Inside the Auditorium

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inside the Auditorium, I speak to Valeria Locatelli, Chief Internal Auditor at Pension Insurance Corporation, as she shares her career journey from external audit to the insurance sector. Valeria emphasises the significance of work-life balance, community engagement, and the role of neuroscience in leadership. She also highlights the necessity of soft skills and technology in auditing, offering valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the industry. 

This episode explores:  

• Leadership is personal: “You won’t become the exact leader you admire—but you can build your own style.” Valeria shares how studying great leaders and asking honest questions has helped shape her own approach, built on empathy, openness, and adaptability. 
• Neuroscience, psychology and self-awareness: Alongside her audit work, Valeria is studying applied neuroscience and psychology. She explains how understanding the brain has made her a better leader and auditor. From self-reflection to emotional awareness, neuroscience has given her the tools to lead and connect more meaningfully. 
• Skillsets for the future: Valeria outlines three areas all auditors should be focusing on. Technical depth, clear qualification pathways aligned to future goals. Soft skills, ranging from storytelling to conflict management, are critical in influencing others. Finally, Strategic foresight, keeping pace with regulation, risk, and relevance in a fast-changing world. 
• Balance, recognition and the bigger picture: Valeria reflects on winning the Mary Lou Carrington Award and being named a finalist in the Women in GRC Awards. She credits the power of a connected portfolio, where governance roles, audit experience, and a passion for education intersect. 
• Why audit teams are growing in insurance: The insurance industry is changing fast, and audit is evolving with it. Valeria explains how growing risks, shifting regulations, and organisational scale all shape the size and shape of audit functions. But what matters most, she says, is value: “It’s not just about coverage. It’s about insight, relevance, and enabling the business.” 

Don’t miss this inspiring episode for anyone looking to lead with purpose in internal audit. 

Note: The views expressed by Valeria are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. 

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inside the Auditorium, I speak to Valeria Locatelli, Chief Internal Auditor at Pension Insurance Corporation, as she shares her career journey from external audit to the insurance sector. Valeria emphasises the significance of work-life balance, community engagement, and the role of neuroscience in leadership. She also highlights the necessity of soft skills and technology in auditing, offering valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the industry. 

This episode explores:  

• Leadership is personal: “You won’t become the exact leader you admire—but you can build your own style.” Valeria shares how studying great leaders and asking honest questions has helped shape her own approach, built on empathy, openness, and adaptability. 
• Neuroscience, psychology and self-awareness: Alongside her audit work, Valeria is studying applied neuroscience and psychology. She explains how understanding the brain has made her a better leader and auditor. From self-reflection to emotional awareness, neuroscience has given her the tools to lead and connect more meaningfully. 
• Skillsets for the future: Valeria outlines three areas all auditors should be focusing on. Technical depth, clear qualification pathways aligned to future goals. Soft skills, ranging from storytelling to conflict management, are critical in influencing others. Finally, Strategic foresight, keeping pace with regulation, risk, and relevance in a fast-changing world. 
• Balance, recognition and the bigger picture: Valeria reflects on winning the Mary Lou Carrington Award and being named a finalist in the Women in GRC Awards. She credits the power of a connected portfolio, where governance roles, audit experience, and a passion for education intersect. 
• Why audit teams are growing in insurance: The insurance industry is changing fast, and audit is evolving with it. Valeria explains how growing risks, shifting regulations, and organisational scale all shape the size and shape of audit functions. But what matters most, she says, is value: “It’s not just about coverage. It’s about insight, relevance, and enabling the business.” 

Don’t miss this inspiring episode for anyone looking to lead with purpose in internal audit. 

Note: The views expressed by Valeria are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium, I speak to Yasemin Dogu, chief auditor, UK & International at RSA, as she shares her journey navigating a high-impact internal audit career across the global insurance sector. With deep experience, and a sharp eye on innovation, Yasemin unpacks what it means to lead with integrity and adaptability in today’s evolving landscape. 

This episode explores:  

• Leading through complexity: Yasemin shares how internal audit leaders are having to move faster than ever to keep up with the pace of innovation—especially around AI and GenAI. With her North American counterparts already piloting tools in live audits, she talks about how the RSA team is learning, scaling, and staying agile to bring real value to the business. 
• Closing the skills gap: With a relatively lean team, RSA tackles complex topics like climate and ESG without in-house specialists for every risk. The answer? Tapping internal and external expertise, building centres of excellence, and enabling global auditors to share capabilities across borders—all while preserving audit independence. 
• Communication is everything: Audit success hinges on communication and stakeholder engagement. From setting clear expectations to asking the tough questions, she explains why honesty, clarity, and integrity must run through the entire audit lifecycle—and how failure to communicate well can have a domino effect on everything from quality to timelines. 
• Rebuilding the value of on-the-ground auditing: In an era of hybrid work, Yasemin shares why auditing remotely can feel transactional—and why showing up, walking the floor, and seeing how people actually work is key to understanding culture, pressure, and operational risk. 
• Motherhood in the C-suite: Yasemin offers a candid, inspiring look at how she balances motherhood with executive leadership, emphasising the importance of prioritisation, time-boxing, and being fully present wherever you are. 
• Embedding ESG, not just auditing it: Yasemin describes how RSA has been auditing climate risk for over five years—and why climate is now a question in every audit they do. From travel policy to underwriting, ESG is now baked into risk thinking, and she explains how they’re keeping up with regulatory shifts while challenging the business to do the same. 

