The Audit Podcast

This week on IA on AI, we break down the McDonald’s hiring bot fiasco — yes, the one where an AI chatbot exposed data from over 60 million job applicants due to a shockingly simple security lapse. We explore why these matters to internal auditors and what basic control failures like this can teach us about staying vigilant as AI becomes more embedded in business processes.   Plus: An update on the EU AI Act and why U.S.-based organizations should still be paying attention How Google’s AI caught a cyberattack in real time — and what this signals for the future of human-in-the-loop systems A $4 trillion milestone for Nvidia and a record-setting $2B seed round for a new AI startup A reality check on AGI: what it is, what it isn’t, and why the hype may be outpacing the science Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-audit-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauditpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theauditpodcast?lang=en   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.  * This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics. the services firm that helps auditors leapfrog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.   Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.  

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Mike Padilla, Senior Manager of Internal Audit and SOX Leader at Starbucks.   Mike brings a refreshing perspective on the internal audit profession—starting with the idea that we might need to stop taking ourselves so seriously. His insights are especially relevant for those thinking about the future of the profession and how we recruit the next generation of auditors.   In this episode, Mike shares thoughts on how the perception of audit impacts recruiting—particularly among college students—and why it’s time to bridge the gap between IT and business process auditors. He also reveals what he believes is the single most important thing in building a strong audit function (and it might surprise you).   Be sure to connect with Mike on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   2:03 – Using ChatGPT to Improve Your Golf Swing 5:51 – Why the Basics Still Matter 15:27 – Recognizing When It’s Time to Step Back 22:17 – Attracting College Students to Internal Audit 31:17 – What Really Matters When Building an Audit Team 34:55 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.    

In today’s episode of IA on AI, we cover an AI voice scam impersonating a high-ranking official, the sweeping new “Big Beautiful Bill” on AI regulations, and landmark AI guidance just released by the FRC. They break down:   •   A Marco Rubio impostor is using AI voice to call high-level officials - washingtonpost.com   •  ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Leaves AI Regulation to States and Localities … For Now - lawandtheworkplace.com   •  FRC publishes landmark guidance providing clarity to audit profession on the uses of AI - FRC.org   Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-audit-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauditpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theauditpodcast?lang=en   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.  * This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics. the services firm that helps auditors leapfrog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.   Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Shannon Urban, Chief Audit Executive at Hasbro.   In this episode, Shannon shares how she’s leading her team through a major shift—reallocating about half of her full-time audit staff—and why that move is positioning her team for long-term impact. She also discusses how she’s upskilling her team on AI and analytics and what conversations she’s having with her peers on audit roundtables.   Shannon also shares how to build real credibility with the board—something that’s been a theme in recent episodes and continues to be a critical topic for audit leaders.   Oh, and if you’re watching on YouTube, don’t miss a look at Shannon’s office—arguably the coolest one we’ve seen on the show.   Be sure to connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   1:43- How Hasbro's CEO is leading IA into AI 4:00 - How a CAE uses Enterprise Wide Copilot 6:13 - Coaching Teams on Copilot and ChatGPT 12:15 - Why Internal Audit Should Lead the AI Charge 14:24 - The Value of CAE Roundtables 16:08 - Weighing AI’s Risks and Rewards 25:00 - Making the Most of a Large IA Budget 31:36 - How CAEs Can Get Better at Building Relationships 36:06 - Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.  

