Become a More Influential, Respected, and Effective
Chief Audit Executive - With the Backing of Experienced Peers.
Stop Feeling Like You’re Leading Alone — And Start Leading With Confidence and Influence.
Gain real-world perspective, peer-level insight, and the confidence to make better leadership decisions—before they become visible to your organization.
The Audit Leader Forum™
Serving Audit Leaders, just like you, since 2018.
"The insight I got from this one group call was worth the entire investment!" - CAE, Insurance Company
Being a Chief Audit Executive is one of the most visible — and isolating — roles in the organization. You’re expected to:
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advise senior leadership
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influence the board
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elevate your function
…but you don’t have a true peer group inside your company to test ideas, pressure-test decisions, or speak candidly.
In this role, the cost of getting it wrong is high:
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loss of credibility with leadership
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misalignment with the board
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missed expectations in high-visibility situations
Think through high-stakes decisions with experienced peers—before they become visible to your board, executives, or organization.
Most CAEs don’t have a place to think these decisions through in advance... That’s exactly why the Audit Leader Forum™ exists.
This is NOT for:
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auditors looking for basic training
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people who just want CPE
- those not actively leading or stepping into leadership
This is for CAEs who want to lead at a higher level.
The skills and coaching inside the Audit Leader Forum™ are the same types used with top executives and high performers — often costing tens of thousands per year, for a fraction of that investment.
This is NOT training, but you will learn. This is real-time thinking with experienced CAEs on real situations you’re facing.
As a member of the Audit Leader Forum™ you'll walk away with:
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Clearer thinking on complex decisions
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Greater confidence in how you lead and communicate
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Broader perspective from experienced peers
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Practical insight you can apply immediately
Membership is intentionally limited to maintain a high level of discussion and candid conversation.
👉 The Next Step Is a Simple Conversation... a brief, confidential conversation to determine mutual fit.
Why Audit Leaders Join
🗣Real-Time Advisory for Real Situations
Every meeting is a real conversation, not a lecture. Walk into high-stakes situations with greater clarity and confidence—because you’ve already thought them through with experienced peers.
🧩 Confidence in a Confidential Environment
Navigate complex leadership challenges with confidence—knowing you have a trusted, confidential group to think through the decisions that matter most. A confidential environment where you can think through high-stakes decisions before they become visible to your board or executive team.
🌍 Strategic and Forward-Looking
Elevate your role from operational oversight to strategic leadership.
You’ll gain forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas that help you shape the future of your audit function—not just manage the present.
🤝 Trusted Relationships
Stop leading in isolation and start building relationships you can truly rely on. You’ll form genuine connections with peers who understand your role and can offer advice, perspective, and encouragement when you need it most.
💬 One-on-One Guidance
Get personalized guidance on your most pressing leadership challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one to think through specific situations and refine your approach with clarity and confidence.
Membership is intentionally limited to maintain a high level of discussion and candid conversation. This is a brief, confidential conversation to determine mutual fit.
What Members Say
“It’s not a webinar — it’s real people having real conversations.”
“I appreciate the honesty and safety of the group.”
“Every session challenges my thinking and helps me lead better.”
“This forum keeps me focused on the big picture — not just today’s tactics.”
"I stopped second-guessing my decisions."
"This changed how I communicate audit’s value."
