What you will learn
Internal audit leaders operate in a uniquely high-pressure environment—balancing expectations from executives, managing diverse stakeholder relationships, and leading teams through constant change. While technical competence is essential, it’s often relationship dynamics, not audit methodology, that create the greatest challenges.
This course focuses on the real-world people and influence challenges faced by internal audit managers, directors, and chief audit executives. We’ll explore why stressful relationships develop, how they impact audit effectiveness, and what audit leaders can do to maintain credibility, trust, and influence—especially when stakes are high.
Participants will gain practical insights into:
- Navigating challenging relationships with executives, peers, and key stakeholders
- Leading audit teams effectively during periods of tension, change, or resistance
- Maintaining professional credibility and influence under pressure
- Recognizing common relationship pitfalls that undermine audit effectiveness
- Approaching difficult conversations with greater confidence and clarity
This session is designed for audit leaders who want to strengthen their leadership impact, improve collaboration, and better manage the interpersonal realities of the role—without losing focus on audit quality or independence.
Field: Auditing | Delivery Method: Self Study | CPE Hours: 1.0
Your instructor
As a former Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and board member, I’ve led audit, risk, and compliance functions through crises, regulatory scrutiny, and cultural change. Those experiences taught me how to influence without authority, build trust with Audit Committees and executives, and keep relationships strong when the pressure is on. I’m passionate about turning complex GRC issues into simple, practical actions you can use immediately.
I teach the skills I used in the field—stakeholder strategy, executive presence, tough‑meeting facilitation, and ethical persuasion—and I’ve trained and advised teams around the world. My work has been recognized by Yale University, Corporate Secretary Magazine, and the OCEG Think Tank. Learn more at https://www.jasonmefford.com and join me in the Audit Leader Forum: https://bit.ly/AuditLeader.