Speaking of Risk and Audit

Richard Chambers interviews Guru Sethupathy, Optro's General Manager of AI Governance, on practical approaches to governing AI. Guru outlines the "three Ps" framework—policies, processes, people—and explains why rapid advances like agentic AI increase risks around performance, security, and transparency. They discuss regulatory pressures, the need for orchestration and continuous monitoring, and how cross-functional collaboration and technology can enable effective AI governance across organizations.

Richard Chambers interviews Richard Penfill of PayPal about using data science and AI in internal audit, exploring how prompt libraries, AI agents, and a new concept called "swarm auditing" streamline analytics and testing.The episode covers practical challenges (the "bridge tax"), governance and risk concerns, use cases for agent orchestration, and how AI will shift auditors toward judgment, ethics, and strategic oversight.

In this episode Richard Chambers interviews Mike Peppers, Chief Audit Executive at the University of Texas System, about his decades-long career in internal audit—especially in higher education and public service—and his role leading the overhaul of the Global Internal Audit Standards.They discuss the public-sector audit environment, the standards' new guidance for public-sector and small audit functions, the importance of governance, and practical steps for auditors to embrace emerging technologies like AI and ensure maximum impact by 2030.

Richard Chambers interviews Sandro Boeri about the AuditBoard 2025 Culture and Ethics Report, exploring why culture matters, the research behind the findings, and the evolving role of internal audit in assessing behavioral risk. The episode covers key takeaways including the need for cross‑functional collaboration, better metrics and incentives as early warning indicators, the IIA Global topical requirement on organizational behavior, and practical recommendations for internal audit, risk and compliance teams.

Richard Chambers interviews former Comptroller General Dave Walker about the growing U.S. national debt, its risks to the economy and national power, and the urgent need for fiscal responsibility.They discuss Social Security’s funding challenges, lessons from history, the role of the GAO and auditors in providing foresight, the limits of short-term fixes like Doge, and the case for a comprehensive strategic plan to transform government and restore investor confidence.

Richard Chambers interviews Karem Obeid about transforming internal audit from a compliance function into a trusted advisor. They discuss the evolving role of CAEs, the importance of courage, business acumen, relationship and succession planning, and how to navigate difficult organizational cultures. Karem highlights continuous learning, embracing technology like AI, and combating complacency as vital to the profession's future. The episode closes with recognition of Karem’s award as Chief Audit Executive of the Year 2025.

In this episode of "Speaking of Risk and Audit," host Richard Chambers is joined by Mike Levy, CEO of Cherry Hill Advisory. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of internal audit, discussing emerging risks such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence that keep Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) up at night. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the importance of adapting to new global internal audit standards and the strategic role of CAEs in addressing these modern challenges. The conversation covers the need for ongoing risk assessments, the integration of AI in audit processes, and strategies for overcoming talent shortages in the industry. As they explore the potential and pitfalls of AI, the discussion provides a comprehensive look at both the promise and threats posed by technological advancements in the field. Tune in to gain expert perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's internal audit world and learn how to position your audit function for success.

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of internal audit and financial advisory services with Andrew Struthers-Kennedy, the managing director at Protiviti. Andrew shares the inside scoop on the 13th annual Executive Perspectives on Risk survey conducted with over 1,200 executives worldwide. The conversation unveils the most pressing short-term and long-term risks facing today's executives, emphasizing the significance of talent management, economic conditions, and the growing concern of cyber threats. Richard and Andrew explore the evolving role of internal auditors and risk managers in adapting to emerging technologies like AI and preparing for future disruptions. With the interconnected nature of modern risks, discover how organizations can better equip themselves to face the challenges ahead. Perfect for business leaders, risk managers, and anyone keen on understanding the ever-changing landscape of risk and auditing, this episode offers a wealth of insights and practical advice for staying ahead in an uncertain world.

Join Richard Chambers in this insightful episode of 'Speaking of Risk and Audit' as he engages in a dynamic conversation with Joanne Traice, the Group Chief Internal Audit Officer at DP World. Joanne shares her journey from PwC to DP World, highlighting the evolution of internal audit from a function focused on controls, to a dynamic role centered on resilience, strategy, and impact across 79 countries and diverse industries. Explore the importance of cultivating a high-performing culture that values curiosity and soft skills alongside technical expertise. Joanne reveals how traditional audit boundaries are being expanded by bringing in talent from non-traditional backgrounds, thus enriching the audit function with fresh perspectives. The episode delves deeply into the integration of AI and technology in auditing, exploring how DP World is leveraging these tools to enhance efficiency and focus on critical decision-making. Joanne outlines the strategic implementation of technology while emphasizing the human element that AI cannot replace, such as critical thinking and ethical judgment.

In this insightful episode of "Speaking of Risk and Audit," Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor for Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, converses with Tom McLeod, Chief Risk Officer and Client Impact Officer for Yellow Canary. With over 35 years of experience, Tom shares his perspectives on the intricacies of risk management and how organizations can better align with audit functions to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the ever-evolving business landscape. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence within the internal audit world. Tom narrates his initial encounters with ChatGPT and AI technology, discussing the transformative potential it holds for the profession. He further provides practical and aspirational advice for chief audit executives hesitant about adopting AI. The episode captivates the essence of being proactive in embracing technological advancements to turn existential risks into significant opportunities, drawing on Tom's extensive career experiences and strategic insight. Tune in to join Richard and Tom as they navigate the changing tide of risk and audit in the age of artificial intelligence.

Join Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit for AuditBoard, as he engages in an insightful conversation with Ram Vijayanathan, Chief Audit Executive of Pinterest. Discover how Pinterest, a leading visual discovery platform with over 500 million users, navigates the ever-evolving tech industry with innovative audit strategies and risk management processes. Dive into the challenges and opportunities faced by audit functions in tech companies, as Ram shares his thoughts on enterprise risk management, the role of technology in audit practices, and the significance of aligning audit objectives with business goals.