Governance Unplugged – Internal Audit, Risk & Controls
Governance Unplugged - Internal Audit, Risk & Controls
Podcast Description
Governance Unplugged is a podcast dedicated to exploring the essential pillars of sound governance to help organizations thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Designed for internal auditors, risk managers, senior management and board members, the podcast delves into how robust governance, risk management, and internal controls lay the foundation for organizational safety and prosperity. By providing meaningful insights and practical strategies, the podcast aims to equip listeners with interesting insights supporting their needs to safeguard their organizations and ensure long-term success.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as internal audits' evolving role, risk management strategies, and governance principles. Notable episodes include discussions on the transformation of internal audit with insights from industry leaders like Nicolas Steyaert and Cynthia Boumann, focusing on topics like internal audit’s strategic influence and integrating AI into auditing processes.

Governance Unplugged is a podcast dedicated to exploring the essential pillars of sound governance to help organizations thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Designed for internal auditors, risk managers, senior management and board members, the podcast delves into how robust governance, risk management, and internal controls lay the foundation for organizational safety and prosperity. By providing meaningful insights and practical strategies, the podcast aims to equip listeners with interesting insights supporting their needs to safeguard their organizations and ensure long-term success.
In the second part of their conversation, Thomas Michel and Martin Studer (Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinstuder/ ) explore the future of internal audit and assurance. This episode focuses on how artificial intelligence (AI) and “alternative intelligence” are reshaping the profession, the impact on the Three Lines model, and the enduring value of human expertise. Martin Studer shares insights from his extensive experience leading global assurance and risk functions, challenging listeners to rethink the role and relevance of internal audit in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Key Topics Discussed
• AI and Alternative Intelligence
• Digital Maturity in Audit
• Governance Driving Transformation
• The Sherpa Metaphor
• Slow Pace of Change
• Board Expectations & KPIs
• Effective Audit Reporting
• Team Board vs. Team Management
• Next-Generation Auditors
• The Human Edge
• Assurance vs. Advisory
Guest Profile – Martin Studer
Martin Studer has nearly 30 years of experience in assurance, risk, and governance. He has led global internal audit and risk advisory functions at EY and Zurich Insurance Group, and now serves as Founder and General Partner of Bluerain Partners Group https://bluerainpartners.com . Martin is passionate about connecting governance, impact investing, and regeneration, driven by the question: “What if business became our most trusted platform for regeneration?”
What You’ll Learn
• How AI and digital transformation are changing internal audit
• The importance of governance in driving innovation and accountability
• Practical metaphors and strategies for effective audit leadership
• How to write audit reports that truly influence decision-makers
• Building resilient, courageous audit teams for the future
• The critical distinction between assurance and advisory roles
Looking Ahead
This episode concludes Part 2 of “The Future of Assurance – Rethinking the Three Lines” with Martin Studer. Stay tuned for a next episode 15, where Thomas and Martin will discuss “Beyond Audit: Intelligence, Trust and the Next Frontier of Governance”, exploring how AI, trust, and intelligent risk management are redefining assurance.
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