AUDIT 15 FUN

What does it take to build a credible internal audit function when you're working with a small team?In this episode I sit down with Sandeep Das, Head of Internal Audit at Elysium Healthcare, and John Johnson, Partner at Core Audit Partners, for a panel discussion on the unique challenges small audit shops face:- Establishing influence without an implicit mandate- Winning hearts and minds, and- Knowing the difference between output and assurance.

"The issue was never talent; it was exposure."IT auditor Arpna Aggarwal joins AUDIT 15 FUN to talk about building a community for women in audit and tech across Tanzania and beyond, and why AI governance conversations are missing African voices. Join me in the discussion as she lays out her call to action on the issue.

Meet the DTCC Hackathon silver medal team: Rich Penfield, Ashes Basnet, Jamie Ontiveros, Wesley Raider, and Marina Tieman (missed Kaine Kenerly).The team reveals why they joined the AI hackathon, how we built a powerful tool in days (no coding background needed), and the biggest takeaways: start small, don’t fear AI, and collaborate.Fast, fun, and an inspiration for auditors ready to innovate.

Tokenization. Context windows. Lost in the middle. Silent failures. RLHF. Anthropomorphism. Quantization. Top-P and Top-K. RAG. Deterministic checks.If you haven’t heard of some of these topics, this podcast episode is for you.

Former Secret Service agent Richard LaTulip joins the podcast to discuss cybercrime investigations, undercover operations, and the human factors that can derail even the biggest cases.He shares how a simple printer fix launched his cyber forensics career, the realities behind tracking global hackers, and lessons from Operation Carter Kaos, including a $75,000 undercover deal that nearly collapsed because of bureaucracy.Book here: Operation Carder Kaos (Security, Audit and Leadership Series): LaTulip, Richard K.: 9781041077497: Amazon.com: Books

Small team? No problem.Sandeep Das explains how lean audit functions drive real impact, without more budget or headcount.1) Scale smart (co-source, analytics, guest auditors)2) Build systems to move faster3) Build influence with leadership4) Stop waiting. Start doing.Buy your copy here: www.routledge.com/Audit-Alchemy-Small-Teams-BIG-Impact---A-Guide-to-Internal-Audit-Excellence/Das/p/book/9781032856520

A 24-hour global audit conference.No travel.No time zone excuses.The Audit Research Center is pushing the profession forward with a live, nonstop conference across every region. This episode breaks down what’s coming:30+ sessions spanning macro risk to real AI use casesPractical applications: planning, fieldwork, reporting, and beyondIf you want real use cases, not theory, this is it.

Former Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich shares how a suspicious claim turned into a multi-state investigation, exposing an insider who rigged the system.This episode goes beyond the headline:• The hot dog clue that cracked the case• How tiny red flags exposed a massive fraud• Why transparency increased trust and sales• The real-world power of auditorsIf you think controls are boring, this story will change your mind.

Most leaders hit a moment where they feel stuck.Dr. Benjamin Ritter works with CEOs and senior executives at those exact crossroads.In this episode, he shares what he’s learned about leadership growth, overcoming impostor syndrome, and why the best leaders focus on coaching, delegation, and honest feedback.

Busy does not equal better.In this episode, I sit down with Eduardo Briceno, author of The Performance Paradox, to explore why constant execution can actually hurt performance.We break down the performance zone vs. learning zone and what leaders can do to help teams stop grinding, and start improving.A must-listen for auditors and leaders who want smarter results, not just more work.Eduardo's TED Talk: Eduardo Briceño: How to get better at the things you care about | TED

Your first 100 days in Internal Audit can define your entire career.In this episode, internal audit storyteller Benjamin Moulder explains why early perception is everything, how “GPA starts at zero,” and what new auditors must do to build credibility and trust.Work ethic, communication, networking, and certifications, we covered it all.

Managing the hell out of your audit.Bill Englehaupt joins the podcast to break down why audits run long, how rework kills morale, and the practical fixes that actually improve audit execution.auditology.info

From Enron to Agile.Burke Willis quit Enron at the right time, and that experience helped shape a career grounded in integrity and change. He is now helping reshape how internal audit projects are done.We talk about why perfect audit plans don’t exist, how two-week cycles accelerate insight, why auditors should tell business stories (not just report numbers), and the power of defining “done” and getting there sooner.

