Interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in internal audit, risk management, and compliance. The #1 podcast in the world for internal audit.

Jason Mefford is a Rock Star - Internal Audit, Risk Management and Compliance. He helps Chief Audit Executives (CAE) and professionals with technical & soft-skills training and coaching to navigate the mine fields of audit, risk and compliance in organizations. http://www.jasonmefford.com and http://www.meffordassociates.com

E39 Lessons from a Chief Audit Executive (CAE) with Imran Zia

In this week's episode I speak with Imran Zia about lessons he learned from being a CAE. We discuss how management wants to see internal audit as a partner and trusted advisor. How integrity, courage, likability and trust help you get to that status. We also discuss how to become the CEO of your own career development and that by spending time learning you business and industry is one of the biggest things you can do to earn the trust of management.

Imran Zia is the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) for the Government of British Columbia in Canada.

E38 Showing Your Value to Management

If you are like most internal auditors, you've probably experienced feeling ignored or under appreciated by management, and it doesn't feel very good at all. We do have an opportunity to become more aligned with the key objectives of our organization, provide more value and feel confident and valued.

In this week's episode of #jammingwithjason I discuss a few of the many things you need to do to show your value to management including: tooting your own horn, not placing so much influence on being independent, and focusing our attention of the areas your stakeholders believe are valuable.

If you want the trust and respect of management, you need risk-based internal auditing.

Since we are coming to the end of the year, make sure to take some time this week to feel and express gratitude for all you have and for those important people in your life. It will not only make you feel better, but it will make the world a better place for everyone.

If you are the type of person who would like step-by-step processes on how to improve your risk-based internal audit approach AND show your value to management, the new Certified Risk Based Internal Auditor (cRBIA) training and certification offered through cRisk Academy in right for you.

https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/p/certified-risk-based-internal-auditor-crbia/?affcode=105582_jpp6czlf?product_id=1405370&coupon_code=EARLY

Register this week, and you will receive the bonus module on "Demonstrating Your Value to Management" an in-depth discussion on this topic that discusses tips we couldn't cover during this week's episode.

When you enroll in the course before the end of November you also get a 60% discount when you use coupon code: EARLY

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand courses during the month of November mentioned during the episode, use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course.

E37 Choices and WHY I Do What I Do

Are you making conscious decisions each day to get where you ultimately want to be? Conscious or un-conscious, you are making decisions everyday of your life that have gotten you to exactly where you are.

If you don't like where you are, it's time to make some new decisions.

In this episode I share some decisions I've made in my life and how they relate to "Why I Do What I Do," steps you can take, and decisions you can make, that you will look back on with a profound sense of gratitude.

1. Breathe
2. Consider what you want
3. Go with your heart, not your head
4. Have the courage to take action

You see I have made made many decisions in my life to help me get where I am now, living my purpose, impacting millions of people, and creating a better world. It's been on purpose and with passion.

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand courses during the month of November mentioned during the episode, use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course.

cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

If you are the type of person who would rather spend 1 to 2 weeks getting a certification instead of 1 to 2 years, check out the new Certified Risk Based Internal Auditor (cRBIA) training and certification offered through cRisk Academy:
https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/p/certified-risk-based-internal-auditor-crbia/?affcode=105582_jpp6czlf?product_id=1405370&coupon_code=EARLY

Don't miss out on the 60% discount when you register during month of November and use coupon code: EARLY

E36 A Candid Discussion About Certifications

Certifications are a necessary part of developing your professional career. Without them, you risk being held back in your career earning potential, and promotion possibilities.

In today's job market, certifications are becoming more and more important ... but often they can take 1 to 2 years (or more) to obtain using archaic methods typically used to limit the number of people who can obtain the certification. If you need need experience before you can get certificated, but need a certification to get experience, what do you do? Does't make a lot of sense to me and there is a better way.

In this episode I speak candidly about what it takes to obtain a Big 3 certifications for internal auditors, some of the methods used to limit who can get certified, and what you can do to get yourself certified much quicker.

