by Kristi Atwater | Mar 23, 2026 | Leadership
That word is fun. In corporate America—especially in audit, risk, and finance—it’s often treated like a swear word. A distraction. A sign you’re not serious about the work. I used to agree. Early in my management career, I thought fun at work was a waste...
by Kristi Atwater | Mar 7, 2026 | Leadership
Have you ever had a CEO threaten you — or question whether you were a “team player” — simply because they didn’t like what you were reporting, even when the facts were clear and fully supported? If you’ve worked in audit long enough, you’ve likely experienced some...
by Kristi Atwater | Mar 7, 2026 | Leadership
For years in my career, I quietly felt like an imposter. Not because I hadn’t earned my roles or because I lacked capability, but because I was deeply aware of my weaknesses. The more responsibility I carried, the more conscious I became of what I didn’t know. That...
by Kristi Atwater | Feb 14, 2026 | Leadership
Bringing Audit Tools Into Personal Growth: Applying the COSO Framework to Your Life Plan In an era marked by volatility, uncertainty, and constant change, internal auditors have become architects of assurance and resilience. We design systems that anticipate...
by Kristi Atwater | Feb 4, 2026 | Leadership
Let me be direct with you: resilience isn’t a personality trait you’re born with. It’s a discipline you build — intentionally, consistently, and often uncomfortably. I’ve spent decades in boardrooms, audit committees, and executive suites. I’ve navigated...
by Kristi Atwater | Feb 4, 2026 | Leadership
Nobody gets to opt out of crisis. It doesn’t matter how well-run your organization is, how experienced your leadership team is, or how solid your controls are — disruption will find you. The question has never been whether a crisis will happen. It’s whether you’ll be...
