Inspiring Women in Audit

Hosted by Tracie Marquardt

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May 2026

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We celebrate the remarkable journeys and insights of women in the Internal Audit industry. From around the globe, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and unique perspectives, we amplify their voices, empowering them to make their mark on the profession, and driving innovation in the industry. Your host is Tracie Marquardt, a renowned audit communication expert and former co-host of 'The Audit Room.' Tune in to discover how these inspiring women are shaping the future of audit. Subscribe and enjoy!

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29 recent

May 27, 202648 min

Ep 29 Audit, AI and Authenticity with Liliana Staber

Audit, AI and AuthenticityLiliana Staber is Director of Internal Audit at one of Europe's largest tech platforms, based in Berlin. She leads a genuinely global team and has spent the last several years building something most audit functions are still just talking about – an AI-powered audit process that covers the entire lifecycle, built in-house, with results to back it up. She's also presented this work on the IIA international stage.And then there's the other side of her story. Liliana talks about what it's actually taken to get here – as a woman, as someone from Hungary navigating a profession that hasn't always made space for either – and what she'd say to the next generation coming up behind her.Liliana is the kind of auditor the profession needs more of. She's earned everything she's built. Quiet confidence, real results. She's the real deal.Episode Breakdown1:39 - Stumbled Into Audit1:59 - Audit Was The Springboard5:51 - Diverse thinking, Better Outcomes9:07 - Finding an ai expert12:43 - Supporting the audit lifecycle15:20 - From 20 Pages to 417:48 - It’s Not A Miracle Tool25:22 - Empowering your team to shine 29:00 - Adaptability Comes First31:37 - It’s Still Not Equal39:43 - Authentic Leadership Wins46:00 - Strengthening Audits RoleBe sure to connect with Liliana Staber on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

April 15, 202650 min

Ep 28 When The Business Starts Calling You

When The Business Starts Calling YouKara Falco has spent over 20 years in audit – and built something most CAEs only dream about: a team the business actually comes to. As Chief Audit Executive at a Fortune 500 company that still runs like a family business, Kara knows that building the team and building the trust are the same job. She turned a function once seen as the police into the most trusted partner in the room – and in this episode, she shares exactly how she did it.Kara talks about what relationship-building really looks like in practice, how she empowers her team, and why the message matters just as much as the finding. She also gets into AI – and her team has the numbers to back it up: the internal audit function ranked as the highest AI users in the entire company! Kara explains how that happened and what it has freed them up to do.And then there's what she learned from her dad – about showing up with grace, staying grateful, and never losing your sense of humor, no matter what. If you want to see what a high-trust, high-performing audit team looks like from the inside, this is the episode to listen to.Episode Breakdown1:39 - Stepping Back to Move Forward5:29 - From Fixer to Advisor9:22 - Retiring the Audit Police11:17 - It’s All About the Message17:22 - Freedom to Chase Value25:48 - The Advisory Balance28:20 - Grace Under Pressure31:48 - No One Builds Alone35:00 - Leading the AI Shift39:22 - Turning Purpose into Action42:44 - The First Rule of Leadership47:50 - Opportunities, Not DeficienciesBe sure to connect with Kara Falco on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

March 24, 20261 hr 15 min

Ep 27 When Audit Shapes Global Decisions with Silvina Coria

When Audit Shapes Global DecisionsIn this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, we’re joined by Silvina Coria - a CPA and audit leader whose career has taken her from Buenos Aires to The Hague, and from the private sector to one of the most distinctive governance environments in the world: the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. At the time of recording, she leads internal audit at the OPCW, where 193 member states and a mission built around global security mean the stakes are anything but abstract.Silvina's path wasn't a straight line. She started out trying to avoid her family's CPA legacy, ended up falling in love with audit anyway, and spent years building expertise across Latin America, Europe, and beyond – including training women entrepreneurs in emerging markets on how to fight corruption – before making the move to the international public sector.In this conversation, Silvina talks about building a career across Latin America, Europe, and the international public sector; what independence really looks like inside a multilateral system; and why she thinks audit needs to stop documenting history and start shaping the future.Episode Breakdown2:58 – Choosing Audit Instead12:35 – The Path to the UN22:00 – Guarding Independence Globally30:33 – Leadership With Global Consequences38:10 – AI in the Audit Trenches50:26 – Inside the UN Audit Room58:06 – Resilience: The Argentinian Way1:08:00 – Stop Waiting Start BuildingBe sure to connect with Silvina Coria on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.⁠Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:⁠This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

