What you will learn
In this powerful and forward-looking conversation, Jason Mefford sits down with Navin Pasricha—Chief Audit Executive, global advisor, and author of Getting Ready to Roar—to explore what it really takes for internal auditors to elevate their impact and become strategic leaders in their organizations.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the technical details of auditing—or wondered how to increase your influence with executives and the board—this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire a whole new way of thinking about the profession.
What We Discuss in This Episode
🌟 Why Risk Is About Tomorrow, Not Yesterday - Navin shares why most audit functions misunderstand risk—and how shifting your focus to the unknowns of the future is the key to becoming a strategic advisor.
🧠 The Mindset Barrier Holding Internal Audit Back - We explore the mental traps auditors fall into, how our technical backgrounds limit us, and why mindset—not methodology—is the real key to influence.
🚀 Internal Audit’s Quantum Leap - Navin breaks down what it means for internal audit to step into a truly strategic role and why many functions struggle to make the leap.
📚 Inside the Five Pillars of Strategic Internal Audit - Based on Getting Ready to Roar, Navin discusses the five essential pillars that define the strategic auditor of the future:
✅ Mastery – building deep professional competence
✅ Insight – understanding the organization beyond data
✅ Independence – redefining what it means in the modern context
✅ Influence – becoming a credible, trusted advisor
✅ Impact – delivering strategic value that matters
🏢 The Missing Skill: Understanding the Organization - Why internal auditors often lack the contextual understanding needed to advise executives—and how to build it fast.
🤝 Building Collegial Relationships Across the Enterprise - Navin explains why influence isn’t about authority—it’s about trust, collaboration, and strong relationships with leaders.
🎧 Why You Should Listen
This episode is a must-listen if you're a:
✔️ Chief Audit Executive
✔️ Internal Audit Manager or Supervisor
✔️ Auditor wanting to grow into a strategic role
✔️ Board member or executive seeking more value from internal audit
✔️ Anyone who wants to “roar” more confidently in their role
Navin’s insights will help you break free from a tactical mindset, elevate your professional presence, and position yourself as a true strategic partner.
Navin Pasricha is an internal audit thought leader and author of Getting Ready to Roar: Chief Auditor’s Guide – Audit Room to Boardroom. With deep experience advising audit teams and executives across multiple industries, Navin’s work focuses on helping internal auditors elevate their strategic impact and influence at the highest levels.
Field: Auditing | Delivery Method: Self Study | CPE Hours: 1.0
Your instructor
Jason Mefford is a recognized authority in the realms of internal audit, risk management, and compliance, renowned for his dynamic approach in transforming complex and challenging concepts into practical, action-oriented solutions. As a seasoned professional who has held titles including Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Jason's extensive experience is the bedrock of his teaching philosophy. He infuses his lessons with real-world insights, empowering Chief Audit Executives, Audit Committee members, and practitioners in audit, risk, and compliance to navigate and excel within the intricate dynamics of organizations. His commitment to improving learning and driving transformation is evidenced not just in his strategic consulting across the globe, but also in his approach to mentoring.
Beyond his executive roles, Jason has solidified his impact in the field as a lauded thought leader and award recipient in governance, risk, compliance (GRC), and internal audit. His accolades include the Rising Star in Corporate Governance from Yale University and fellowships in recognized think tanks. Through his engagement with professionals at JasonMefford.com and the Audit Leader Forum™, Jason devotes himself to sharing his passion, enhancing strategic mastery, and instilling insights that shape influential auditors poised to make a significant impact.