If you are the type of person who would rather spend 1 to 2 weeks getting a certification instead of 1 to 2 years, check out the new Certified Risk Based Internal Auditor (cRBIA) training and certification offered through cRisk Academy:
https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/p/certified-risk-based-internal-auditor-crbia/?affcode=105582_jpp6czlf?product_id=1405370&coupon_code=EARLY

Don't miss out on the 60% discount when you register during month of November and use coupon code: EARLY

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand course use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course. cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

E35 Auditing Humor and Other Oxymorons with Mike Jacka

As auditors we tend to be a very serious group of people. In our attempt to appear competent and professional we often switch over into the boring, robot-like realm ... a place that gives rise to much of the auditor stereotypes.

In this episode we discuss how humor and creativity can actually make us better auditors and more effective in our job, plus we have a lot more fun doing the work. I'm joined by Mike Jacka, a truly hilarious auditor who has been waving this flag for decades. Come laugh with us on this episode and walk away with some advice for how you too can incorporate more humor and creativity into auditing.

Mike Jacka is the Chief Creative Pilot of Flying Pig Audit Consulting and Training Solutions.

You can get a copy of Mike's book "Auditing Humor: and other oxymorons" through the IIA Bookstore or on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Auditing-Humor-oxymorons-Mike-Jacka/dp/0991280903/ref=sr_1_6

You can reach out to Mike at: mjacka@fpacts.com

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand course use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course. cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

E34 Compliance Enforcement Case Studies with Matt Kelly

Internal audit and compliance perform similar, but distinct functions. Both groups need to work together to help ensure compliance with the most important laws and regulations and help organizations avoid significant fines, penalties, and repetitional risk. As part of your risk assessment procedures, you need to be scanning what's happening to other organizations and where governments are focusing enforcement actions.

I discuss recent compliance enforcement actions (case studies) with Matt Kelly and show how recent compliance issues that led to enforcement actions and penalties by the US government can also apply to your organization. Learn from the mistakes of others, so your organization doesn't have to experience the same risk.

Matt Kelly is the editor of Radical Compliance. You can learn more and sign up for his Friday newsletter at: http://www.radicalcompliance.com/

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand course use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course. cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

E33 Risk-Based Internal Auditing

Even though we have been using the term "risk-based auditing" for over 20 years, many internal audit groups have not really implemented it ... and many mis-understand the concepts behind it.

In this episode I explain the challenges and opportunities facing internal audit as a profession and why moving to a truly risk-based approach is the opportunity for us to overcome those challenges. I also discuss the confusion with the terms objective-based, or risk management-based audit.

I've been preaching risk-based internal auditing for over 15 years and am consider one of the leading world experts on risk-based internal audit (and yes I wrote a book on this, frameworks, certifications and have trained internal auditors all over the world).

If you missed the webinar on Establishing or Improving a Risk-Based Audit Approach, you can now access it in the cRisk Academy on-demand library at: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/p/establishing-or-improving-a-risk-based-audit-approach/

Join me for a deeper dive into Risk-Based Internal Auditing on the next webinar: Thursday, October 31, 2019 · 9:00 AM PDT. Register at: https://www.bigmarker.com/crisk-academy/Deeper-Dive-Risk-Based-Audit-Approach-with-Questions-and-Answers-Q-A

To learn more about how you can enroll in a new course and receive your Certified Risk-Based Internal Auditor (cRBIA) professional designation visit: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/p/certified-risk-based-internal-auditor-crbia/

You can also save 60% when you register for the cRBIA course before 30 November 2019.

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand course use this link:

http://bit.ly/criskacademy

and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course. cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

E32 Budgets and Other Fake Numbers

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions surrounding budgets, but three that I find to be very harmful to individuals and organizations. Listen in to this episode to learn how you can avoid the pain of believing these fake numbers and misconceptions.

To connect with me on LinkedIn, here's my profile info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmefford/. Send me a personalized connection request and let me know you listen to the podcast so I can accept your request.

To take advantage of the 50% off cRisk Academy on-demand course use this link: http://bit.ly/criskacademy and use coupon code: JAMMING2019 when you register for a course. cRisk Academy is offering this to listeners of the Jamming with Jason podcast through 30 November, so make sure to take advantage of your savings today.

Jamming with Jason is the #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

E31 Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical (Influence PEOPLE) with Brian Ahearn

Much of your professional success and personal happiness depends on getting others to say ​"YES" to you. That is why it is crucial for you to not only understand, but put in practice the principles of influence, or you will be ignored and hear "NO" a lot.