March 3, 202649 min

Ep 26 The Buck Stops With You with Katie Hall

The Buck Stops With YouIn this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I’m joined by Katie Hall – Head of Internal Audit and a passionate community builder who is quietly transforming how women and emerging leaders in the profession connect, grow, and find their footing.We explore the mindset shift required to move from manager to leader – and why that shift is less about authority and more about accountability. Katie speaks openly about building confidence through community, founding regional Women in Audit and Future Audit Leaders Forum networks to close the development gap for auditors outside major city hubs. For her, support isn’t a soft skill – it’s a strategic advantage.In this conversation, we also discuss the evolution of internal audit in an AI-driven world. Katie shares her perspective on staying relevant, embracing change without losing independence, and creating environments where people can challenge, learn, and grow. This conversation is grounded, honest, and refreshingly practical. At its core, this episode is about ownership. Leadership isn’t about the title on your email signature. It’s about clarity in your decisions, courage in your conversations, and the responsibility to create a culture where others can thrive long after you’ve moved on.Episode Breakdown2:24 – Falling Into the Fire6:14 – Owning the Role9:57 – The Mindset Shift11:18 – Fury Became the Spark18:12 – Beyond the North East21:57 – Expanding the Vision27:17 – Shared Struggles, Shared Strength29:44 – The Signal Was Clear34:59 – You Can’t Do Everything39:18 – Support Is the Strategy42:23 – Leadership, Unfiltered45:49 – Building What LastsBe sure to connect with Katie Hall on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

March 2, 20261 hr 1 min

Ep 25 Judgment Isn't Automated with Silvia Puhani

Judgment Isn’t AutomatedIn this episode, we’re joined this week by Silvia Puhani, a powerhouse in the internal audit profession with nearly 25 years of experience spanning every level of audit - from frontline auditor to Chief Audit Executive. Silvia is also the host of one of Germany’s first internal audit podcasts, where she explores the profession’s most relevant topics with a fresh, conversational approach.In addition to her leadership and media presence, she is an award-winning author, seasoned trainer, and communication coach known for her work on “revisions competence,” a holistic approach to auditing that integrates collaboration, insight, and conflict prevention.Silvia shares her unlikely journey into internal audit and the lessons she's learned through decades of leadership and transformation. She talks about her early roots in audit and what has kept her engaged in the profession for over two decades. A champion of communication, Silvia delves into the power of collaboration over compromise and how preventing conflict through dialogue has shaped her career - and her coaching philosophy.With more than 400 podcast episodes under her belt, Silvia offers unique insights into what it means to be a thought leader in audit, particularly in a European context. She and Tracie explore the persistent challenges auditors face - from lingering stereotypes of being the "police" to the urgent need for more insight and foresight in audit reporting. Silvia discusses how AI can serve as a powerful tool when used wisely and emphasizes the human judgment and contextual understanding that machines simply can't replicate.📚 Explore Silvia Puhani’s WorkPodcast: Internal Audit PodcastBook: Successful Audit Processes in Internal AuditingWebsite: Silvia PuhaniEpisode Breakdown2:12 – Data Roots, Audit Rise2:14 – Choosing Audit, Again 7:43 – Collaboration Over Compromise 16:15 – Finding My Audit Voice22:35 – Borrowed Courage24:33 – Built to Be Ignored 26:50 – THE FIRST 90%30:57 – The Risk Everyone Missed40:14 – Judgment Isn’t Automated 47:05 – Curiosity Wins 52:14 – Motivation Needs Recognition56:16 – Quick Takes 58:46 – For the Next WomenBe sure to connect with Silvia Puhani on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

