive, audit manager, or aspiring professional, this episode is full of bite-sized insights you can immediately apply to your strategic planning process.

Ready to level up your internal audit function?

1. Listen now, share with your team, and use this episode as a discussion guide at your next planning meeting.
2. For more resources, more courses, or to connect with Rob for training and speaking, visit www.thatauditguy.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell your fellow auditors about the show.

In episode 77 of Audit Bites, Robert dives deep into a critical yet often neglected audit risk—organizational culture. This compelling episode, inspired by a real-life scandal at Citigroup and insights from author Pete Havel’s book The Arsonist in the Office, explores why auditors commonly ignore toxic culture, the devastating impact it has on productivity, reputation, and trust, and practical advice for making culture an auditable focus.

Key topics include:

1. Real-world stories of culture failures at major organizations like Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Enron.
2. Why audit teams often default to controls instead of tackling the “messy” aspects of culture.
3. The Harvard research showing bad apples outweigh rock stars—how toxicity magnifies risk.
4. Eight actionable culture components auditors should integrate into every audit, from goals and budget decisions to promotion patterns and whistleblower data.
5. How leadership consistency, exit interviews, and local subcultures shape the organization’s health.

Special mention: Pete Havel, whose book The Arsonist in the Office inspired this episode. Learn how one toxic individual can burn down an entire workplace and what auditors should do to stop it.

Want to level up your audit team? Visit thatauditguy.com for on-demand training, resources, and tools to help you audit culture before it wreaks havoc.

If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to leave us a five-star review and share with your network!

Mentions & Resources:

1. The Arsonist in the Office by Pete Havel
2. thatauditguy.com – Podcast resources, courses, training, and contact info
3. Harvard Business Study on workplace culture impacts

Tune in to uncover why addressing culture is essential for auditors and how it can make the difference between organizational success and failure.

Are you truly auditing what matters most, or are you chasing risks that won’t move the needle for your organization? In Episode 76 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry tackles the overlooked pitfalls of risk-based internal auditing and reveals why being “risk-based” isn’t enough if you’re not aligned with today’s organizational strategy.

This episode dives into:

1. The critical difference between operational risks and strategic relevance
2. Real-world stories of auditing the past while the future is on fire
3. Why risk registers often go rogue—and how to clean them up
4. How to ensure your audit plan aligns with current business goals
5. The importance of performance metrics alongside risk insights
6. Practical steps to move beyond audit methodology and focus on outcomes that matter to leadership

This episode is packed with actionable advice for auditors, CAEs, and anyone involved in risk management or internal audit.

Ready to make your audits more relevant and impactful? Listen, share with your team, and don’t forget to rate us five stars on your favorite platform.

Visit that audit guy for more resources, courses, blogs, and Audit Merch.

Are controls really the key to business impact, or are we missing the bigger picture? Robert explores why endless audit reports, SOX reviews, and management’s focus on “are the controls working?” may be holding us back from what truly matters.

Tune in as Robert encourages auditors and professionals to break free from checkbox auditing, rethink the purpose of their work, and discover what actually drives real organizational success. Perfect for auditors, compliance professionals, and anyone interested in maximizing business impact.

Subscribe to Audit Bites for more paradigm-shifting conversations, and visit the Audit Bites website for resources and show notes. Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation. Are you ready to question audit norms?

Why are auditors often the last to embrace innovation? In Episode 74 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry explores the psychological and organizational roadblocks that keep auditors stuck in old ways, from risk aversion and status quo bias, to fear of being wrong and a perfectionist culture.

Drawing on real-world experiences and research like prospect theory, status quo bias, and more, this episode uncovers both the challenges and actionable solutions for audit professionals.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek at Audit Leverage, the new AI platform built for auditors, and practical tips to move past these barriers, whether you’re a staff auditor, audit director, or CAE.

If you’re ready to help your audit team innovate, this is a must-listen.

Love Audit Bites? Share this episode with your network, subscribe on YouTube, and visit www.thatauditguy.com for more resources, training, and audit tools.

Want a demo of Audit Leverage or to book Rob Berry for training?