Understanding the principles of influence allows you to ethically leverage human psychology and increase your opportunity to hear that magic word everyone wants to hear when you make a request – ​Yes! It's based on psychology and science.

Jason Mefford is joined by Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer of Influence People and one of only 20 certified trainers in the world on the Cialdini Influence Methodology. They discuss how to practically apply these principles everyday in your professional and personal life to increase your influence.

You can learn more about Brian at: influencepeople.biz, or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Brian's new book: "Influence People: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that
are Lasting and Ethical" is available in e-book or print version through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

E30 Lessons from a Chief Audit Executive with Bruce Turner

In this episode of our Lessons from a Chief Audit Executive (CAE) series, I speak with Bruce Turner about his career, his most recently released book: "New Auditor's Guide to Internal Auditing," his next book he is writing for team leaders, and how he is giving back in his third act of life to the profession of internal auditing.

I had the privilege of working with Bruce on "Sawyer's Internal Auditing, Seventh Edition" which you can find at the IIA Bookstore and on Amazon in Kindle version (https://www.amazon.com/Sawyers-Internal-Auditing-Protecting-Organizational-ebook/dp/B07RBJKG5B/ref=sr_1_3) or Hardcover (https://www.amazon.com/Sawyers-Internal-Auditing-Protecting-Organizational/dp/1634540522/ref=sr_1_1).

You can find Bruce's book "New Auditor's Guide to Internal Auditing" at the IIA Bookstore and on Amazon in Kindle (https://www.amazon.com/New-Auditors-Guide-Internal-Auditing-ebook/dp/B07RY4D3RQ/ref=sr_1_2) and Paperback (https://www.amazon.com/New-Auditors-Guide-Internal-Auditing/dp/1634540549/ref=sr_1_1)

Bruce R. Turner, AM, CRMA, CISA, CFE, has more than 40 years of practitioner and leadership experience in internal auditing, including being the Chief Audit Executive at several organizations. He was the second professional internal auditor in Australia to receive Order of Australia honors. He was appointed a Member (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors of 2015 in recognition of his significant service to public administration through governance and risk management practices and to the profession of internal auditing. He has recruited dozens of new auditors into internal audit roles throughout his career and watched proudly as their careers blossomed.

E29 How Yoga can Help You Become a Better Auditor with Kurt Weirich

Let's face it. Internal audit can be a very stressful job, which is why on this episode we discuss yoga and breathing as tools to help center yourself, reduce your stress, and increase your productivity as an auditor.

You may be asking: "how can yoga help me be a better auditor?" Listen in and you will find out the answer, along with practical tips for how you can do little activities during the day (even as little as 5-90 seconds at a time) to help you become more aware, make better decisions, reduce stress and improve your productivity.

Mindful activities (like yoga) are one of the often overlooked tools that can make you into a super auditor. In fact, what we discuss is also used by elite military special forces to help them perform better in the field. If it helps them, it can also help you.

I'm joined by Kurt Weirich who is the Director, Office of the Internal Auditor at Pima Community College in Tucson Arizona. In addition to being a career auditor, he is also a registered yoga teacher, RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance, the largest global yoga organization. Kurt has started local yoga groups at Pima Community College as well as his local home owners association, so he knows a lot about yoga and helping to create a space for mindful practices in our communities and workplaces.

Kurt is also the President Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Tucson Chapter, the Membership Director ISACA Tucson Chapter, and is the designated representative for the College at the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA), a professional organization comprised of audit, compliance and risk professionals. Kurt also has earned professional auditor certifications and compliance designations including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA), Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP), and Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP).

E28 Internal Audit's Role in System Implementations Case Study with Tom Harris

There are various roles internal audit can play in major system implementations and one of the most common is post-implementation reviews. Some things can't be changed, or are very expensive to fix, after a go-live. Instead of coming in and bayoneting the wounded at the end of the project, there are several other approaches we can take that actually provide much more value to the organization.

Tom Harris, the Vice-President of Internal Audit for National CineMedia joins me to provide a case study on how he took an approach of embedding members of his internal audit team into the project team, and even helped drive the user-setup portion of the project. We explore the risks and benefits of taking different approaches. While embedding internal audit into the project team may limit objectivity and assurance projects for a time, it just may be one of the best way to provide long-term value to the organization and deepen relationships with management.

