Inspiring Women in Audit

Judgment Isn’t Automated

In this episode, we’re joined this week by Silvia Puhani, a powerhouse in the internal audit profession with nearly 25 years of experience spanning every level of audit - from frontline auditor to Chief Audit Executive. Silvia is also the host of one of Germany’s first internal audit podcasts, where she explores the profession’s most relevant topics with a fresh, conversational approach.

In addition to her leadership and media presence, she is an award-winning author, seasoned trainer, and communication coach known for her work on “revisions competence,” a holistic approach to auditing that integrates collaboration, insight, and conflict prevention.

Silvia shares her unlikely journey into internal audit and the lessons she's learned through decades of leadership and transformation. She talks about her early roots in audit and what has kept her engaged in the profession for over two decades. A champion of communication, Silvia delves into the power of collaboration over compromise and how preventing conflict through dialogue has shaped her career - and her coaching philosophy.

With more than 400 podcast episodes under her belt, Silvia offers unique insights into what it means to be a thought leader in audit, particularly in a European context. She and Tracie explore the persistent challenges auditors face - from lingering stereotypes of being the "police" to the urgent need for more insight and foresight in audit reporting. Silvia discusses how AI can serve as a powerful tool when used wisely and emphasizes the human judgment and contextual understanding that machines simply can't replicate.

📚 Explore Silvia Puhani’s Work

Podcast: Internal Audit Podcast

Book: Successful Audit Processes in Internal Auditing

Website: Silvia Puhani

Episode Breakdown

2:12 – Data Roots, Audit Rise

2:14 – Choosing Audit, Again

7:43 – Collaboration Over Compromise

16:15 – Finding My Audit Voice

22:35 – Borrowed Courage

24:33 – Built to Be Ignored

26:50 – THE FIRST 90%

30:57 – The Risk Everyone Missed

40:14 – Judgment Isn’t Automated

47:05 – Curiosity Wins

52:14 – Motivation Needs Recognition

56:16 – Quick Takes

58:46 – For the Next Women

Be sure to connect with Silvia Puhani on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

Sign up for our newsletter!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

People, Presence and, Perspective

In this episode, we're joined by Karen Albert, Vice President and Head of Internal Audit at Constellium, a global leader in value-added aluminum products. With more than 25 years of experience spanning banking, manufacturing, and Big Four consulting, Karen brings a powerful combination of operational, IT, and strategic insight to the internal audit profession. She is deeply committed to service − both within her organization and the broader community − through her long-standing nonprofit board work. Known for her clarity, empathy, and people-first approach, Karen is leading internal audit into a future defined by relationship-building, innovation, and impact.

Karen shares how her early foundation shaped her distinct audit lens − one grounded in curiosity, systems thinking, and empathy. As a champion of heart-led leadership, she offers tangible practices for building authentic relationships across an organization − especially in a profession that still wrestles with outdated perceptions.

Karen speaks candidly about what’s working, where internal audit still struggles, and the quiet challenges many auditors hesitate to confront. Whether you lead a team of two or twenty-two, this episode invites you to think differently about your role, your impact, and the legacy you’re building every day.

Episode Breakdown

2:12 – Data Roots, Audit Rise

8:21 – Through a Sociologist’s Lens

8:21 – Heart-Led Leadership

13:14 – Empathy In Action

16:22 – Creating Intentional Touchpoints

24:01 – Balanced Independence

33:22 – Redefining Audit Perception

38:05 – Future-Ready Auditing

49:03 – Audit the AI

50:37 – Leading Beyond Audit

52:44 – Step Into Service

55:10 – Relationships That Endure

57:12 – Leaving a Lasting Impression

Be sure to connect with Karen Albert on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

Auditing the Engine Room

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, we're joined by Ureka Rangasamy, a powerhouse in the world of governance and internal audit. At the time of recording, she's serving as Chief Audit Executive at Eskom, South Africa's national electricity utility, playing a pivotal role in rebuilding institutional trust after one of the most turbulent periods in the country's governance history.

She brings a rare combination of resilience, vision, and courage – known for stepping into complex environments and championing transparency. Her approach transforms audit from a compliance function into a strategic partner that heals institutions through credibility and restores public confidence.