Don’t miss this episode if you want a real-world view into how internal audit is adapting to disruption—and how leaders like Yasemin are building bold, capable teams to meet the challenge. 

Note: The views expressed by Yasemin are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, Toby Whinnett, Managing Director, Financial Crime Internal Audit at Barclays, discusses his career in economic crime and internal audit, emphasising the importance of understanding financial crime, the role of internal audit in mitigating risks, and the evolving landscape of technology and regulations. With a deep understanding of the ever-changing regulatory landscape, Toby shares critical insights for internal auditors working across risk, compliance, and governance. 

In this episode, we explore:  

• Why conduct is top of the agenda: Toby explores how poor conduct impacts customers, reputation, and the bottom line—especially when third parties and operational failures come into play. For auditors, the message is clear: focus on outcomes, not just controls. 
• Economic crime and its growing impact: Learn how economic crime is now seen as a national security and financial stability threat—and why internal audit is playing a growing role in helping organisations navigate fraud, corruption, and organised crime. 
• How AI can transform FinCrime risk management: The volume of data in financial crime makes AI and machine learning indispensable. Toby explains how auditors can harness AI to test controls, enhance assurance, and stay one step ahead of rapidly evolving threats. 
• Building trust with compliance and risk leaders: Toby shares how empathy, technical knowledge, and sound judgment are key to partnering with MLROs and compliance teams—and why it’s vital to understand the nuances between theoretical and practical risks. 
• Thriving on change and continuous learning: Toby continues to work in internal audit because it allows him to make a meaningful impact—helping organisations navigate complex risks and stay accountable, while contributing to better outcomes for customers and society. 
• Prioritising audit activity with real-world insight: How geopolitical developments, threat assessments, and on-the-ground intel shape audit planning—especially in high-risk areas like sanctions, cash handling, and regulatory change. 

Whether you're leading audits or building frameworks, this episode dives deep into what it takes to future-proof your internal audit approach in the face of growing economic crime threats. 

Note: The views expressed by Toby are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, Stephen Licence, the Group Chief Internal Auditor at Legal and General Group, shares his extensive journey in the internal audit field, particularly within the insurance sector. 

In this episode, we explore:  

• Auditing across the insurance spectrum: Stephen shares how skills are transferable across different insurance disciplines—from Lloyd’s to reinsurance—and why auditors shouldn’t box themselves into one specialisation. The insurance world is vast, and internal audit offers a front-row seat to all of it. 
• Consumer Duty and internal audit’s expanding role: The new Consumer Duty regulation isn’t just for banks—it's transforming how insurers think about value, fairness, and outcomes. Internal audit is now a key player in demonstrating compliance and protecting customer interests. 
• Third and fourth party risk: Going beyond the enterprise: With increased outsourcing and interconnected operations, auditing now extends far beyond company walls. Stephen explains why internal audit must scrutinise third and even fourth-party relationships to ensure service continuity and data integrity. 
• Auditing AI and emerging tech: As AI and data analytics become more prominent across insurance, internal audit must evolve too. Stephen discusses how his team is already embracing AI tools—and how audit can help ensure these technologies are deployed responsibly. 
• Career advice for the next generation of auditors: Learning doesn’t stop with certifications. Stephen emphasises the importance of continuous development—especially soft skills like empathy and relationship-building, which are vital for success in internal audit. 

If you’re working in -or curious about- internal audit in the insurance sector, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways. 

Note: The views expressed by Stephen are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, I chat to Zofia Bailey, Global Director of Internal Audit at EBRD. Zofia shares her journey from the legal field to internal audit and her passion for shaping the future of ESG auditing. 

In this episode we explore:  

• Auditing ESG in a changing landscape: As ESG risk management frameworks continue to evolve, auditors play a pivotal role in shaping and refining methodologies that are still maturing. 
• Advice for young professionals entering internal audit: Zofia encourages young auditors to embrace diverse perspectives, bring their full selves to work, and celebrate alternative viewpoints. 
• Adapting to regulatory change in ESG audits: Discover how Zofia’s legal background gives her a unique edge in interpreting rapidly changing regulations and evolving audit methodologies. 
• Making internal audit attractive for non-audit professionals: Zofia highlights how internal audit can serve as a stepping stone to senior leadership, offering exposure to risk, governance, and control frameworks. 
• Embracing non-traditional talent in internal audit: Why recruiting individuals from diverse professional backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and technical expertise that strengthen internal audit teams. 

