Women in GRC: Taking risks, leading with authenticity, and tips for rising leaders

Bold leadership is defined by risk-taking, embracing growth, speaking with authenticity, and lifting others up. To explore these topics, AuditBoard set out to facilitate candid, action-oriented discussions for women leaders at our Connected Leaders: Women in GRC session at our 2025 user conference CRX: The Connected Risk Experience (formerly known as Audit & Beyond).

Our Connected Leaders: Women in GRC session kicked off with a fireside chat between Lauren Ball, Chief Sales Officer at AuditBoard, and Alexis Garvin, Chief Audit Executive at Bacardi. Their conversation spanned a variety of compelling topics, from the evolving definition of leadership in GRC to practical ways to own your voice in key conversations and how to move beyond mentorship into active sponsorship. Learn more in our key conversation takeaways below!

5 takeaways for women leaders in GRC

1. Take big risks, even if they scare you

Alexis began her career at PwC Audit working with private and family-owned businesses. Her path has been defined by taking big risks; in fact, taking a risk in joining the world of consulting is what set her on the path that led to where she is today.

"I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to move from insight to impact – helping drive solutions," recalls Alexis.

At PwC, she cultivated a broad and adaptable skill set in her roles as an external auditor and risk and controls consultant. Maintaining her openness to change and new opportunities as she rose through the ranks eventually paved the way for her role as CAE at Bacardi.

“Taking bold risks has made me a more well-rounded and dynamic leader. You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” says Alexis.

2. Lead authentically

For Alexis, leading authentically means being herself, showing up, and taking care of her people. “My job as CAE is twofold: to protect the business and to enhance shareholder value. I deliver on this commitment while bringing my whole self to work every day,” she says.

On the flip side, finding the right balance between showing up and protecting her capacity between work, being a mom, and making time for herself is often the most challenging part of leading authentically. “Sometimes being a good leader is getting comfortable with making hard decisions around competing priorities in work and life,” says Alexis.

3. Own your voice as a leader

The 360-degree perspective afforded by her CAE role is Alexis’s unique superpower, providing her with direct access to leaders and the ability to quickly connect the dots in spotting risks and unlocking opportunities. These deep insights allow her to speak with confidence and credibility and fully own her voice in high-stakes conversations. When it comes to the responsibility of delivering results to key stakeholders, Alexis’ advice is to know your audience.

“State the facts; in some ways my job is to report the news,” she says. “Thoughtfully choosing the right time and place for conversations is just as important a part of the equation.” This includes a willingness to ask questions – no matter how tough or simple they may be.

4. Mentorship vs. sponsorship

Mentors and sponsors have played important roles throughout Alexis’s career. “The amazing thing about mentors and sponsors is that they often see something in you that you don’t yet see in yourself,” she says. “They have challenged me, shared honest feedback, and pushed me to reach my full potential. I am forever grateful.”

Today, Alexis honors the examples set by her mentors and sponsors by creating the same space for her own team; encouraging them to stretch, helping them find their strengths, and giving them the honest feedback and opportunities that were offered to her. For Alexis, investing in their growth and inspiring them to think bigger is one of the greatest privileges of leadership.

5. Advice to rising leaders

Alexis’s advice to rising audit leaders is to cultivate strong relationships, stay curious, and be agile as the world changes. “Your relationships will carry you through the toughest parts of the job — when people trust you, they’ll open up, collaborate more deeply, and let you influence outcomes that matter,” says Alexis.

She also emphasizes the importance of being curious and agile.“The best audit leaders are the ones who ask the extra question, seek to understand the ‘why,’ and never stop learning,” says Alexis. “Agility is also essential because our world, our risks, and our organizations shift constantly. Don’t be afraid to adapt, rethink, or evolve.”

Stay tuned for more insights

From embracing risk and leading with authenticity to the critical shift toward active sponsorship, Alex’s career path offers a powerful roadmap for GRC leaders. To dive into more insights, check out the key takeaways from this year’s conference, and be sure to register in advance for CRX '26 (The Connected Risk Experience)!

About the authors

AuditBoard is the leading AI-powered GRC platform, transforming the way the world’s biggest companies manage risk. More than 50% of the Fortune 500 trust AuditBoard to elevate their audit, risk, and compliance management.