The Audit Leader Forum™

Where Audit Leadership Meets Community.
Consistent, Confidential, Community, with real practical advice and support for successful audit leaders like you!

The Audit Leader Forum™ is a structured and ongoing program where we tell it like it is. It's a safe place, and the ONLY executive program for audit leaders. You don't have to do this alone! Access all the tools, resources, mentorship, and coaching to increase your executive presence, communication and relationship skills so you avoid political landmines.

"I've been officially promoted to the audit leader role to head the Internal Audit department at my company... Couldn't have done it without you! My growth during the last six months since I found your podcast, the Audit Leader Forum™, and the Certified Chief Audit Executive® (cCAE™) course has been nothing short of incredible!" - CAE, Real Estate Company
Contact Us to Get Started!

Everything You Want and Need to BE a Confident, Valued, Strategic, Relevant, and Authentic Audit Leader!

"The insight I got from this one group call was worth the entire investment!" - CAE, Large Insurance Company

Live Group Video Calls With Other Audit Leaders.

Participate in multiple, consistently scheduled monthly group video calls with other like-minded leaders from all over the world. This means you'll be able to get qualified, relevant, training and advice, along with best practices. You'll feel more confident walking into board and executive meetings, leading your team, and dealing with your peers.

Customized, Confidential 1:1 Consultations and Executive Coaching and Mentoring.

In between the group meetings, you can schedule calls directly with expert coaches, mentors and other audit leaders, who've been in your shoes. This means you have access to resources so you can work on whatever you or your team needs, effectively having experts on retainer.

Get Started Today! and We Will See You On the Next Call.

The Audit Leader Forum™ supports you all year virtually, without travel costs, for a low investment similar to a conference or seminar, plus travel.

Annual Essential

$1,997

PER YEAR

1 Live Group Call Each Month

1:1 Consultation / Coaching Call Each Year

Networking, Resources and Education

18 Hours of CPE

GET STARTED NOW!

Quarterly Premier

$1,997

PER QUARTER

Enjoy all core Essential Member benefits PLUS:

2 Live, Interactive Group Calls Each Month

Group Call Recordings Library (since 2018)

Unlimited 1:1 Consultation / Coaching Calls

Private LinkedIn Discussion Group

Audit Leader Briefing Emails

BONUS: 1 Hour Coaching Call

36 Hours of CPE

GET STARTED NOW!

Annual Premier

$5,994

PER YEAR

Enjoy all core Essential Member benefits PLUS:

2 Live, Interactive Group Calls Each Month

Group Call Recordings Library (since 2018)

Unlimited 1:1 Consultation / Coaching Calls

Private LinkedIn Discussion Group

Audit Leader Briefing Emails

BONUS: 1 Hour Coaching Call

36 Hours of CPE

25% DISCOUNT

GET STARTED NOW!

What Others Are Saying...

"I don't think any of my colleagues understand just how difficult this job really is. It is refreshing to talk to others each month who actually get it." - CAE, Financial Services Company

"As a seasoned audit director, I was looking for a certification beyond the CIA. I have been managing an audit department and conducting audits for over 40 years but was still seeking a certification. The Certified Chief Audit Executive® certification through cRisk Academy was the answer. The related Audit Leader Forum™ is also a fantastic resource of peers exchanging ideas and knowledge through bi-monthly Zoom meeting." CAE, Community Banking Company

"I've been looking for a group like this for 15 years." - CAE, Pharmaceutical Company

"I like hearing the different perspectives and issues others are dealing with. It helps me understand better what is going on in my world and see things with different eyes." CAE, Social Media Company

"I love this group and the people we've pulled together. I love that there's stability and continuity to it, so that I feel comfortable opening up and sharing with others." - CAE, University System

"There isn't anyone else in my organization I can turn to when I need help. If I did my peers will think I'm weak and don't know what I'm talking about. I can't even talk to my friends and family because they don't understand what I'm going through. The stress and pressure can be a lot to take sometimes. I'm so glad I found like minded peers in this group. It's exactly what I've been looking for." CAE, Food Company

"When I started in the Audit Leader Forum™ I was new to the CAE role. Now after just a few short years, I was promoted to Chief Accounting Officer of my organization, thanks to what I learned in the group." CAE, Oil & Gas Company

“The most vexing and challenging issues about being an audit leader are usually more about the ‘Executive’ part of the title and less about the ‘Technical’ part of the title. I love the practical advice shared in the group.” - CAE, Regional Bank and Insurance Company

"The insight I got from this one group call was worth the entire investment!" - CAE, Re-Insurance Company

"I participated in the IIA Audit Executive Center and Gartner's program, but cancelled both since I didn't see value for money paid. The Audit Leader Forum™ provides a tremendous value for my investment. I have see a huge return on investment." - CAE, Agribusiness Company

