The Audit Podcast Ep 242: Audit Like a Storyteller w/ Shagen Ganason (Liva Group)
May 27, 2025
Shagen Ganason, Group Chief Auditor at Liva Group and author of The Storyteller’s Ledger, discusses the transformative power of storytelling in internal auditing. He shares insights on reimagining traditional audit reports by turning them into compelling narratives. The conversation delves into engaging the Audit Committee, illustrating cause and effect clearly, and providing practical frameworks, templates, and coaching tips for auditors. Shagen emphasizes how mastering storytelling can enhance communication and influence decision-making in the auditing process.
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Episode notes
Audit is About Influence
- Audit goes beyond assurance; it involves influence to ensure your message is understood and acted upon.
- Influence shapes culture, governance, and gently guides executives without force or noise.
Storytelling Transforms Audit Report
- Traditional audit findings are factual but dry, missing engagement and deeper causes.
- Storytelling findings build tension, reveal root causes, and hook readers like a good story arc.
Transition Slowly to Story Format
- Replace audit report section headings gradually to help audiences adjust.
- Write audit findings as a story to hook readers while maintaining factual accuracy.
