Episode 3 - Micheal Giles

In this episode, we explore the journey of Michael, a city auditor who transitioned into business architecture. He shares insights on the impact of auditing, the challenges of continuous improvement, and the importance of understanding organizational maturity. Michael discusses a significant audit on animal services in Winnipeg, where his recommendations led to a substantial increase in dog licensing. The conversation delves into the theory of constraints, the role of policy in auditing, and the necessity of navigating conflict within organizations. Michael emphasizes the need for auditors to consider operational realities and the root causes of issues rather than merely complying with policies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Super Auditor 01:22 Michael's Journey in Auditing 03:41 Understanding Business Architecture 06:55 Challenges in Continuous Improvement 10:18 Impactful Audit on Animal Services 17:50 Recommendations and Their Outcomes 20:36 Theory of Constraints in Auditing 24:48 The Role of Policy in Auditing 28:34 Navigating Conflict in Auditing ABOUT MICHEAL GILES: Micheal Giles is a Business Architect for the City of Winnipeg. Before this, he spent 12 years in the Winnipeg City Auditor’s office, progressing from audit junior to Deputy City Auditor. Micheal led the transformation of the auditor’s office to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards in 2013. He left the auditor’s office in 2020 to gain deeper understanding about the challenges that public managers face, to learn how performance audits impact government operations from management’s point of view, and to expand his improvement toolkit. Micheal is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant; a Certified Internal Auditor (Canada); a Certified Business Architect; Certified in Theory of Constraints Fundamentals; and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Candidate. The views expressed in this interview are Micheal's own personal views and opinions. Micheal is not speaking on behalf of nor representing the views of the City of Winnipeg.