Connect via LinkedIn or www.thatauditguy.com and take your audit department to the next level.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your credibility with audit clients? In Episode 73 of the Audit Bites podcast, host Rob Berry dives into the four biggest ways auditors unintentionally damage trust with clients—and, more importantly, how to avoid these pitfalls.

Tune in for candid stories, real-world examples, and actionable advice on topics including:

1. The dangers of blindsiding clients in meetings
2. How to communicate without coming across as arrogant
3. Building better client relationships with emotional intelligence
4. Simple solutions to strengthen your credibility and impact

Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or new to the field, Rob Berry’s insights will help you deliver more value and forge stronger audit partnerships.

Mentioned Resources:

1. Audit Leverage AI platform – Tools to enhance your audits
2. Rob Berry’s bestselling book “Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, Perform Better Audits”
3. Rob's course catalog: thatauditguy.com

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, visit our YouTube channel, and connect with Rob Berry on LinkedIn for more practical tips and lively audit discussions. If you found value in this episode, please share it with your team and leave us a five-star review.

Is your audit department too focused on compliance and missing out on business strategy? In Episode 72 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry examines why internal auditors often find themselves trapped in the world of checklists and regulatory paperwork—while overlooking opportunities to truly impact business growth.

Drawing from three decades of experience, Rob Berry shares real-life stories and actionable strategies auditors can use to break free from the “compliance bubble.” Learn the crucial difference between being a compliance cop and a strategic advisor, why business acumen is key, and how your team can add tangible value to the organization.

Key topics covered:

1. Why compliance is comfortable but business strategy is riskier
2. Moving from rule enforcer to valued business partner
3. How asking “why” leads to better audit outcomes
4. The importance of business acumen for auditors
5. How reframing audit findings can foster real improvements

You’ll also hear insights on balancing compliance with strategic input, involving internal audit in decision-making, and ways to measure audit success beyond just findings. Plus, Rob Berry introduces Audit Leverage, his new AI-powered tool for internal auditors, and answers listener questions about audit reporting and stakeholder value.

Ready to evolve your audit role?

Listen now, subscribe, and visit Audit Leverage for next-level AI tools for auditors. For more resources, training, and merch, check out www.thatauditguy.com.

Are auditors truly good listeners, or do we just wait for our turn to talk? In Episode 70 of Audit Bites, host Rob Berry dives into a tough reality facing the audit profession: many auditors aren’t as skilled at listening as they think.

Key topics include:

1. The difference between hearing and active listening in auditing
2. Six major reasons auditors fail at listening
3. Practical strategies to overcome these listening barriers
4. Engaging stories from Rob’s own audit career
5. Tips for asking better questions and building trust with clients

Don’t miss actionable advice to level up your audit skills and tune into what's really being said. Rob also introduces his AI platform, Audit Leverage, and his bestselling book “Ask, Get, Perform” for auditors seeking to enhance their performance.

If this episode hits home, share it with your audit team, subscribe on YouTube, and check out www.thatauditguy.com for courses and newsletter updates.

Interested in AI for auditing? Explore Audit Leverage at auditleverage.net.

How does empathy impact auditors—and what happens when caring too much crosses the line? In Audit Bites Episode 69, “When Empathy Tests Integrity in Auditing: The Fine Line Between Care and Compliance,” host Rob Berry delves into the surprising risks of empathy in the audit world. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, Rob Berry explores five ways empathy can derail the audit process—from emotional burnout and loss of objectivity to unhealthy helping, blurred boundaries, and empathy-induced bias.

Key topics discussed:

1. The hidden dangers of empathy for auditors.
2. Real-life stories on how empathy can cloud judgment and enable ethical lapses.
3. Research from experts like Jessica Dulce and Dr. Sean M. Byrne on compassion fatigue and boundary setting.
4. Practical tips: how to set emotional boundaries, maintain professionalism, and avoid empathy-driven bias.
5. Introducing Audit Leverage—a powerful AI platform for smarter, more productive audits.

Whether you’re an auditor or leader, find out how to harness empathy as a strength without sacrificing compliance or burning out. Tune in for actionable strategies and join the discussion!

Check out Audit Leverage at auditleverage.net and visit Rob Berry's website for training, courses, and more: thatauditguy.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with colleagues, leave a five-star review, and connect for auditor training opportunities.