Investigation/Audit Events
Each of Dr. Groves’ sessions is an educational journey at the intersection of psychological science and investigation. Dr. Groves stands out as a leading voice in the field, with a distinguished record of conducting groundbreaking scientific studies on auditor thinking, and participating in more than 700 events in his career. This experience offers attendees exceptional insights into improving investigator cognitive capabilities and performance. Perhaps one of his most valuable contributions is his willingness to share personal insights and experiences that offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of fraud, enriching the learning experience for all. Toby has been a Keynote Speaker for some of the largest audit/investigation conferences in the U.S., and hundreds of chapter events and internal corporate and government audit operations.
Ready to explore an event for your group? We invite you to submit a speaking inquiry today. You can jump to the most popular topics here, or see all topics here
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How These Sessions Are Different
My sessions are dynamic, interactive journeys designed to challenge and expand the way investigators think and work. With a foundation in psychology (PhD) and a rich background as a former CPA, my expertise bridges forensic psychology, forensic accounting, and the cognitive sciences to deliver content that truly resonates with investigators.
Research-Backed, Results-Driven Presentations
At the core of my sessions is a pioneering scientific study on expert auditor thinking that relates to investigations, an endeavor that has expanded into a dynamic repository of investigator thinking patterns. This ongoing research fuels my interactive presentations, making them not only captivating but also profoundly educational and impactful.
Beyond Technical Knowledge: A Focus on Cognitive Excellence
My philosophy centers on a simple yet profound truth: the value of an investigator’s technical knowledge is magnified by their ability to think critically and apply that knowledge effectively. My sessions are crafted to enhance this aspect, equipping investigators with the tools to become more efficient, insightful, and impactful in their roles.
Topics Tailored Especially for Auditors
From the psychology of critical thinking in investigations to effective communication strategies, ethics, and leveraging data science, my presentations cover a wide range of topics crucial for today’s investigators and auditors. Each session is tailored to address the most pressing issues and trends in the investigation world, ensuring your team remains at the forefront of the industry.
Valuable information is gathered from each event which benefits future audiences and represents the evolving interests in investigations and governance.
Topics
The session titles below have been some of the most popular in the field of fraud investigation, having been chosen for keynotes and workshops at top conferences and by leading audit shops, government agencies and leading audit associations including numerous ACFE events, the IIA All-Star Conference, GRC and GAM, Time Warner, The Federal Reserve, KPMG, Deloitte, the IMA, PMI, ISACA and others too numerous to list. These topics can be merged to create custom events in lengths of 1 hour keynotes to full-day workshops. You can view all topics here.
Untapped: How Investigators Can Become Powerful Thinkers
“Untapped,” is a practical call to action that helps fraud investigators think differently and access their best thinking when it counts the most. This isn’t just another talk; it’s an engaging, enlightening, and entertaining journey towards mastering superior thinking strategies. By participating, you’re investing in a proven pathway that elevates the thinking quality necessary for outstanding audit performance. Audit quality is not merely the technical knowledge auditors possess, but critically, how they apply this knowledge in practice. From skepticism to fraud and beyond. Also now available Untapped for Teams!
Finding Fraud is a rare look at fraud from the inside, including the perspectives of auditors that unwittingly helped perpetrators, and Investigators that found themselves on the wrong side of the law. We’ll examine the viewpoints of the victims, forensic psychologists, interrogation experts, perpetrators, fraud researchers, and law enforcement. The session confronts the most persistent challenges we have with fighting fraud today. It presents behind-the-scenes research from multiple perspectives that will challenge everything you thought you knew about fraud.
This story-based session from the speaker’s perspective is a paradigm shift in understanding the minds of both investigators and perpetrators. Through a compelling narrative-based approach, incorporating the speakers research, and firsthand accounts of being on both the right and, unexpectedly, wrong sides of an investigation, we’ll unravel why conventional investigative techniques may inadvertently hinder rather than help. This session will illuminate the hidden myths and pitfalls entrenched in our standard practices and assumptions about fraud. We will dissect the often-misunderstood concept of skepticism and reveal how investigators might, despite their best intentions, play into the hands of sophisticated fraud schemes.
We have more data than ever, but what is it really telling us? New technologies and analytical methods detect myriad patterns in our data, but what do they really mean and what decisions can they help us make? Is the underlying data reliable? Is it valid for the purpose you are using it? Cognitive technologies distance us from the context of our data, shrouding the meaning behind the patterns and how to apply the information for effective decision-making. New thinking approaches are required to move beyond simple recognition of correlations to insight into why relationships exist. This session will teach methods that give us the ability to discern the inner character of problems, to recognize why interactions occur, and what decisions can be made with the information.
When the Facts Aren’t Enough: The Art of Communicating Complex Information
Mastering the art of translating complex information into influential insights is a skill that transcends mere data analysis—it’s about crafting narratives that resonate and motivate. Our session, ‘When the Facts Aren’t Enough,’ focuses on the nuanced art of making intricate data accessible and compelling, even to those unfamiliar with the subject matter. This expertise signifies not just an in-depth comprehension of the data but a profound insight into its real-world implications and how it’s perceived by diverse audiences. By adopting the perspectives of your listeners and embodying their experiences, this interactive workshop delves into the cognitive strategies and thinking paradigms essential for clear, impactful communication. Participants will emerge with enhanced abilities to convey their knowledge persuasively, ensuring their messages are not just heard but felt and acted upon
Ethics in The Real World
Codes of ethics, ethics training, and “tone at the top” are expected to improve ethical behavior. But do they? Research shows that not only can these traditional initiatives be unhelpful, but they can harm ethical reasoning! Instead of looking at how people are “supposed” to behave, this class examines how people actually make ethical decisions in the real world. We will explain how ethics codes can cause unethical behavior, why we misunderstand the influence of tone at the top, and why people betray their own ethical beliefs.
Advanced Communication Skills for Investigators
Master the nuances of advanced communication in the auditing sphere with this comprehensive course. Delve into the intricacies of both written and verbal communication across in-person and virtual platforms. Develop the skills to present complex audit-related information compellingly and employ storytelling techniques to motivate change. Gain expertise in sophisticated persuasion and negotiation strategies to influence outcomes effectively. Learn the fine art of navigating difficult discussions with tact and learn how to probe deeply with questions that unveil the true intent behind the responses. Acquire techniques to establish immediate trust and adapt your communication style to various cultural contexts. For auditors who aspire to elevate their influence and impact, this course is an essential step towards becoming a formidable communicator.
Unearthing vital information, demystifying assumptions, and revealing the intricacies of actions are the hallmarks of masterful interviews. These interactions provide a unique chance to navigate through narratives as they emerge and to pose impactful questions that extract critical insights. Mastering the interview extends beyond mere conversation—it is a strategic tool for investigation, understanding, and essential information gathering. In this session, you’ll learn the subtleties of adopting an effective interpersonal style, formulating incisive questions that go beyond surface answers, interpreting non-verbal communication, and adjusting your approach to suit various cultural contexts. Participants will depart equipped with the most current behavioral research tools to conduct audit interviews that deliver results.