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Leader’s Voice: Navigating Risk,
Purpose and People
• Second Milestone: A breakthrough came in
2001, a financial due diligence assignment in
the telecom sector—igniting a deep-rooted
interest in this dynamic industry.
• Third Milestone: Joining a Big 4 consulting
firm with a strong telecom vertical helped him
sharpen his global outlook and raised the bar
Mr. Gautam Pendse Pooja Dharewa for quality and professionalism.
Executive Vice President Chairperson
Internal Audit IIA India Publication • Fourth Milestone: Transitioning from
Vodafone Idea Ltd. Committee consulting to an industry role allowed him to
p_gautam@rediffmail.com pooja@kdpractice.com see the long-term impact of his work. “It was
about being a contributor, not just an evaluator,”
he says. This shift marked a defining point in his
career. “Audit is more than numbers; it’s about
understanding business processes and helping
As part of IIA India’s Leadership Series, Ms. Pooja
Dharewa, Chairperson of IIA India Publication improve them,” Gautam shares.
Committee, had a detailed conversation with Mr.
Gautam Pendse, a seasoned audit leader known This interesting conversation between Pooja and
for combining strategic thinking with empathetic Gautam came up with great takeaways, a must read
for peers and professionals!
leadership. From defining pivotal career choices to
sharing insights on smart work, innovation, and
building a people-first audit culture, Mr. Pendse Navigating In New Role and Facing the
offers a roadmap for aspiring professionals and Board
internal auditors navigating a rapidly changing
business environment. Taking on my first role as Head of Internal Audit
was daunting—not immediately, but when I stood
1. Career Milestones: From Ground Zero before the Board Audit Committee for the first
to the C-Suite time. I had under eight years of post-qualification
experience, no exposure to managing large teams,
and had never attended an Audit Committee
Gautam’s journey reflects a series of deliberate
and defining choices. “As I reflect on my meeting. Yet, the company leadership’s support,
professional journey, I can pinpoint four pivotal along with the group’s audit leadership and a
culture that empowered belief in capability, made
moments—each a blend of chance and choice—
that significantly influenced the trajectory of my all the difference, recalls Gautam.
career: Each phase was about learning, realigning,
and moving closer to purpose,” he shares. 2. The Essence of working Smart
• First Milestone: After qualifying in 1998, he Smart work is not about shortcuts—it’s about
joined a top-tier Indian accounting firm. This foresight, precision, and outcomes. “Smart work is
move exposed him to the wider professional the art of anticipation. It means identifying what
world, far beyond his hometown experiences. matters most, using tools that enhance insight, and
delivering timely, relevant results.”
INTERNAL AUDIT TODAY 10