In our conversation, Ureka shares her journey from an unconventional entry into audit to developing groundbreaking concepts like "auditing the engine room," – a concept that any audit team can apply to their organization. From agility to diversity to AI, no topic is off limits. Her focus on service, integrity, and developing the next generation of auditors offers a masterclass in values-based leadership during times of transformation.

Episode Breakdown

2:26 – Curiosity, Adaptability & the Unexpected Path

8:33 – Reliability, Rigour & Resilience in a Crisis

13:35 – Delivering Trust Through Integrity & Transparency

20:46 – Getting Audit Right Today

24:41 – Courage & Collaboration in a Turbulent Environment

29:16 – A Holistic Approach to Assurance

37:16 – Auditing the Engine Room

44:29 – Taking Governance Seriously

50:01 – Proactive Assurance: Staying Ahead, Not Behind

58:29 – Leadership Through Courage, Curiosity & Care

1:04:00 – Lifting as we Rise: Courageous Representation

1:10:00 – Entering the Industry with C.A.R.E.

1:16:00 – Modernizing the Function With Intelligent Tools

1:22:00 – Empowerment as a Leadership Benchmark

Be sure to connect with Ureka Rangasamy on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:⁠

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

⁠Sign up for our newsletter!⁠

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and ⁠Amplify Your Audit Results⁠, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

Raise Your Hand, Take the Lead

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I’m joined by Maria E. Mora, a Partner in Internal Audit at Crowe LLP, based in New York. With over two decades of experience in internal audit, risk, and assurance, Maria is known for her strategic insight, leadership presence, and dedication to elevating the audit profession.

Maria was recently named one of ALPFA’s Latinas to Watch, a recognition of both her professional excellence and her commitment to community empowerment. Her leadership approach blends cultural intelligence with technical strength - offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of internal audit.

In our conversation, Maria shares how she got started in the internal audit profession, and how a long lineage of strong women in her family - each a trailblazer in her own right – has influenced her. She reflects on her natural inclination toward leadership and advocacy, particularly within the Latina professional community, and the importance of representation, mentorship, and building support networks for women in audit.

From leadership to communication, from culture to diversity – we dive into building and managing audit teams and the evolving expectations of audit leaders. We explore creating successful co-sourcing relationships and getting the most value out of being on the receiving end of a quality assessment.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see how Maria leads transformation, and her vision for the next chapter of internal audit.

Episode Breakdown

2:39 – Born With Her Hand Up

8:20 – Leadership & Family of Strong Women

11:46 – Latina Leadership & Community Impact

19:02 – How Culture Influences Audit

23:47 – Leadership Philosophy

34:50 – Quality Assessments & Audit Value

42:33 – Co-Sourcing & Collaboration

49:19 – The Power of Perspective & Resilience

57:40 – Stepping Up for the Future

1:00:21 – Shaping Audit’s Next Chapter

Be sure to connect with Maria E. Mora on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

Sign up for our newsletter!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

Stories, Systems & the Spark of Innovation

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Perla Habchi. Perla is an Internal Audit Project Leader with the Government of Canada and the Chair of Advocacy and Academic Relations for the IIA Ottawa Chapter.

Recognized as a 2024 Emerging Leader by the IIA and recipient of the 2023 Internal Audit Vision Award, Perla’s work bridges innovation and impact. Perla is the creator of the Innovation System Internal Controls Framework, featured in Internal Auditor magazine, and is widely known for her passion in elevating the next generation of auditors.

In our conversation, Perla shares how an “accidental” entry into audit transformed into a fulfilling career grounded in innovation, storytelling, and courage. She reflects on the moment she realized internal audit was her calling - and how she’s since used that passion to push boundaries within the public sector.

Listeners will gain insight into Perla’s groundbreaking innovation framework, how she navigates delivering difficult messages, and why storytelling is crucial to audit reporting - especially in the public eye. Her dedication to student outreach, volunteerism, and future-forward thinking shines through as she discusses her legacy in motion.

Perla also dives into the courage required to speak up, mentor emerging professionals, and hold space for new voices. With authenticity and clarity, she inspires us to rethink what impact looks like within internal audit - and how we can all lead with purpose.