E27 What Got You Here, Won't Get You There

Ultimately you are the one responsible for your career advancement. Recent surveys show employers are investing less in the training and development on their employees (e.g. 80% of employees state their employer does not offer training, and 86% of workers feel their manager is not skilled in developing employees). Ouch!

The truth is, what got you to where you are now, won't get you to where you want to be. Achieving your goals and career aspirations will require you obtaining experience, training and certifications different than what you currently have, to move on to the next level. But our personal and professional development is also just not about moving to the next level. You need those thing even in your current role as the world changes and moves forward.

In this episode we discuss results from a recent survey and steps you can take to determine what you need to get where you want to go.

To listen and for complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

To download and read the survey mentioned in this episode: Pulse of the American Worker: Special Report - The Future of Work, Career Expectations and Skills: http://news.prudential.com/presskits/pulse-american-worker-special-report.htm

To fill out your application for membership in the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum visit: http://bit.ly/cae-forum-join The open enrollment period is only open until Friday, 13 September 2019, so get your application submitted today or you'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

If you are ready to start investing in yourself, check out the technical and soft-skill training options through cRisk Academy, the #1 on-demand and webinar training platform for internal auditors. They offer video courses and certification from one hour to multiple day-formats, and you receive a CPE certificate for each training.

cRisk Academy On-Demand Training: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/
cRisk Academy Webinars: https://www.bigmarker.com/communities/crisk-academy/conferences
cRisk Academy Website: https://criskacademy.com/

The #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

E26 Why Most Auditors are NOT Trusted Advisors

Are you a trusted advisors in your organization? You may think so, but do the executives in your organization actually perceive you as a trusted advisor? Most auditors have not reached this status, and instead feel frustrated or ignored.

In this episode I'll discuss a framework you can use for determining where you are currently, and what it would take for you to get to trusted advisor status. And I'll warn you right now, the answers are not what others are telling you to do. In fact, if you listen to others, you will likely continue to be frustrated. You'll also hear some questions to help you do your assessment and start making your plan.

We all just want to be big trusted advisors (and live in hilltop houses, driving fifteen cars ... nod to Nickelback) and here's how you can get there.

To fill out your application for membership in the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum visit: http://bit.ly/cae-forum-join

The open enrollment period is only open until Friday, 13 September 2019, so get your application submitted today or you'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

To listen and for complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

To listen to this and other Jamming with Jason podcast episodes for CPE credit, visit: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/courses/

The #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

E25 Elephants and Shiny Objects

It's easy to focus our attention on shiny objects since everyone is talking about them and they just seem sexy. Elephants in the room are rarely sexy, but can represent a much bigger risk to your organization, and are often ignored or overlooked. In this episode you will hear how to determine if you are spending your time chasing shiny objects, or focusing on the elephants in the room.

How does the elephants and shiny objects analogy relate to internal audit? Quick answer: it's about what's on your audit plan. To get the rest of the story, check out the episode.

To access and fill out your application for membership in the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum visit: http://bit.ly/cae-forum-join As a reminder, open enrollment period is only open for a couple of weeks, so get your application submitted today.

If you'd like to sign up to be interviewed for the CAE podcast series, send an e-mail to: jmefford@meffordassociates.com

To listen to this and other Jamming with Jason episodes for CPE credit, visit: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/courses/

E24 Gaining Different Perspectives to Help Executives Solve Problems with Emilio Rubio

As auditors we need to see the world with different eyes in order to really help executives solves problems. If we only focus on areas within the organization where we believe there is risk, we risk focusing on areas that don't really matter to management. One of the biggest reasons management does not think audit is adding significant value (and the number is pathetically low based on several surveys) is we are not helping them solve the real problems they experience. We often focusing on the narrow lens of internal audit and provide lower value recommendations, instead of thinking strategically as an executive of the organization.

If we want to be seen as a trusted advisor, we need to provide value and insight on areas where the executives are focused. We need to gain different perspectives to have more empathy and understanding of our audit clients. We need to be part of the solution, not another problem executives need to deal with.

Emilio Rubio has served several times as a Chief Audit Executive and in various executive management roles for companies all over the world. He provides a unique perspective as an auditor and executive manager who has seen both sides.

