A Private Network for Forward-Practicing CAEs
The Internal Audit Collective’s CAE Leadership Forum is an exclusive, CAE-only network where audit leaders can ask questions, compare approaches, benchmark performance, and gain practical perspectives, strategies, and solutions from peers facing similar challenges.
Built Exclusively for Those Carrying the CAE Title
Who the Forum Is For
The CAE Leadership Forum is exclusively for professionals who lead the Internal Audit function at a public or private company and hold the title of Chief Audit Executive, Head of Internal Audit, or an equivalent title.
Who the Forum Is Not For
To preserve the value of a true CAE peer network, the Forum is not intended for CAE direct reports, Audit Managers, second-line SOX leaders, consultants or vendors serving Internal Audit, retirees, educators, or analysts.
How the CAE Leadership Forum works?
Ready to stop navigating this seat alone?
Apply for CAE Leadership Forum membership. We'll set up a call to see if it's the right fit for both of us.
1. Apply
Every applicant is screened to ensure they meet the membership requirements of the CAE Leadership Forum.
2. Pledge
Every member commits to being an active participant—engaging in community discussions, attending events, contributing to benchmarking, and sharing their experience with peers. No lurkers.
3. Ask
Post questions in a private, dedicated CAE space within the Internal Audit Collective and get practical input from peers facing similar challenges, decisions, and opportunities.
4. Connect
Build meaningful relationships with other CAEs through the private member directory, your assigned peer cohort, IAC’s 1:1 CAE Connect program, and facilitated introductions through the CAE Leadership Forum concierge service.
5. Compare
Benchmark your Internal Audit function against peers across budget, staffing, audit plan coverage, Audit Committee reporting, performance metrics, and other critical Internal Audit leadership topics.
6. Discuss
Engage in real-time conversations with fellow CAEs—share your perspective on member questions, dig deeper into responses to your own, and continue the conversation through peer cohorts and 1:1 connections.
7. Lead
Put what you learn into practice. Sharpen your approach, strengthen your Internal Audit function, and become a more effective CAE—for your team, your organization, and the profession.
Everything Included in Your Annual
CAE Leadership Forum Membership
Your CAE Leadership Forum membership includes full access to the Internal Audit Collective, plus an additional layer of programming, connections, benchmarking, and resources built exclusively for CAEs.
Everything Included with an
Internal Audit Collective Membership
Plus, Exclusive to
CAE Leadership Forum Members
%201.png)
This Isn’t Another Generic Executive Community
1. Practical Solutions, Not Minimum Standards
We’re not focused on theory—or thumping our chests about what Internal Audit should or shouldn’t do. We’re focused on identifying and sharing forward-practicing approaches to Internal Audit leadership from CAEs who are on the front lines right now.
2. CAEs—and No One Else
The perspectives, solutions, benchmarks, and lessons shared inside the Forum come from those sitting in the CAE seat. Not vendors. Not educators. Not analysts. Just CAEs learning from other CAEs.
3. An Active & Engaged Community
This is a participation-driven community. Members are encouraged to ask unlimited questions and pledge to contribute to Forum discussions, events, benchmarking, and peer networking. Dedicated IAC community leaders help drive engagement, connect members, and find answers to the questions that matter.
4. Built Around Member Needs
The CAE Leadership Forum will evolve alongside its members. Member feedback will directly shape programming, benchmarking, resources, priorities, and the future direction of the CAE Leadership Forum.
Whatever situation you’re facing, chances are another CAE in the room has faced it too
Consistent, small group connections for deeper conversations
Upon joining the CAE Leadership Forum, you’ll be matched with a cohort of 4–6 CAEs leading similarly sized and mature Internal Audit functions. Your cohort provides ongoing connection, relevant perspectives, networking, and support.
This is where you go deeper on what’s actually keeping you up at night—with the same peers, so relationships and trust build over time.
"What I'm most excited about for the CAE Leadership Forum is that it embodies the idea that iron sharpens iron, bringing experienced audit leaders together to share real-world experience, challenge one another, and grow together."
Vice President, Internal Audit
Slide Insurance
Get Priority Access to Internal Audit Collective
Flagship Conferences
APEX
An Internal Audit Leadership Retreat designed for IA leaders to learn, discuss, and work through the strategies and tactics needed to advance their functions and become more effective leaders.
SOX Summit
A first-of-its-kind working conference focused on SOX program best practices, emerging trends, technology, and the strategies and activities of high-performing SOX functions.
Here's what leaders are saying about the CAE Leadership Forum
Nelnet
"I'm excited for the CAE Leadership Forum because it's a chance to connect directly with peer CAEs who are dealing with the same strategic and organizational challenges I am. It goes beyond the usual tactical audit talk and gets into real conversations about leadership, influence, and driving change at the executive level. I'm looking forward to the candid exchange of ideas and the relationships I'll build."
MongoDB
"I'm glad to be part of the CAE Leadership Forum, as I believe peer-level exchange is essential to advancing the internal audit function. Engaging directly with fellow CAEs allows me to benchmark practices, sharpen my team's thinking, and ensure my function continues to evolve alongside the risks and expectations placed on it. I excited to be contributing to and learning from this group."
Steel Dynamics
The CAE Leadership Forum will help me move our internal audit department forward—toward more impactful services that add real value for our clients, and toward greater confidence from our audit committee in Internal Audit. I'm most excited about tapping into the cumulative knowledge of others in the CAE Leadership Forum, and about helping my peers with the experiences and perspectives I've gained along the way.
The RealReal
"The CAE Leadership Forum has created a dedicated and safe space where Internal Audit leaders can share what's actually working, real ideas from those doing the job right now. If I have a question, I am getting an answer. The insights help me be a better leader, and better serve my team and organization."
GitLab
"I'm excited to join the CAE Leadership Forum for a space to share with peers. Leading an audit team takes strong leadership, influence, structure, and a risk mindset—learning what's working and what's not will grow my satisfaction and the value I bring my team."
Flowserve
"Over the past few months, the IA Collective has become one of my most valuable sources of fresh perspective and real-world solutions. What excites me most about the CAE Leadership Forum is knowing I'm not navigating this role alone and always have peers I can turn to for advice."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAE Leadership Forum?
How is the CAE Leadership Forum different from the Internal Audit Collective?
How is the CAE Leadership Forum different from other CAE-only communities?
What do I get access to as a CAE Leadership Forum member?
How much does membership cost?
I don’t have the budget for this right now. Is it worth the investment?
I’m already too busy as a CAE. How do other members find the time to participate?
What are the engagement expectations for members?
Can I try the CAE Leadership Forum before committing to an annual membership?
What does the application process entail?