In this episode, finance leader Brian Kenzie explores how the explosive rise of passive ownership has transformed capital markets, and what it means for internal audit and enterprise risk management. The Big Three may now influence internal audit more than the Big Four. If you don't know who the Big Three are then this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sat down with DJ Rossini, Managing Director at Grant Thornton and former FBI Chief Counsel and Compliance Officer.DJ brings a wealth of experience across healthcare fraud, counter-terrorism, money laundering, internal investigations, and corporate compliance.We go over what really works in fraud detection and prevention, including:How a “see something, say something” culture is the essential first stepWhy zero hotline reports is actually a red flagThe most effective controls companies can implement as soon as tomorrow

What, so what, now what? That’s the heart of data science.In this episode, I'm joined by Sai Popuri, a data science expert who explains the three pillars of analytics:Descriptive – What happened?Predictive – So what’s likely to happen next?Prescriptive – Now what should we do about it?We also talk about how internal auditors can play a powerful role in turning data into better business decisions.

In this episode, I welcome Tracie Marquardt, host of the Inspiring Women in Audit podcast.Tracie shares the story behind her mission to amplify women’s voices in internal audit and how she grew a global community from scratch.One movement. One mission.

Are certifications truly worth it?From real-world hiring scenarios to the career impact of credentials, Jas and Asim explore whether letters after your name matter more than results, how certifications build credibility, and why lifelong learning is key to staying relevant.They also gave their own ratings on how much certifications really matter...and let’s just say, the average might not be what you expect.

Oladayo Duduyemi, co-founder of CoAuditor, joins the podcast to show his solution, streamlining control testing, client collaboration, and even detecting synthetic documents.

Harvard-trained psychologist Dr. Lorwen Nagel, who worked with the Dalai Lama, explains overthinking and people-pleasing. Why we do it, how it holds us back, and what to do about it.

Healthcare is massive. Auditing in this industry is no small task.In this episode, Daniel Clayton, Head of Audit at UF Health, details what makes auditing in this industry uniquely complex, and shares insights on where internal auditors can truly add value in one of the most regulated and essential industries in the US.

How do you audit sales and marketing? Oleg Koslov brings global insights, five practical pillars, and quick wins every team can use.

Learn about the Emerging Leader Program from Alex Rusate, who advanced from Sr. IT Auditor to Sr. VP of Audit after participating in the program.Program link: https://tinyurl.com/43nbxuv3

AI is a black box. Even its creators can't explain, so how do we provide assurance?In this episode, Greg Hutchins, author of Trust Me, AI Risk Management, unpacks the billion-dollar question of AI audit and why the future belongs to those who learn to use AI. Are you a doomer or a boomer?

What drives a truly high-performing audit team? Aura Rad shares her powerful Three Ls model:Lean on each otherLearn from each otherLeverage each other“You don’t just fall into a great team; it takes intention, effort, and a marathon mindset.”#Audit15Fun #InternalAudit #Leadership

Global CAE and author Shagen Ganason joins to share how storytelling can make audit findings unforgettable and actionable. We talk about The Storyteller’s Ledger, why your final 60 seconds matter most, and how one reframed audit changed everything.Buy the book here: https://tinyurl.com/562baavvConnect with Shagen here: https://tinyurl.com/yc5z5sen

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Shirley, VP & Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer at Scion Health and author of Level Up: 65 Hacks for Compliance & Ethics Professionals. Mary shares her favorite hack, how to spot real ethical leaders vs. “for-show” ones, and gives her take on the claim that “non-compliance isn’t a risk.”Tune in to hear her perspective.

From Intern to CAE at FedEx: In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Meziere, newly promoted Chief Audit Executive at FedEx.Jamie shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Mississippi intern to leading FedEx’s global audit function.We discuss career pivots, self-doubt, taking bold leaps, and what she hopes every new intern believes on their first day.A must-listen for anyone on the internal audit career path.

A new bill proposes abolishing the PCAOB and transferring audit oversight to the SEC. What would that mean for audit quality, accountability, and investor trust?Paul Munter joins to discuss:Could audits suffer without a dedicated watchdog?Are Big Four firms too big to challenge?Can AI improve judgment—or replace it?What values must the profession hold onto?A must-listen for anyone in audit, compliance, or financial oversight.

In this episode, renowned journalist and author Bethany McLean joins to discuss 'legal fraud,' whether we're becoming more desensitized to corporate misconduct, and the one question she’d ask if she were on Tesla’s board.

