Burnt Roast, Broke Trust

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The first bite tastes wrong.

Not “oh well, it’s a bit dry” wrong.

We’re talking “call the fire department, scrape it off with a chisel” wrong.

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The guests pretend not to notice. You pretend you didn’t cook it.

But everyone knows that the roast is ruined.

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And the worst part? You’re both the host and the guest. The one who burnt it and the one politely pointing out the charred edges.

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That’s what auditing and advising the same client feels like in 2025.

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The old double-dip used to pass without comment. Audit the books, then suggest a few fixes. It was just how things were done and no one looked too closely.

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But now?

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Regulators are side-eyeing every move.

Clients are quietly wondering whose side you’re on.

And every headline feels like it’s leaning over your shoulder, whispering:‍

“So… who do you really work for?”‍

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Independence and ethics used to be a page in your onboarding pack. Now they’re the main course.

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And the pressure isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s about proving it in every line item, every meeting, every grey area that no checklist will ever cover.

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The firms who get this right aren’t just drawing a line between “audit” and “advisory” in their engagement letters. They’re building a culture where trust isn’t a compliance box to tick, it’s the foundation.

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Where decisions aren’t made for optics, but for clarity.

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Where every conversation leaves the client more certain, not more suspicious.

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Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: trust isn’t seasoning you sprinkle on top when the roast is done.

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It’s in the recipe. It’s baked into every process, every review, every interaction. If it’s missing, you can taste it. And once you’ve lost it, there’s no sauce in the world that can cover it.

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And just like that burnt roast, you don’t get a second chance to serve it fresh. You either get it right the first time with care, preparation, and the right ingredients or the only thing people remember is the smell of something overdone.

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So, what are you serving?

A dish no one forgets for the right reasons?

Or one they can’t forget for all the wrong ones?

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Until next time,
Christiaan

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P.S. If you’ve ever had a dinner party disaster (literal or professional) hit reply. I read them all.

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