Episode Breakdown

2:53 – An Accidental Auditor

8:15 – A World Apart from Finance

12:53 – Every Finding's a Story

18:20 – Delivering Hard Truths

23:46 – Framework That Won

28:57 – Innovation in Action

33:07 – Award-Winning Audit

36:29 – Inspiring the Next Gen

44:10 – Taking Pride in Audit

46:57 – Public Lens, Public Trust

51:00 – Bravery in Audit

55:02 – Helping New Voices Rise

1:07:01 – Legacy in Motion

Be sure to connect with Perla Habchi on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

Sign up for our newsletter!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with ⁠Sabine Charles⁠, a seasoned audit leader, author, and educator who has built her career on courage, influence, and service. Known for her passion for emotional intelligence and her commitment to equipping auditors with the skills to succeed, Sabine has inspired and elevated professionals across the globe.

Sabine shares her journey of breaking barriers, from “crashing the party” in spaces where she wasn’t always invited, to creating a seat at the table and delivering results that matter. We talk about why emotional intelligence is a game changer in leadership, how auditors can move from insight to foresight, and why relationships and influence are at the heart of lasting impact. She also emphasizes the importance of certifications in building confidence and credibility, and how audit as a service mindset transforms the way we deliver value.

At its heart, this conversation is about courage, connection, and a deep desire to serve and add value. Sabine’s story offers both practical tools and inspiration for auditors who want to influence with purpose, lead with empathy, and achieve results that elevate the profession.

Episode Breakdown

1:41 – First Steps, Lasting Impact

13:03 – Auditing in the AI Era

20:44 – Spotting Sharp Thinkers

24:19 – Empowering Audit Superpowers

30:29 – Shaping Audit Culture

32:38 – Crash the Party

35:51 – The Link Between Community & Creativity

39:51 – Guidance in Change

45:00 – Beyond the Comfort Zone

52:22 – Leaving a Lasting Mark

Be sure to connect with ⁠Sabine Charles⁠ on LinkedIn.

Books by Sabine Charles:

• Leadership MEQ integrating Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Qualities: inspiring Professional Excellence
• Cracking the Code: Techniques for Certification Exam Success
• Mindful Leadership: Balancing Success and Wellness

And be sure to follow ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn⁠, and connect with ⁠Tracie⁠.

Join the Exclusive ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group⁠:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

⁠Sign up for our newsletter!⁠

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and ⁠Amplify Your Audit Results⁠, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. ⁠Schedule time with us⁠.

Episode 19: Karina Misko

The White Gloves of Audit Leadership

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Karina Misko, Head of Audit in Riga and a driving force in shaping the future of internal audit in Latvia. Karina’s story is one of bold leadership, deep community impact, and unwavering commitment to empowering others in the profession.

Karina shares how she stepped into leadership early and what it means to balance the many hats required of a modern Head of Audit. We talk about her “white gloves” approach to working with stakeholders, how she navigates conflicts with diplomacy, and the pride she takes in building a small but mighty audit team. She also opens up about leading Latvia’s audit community, why she sees mentoring as a responsibility, and how her unique leadership style inspires auditors for generations to come.

At its core, this conversation is about influence, service, and the kind of leadership that elevates not just one organization but an entire profession. Karina’s journey is filled with insights for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity, courage, and vision.

Episode Breakdown

1:41-Expanding Horizons

9:16-Creativity and Shades of Gray

13:23-The “White Gloves” Approach

19:30-Navigating Conflicting Stakeholders

30:01-Leading Latvia’s Audit Community

36:50-Balancing the Many Hats

42:02-Energizing a Small but Mighty Team

48:32-The Scent of Success

54:26-Inspiring Auditors for Generations

Be sure to connect with Karina Misko on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Sabine Charles, a seasoned audit leader, author, and educator who has built her career on courage, influence, and service. Known for her passion for emotional intelligence and her commitment to equipping auditors with the skills to succeed, Sabine has inspired and elevated professionals across the globe.

Sabine shares her journey of breaking barriers, from “crashing the party” in spaces where she wasn’t always invited, to creating a seat at the table and delivering results that matter. We talk about why emotional intelligence is a game changer in leadership, how auditors can move from insight to foresight, and why relationships and influence are at the heart of lasting impact. She also emphasizes the importance of certifications in building confidence and credibility, and how audit as a service mindset transforms the way we deliver value.

