Auditing Insights from McKinsey's Aaron Gagnon

Welcome to another episode of Agents of Change with Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor of Risk and Audit at AuditBoard. In this insightful episode recorded in March of 2024, Richard is joined by Aaron Gagnon, Chief Audit Executive of McKinsey & Company, who brings over 30 years of experience in the internal audit field, including leadership roles at Apple and Abercrombie & Fitch. Aaron shares his perspectives on how internal auditors can go beyond traditional roles as value protectors to become value creators and enhancers. He discusses the importance of balancing assurance and advisory roles, the significance of building strong relationships within the organization, and the need for internal audit teams to be agents of change, starting from within. Through engaging stories and practical advice, Aaron emphasizes the need for a strategic mindset and long-term planning in internal audit functions. He provides examples from his tenure at Apple and McKinsey, highlighting the challenges and successes of transforming internal audit teams to better serve their organizations. Tune in to gain valuable insights on becoming an effective change agent in the internal audit space.