The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit Tech

In this episode, Andrew Guasp talks with Alex Gacheche about the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the internal audit profession, especially in the context of AI advancements. They discuss how EQ can enhance internal audit effectiveness, the role of empathy and communication, and the impact of cultural differences on EQ. From active listening to handling difficult conversations, this episode unpacks the human side of internal auditing.

HOST:Andrew Guasp, CIA Senior Manager, Standards & Professional Guidance, The IIA

GUEST:Alex Gacheche, CISAHead of Internal Audit, Information Security, Technology Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, and AI, Meta

Key Points

• Introduction [00:00–00:01:16]
• What Is Emotional Intelligence? [00:01:17–00:03:34]
• Human Judgment with AI [00:03:35–00:05:01]
• Balancing Hard and Soft Skills [00:05:02–00:06:27]
• Developing EQ in Auditing [00:08:42–00:11:51]
• EQ in Communication and Reporting [00:11:52–00:13:16]
• Training for EQ Skills [00:13:17–00:14:31]
• Blending AI and EQ [00:14:32–00:15:49]
• Resources to Grow EQ [00:15:50–00:18:24]
• Using EQ in Remediation [00:18:25–00:21:42]
• EQ in Planning and Information Gathering [00:21:43–00:24:01]
• Cultural Sensitivity and Word Choice [00:24:02–00:26:32]
• Leading Multigenerational Teams [00:26:33–00:30:17]
• EQ's Role in the AI Era [00:30:18–00:32:25]
• Leadership, Retention, and EQ [00:32:26–00:35:02]
• EQ in Walkthroughs and Meetings [00:35:03–00:40:47]
• Final Thoughts [00:40:48–00:41:53]

The IIA Related Content Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources:

• 2025 AuditSphere Virtual Conference
• Building a Better Auditor: The Powerful Synergy of EQ and AI
• Knowledge Centers: Artificial Intelligence
• 'Mastering Soft Skills in Internal Auditing,' All Things Internal Audit Podcast
• The IIA's Updated AI Auditing Framework

Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.

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