In the first episode of IA on AI, John Thompson joins Trent to talk about one of the biggest questions in the audit world right now: Is AI Taking Over Audit Jobs? They break down: What AI can and can’t do (yet) in audit How the role of the auditor might shift Why this isn’t just about losing jobs — it’s about changing how we work They also touch on what to expect from the show going forward and why internal auditors should want to stay in the AI conversation.   Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re continuing our Retired CAE Summer Series with Kevin Ryan, former Chief Risk Review Officer and General Auditor at KeyBank, where he spent 38 years—15 of those in audit leadership.   In this episode, Kevin reflects on the importance of relationships and shares how he was able to gain the ear of the CEO, something many auditors strive for.   He also offers a personal story that would serve as a lesson in office politics, and answers the question: if his audit career were a book, what would the first and last chapters be about?   Be sure to connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes: 1:52 – How a Retired CAE Uses ChatGPT 5:33 – What You Can Learn From Relationships 10:40 – How to Gain the Year of the CEO 13:36 – What to Do if You Only Get 15 Minutes With the CEO 16:57 – Why Working With Other CAEs Matters 19:22 – A Lesson About Office Politics 21:28 – Opening Chapter of Your Career 24:22 – Final Chapter of Your Career 25:42 – Building your Self Awareness 27:55 – Final Thoughts *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re continuing our Retired CAE Summer Series with Mike Jenkins, former VP of Internal Audit at Facebook, Gap, and Included Health, and former Director of Financial Audit at Google.   Since retiring, Mike has embraced a new chapter—as an artist. In this episode, he shares how creativity has always been a superpower for him, both in his art and throughout his audit career.   Mike reflects on what he's learned over the years, offers advice for today’s audit professionals, and discusses what it really means to interact with the board and audit committee—sharing what those moments looked like in his own experience.   Be sure to connect with Mike on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   1:36 – How a retired CAE is using ChatGPT 6:08 – Mike’s secret weapon as a CAE 15:55 – Mike’s three key lessons: Learn much more  21:04 - Learn to talk  25:56 - Learn to Date 31:25 – Building relationships with the audit committee 34:52 – Final thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.  

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re continuing our Retired CAE Summer Series with Dale Jeanes, former General Auditor (CAE) at Truist, where he spent an impressive 34 years. Dale now leads Jeanes Professional Development, where he coaches internal audit, risk management, and finance professionals.   In this episode, Dale joins the show to reflect on his career and his current work as a coach. He shares practical advice for professionals in the field, how to maintain integrity as auditors, and his take on what people often misunderstand about being a CAE.   We also explore a fun thought experiment: If Dale wrote a book about his career, what would the first and last chapters be about?   This series is all about gaining insights from those who have stepped back from the profession—and seeing things with a little more clarity.   Be sure to connect with Dale on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   3:47 – Using ChatGPT for Idea Development 8:23 – Dale’s Most Coachable Moment 12:40 – Techniques to Elicit Eeflection 17:37 – Dale’s Politics Lesson for Auditors 21:24 – CAE as Chief Audit Innovation Officer 29:26 – Building Leadership from the Start 31:27 – Thoughts on Leadership Training 35:02 – Maintaining Integrity as an Auditor 36:36 – Final Thoughts   *   This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re kicking off our Retired CAE Summer Series with Bob Brewer, former Chief Audit Executive at Las Vegas Sands and former Chief Compliance Officer at Office Depot. With almost two years of retirement under his belt, Bob joins the show to reflect on his career from a fresh perspective. In this episode, he shares what he would do differently if he had the chance to start over, the political lessons he learned as a full-time executive, and the one thing he wishes every auditor would do. We also explore a fun thought experiment: If Bob wrote a book about his career, what would the first and last chapters be about? This series is all about gaining insights from those who have stepped back from the profession—and seeing things with a little more clarity. Be sure to connect with Bob on LinkedIn.   Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.   Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel.   Timecodes:   2:25 – How a Retired CAE uses LLMs 4:43 – Career Reflections 6:33 – Go-To Audit Resources 10:35 – A Lesson in Audit Politics 19:45 – Top Advice for Auditors 25:50 – The Critical Role of People, Processes, and Technology 33:10 – Final Thoughts   * This podcast is brought to you by Greenskies Analytics, the services firm that helps auditors leap-frog up the analytics maturity model. Their approach for launching audit analytics programs with a series of proven quick-win analytics will guarantee the results worthy of the analytics hype.  Whether your audit team needs a data strategy, methodology, governance, literacy, or anything else related to audit and analytics, schedule time with Greenskies Analytics.

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.