Leadership Lessons from Scaling AI-Driven Companies

Sep 3, 2025

Vidya Peters, CEO of DataSnipper and an expert in AI-driven solutions, shares insightful leadership lessons on embracing AI in auditing. She discusses the rapid evolution of audit practices due to AI, emphasizing the need for effective governance. The conversation touches on the balance between innovation and change management, challenges in AI adoption, and why auditors will remain irreplaceable. Peters also talks about the future of auditing and the importance of adapting skill sets to navigate workforce shortages and regulatory demands.

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ANECDOTE

Pivot To Fit Auditor Workflow

DataSnipper initially built a standalone app in 2017 that auditors ignored because it left their Excel workflow.
The founders pivoted and rebuilt as an Excel plugin, which made the product adoptable and successful.

ADVICE

Embed GenAI In Current Tools

Bring generative AI into auditors' existing tools instead of forcing new workflows.
Provide verifiable evidence alongside AI answers so auditors can stand behind conclusions.

INSIGHT

Governance Lags Behind Actual Use

Employees are using AI widely even when companies haven't approved it, creating a divide between policy and practice.
Slow governance responses risk losing control over data and document locations.

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The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit TechSponsored by DataSnipper In this companion episode to the Internal Audit: The Catalyst for Strong AI Governance Global Best Practices linked in the show notes, Mike Levy sits down with Vidya Peters, CEO of DataSnipper, to discuss how AI is reshaping audit work and how internal auditors can lead the charge. They discuss real-world leadership lessons, pitfalls in AI adoption, and practical steps for auditors looking to evolve with emerging technologies.

HOST:Mike Levy, CIA, CRMA, CISSPCEO, Cherry Hill Advisory

GUEST:Vidya PetersCEO, DataSnipper

KEY POINTS:

Introduction [00:00–00:00:23]
AI’s Rapid Evolution in Audit [00:00:38–00:02:38]
Balancing Change Management With Innovation [00:02:46–00:05:13]
Embedding GenAI into Auditor Workflows [00:05:21–00:07:50]
Governance Missteps and Shadow AI [00:08:27–00:10:54]
Auditors as Advisors in AI Governance [00:11:03–00:11:37]
Compliance and Regulatory Considerations [00:11:38–00:12:34]
The Future of Agentic AI in Audit [00:13:16–00:14:47]
Resource Shortages and Doing More with Less [00:15:20–00:16:05]
Audit Under Siege: Talent, Regulation, Quality [00:16:12–00:17:51]
Why AI Won’t Replace Auditors [00:18:07–00:19:59]
Three Waves of AI Change in Audit [00:20:20–00:21:07]
What Auditors Should Do to Prepare [00:21:19–00:22:53]
Final Advice for Auditors [00:23:35–00:24:50]

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