January 21, 20261 hr 0 min

Ep 24 People, Presence and Perspective with Karen Albert

People, Presence and, PerspectiveIn this episode, we're joined by Karen Albert, Vice President and Head of Internal Audit at Constellium, a global leader in value-added aluminum products. With more than 25 years of experience spanning banking, manufacturing, and Big Four consulting, Karen brings a powerful combination of operational, IT, and strategic insight to the internal audit profession. She is deeply committed to service − both within her organization and the broader community − through her long-standing nonprofit board work. Known for her clarity, empathy, and people-first approach, Karen is leading internal audit into a future defined by relationship-building, innovation, and impact.Karen shares how her early foundation shaped her distinct audit lens − one grounded in curiosity, systems thinking, and empathy. As a champion of heart-led leadership, she offers tangible practices for building authentic relationships across an organization − especially in a profession that still wrestles with outdated perceptions.Karen speaks candidly about what’s working, where internal audit still struggles, and the quiet challenges many auditors hesitate to confront. Whether you lead a team of two or twenty-two, this episode invites you to think differently about your role, your impact, and the legacy you’re building every day.Episode Breakdown2:12 – Data Roots, Audit Rise8:21 – Through a Sociologist’s Lens8:21 – Heart-Led Leadership13:14 – Empathy In Action16:22 – Creating Intentional Touchpoints24:01 – Balanced Independence33:22 – Redefining Audit Perception38:05 – Future-Ready Auditing49:03 – Audit the AI50:37 – Leading Beyond Audit52:44 – Step Into Service55:10 – Relationships That Endure57:12 – Leaving a Lasting ImpressionBe sure to connect with Karen Albert on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

December 10, 20251 hr 27 min

Ep 23 Auditing the Engine Room with Ureka Rangasamy

Auditing the Engine Room In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, we're joined by Ureka Rangasamy, a powerhouse in the world of governance and internal audit. At the time of recording, she's serving as Chief Audit Executive at Eskom, South Africa's national electricity utility, playing a pivotal role in rebuilding institutional trust after one of the most turbulent periods in the country's governance history.She brings a rare combination of resilience, vision, and courage – known for stepping into complex environments and championing transparency. Her approach transforms audit from a compliance function into a strategic partner that heals institutions through credibility and restores public confidence.In our conversation, Ureka shares her journey from an unconventional entry into audit to developing groundbreaking concepts like "auditing the engine room," – a concept that any audit team can apply to their organization. From agility to diversity to AI, no topic is off limits. Her focus on service, integrity, and developing the next generation of auditors offers a masterclass in values-based leadership during times of transformation.Episode Breakdown2:26 – Curiosity, Adaptability & the Unexpected Path8:33 – Reliability, Rigour & Resilience in a Crisis13:35 – Delivering Trust Through Integrity & Transparency20:46 – Getting Audit Right Today24:41 – Courage & Collaboration in a Turbulent Environment29:16 – A Holistic Approach to Assurance37:16 – Auditing the Engine Room44:29 – Taking Governance Seriously50:01 – Proactive Assurance: Staying Ahead, Not Behind58:29 – Leadership Through Courage, Curiosity & Care1:04:00 – Lifting as we Rise: Courageous Representation1:10:00 – Entering the Industry with C.A.R.E.1:16:00 – Modernizing the Function With Intelligent Tools1:22:00 – Empowerment as a Leadership BenchmarkBe sure to connect with Ureka Rangasamy on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:⁠This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.⁠Sign up for our newsletter!⁠★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and ⁠Amplify Your Audit Results⁠, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

November 19, 20251 hr 2 min

Ep 22 Raise Your Hand, Take the Lead with Maria Mora, CPA

Raise Your Hand, Take the LeadIn this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I’m joined by Maria E. Mora, a Partner in Internal Audit at Crowe LLP, based in New York. With over two decades of experience in internal audit, risk, and assurance, Maria is known for her strategic insight, leadership presence, and dedication to elevating the audit profession. Maria was recently named one of ALPFA’s Latinas to Watch, a recognition of both her professional excellence and her commitment to community empowerment. Her leadership approach blends cultural intelligence with technical strength - offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of internal audit.In our conversation, Maria shares how she got started in the internal audit profession, and how a long lineage of strong women in her family - each a trailblazer in her own right – has influenced her. She reflects on her natural inclination toward leadership and advocacy, particularly within the Latina professional community, and the importance of representation, mentorship, and building support networks for women in audit.From leadership to communication, from culture to diversity – we dive into building and managing audit teams and the evolving expectations of audit leaders. We explore creating successful co-sourcing relationships and getting the most value out of being on the receiving end of a quality assessment. Don’t miss your opportunity to see how Maria leads transformation, and her vision for the next chapter of internal audit.Episode Breakdown2:39 – Born With Her Hand Up8:20 – Leadership & Family of Strong Women11:46 – Latina Leadership & Community Impact19:02 – How Culture Influences Audit23:47 – Leadership Philosophy34:50 – Quality Assessments & Audit Value42:33 – Co-Sourcing & Collaboration49:19 – The Power of Perspective & Resilience57:40 – Stepping Up for the Future1:00:21 – Shaping Audit’s Next ChapterBe sure to connect with Maria E. Mora on LinkedIn.And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie.Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.Sign up for our newsletter!★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