"Things are fine until they are not, and that's when I needed help. I found the help I needed in this community." - CAE, Real Estate Company

"I enjoy bouncing ideas around with others in the group. I appreciate you reaching out from time to time for individual calls between the group calls." - CAE, Telecommunications Company

“During the pandemic, and the extensive length of the non-optional work from home ‘experiment’, having other audit leaders to talk with about common problems has been a lifesaver. Roundtables are all good and fine, but they don't allow me to exchange ideas and solve problems in a confidential setting.” - CAE, Research Hospital

“I have met and gotten to know some audit leaders in this program solely via recurring Zoom calls yet feel like I can contact any of them for a confidential chat. That has been priceless.” - CAE, Regional Banking Company

"I've been officially promoted to the audit leader role to head the Internal Audit department at my company... Couldn't have done it without you! My growth during the last six months since I found your podcast, the Audit Leader Forum™, and the Certified Chief Audit Executive® (cCAE™) course has been nothing short of incredible!" - CAE, Real Estate Company

READY TO GET STARTED?

USE THE LINKS ABOVE TO REGISTER, OR...

SCHEDULE A CALL

Is The Audit Leader Forum™ Right for You?

  • Are you at least 10 years into your career and are already an Audit Leader (CAE, VP, Director, Manager)?
  • Are you a new audit leader, or want an audit leadership role as your next career move?
  • Are you are tired of being alone on an island, and want a confidential community of like-minded, successful, supportive audit leaders that you can reach out and talk with?
  • Do you want practical advice for your situation, instead of the theoretical aspirations provided by firms and professional organizations telling you what you should do?
  • Do you want to improve your communication, relationship, and leadership skills?
  • Are you ready to have more strategic discussions with your peers?
  • Are you willing to invest a few hours of time and effort each month in your personal development and your career.

Does that sound like you? 

The fact that you are reading this now, means you are in the right place to get the support you want, and you can start today!

Schedule your interview to see if the Audit Leader Forum™ is right for you.

Contact Us to Get Started!

AND, When You Register Today as a VIP You Will Also Receive These Additional Bonuses!

Access to YEARS of Previous Group Call Recordings

Get access to years of previous group call recordings. This means you have hundreds of hours of material you can use exactly when you need it 24/7.

Leader Foundations Course and Toolbox

Get access to tools and resources 99% of people don't know. These are leader tools typically only shared with high level executives who spend $20-30K a year with executive coaches. Real, practical tools (based on psychology and science) you can use to manage emotions, persuade and influence, communicate more effectively, and increase your performance and confidence both professionally and personally... so you know exactly what to say and do in any situation. 

Ninja Phrases and Questions Resource

A big part of communicating effectively is knowing exactly the right words to use and questions to ask. You will get access to a resource of ninja phrases and questions, psychological ways to increase the effectiveness of your communication and get people to take action. It's like having the secret Jedi mind tricks. And it's not just having a list of questions, but knowing how to ask them and the practice that makes you effective.

Increasing Your Value to Management Mini-Course

Prove the value you provide to executive management and the board can be difficult especially when you work in an area they consider a cost center. You will never be viewed as a cost center again or have beg on your hands and knees for budget. Avoid being the first to have to reduce your budget, being the one not getting the resources you need, being called things like the "cops," and worse yet being outsources or replaced.

Delegation and Productivity Mini-Course

Enhance your delegation and productivity skills to get back 20% of your time each week. Work less, and get the most out of yourself and your team without feeling burned out, stressed and over worked... and your team will love how you manage.

Additional One-on-One Coaching

When you register now, you also receive a 1-hour one-on-one coaching session to jumpstart your transformation and get a plan for your first 90 days in the program.

Career Mentoring

Looking for your next position? You have access to mentors who can help you chart out exactly what you need to do to get your next position. Why wait 5 years for your next role when you can probably get there in 1-2 years with a little help? How much more annual income would that mean to you?

CPE Certificate for 36 Hours

At the end of each year receive a CPE certificate for 36 hours, based on your participation in the group. Chances are you need CPE anyway, so why not get 90% of your annual CPE when you join today?

Belonging in A Safe Community Of Like-Minded Professionals

When you send an email, or pick up the phone you actually get a response from your friends, peers, and coaches. This means you'll be one of the most connected people in the industry, with direct access and support from top internal audit leaders.

Virtual and On-Demand Resources and Tools

This is a virtual, online community that supports you all year and doesn't require travel. That means you don't have to be away from your family, or deal with the uncertainty, hassle and cost of travel. And you have access to tools in the online portal to help you exactly when you need the help, 24/7.

