Dirk Vermeiren

I co-trained with Tracie for three years on a training project for the audit community of the European System of Central Banks from 2010 to 2013. The audit report writing training combined audit methodology with language theory and practice specifically for the audit function.

Tracie was the project manager and the lead trainer, responsible for all language aspects of the project and customization to the System’s audit methodology. Most importantly, Tracie designed and conducted extensive writing practice during the seminars, giving personal feedback to the participants during and after the workshops.

Over 150 auditors from central banks in the European Union have successfully completed the training program. Results include reinforcement of audit methodology, standardized usage of English across the System’s audit departments, better structured audit reports, a more efficient report writing process, and easier consolidation of reports.

Tracie’s experience with the European community and international companies provides her with a fine sensitivity to multicultural issues in communication styles. Being Canadian, she is unbiased to European national attitudes; she rather enjoys thoroughly working in such a diverse environment. It motivates her as a person and enriches her training.

From a personal standpoint, my previous experience in delivering training was limited to presentations and short sessions, including some in English. The above-mentioned program and Tracie’s insights and personal feedback, helped me to develop a more active and definitely interactive communication style, to sustain training programs over several days and using an array of teaching techniques.

Dirk Vermeiren Former Head of Internal Audit at National Bank of Belgium (1998 - 2009)