October 21, 20251 hr 13 min

Ep 21 Stories, Systems & the Spark of Innovation with Perla Habchi

Stories, Systems & the Spark of Innovation In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Perla Habchi. Perla is an Internal Audit Project Leader with the Government of Canada and the Chair of Advocacy and Academic Relations for the IIA Ottawa Chapter. Recognized as a 2024 Emerging Leader by the IIA and recipient of the 2023 Internal Audit Vision Award, Perla’s work bridges innovation and impact. Perla is the creator of the Innovation System Internal Controls Framework, featured in Internal Auditor magazine, and is widely known for her passion in elevating the next generation of auditors. In our conversation, Perla shares how an “accidental” entry into audit transformed into a fulfilling career grounded in innovation, storytelling, and courage. She reflects on the moment she realized internal audit was her calling - and how she’s since used that passion to push boundaries within the public sector. Listeners will gain insight into Perla’s groundbreaking innovation framework, how she navigates delivering difficult messages, and why storytelling is crucial to audit reporting - especially in the public eye. Her dedication to student outreach, volunteerism, and future-forward thinking shines through as she discusses her legacy in motion. Perla also dives into the courage required to speak up, mentor emerging professionals, and hold space for new voices. With authenticity and clarity, she inspires us to rethink what impact looks like within internal audit - and how we can all lead with purpose. Episode Breakdown2:53 – An Accidental Auditor8:15 – A World Apart from Finance12:53 – Every Finding's a Story18:20 – Delivering Hard Truths23:46 – Framework That Won28:57 – Innovation in Action33:07 – Award-Winning Audit36:29 – Inspiring the Next Gen44:10 – Taking Pride in Audit46:57 – Public Lens, Public Trust51:00 – Bravery in Audit55:02 – Helping New Voices Rise1:07:01 – Legacy in Motion Be sure to connect with Perla Habchi on LinkedIn. And be sure to follow Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn, and connect with Tracie. Join the Exclusive Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences. Sign up for our newsletter! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and Amplify Your Audit Results, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. Schedule time with us.

September 30, 202555 min

Ep 20 Crashing the Party: Sabine's Secrets to Influence and Results with Dr. Sabine Charles

In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with ⁠Sabine Charles⁠, a seasoned audit leader, author, and educator who has built her career on courage, influence, and service. Known for her passion for emotional intelligence and her commitment to equipping auditors with the skills to succeed, Sabine has inspired and elevated professionals across the globe.Sabine shares her journey of breaking barriers, from “crashing the party” in spaces where she wasn’t always invited, to creating a seat at the table and delivering results that matter. We talk about why emotional intelligence is a game changer in leadership, how auditors can move from insight to foresight, and why relationships and influence are at the heart of lasting impact. She also emphasizes the importance of certifications in building confidence and credibility, and how audit as a service mindset transforms the way we deliver value.At its heart, this conversation is about courage, connection, and a deep desire to serve and add value. Sabine’s story offers both practical tools and inspiration for auditors who want to influence with purpose, lead with empathy, and achieve results that elevate the profession.Episode Breakdown1:41 – First Steps, Lasting Impact13:03 – Auditing in the AI Era20:44 – Spotting Sharp Thinkers24:19 – Empowering Audit Superpowers30:29 – Shaping Audit Culture32:38 – Crash the Party35:51 – The Link Between Community & Creativity39:51 – Guidance in Change45:00 – Beyond the Comfort Zone52:22 – Leaving a Lasting MarkBe sure to connect with ⁠Sabine Charles⁠ on LinkedIn.Books by Sabine Charles:Leadership MEQ integrating Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Qualities: inspiring Professional ExcellenceCracking the Code: Techniques for Certification Exam SuccessMindful Leadership: Balancing Success and WellnessAnd be sure to follow ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit on LinkedIn⁠, and connect with ⁠Tracie⁠.Join the Exclusive ⁠Inspiring Women in Audit LinkedIn Group⁠:This group is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the internal audit profession, providing a supportive space for women to share their journeys, insights, and expertise. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to inspire, encourage, and drive transformative change within the industry. Join us to celebrate the achievements of women in audit and to be part of a community that values and amplifies your unique perspectives and experiences.⁠Sign up for our newsletter!⁠★ ★ ★ ★ ★This podcast is brought to you by i4 Global Results Limited and ⁠Amplify Your Audit Results⁠, the audit communication experts dedicated to transforming your audit reporting and your audit results through communication, optimization, and collaboration. ⁠Schedule time with us⁠.