Discount on the Certified Chief Audit Executive® Certification

Prove your knowledge as a CAE by earning the only professional certification for Chief Audit Executives. Whether you are already a CAE, or want to become one in the future, this is the certification to add to your resume.

Need to talk it over with someone before you commit to your personal development?

SCHEDULE A CALL

Success Current Members Are Getting, Just Like You When You Register!

Being a leader is a tough job, and here you are probably navigating some challenging waters fraught with countless difficult conversations, right?

You are a leader, manager, collaborator, facilitator, mentor, role model, risk management expert, motivator, counselor, technical audit professional, … yes, the list is countless. And, oh by the way, throw in some organizational politics, executive egos and board dynamics … Wow!!!

"I don't think any of my colleagues understand just how difficult this job really is." - Forum Member

If you are like most leaders, you are constantly juggling, and often struggling with general leadership challenges, and many of your challenges are unique to audit, risk management and compliance.

"I've been looking for a group like this for 15 years." - Forum Member

Your job is really challenging, and without support it can be a relatively lonely place to be, unless you belong to a supportive community ... and your "network" and roundtables are not community.

I totally get it. Every leader I speak with expresses similar optimism about the opportunity, and similar stress and frustrations with the many challenges. Many times, you just need someone to work out issues with in confidence. I’ve been in your shoes and struggled with the same challenges. Now, I talk with, help, and coach countless leaders confidentially month in and month out.

"I love this group and the people we've pulled together. I love that there's stability and continuity to it, so that I feel comfortable opening up and sharing with others." - Forum Member

What has helped these leaders, especially as we are in a more remote working environment, is making sure they get the advice, counsel and support from both a network of peers of like-minded professionals, and also have an executive coach to help navigate these treacherous waters and your specific situation.

But where do you turn to so that you can have access to these priceless resources – CONFIDENTIALLY?

"There isn't anyone else in my organization I can turn to when I need help. If I did my peers will think I'm weak and don't know what I'm talking about. I can't even talk to my friends and family because they don't understand what I'm going through. The stress and pressure can be a lot to take sometimes. I'm so glad I found like minded peers in this group. It's exactly what I've been looking for." Forum Member

The good thing ... there is an answer to these dilemmas, and the choice is up to you on whether you want some help. 

AND ... it's way more fun to work through with friends and coaches than it is to do it all by yourself, right!

Do you want to keep struggling by yourself, or would you rather have the help of a supportive community??

You already understand the benefits of having health insurance when those unexpected things come along, but do you have the equivalent of career insurance??

Being a member of this Program is like having your own career insurance policy when you experience challenges, and it's much more affordable than health insurance, and a long-term investment in your career.

"I like hearing the different perspectives and issues others are dealing with. It helps me understand better what is going on in my world and see things with different eyes." - Forum Member

And really, it's not about the investment anyway. It's about whether you are committed to your career and want to feel more confident and successful.

You are very good at what you do, or you wouldn't be a leader, but it takes more than technical skills that you’ve learned up to this point to be a successful Leader.

It takes more than technical skills to lead.

It takes more than being called an Executive to have Executive Presence.

“The most vexing and challenging issues about being an audit leader are usually more about the ‘Executive’ part of the title and less about the ‘Technical’ part of the title.” - Forum Member

If you aren't getting the results you want, the root cause is usually not effectively managing five things really well simultaneously --- (yes, simultaneously!)

  • managing up (your bosses and fellow executives)
  • managing across (your peers and other leaders in the organization)
  • managing down (your staff)
  • managing external partners (service providers, co-sourcers, regulators)
  • managing yourself (investing in your self-development)

It's like the circus act of spinning plates. If you don't keep all the plates spinning, then they all start to crash down – one right after the other.

"Things are fine until they are not, and that's when I needed help. I found the help I needed in this community." - Forum Member

The problem is ... the traditional path to leader doesn't fully prepare you for being the executive plate spinner or provide you with the leader skills necessary to be a trusted advisor.

There are plenty of leadership programs, some are great, some good, and too many that are not so good... and none of them are specific on how to be a great LEADER in audit, risk management and compliance. There are plenty of industry roundtables, some are great but many are not so good... and no roundtable offers the sense of community, confidentiality and executive coaching to help you effectively manage all five areas simultaneously.

"I enjoy bouncing ideas around with others in the group. I appreciate you reaching out from time to time for individual calls between the group calls." - Forum Member

AND there are no executive development programs specifically designed for, and leverage deep knowledge of, the unique role of an audit, risk management and compliance leader.

Until NOW.