From Canada to the UAE, Matthew Oleniuk brings 15+ years of internal audit experience in government.In this episode, we unpack the unique risks of public sector projects, why budgets go sideways, and how auditors can shift from checking boxes to driving real effectiveness.Bonus: Matthew shares a free health check for public service projects.Diagnose Your Project

Tom Hardin, aka Tipper X, was just starting his hedge fund career when the FBI caught him outside a dry cleaner.He wore a wire. Helped take down 20 others. And lived to tell the tale.In this episode, Tom breaks down how pressure, silence, and culture led him to cross the line and what auditors must understand to spot the signs before it’s too late.

On this episode of Audit 15 Fun, I’m joined by seasoned finance and treasury expert John Engeman.We discuss the goals of a treasury department, how to measure success, and the most overlooked risks during treasury audits. A must-listen for any auditor doing a treasury review!

On this episode of Audit 15 Fun, I’m joined by Perla Habchi, an emerging internal audit leader from Canada.Perla shares how she stumbled into internal audit, built a framework to audit innovation during the pandemic, and became a tireless advocate for student outreach.From national awards to helping students land their first audit jobs, her journey is inspiring. Every local chapter needs a Perla, someone who turns “no” into “yes”.

Nick Leeson, the man behind the $800M collapse of Barings Bank, joins Audit 15 Fun.We skip the headline story and dig into what internal auditors should've asked and seen, as well as what he wishes someone had asked.Simple things.Big consequences.

From molecular biologist to business owner to internal auditor, Heather Lascano’s journey is anything but traditional.In this episode, we talk about the surprising overlap between science, entrepreneurship, and internal audit and why our profession needs to rethink the talent pipeline.

In this episode, I'm joined by Marco Nutini, former Chief Risk Officer at Embraer and the mind behind RiskLeap.com.Marco highlights how AI is revolutionizing risk management, moving from isolated risk assessments to contextual, decision-focused auditing. Marco shares his innovative course and toolset for building contextual knowledge graphs.

Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand joins the show to discuss Senate File 478, a law that limits access to key audit information. He shares concrete examples of how it has affected oversight and explains why audit professionals across the country are raising concerns.

Can personality traits elevate your audit team?Jas Gill and Karem Obeid join to explore how understanding personalities boosts team energy, engagement, and results without putting people in boxes.

In this episode, I’m joined by Karolina Aleksandrova, a leader based in Ukraine.We discuss the upcoming Audit Leadership Forum, which brings together 150+ CAEs from 20 countries, and Karolina shares how resilience has shaped her work and life amid the ongoing war.A powerful story of strength and global connection in the audit profession.Website for the conference: www.audit-forum.tech

Are you an "in-a-wait-tor" or an innovator?Are you an "I-nnovator" or a "we-nnovator"?There’s a difference, and it matters.Understanding that difference can make innovation more effective in your organization.Listen to this masterclass from Gijs van Wulfen.Link to his book here: https://tinyurl.com/4p2y6bd3

In this episode of Audit 15 Fun, we’re joined by Mike Ware, former Inspector General of the Small Business Administration and Social Security Administration. We discuss the crucial role of IGs in promoting transparency, uncovering fraud, and preserving oversight across government programs. Mike also reflects on his unexpected dismissal in early 2025, an event that sparked important conversations around independence and integrity in public service. A powerful and timely conversation for auditors.

Last week at the GAM Conference, Aadesh and his team received the Protiviti Audit Innovator Award.In this episode, he shares what they did to earn the award and the journey that led them there. #InternalAudit #Innovation

Video episode: jontaber.substack.com or click here.Course website here.PyAudit website here.Connect with Jamie here.

What are the best industries for a career in internal audit?Which industry would you choose for internal audit?Listen to my perspective and let me know yours!

In this episode, we introduce a new challenge:Three questions.Only two choices—tell the truth or take the dare.Our first brave participant, Siebrand Wolberink, steps up to the challenge. Will he reveal all?Many thanks to Siebrand for being the first to participate in this experiment.

CAE at 32 years old.Experience in multinational organizations and close to 20 former direct reports who are now CAEs themselves.What's Rania's formula for success?Listen to find out.

Why did I start my podcast?How many countries has it reached?What unexpected things happened from it?Why do I continue doing it?

Special episode for internal auditors looking to break into the banking industry or elevate their skills if they're already in the field. Listen in for expert insights from John Maxfield of Maxfield on Banks.

This episode is best experienced on video.Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/bdwnkycs