Stories, Systems & the Spark of Innovation
In this episode of Inspiring Women in Audit, I speak with Perla Habchi. Perla is an Internal Audit Project Leader with the Government of Canada and the Chair of Advocacy and Academic Relations for the IIA Ottawa Chapter.
Recognized as a 2024 Emerging Leader by the IIA and recipient of the 2023 Internal Audit Vision Award, Perla’s work bridges innovation and impact. Perla is the creator of the Innovation System Internal Controls Framework, featured in Internal Auditor magazine, and is widely known for her passion in elevating the next generation of auditors.
In our conversation, Perla shares how an “accidental” entry into audit transformed into a fulfilling career grounded in innovation, storytelling, and courage. She reflects on the moment she realized internal audit was her calling - and how she’s since used that passion to push boundaries within the public sector.
Listeners will gain insight into Perla’s groundbreaking innovation framework, how she navigates delivering difficult messages, and why storytelling is crucial to audit reporting - especially in the public eye. Her dedication to student outreach, volunteerism, and future-forward thinking shines through as she discusses her legacy in motion.
Perla also dives into the courage required to speak up, mentor emerging professionals, and hold space for new voices. With authenticity and clarity, she inspires us to rethink what impact looks like within internal audit - and how we can all lead with purpose.
Episode Breakdown
2:53 – An Accidental Auditor
8:15 – A World Apart from Finance
12:53 – Every Finding's a Story
18:20 – Delivering Hard Truths
23:46 – Framework That Won
28:57 – Innovation in Action
33:07 – Award-Winning Audit
36:29 – Inspiring the Next Gen
44:10 – Taking Pride in Audit
46:57 – Public Lens, Public Trust
51:00 – Bravery in Audit
55:02 – Helping New Voices Rise
1:07:01 – Legacy in Motion
Be sure to connect with Perla Habchi on LinkedIn.
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