If you’re eager to explore how ESG and evolving skill sets that are shaping the future of internal audit, don’t miss this episode. 

Note: The views expressed by Zofia are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, I chat to Nick Curle, Chief Audit Executive at Natwest Group. He shares his journey into internal audit, emphasising the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability in the profession. He discusses the evolution of the banking industry post-financial crisis, the significance of understanding products and risks, and the challenges posed by third-party relationships in risk management.  

In this episode we explore:  

• Fostering trust, collaboration, and purpose: How to build a high-performing audit team with a shared mission and clear direction 
• Finding the right talent: Why internal audit teams thrive when ambition is focused on collective success over individual recognition 
• The best job in the bank – Nick explains why no other function offers the same level of exposure, development, and learning opportunities. 
• Agile risk management in the digital age: The importance of adapting risk and control frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. 
• Career advice for new auditors: Embracing every opportunity within internal audit can set you up for long-term success—no matter where your career takes you. 
• The #1 skill every auditor needs: Curiosity. The best auditors never accept things at face value; they challenge, question, and seek to understand. 

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking for expert leadership insights and a fresh perspective on internal audit, this episode is a must-listen. 

Note: The views expressed by Nick are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, I chat to Jamie Crossman-Smith, an Artificial Intelligence data and digital transformation leader. Jamie is also an Internal Audit expert and the founder of Block AI. Jamie discusses the intersection of AI and internal audit, exploring how data analytics has evolved and the implications of AI for the auditing profession 

In this episode, we explore: 

• The real impact of AI on internal audit: It’s not just about understanding the technology but recognising how it’s reshaping risk and business landscapes at an exponential rate. 
• AI models & audit testing: Jamie discusses why sticking to simple, explainable models is key for auditors and how tools can help demystify complex algorithms. 
• The future of AI in internal audit: How AI will likely lead to specialised audit teams and why curiosity and professional scepticism are crucial for staying ahead. 
• Practical learning for auditors: Jamie shares the best ways to upskill in AI through free courses and resources, ensuring you remain relevant in a fast-changing industry. 
• Embracing AI, not fearing it: AI isn’t a passing trend and how auditors can leverage their experience to critically assess risks, controls, and opportunities. 

Don’t miss this episode to gain a deeper understanding of AI’s role in internal audit, how to navigate the risks, and why embracing this change is crucial for your career. 

Note: The views expressed by Jamie are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer. 

In this episode of Inside the Auditorium Podcast, I sit down with Laura Needham, Group Chief Internal Auditor at Lloyds Bank, to explore what it takes to build a high-impact internal audit function. Laura shares how she balances a demanding career with family life, why Lloyds' apprenticeship scheme is thriving, and what truly defines what good looks like in audit leadership. 

In this episode, we explore: 

• Earning your seat at the table: Why internal auditors should adopt a mindset of continuous value creation, rather than relying on their designated role. 
• Driving innovation in internal audit: Learn how Laura’s team fosters a culture of continuous improvement and why every team member has an objective focused on innovation. 
• Creating real impact through influence: Auditors shouldn’t just present problems but play a key role in ensuring change happens. 
• The skills and mindset needed for future audit leaders: Curiosity, influence, and adaptability are critical for success in today’s fast-changing landscape. 
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in leadership: As a champion for women in audit and leadership, Laura shares how organisations can break barriers and accelerate change. 
• The power of apprenticeships in audit: Why Lloyds’ highly regarded apprenticeship scheme is transforming the industry and nurturing the next generation of audit professionals. 

Don’t miss this episode to learn how to lead with influence, drive meaningful change, and cultivate a high-performing internal audit team. 

Note: The views expressed by Laura are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer

Discover, curiosity, courage and adaptive thinking with my next guest, Eilish Jamieson, former head of audit at Goldman Sachs, where she spent over a decade and a half leading teams across the breadth of the bank. Eilish now runs her own strategic advisory and leadership development practice, working with a range of clients, from financial institutions to scale-up businesses.   Eilish shares invaluable insights for those audit professionals seeking to lead with impact.

In this episode, we explore:

Top skills for 2025: Find out why adaptive thinking and emotional intelligence are must-have skills to prioritise in 2025 for navigating unpredictable environments and how to foster them.

Curiosity unlocks success: Eilish shares advice for early-career auditors to stay curious as ‘why’ and ‘what else’ to explore the boundaries of your roles. She challenges leaders to foster this in their teams to drive innovation and growth.

Auditors as boardroom assets: Auditors have the unique ability to ask the right questions and see the broader picture, making them essential in the boardroom.

Earning your seat at the table: Learn how relationships, courage, and conviction help Chief Auditors gain influence and drive systematic change within organisations.

Investing in the audit function: Why organisations that prioritise audit demonstrate a strong risk culture—and how Chief Auditors can leverage this to foster transparency and trust.

Don’t miss this episode as we explore the skills, relationships, and influence needed to thrive in audit leadership.

Note: The views expressed by Eilish are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.