At its heart, this conversation is about courage, connection, and a deep desire to serve and add value. Sabine’s story offers both practical tools and inspiration for auditors who want to influence with purpose, lead with empathy, and achieve results that elevate the profession.

Episode Breakdown

1:41 – First Steps, Lasting Impact

13:03 – Auditing in the AI Era

20:44 – Spotting Sharp Thinkers

24:19 – Empowering Audit Superpowers

30:29 – Shaping Audit Culture

32:38 – Crash the Party

35:51 – The Link Between Community & Creativity

39:51 – Guidance in Change

45:00 – Beyond the Comfort Zone

52:22 – Leaving a Lasting Mark

Be sure to connect with Sabine Charles on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

Sign up for our newsletter!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Anamika Roy, an accomplished IT audit leader who has built her career on a strong foundation of finance, technology, and people. Her journey is as much about embracing change as it is about driving it - through authentic leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to making space for others.

Right from the start, Anamika’s path illustrates the power of adaptability. She shares how becoming an IT auditor opened opportunities to bridge culture and technology while building trust across the business. We explore why she considers communication her leadership superpower, how diversity strengthens teams, and the pivotal role internal audit can play in creating resilient, future-ready organizations. She also offers real-world examples - anticipating cyber risks, addressing AI blind spots, and redesigning control environments - to show how principles translate into measurable results.

At its heart, this conversation is about connection: connecting people to each other, to purpose, and to career-defining opportunities. Anamika’s story offers both inspiration and a clear blueprint for those ready to lead with authenticity, influence, and tangible impact.

Episode Breakdown

2:57 – How Anamika Roy Got Her Start in Audit

5:57 – Inside the Role of an IT Audit Leader

9:57 – Communication Is a Superpower

12:20 – Making the Leap: From Finance to IT Audit

14:21 – The Pivot Into IT Audit

16:06 – Leading with Authentic Connection

22:40 – Rebooting the Control Matrix

26:20 – Getting Ahead of Cyber Threats

29:53 – Gaining Clarity on Emerging IT Risks

31:37 – Blind Spots in AI

35:47 – Where Inclusion Sparks Growth

41:04 – Lessons from Leading Globally

43:25 – Building a Path for Women in Audit

45:19 – Anamika’s Legacy

Be sure to connect with Anamika Roy on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

Sign up for our newsletter!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, we meet the magnetic Rumbidzai Musiyiwa, a global internal audit leader known for her unapologetic authenticity, strategic insight, and fierce advocacy for values-based leadership. With deep experience across continents and industries, Rumbi brings both sparkle and substance to the profession - and to this conversation.

Join us as Rumbi shares how her leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, presence, and purpose. She unpacks what it means to navigate complex environments without losing your identity, and how she uses her voice to drive change from the inside out. From tackling discomfort to embracing courage, Rumbi gives auditors and emerging leaders a powerful lens on what it really means to lead.

We explore the realities of representation, the role of self-belief in career acceleration, and the legacy she’s building beyond internal audit.

Whether you're early in your audit career or redefining what leadership looks like at the top, Rumbi's journey is a masterclass in values-aligned success.

Episode Breakdown

03:00 – Internal Audit: the "Right" Path

06:05 – External Audit vs. Internal Audit

07:54 – Nothing Goes for Nothing

11:18 – The Value of Non-Audit Expertise in Audit

16:15 – Finding Opportunity in Discomfort

19:45 – Defining Leadership: Rumbidzai’s Approach

21:18 – Personal Principles Guiding Professional Success

25:16 – The Consequences of Standing Your Ground

30:38 – Managing Public Scrutiny with Professionalism

31:51 – The Importance of Maintaining Your Integrity

38:57 – Sparkle: Insights on Emerging Risks and Future Trends

51:14 – Supporting Women in Audit and Technology

1:02:08 – Advice for Aspiring Chief Audit Executives

1:06:53 – A Practical Approach to Work-Life Integration

1:16:03 – Rumbidzai’s Legacy: It Begins With You

Be sure to connect with Rumbidzai Musiyiwa on LinkedIn.

And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.

Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:

This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. To schedule time with us, reach out to Tracie Marquardt on LinkedIn.