To listen and for complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

or subscribe and listen wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Google Play Music, or YouTube.

The #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

To listen to this and other Jamming with Jason episodes for CPE credit, visit: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/courses/

E23 Is Your Internal Audit Team Playing Varsity or JV Ball?

If you are ignored by other executives and frustrated getting resources you need, chances are you're playing at the junior varsity (JV) instead of varsity level. In this episode we'll explore some questions to ask so you can assess which one you are really playing, and provide some guidance on how you can level-up your playing so you make the varsity team in your organization.

If you'd like to join the webinar Jason mentioned on influence in this episode, you can register at: https://www.bigmarker.com/crisk-academy/Powerful-Everyday-Opportunities-to-Persuade-that-are-Lasting-and-Ethical-Influence-PEOPLE

Get added to the waitlist for when the CAE Forum opens up to new members visit: https://jasonmefford.mykajabi.com/cae-forum-waitlist-page

To listen and for complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

or subscribe and listen wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Google Play Music, or YouTube.

The #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

E22 I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

The Beatles were right when they said "I get by with a little help from my friends." In fact the only way we get by is with help from our friends. Sometime though we get the idea we need push forward and do everything ourself. I get it. We are taught to be independent and do things ourself. This was engrained in me my whole life.

The truth is, we all need the help of others and need to be there to help others. In fact, if you don't think you need help ... you probably needs the most help. Also, the further we get in our career, the more we need help, but the less we reach out.

Trying to do the job alone often leads to emotional, psychological, and even physical pain. Yes, you'll hear how I broke my hand trying to do it by myself, and also a story of a bricklayer trying to do the job alone that I heard almost 30 years ago that has stuck with me ever since.

I even need your help, and when you listen, you'll find out how.

If you'd like to get added to the CAE Forum Waitlist mentioned in this episode, visit: https://jasonmefford.mykajabi.com/cae-forum-waitlist-page

Listen to the Beatles "With a Little Help from My Friends"

The #1 #internalauditpodcast in the world has interviews and discussions (jam sessions) relevant to Chief Audit Executives and professionals in #internalaudit, risk management, and compliance.

E21 Three Lines of Defense - Comments on the IIA Exposure Document

The IIA recently published an Exposure Document on the Three Lines of Defense Model. Listen to my comments and suggestions for improving the Three Lines of Defense Model and how we can improve our coordination and collaboration with other assurance groups in organizations.

To listen and for complete show notes and links to downloads, visit: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

I'm curious to hear your suggestions. Make sure to download the document (see link below) and comment below on social media to let me know what you think.

Three Lines of Defense Review & Survey Open 20 June–19 September 2019
https://global.theiia.org/about/about-internal-auditing/Pages/Three-Lines-of-Defense-Review-Exposure-Document-and-Survey.aspx

The comment period is open until 19 September 2019.

E20 How a Total Quality Mindset Can Help Internal Audit Add Real Value with Amanda "Jo" Erven

We are not talking about the buzz word "quality audits" or how to audit Total Quality Management (TQM) processes, but instead how to incorporate TQM principles into the internal audit activity to add real value to our customers. Just as the TQM principles have changed the manufacturing processes, as proven methods to increase quality of goods and profit in organizations, a TQA mindset will increase the quality of audits and ensure you are meeting customer needs, continuously improving, and positively affecting management and culture. Learn the six things you need to do to start incorporating TQA in your audit activity.

Jason Mefford is joined by Amanda "Jo" Erven, the President and Founder of Audit Consulting Education, LLC a firm specializing in progressive Internal Auditing and managment consulting. You can get a copy of her book: "Total Quality Auditing: How a Total Quality Mindset Can Help Internal Audit Add Real Value" on Amazon or her website: auditconsultingeducation.com. If you'd like to attend Jo's monthly webcasts on Total Quality Auditing, you can learn more at totalqualityauditing.com

E19 The Importance of Having Community in Your Personal and Professional Life

This week's episode is a little different. We talk about baseball, the IIA's International Conference in Anaheim and having community in your life. We aren't talking about networking: shaking hands, passing business cards, and then leaving. We are talking about making real human connections that develop into friendships and a sense of community that is there to support each other. If you don't have a sense of community in your personal and professional life, it's time to get it now.

