The Course & Diagnostic Tool
Chief Audit Executives and senior internal audit leaders are increasingly expected to operate as strategic advisors, not just assurance providers. Yet few leaders have the opportunity to step back and objectively assess their leadership effectiveness across the dimensions that matter most at the executive level.
This short, self-guided course is designed to help internal audit leaders conduct a structured leadership self-assessment, using familiar evaluation concepts and practical frameworks. You will gain clarity on your current leadership maturity, identify priority focus areas, and understand how different development paths align to your goals.
Rather than theory or generic leadership content, this course provides a practical, executive-level review of your leadership readiness—so you can make informed decisions about your next step, whether that’s strengthening influence, elevating team performance, or accelerating your development through a peer forum, coaching, or certification program.
This course is ideal for CAEs and senior audit leaders who want a clear, objective view of where they stand and how to move forward with intention.
Who This Course Is For
- Chief Audit Executives
- Directors and Heads of Internal Audit
- Senior audit leaders preparing for broader executive responsibility
- Internal audit leaders seeking greater influence and strategic impact
- Audit managers and above
Learning Objectives
By completing this self-assessment course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate your leadership effectiveness across the core domains that drive executive-level impact in internal audit.
- Interpret your self-assessment results using a leadership maturity lens that aligns with boardroom expectations.
- Identify priority focus areas where targeted development will deliver the highest return on effort.
- Understand the leadership development pathways available to internal audit leaders at different stages.
- Determine your best next step for strengthening influence, confidence, and strategic contribution.
Modules
Module 1: Leadership Expectations Today
Sets context for the evolving CAE role and leadership demands.
Module 2: The Audit Leadership Diagnostic Tool
Walk-through of the diagnostic tool assessment and how to approach it objectively, using The Modern Chief Audit Executive Leadership Framework™.
Module 3: Interpreting Your Results
Explains the leadership categories and what they mean in practice.
Module 4: Priority Focus Areas
Helps identify where development will have the greatest impact.
Module 5: Leadership Development Pathways
Overview of options: community, forum, coaching, certification.
Module 6: Determining Your Best Next Step
Guides reflection and decision-making based on your results.
Leadership growth is most effective when it’s intentional and aligned to your goals. Your self-assessment results provide valuable insight—now the question is how to apply them.
At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to have a personalized review of your results and guidance on the leadership path best suited to you.
Your instructor
Jason Mefford is a renowned authority in internal audit, risk management, and compliance, bringing a wealth of practical experience and strategic insight to his role as an educator and mentor. His career has spanned high-level positions including Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer, and Board Member, positioning him to share real-world knowledge that is steeped in executive perspective. Jason's unique ability to distill complex concepts into actionable and understandable strategies has been a cornerstone of his success, both as a leader and as an instructor guiding professionals to enhance their strategic impact within their organizations.
With a fervent belief in the power of learning and its potential for transformation, Jason infuses his teaching with passion and a connection to his students that extends beyond the classroom. He is the proud recipient of several accolades such as the Rising Star in Corporate Governance from Yale University, and has been recognized as a fellow by the esteemed Open Compliance & Ethics Group. Through his authoritative perspectives and dynamic approach to teaching, Jason equips audit leaders with the skills required to navigate and influence the complex minefields of governance, risk, and compliance, ensuring they're fully prepared to lead with confidence and strategic vision.