“During the pandemic, and the extensive length of the non-optional work from home ‘experiment’, having other audit leaders to talk with about common problems has been a lifesaver. Roundtables are all good and fine, but they don't allow me to exchange ideas and solve problems in a confidential setting.” - Forum Member

That is what this Program is all about. Helping leaders solve their most pressing challenges, be better leaders, exude executive presence, and join a community of like-minded peers in a safe, confidential, and mutually supportive environment.

“I have met and gotten to know some audit leaders in this program solely via recurring Zoom calls yet feel like I can contact any of them for a confidential chat. That has been priceless.” - Forum Member

Membership in the Program is not for everyone, but the fact you are spending time to read this website means it is probably exactly what you are looking for.

I'm sure you already see how you having access to these valuable tools, resources, and community will take your career to the next level, right?

Most executive leadership programs require a $20-$30K+ annual investment, but not this Program.

 

For a small investment, you can get support from peers, mentors and executive coaches for the whole year. In fact, it's less than the cost of attending and in-person training or conference with travel, and you earn more CPE.

You already understand the benefits of having health insurance when those unexpected things come along, but do you have career insurance for when unexpected this come along in your career?? How much easier would your life be if you had the support you need when things get challenging??

For you belonging to this Program is like having career insurance for those tough challenges you will eventually experience, and it's much more affordable than health insurance, and a long-term investment in your career.

You already understand the benefit of hiring a personal trainer to help you lose weight and get healthy, in fact you've probably invested in yourself that way. Aren't you ready to do the same for your career?

So now you've got a decision to make. 

Do you have the courage to invest in yourself, take action and get different results by joining a supportive, confidential community with executive coaching?
or
Do you want to keep doing everything along, by yourself and risk staying stuck where you are?
The choice is up to you.
It only takes a minute to register, and when you do you will start getting the support you deserve and realize you are not in this alone. There is a whole community of like-minded audit leaders and coaches here to support you. You don't have to do this alone.

Who is facilitating the Audit Leader Forum™?

Hi, I'm Jason Mefford.

I've spent years coaching and training leaders and professionals in internal audit, risk management, and compliance all over the world. I have a lot of degrees and TLAs behind my name, have written and developed models, frameworks, thought leadership content, multiple professional certifications, and books. I've got street credibility on the technical-skills side, and decades of research and training in psychology, peak performance, executive coaching and relationship and communication soft-skills.

In my career, I was a manager at Arthur Andersen and KPMG, a CAE at two organizations (where I was also Chief Risk Officer, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, and responsible for information security). 

One thing that makes me different ... I'm also an executive coach that has been coached and trained for years by some of the top coaches in the world. I've studied psychology, peak performance, influence, intuitive leadership, and neurobiology for decades and understand what it takes to help people transform their lives and careers and get them to the next level. I've taken what I've learned over decades and put it into a context that is relevant and practical for audit leaders.

But more importantly, I have been in your shoes, so I understand exactly the opportunities and challenges you face. I have collected a team of world-class expert coaches that makes this Program the only program like this in the world, and I'm here to serve you.

And the advise you get is relevant and practical to your situation. No theoretical aspirations.

When you take this journey with me you can be confident I will have your back the whole way.

So, if what you hear is music to your ears, I look forward to having you join the Program.

When you register now you will start to feel more confident and you will know how much value you get by joining a supportive community.

If you have any questions, check out the FAQs below.

Ready to sign up, but not quite sure and want to talk first??

The fact that you are asking that question means you probably already realize this is exactly what you want and need, but are a little scared to get started.

I understand. It's human nature.

Here's a link to my calendar if you feel you need to talk with someone before you register: SCHEDULE A CALL

I'm excited to start helping you!

Jason Mefford

FAQ's

You have the option to pay monthly or quarterly using a credit card, or company purchasing card.

We also offer invoicing options when you pay for a full year. Schedule a call and we can discuss the details.

 

No worries. I know you have a busy schedule and may not be able to make each group call, which is why all of the calls are recorded and available for you to view when you have time. You can submit questions and topics before the call when you register and if you aren't able to attend, we'll still try to get your questions answered so you can hear them on the recording.

You have unlimited access to the Program for as long as you are a member. You are committing to a minimum 12 months, but can continue to renew and be a member for years.

In fact, the members who get the most benefit are the ones who stick around for years.

Yes. Anything of value requires a time and money investment, but that is exactly what it is ... an investment in YOU and your team.

Whether your organization supports you, or you decide to pay for your membership personally, it's at a level any audit leader can afford financially, and you can't afford to be without it.

Yes. Participating each year will earn you up to 36 hours of CPE per year. 

The fact that you are asking that question means you probably already realize this is exactly what you want and need, but are a little scared to get started.

I understand. It's human nature.

Here's a link to my calendar if you feel you need to talk with someone before you register: SCHEDULE A CALL

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