Since my breakout session at the IIA's International conference was sold out (standing room only so they turned away people due to fire code issues) I am doing an encore presentation via webinar with cRisk Academy on 30 July. Here's the link so you can register to learn about "How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader" https://www.bigmarker.com/crisk-academy/How-to-Become-a-More-Mindful-and-Emotionally-Intelligent-Leader

If you'd like to experience the tribute to Tyler Skaggs that I saw at the game, check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whKZHGXepzY

E18 Moving Internal Audit to the Strategic Level with Norman Marks

In order to really add value to your organization, internal audit has to move to the strategic level. Too often we spend our time in the details and weeds and then wonder why executives are not interested in what we have to say. If you are being ignored, you are probably not talking and acting at the strategic level. Unless we focus on what is relevant to executives and the board, we risk being viewed as as not adding value and even worse irrelevant.

Jason Mefford is joined by Norman Marks, a retired Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer and thought leader to discuss what internal audit needs to do to move up to the strategic level and get a seat at the big kids' table.

E17 Giving Up Some Independence is OK, but Lack of Objectivity Will Kill You

Independence and objectivity are two words I hear auditors use incorrectly all the time. Even though the standards describe internal audit as being independent and objective, the truth is very few internal audit functions are truly independent, but we have to remain objective. While we may not be able to control our independence (don't worry I explain in the episode) we have complete control over being objective.

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." - Warren Buffet. While lacking objectivity won't really get you "killed" it can definitely ruin your reputation and get you fired.

If you will be at the IIA's International Conference in Anaheim, make sure to stop by the Unified Compliance booth in the exhibit area to say 'hi,' join me at the breakout session where I will be speaking on Tuesday, 12:45-1:45 on "How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader" or look for the guy in the hat 🙂

E16 Invest in Yourself or Nobody Else Will

As we move forward in our career it's easy to wake up one day and realize we haven't really invested in ourselves in years. I know, cause I've been there too. We get so busy dealing with the day-to-day stresses on our job, trying to balance life-work commitments that we don't take time to invest in ourselves. We become dependent on our employer to provide or pay for training, and when that doesn't happen we usually stop taking the time for personal development. After all, we have so much else on our plate, and we don't believe we "have" the time or money.

In this episode, I discuss two "gods" of the strings that we can learn a lot about how to become an expert in our craft. It takes, blood, sweat and tears ... of daily / weekly / monthly consistent dedication ... and a mindset to "make" the time or money investment in ourselves. Learn how these two individuals put in the time to become icons of their instruments.

If you want to be at the top of your game, you have to make time and invest in yourself. If you don't do it, nobody else will think it's important either. When we do invest, we may not become "gods," but the sky in definitely the limit on what we can accomplish.

To access the offer from cRisk Academy to save $100 on your first two on-demand trainings, visit: https://criskacademy.com/save100/

CORRECTION: I mis-spoke during the podcast and learned from my team that we can only issue % off coupons for this, so hope 75% of your first two courses is also OK 🙂

Watch Itzhak Perlman perform Schindler's List with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYokqDoXQjU

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze (Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJunCsrhJjg

Here's a link to learn more about Jimi Hendrix from the Rock N Roll Archeology Podcast: http://www.rocknrollarchaeology.com/rock-n-roll-archaeology/2018/6/23/episode-12-machine-gun

Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013)
A drama based on Jimi Hendrix's life as he left New York City for London, where his career took off.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402085/

Listen to Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, discuss the importance of having a coach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQXiajmANYs

E15 Avoiding Resistance by Using the Principles of Influence with Brian Ahearn

Auditors experience resistance from audit clients and others in the organization on a regular basis. Using the six principles of Influence helps build relationships, overcome objections, and help people take action. Incorporating these principles into your work and personal life will help you persuade without manipulation and avoid the extra stress caused by resistance.

Jason Mefford is joined by Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer of Influence People and one of only 20 certified trainers in the world on the Cialdini Influence Methodology. You can learn more about Brian at: influencepeople.biz, or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

E14 You Will Still Get Ignored with only Technical Skills and Staying Out of Harm's Way

Most people in internal audit focus a lot of time and energy on technical skills, ignoring soft-skills since those are just "touchy-feely" topics anyway that aren't that important in internal audit. Think again. You will still get ignored no matter how technically competent you are. The key to being heard and moving to trusted advisor status is through developing soft-skills.

