Page 59 - iiA
P. 59
excel at the highest level, commanding attention,
Leading with Purpose: Strategic and respect, and admiration. Her success helped raise
Inclusive Leadership the profile of women’s cricket, paving the way for
greater investment and opportunities.
Mithali Raj’s leadership is a masterclass in
leading with purpose. She is known for her calm Similarly, women in Internal Audit are breaking
demeanor, clear communication, and ability to barriers in a profession historically led by men.
make strategic decisions under pressure. She earns More women today are stepping into senior
respect not through force but by inspiring trust roles such as Chief Audit Executives and risk
and fostering a collaborative team environment. leaders, influencing corporate governance, risk
management, and compliance practices at the
This approach holds powerful lessons for women highest levels.
leaders in Internal Audit. IA requires leaders
who can analyze risks objectively, communicate However, challenges remain — unequal
findings clearly, and influence stakeholders representation, unconscious biases, and limited
across diverse functions. The ability to lead with access to certain networks. The path forward
empathy, clarity, and vision is essential to build requires deliberate efforts by women leaders to
audit teams that perform effectively and align mentor emerging talent, advocate for gender
with organizational goals. diversity, and create inclusive cultures where every
voice is heard.
Women leaders who embrace inclusive
leadership—valuing diverse perspectives, Mithali’s example inspires women auditors to
encouraging open dialogue, and supporting team embrace their potential as change agents — to not
members—can drive innovation and elevate the only excel in audit execution but to shape policies,
role of Internal Audit from a compliance function influence strategy, and contribute to building
to a strategic business partner. ethical and resilient organizations.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Shaping the Being a Role Model: Empowering the
Future of Internal Audit Next Generation
Mithali’s achievements broke several glass ceilings Mithali Raj is not just a cricket star; she is a role
in Indian sports. She proved that women could model for millions of young girls in India and
INTERNAL AUDIT TODAY 56
