What you will learn
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Angelique Knight-Jackson—Head of Internal Audit for Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas—shares her unconventional rise into internal audit, the challenges that shaped her, and the pivotal decision to enroll in the Certified Chief Audit Executive® (cCAE™) course.
Angelique opens up about leaving an accounting career that didn’t fit, discovering internal audit almost by accident, and navigating an industry where she often felt underestimated or overlooked—even while doing executive-level work. Her story shines a light on the realities many auditors quietly feel: frustration, career stagnation, lack of recognition, and the desire for meaningful impact.
Inside this episode, Angelique reveals:
🎯 Her career journey from accounting to external audit to becoming the de facto head of internal audit—across 15+ years and multiple industries
🎯 Why she sought out the Certified Chief Audit Executive® program after feeling stuck, unheard, and ready for more
🎯 How the course helped her build executive presence, strengthen relationship-building skills, and embrace a more agile, value-focused audit mindset
🎯 The moment she decided to stop “blending in with the beige” and lead authentically, unapologetically, and boldly
🎯 Why internal auditors must let go of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and taking on the weight of the world
🎯 How embracing her identity, confidence, and voice transformed her leadership—and her future
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in internal audit who has ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure of the next step. Angelique’s honesty and energy remind us all that:
👉 You’re not the only one feeling this way.
👉 You already bring value—your job is to own it.
👉 Your authenticity is your superpower.
👉 Becoming a CAE starts long before the title shows up on your business card.
Prepare to be inspired by Angelique’s courage, clarity, humor, and determination to lead internal audit her way—boldly, authentically, and without apology.
Field: Auditing | Delivery Method: Self Study | CPE Hours: 1.0
Curriculum
Your instructor
I’m Jason Mefford—an internal audit, risk, and compliance leader who’s served as a CAE, CRO, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, CISO, and board member. I’ve trained and advised teams around the world, helping CAEs and auditors build both technical excellence and the people skills needed to navigate complex organizations. My work focuses on turning complicated concepts into practical actions, and has been recognized by Yale University, Corporate Secretary Magazine, and OCEG.
I’m passionate about teaching because I believe auditors do their best work when they’re confident, authentic, and human. In Becoming the Auditor You’re Meant to Be with Angelique Knight-Jackson, I share real-world stories, coaching techniques, and simple tools that connect standards to day-to-day realities—so you communicate with impact, build trust, and deliver results that matter. Learn more at www.jasonmefford.com or join the Audit Leader Forum: https://bit.ly/AuditLeader.