Internal audit can also be a dangerous profession (and I'm not talking about paper cuts). Learn how you can stay out of harm's way.

Make sure to join me for the breakout session at IIA International Conference on "How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader" on Tuesday, 9 July at 12:45. If you'd like to have a mini-interview that will appear on a future episode, make sure to message me on LinkedIn, e-mail me, or stop by the Unified Compliance booth in the exhibit hall, where I'll be hanging out.

E13 Doing a Good Job Won't Stop You From Getting Fired

Yep, you read the title correctly. Performing an excellent audit, following all of the standards, and writing a great report won't stop you from getting fired. In fact, sometimes that is what gets you fired. To understand what usually does get you fired, and how to avoid the land mines, take a listen to this episode.

There is also some important information about the upcoming IIA International Conference from 7-10 July in Anaheim, California and how you can be featured on an upcoming podcast episode.

The cRisk Academy webinar referenced in this episode with Jason Mefford and Brian Ahearn on Influence is: Tuesday 7 June, 10am PDT, 1pm EDT: https://www.bigmarker.com/crisk-academy/Avoiding-Resistance-by-Using-the-Principles-of-Influence3-2019-05-21-09-30-pm

If you can't make it to the webinar, the recording will be available later at: https://ondemand.criskacademy.com/

E12 The Big 3 Certifications and Developing a Personal Learning Development Plans with Karl Stingily

Certifications are an important part of developing one's career, but you need to focus on the right certifications and learning. We'll discuss the Big-3 certifications (the ones internal auditors should have) and how to make informed decisions about the training and learning needs to move your career forward. Hint: it's not about just getting alphabet soup certifications behind your name, it's about being strategic in determining which certifications and training will move you forward in your career. We'll also give some guidance on top competencies internal auditors need to develop to succeed in the future.

Jason Mefford is joined by Karl Stingily, the Chief Audit Executive at Caeser's Entertainment, the world’s most geographically diversified casino-entertainment company.

E11 Making the Shift to Agile Auditing with Rick Wright

Moving to an agile internal audit approach is a big shift in mindset. It is not just performing audits in a more nimble or lean way. It is about using agile methodologies to transform the whole audit process. This method produces a more collaborative approach with the audit client, a more self-managed team mentality, and scheduling the audits in time box work cycles (sprints). This fundamentally changes how we plan, perform, staff and report on audits.

Jason Mefford is joined by Rick Wright, CAE of YRC Worldwide to discuss the big picture view of agile auditing, how to transform your audit team into an agile methodology team, and discusses Rick's upcoming book on Agile Auditing that will be published summer of 2019, which includes a practical approach and case studies on how to move from traditional auditing to agile auditing.

E10 Adding More Value and Becoming a Trusted Advisor by Bucking Tradition with Dan Clark

Internal audit has established some great traditions over the years. As Tevye, the character from Fiddler on the Roof said: "Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as... as a fiddler on the roof!" Later; however, Tevye realizes, "our old ways were once new, weren't they?" We have to be willing to change with the times and create new traditions that provide more value to our organizations than the old ones.

Jason Mefford is joined by Dan Clark, for a discussion on establishing your own personal brand, tips for becoming a better auditor, and making internal audit a career. You'll also learn how to become a trusted advisor and provide insight and foresight.

Dan Clark is the GOAT of Internal Audit (you'll have to listen to learn what that means) and CAE of Washington Trust Bank. In a career that spans more than 30 years, Dan has accumulated a lot of wisdom that he shares in his book: Dare to Be Different - An Auditor's Personal Guide To Excellence. Currently, he is working on new book: The Tao of Internal Audit.

E9 Right-Sizing Internal Audit - Benchmarking is Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Most Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) struggle with justifying the level of internal audit resources. When internal audit is viewed by stakeholders as a "cost center" this is an annual challenge justifying headcount and annual budgets, especially when the organization is in cost-cutting mode. Many in the profession advocate using benchmarking as a way to "right size" the internal audit function, but this can be a very slippery slope and is based on some faulty assumptions. A much better approach is to focus on the organizational risks and expectations of the board and senior management to develop a resource level commensurate with the risks and expectations.