👇 More detailed testimonials below. 👇
"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
"I have been managing an audit department and conducting audits for over 40 years but was still seeking. The Audit Leader Forum™ is a fantastic resource of peers exchanging ideas and knowledge." CAE, Community Bank
"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
"There's stability and continuity to it, so that I feel comfortable opening up and sharing with others." - CAE, University System
"I can’t go to anyone internally without it being seen as a weakness. This group gives me the trusted perspective and support I can’t get anywhere else. 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, 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
“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 Bank
"I've been officially promoted to Head of Internal Audit department at my company... Couldn't have done it without you! My growth during the last six months has been nothing short of incredible!" - CAE, Real Estate Company
“The Forum helps me step back from the noise and refocus on what really matters. Every session brings perspective that’s directly relevant—even issues I hadn’t fully recognized yet.” - CAE, State University System
"What drew me initially was really having the ability to have some specific coaching. It's a safe place to talk, vet ideas, get advice, and make good networking contacts as well." CAE, Regional Bank
"This group helps me think through real concerns and make better decisions. The blend of experienced perspectives and focus on leadership—not just technical skills—is why I continue year after year." CAE, Financial Services Company
"The diversity of perspectives is incredibly valuable—I get insights I wouldn’t have considered on my own. Just as important, the validation gives me confidence that I’m approaching issues the right way." CAE, Insurance Company
"As a newer CAE, having experienced peers to talk through real situations has been invaluable. It gives me perspective, confidence, and a place to have candid conversations I can’t have internally." CAE, Automotive Company
"This group gives me the perspective and peer support I need to navigate senior leadership and make better decisions—especially in a small, isolated audit function." CAE, Retirement Fund
"Having a peer group that truly understands the role is invaluable. When combined with the coaching, tools, and training, this becomes a critical resource for how I lead." CAE, Public Transportation Agency
"This group operates at a high strategic level, with thoughtful challenge that sharpens my thinking. It’s directly influenced how I demonstrate audit’s value—with tangible results." - CAE, Financial Services
"This Forum gave me the clarity, perspective, and support I needed to navigate a complex post-merger environment—leading to better decisions and measurable results for my team." - CAE, Regional Bank
"The frequency and flexibility are invaluable. We focus on real issues we’re facing—not pre-set agendas—so every session is immediately relevant." CAE, Financial Services
"This group helps me cut through unrealistic expectations and focus on what actually works—so I can confidently lead audit in a way that fits my organization. Rather than generic best practices, this group provides practical, real-world perspective that helps me lead effectively.” - CAE, Food Industry
“Stepping into the CAE role felt overwhelming at times. This group gives me the guidance, perspective, and support I didn’t have anywhere else.” - CAE, Financial Services
"I gain insights and perspectives I wouldn’t get on my own. The practical advice helps me make better decisions for my team—without feeling forced into one-size-fits-all approaches.” - CAE, Manufacturing
"After years in audit, I was stuck in the same patterns of thinking. This group helped me see things differently and become a better leader because of it.” - CAE, Community Bank
AND, When You Join, You Get Full Access to Everything!
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Live Advisory Sessions
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Private Peer Group
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Direct Coaching Access
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Full Video Archive of Past Discussions
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Leadership Tools and Frameworks
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VIP Level Customer Support
Who is Facilitating the Audit Leader Forum™?
Hi, I’m Jason Mefford.
I’ve spent decades working with internal audit, risk, and compliance leaders around the world—serving as a Chief Audit Executive, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, after starting my career at Arthur Andersen and KPMG.
Along the way, I’ve coached and trained thousands of professionals, developed widely adopted frameworks, and earned more certifications than I care to list. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Technical expertise alone doesn’t make great audit leaders.
The leaders who truly stand out are the ones who can influence, communicate, and lead with clarity and confidence—especially in complex, high-stakes environments.
That’s why I’ve spent years studying psychology, leadership, and peak performance, and training with some of the top executive coaches in the world—so I can help audit leaders strengthen the skills that actually move the needle.
And I’ve lived this role myself.
I know how isolating it can feel.
I know the pressure.
And I know there’s often no one inside your organization you can truly talk to.
That’s exactly why I created the Audit Leader Forum™.
It’s not training. It’s not theory.
It’s a confidential space for experienced audit leaders to have real conversations, gain perspective, and think through the decisions that matter most—with peers who understand the role.
Inside the Forum, you’ll gain:
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broader perspective on real challenges
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candid, peer-level discussions
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practical insight you can actually use
No posturing. No generic advice. Just real-world thinking that helps you lead at a higher level.
When you join, you’re not just getting access to calls—you’re stepping into a trusted group of peers who have your back.
And I’m right there with you—helping you think through challenges, sharpen your approach, and grow as a leader.
If this resonates, the next step is simple:
👉 Explore whether the Forum is a fit for you
I’d welcome the conversation.
— Jason
FAQ's
You have the option to pay using a credit card, or company purchasing card. We also offer invoicing options when you pay for a full year. We can discuss the details on our call.
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 when you have time.
You have unlimited access to the Program for as long as you are a member. Members who get the most benefit are the ones who stick around for years.
Yes. Participating each year will earn you CPE.
We can discuss any other questions you have on our call.