E8 Moving from a CPE Mindset to Lifelong Learning

Many professionals get caught in a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) mindset when it comes to professional development. A CPE mindset will not get you promotions or new positions. In the knowledge revolution, we have to become lifelong learners - those concerned with learning and growing each day, week, and month - not just completing hours of random CPE each year. Find out how to switch mindsets, increase your likelihood of having your training requests approved, and some questions you can ask yourself to be proactive with your learning opportunities.

E7 Ineffective Controls - Case Study from a Large Bank

As auditors we audit the effectiveness of controls and make recommendations for improving controls. If we are not careful, what we may actually do is recommend ineffective controls or try to over control our organizations, effectively strangling the organization and making it more difficult to achieve objectives. Here's a case study showing some ineffective and over control from one of the largest banks in the world that should know better. Makes me want to scream "give me a break."

E6 The Future of Internal Audit and an Update to Sawyer's Internal Auditing with Dan Clayton

Jason Mefford is joined by Dan Clayton, for a discussion of how internal audit is evolving and changing, driving some of the updates to Sawyer's Internal Auditing, 7th edition. Information in the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), the Internal Audit textbook, and CIA Review Course materials, provide a basis for how to practice internal auditing, but Sawyer's Internal Auditing (one of the most influential books in the profession) fills in some of the gaps in the other material.

Dan Clayton is the Director of Strategy and Knowledge Management for the System Audit Office at The University of Texas System, and was the project leader for the update team to Sawyers Internal Auditing, 7th edition.

E5 Companies Lag on Improving Risk Management and Climbing El Capitan with Joe McCafferty

A recently released study from the AICPA and NC State show that despite the constant drumbeat for improving and formalizing risk management processes, most organizations are still way behind in their efforts. When 60% agree the volume and complexity or risk have changed extensively over the last five years, and 65% of boards are call for "somewhat" to "extensively" increasing managment involvement in risk oversight, why aren't more organizations on board with implementing ERM (only 34% have "mature" or "robust" oversight)? We'll unpack the results of the study, discuss some of the reasons and implications this has on organizations, internal audit, and how to use ERM as a strategic advantage.

Jason Mefford is joined by Joseph McCafferty, Editor & Publisher of Internal Audit 360 who recently reported on this study in an article. https://internalaudit360.com/

You can access Joe's article "Report: Companies Lad on Improving Risk Management" at https://internalaudit360.com/report-companies-lag-on-improving-risk-management-programs/

E4 Internal Audit Must Embrace Change, or Sink Like a Stone

I spent the last several months interviewing many chief audit executives (CAEs) from all over the world to gain a better understanding of the current state of internal audit. What I found is that not only is the pace of change accelerating at an alarming rate, but along with the mounting challenges come plenty of opportunities too. From these interviews, and my own experiences as a CAE at two organizations, I have identified some clear trends, challenges, and opportunities that most CAEs are working to address.

E3 Creating a Support Network and Some Werewolves in London

When we try to go through this thing called life and our career alone, the road is hard and usually full of landmines. It's better to admit we need help and create or join a group that can be a support network and group of advisors before the stress and pressures from work spill over into our personal life and send us spiraling downward.

There is magic in groups. When the right people get together, develop real connections, and provide support and encouragement for each others, some really amazing things happen. Learn how magic happened during the writing of "Werewolves of London," hear a story of what happens when you try to do it alone, and how you can create your own support network, or join a group like the new CAE Forum.

E2 Are You Really a Trusted Advisor?

Many support functions in organizations want to be seen as a “trusted advisor” to the business, and internal audit is no exception. There is an aspiration to provide value, so we work really hard proving to ourselves that we are adding value, but other don't see it and tend to runaway.

“And I wonder, I wo, wo, wo, wo, wonder, why,” we aren’t seen as trusted advisors. Maybe it’s because we don’t really understand what “trust” and “advice” really mean.

E1 A Little Ditty and Some Elephants in the Room

In this first episode of Jamming with Jason you'll hear a little ditty about the show - format, content, and why this show is being produced. We'll also discuss some of the elephants in the room related to internal audit, the topics of many future shows. This is a real and unscripted show about what it takes to be a successful Chief Audit Executive and professional in internal audit, risk management, and compliance.