Executive Summary 

Phaedon needed to complete a SOC 2 Type II audit quickly. Remediation started late, business deadlines were approaching, and there was no room for delay. 

TrustNet stepped in quickly, scoped the audit, and helped Phaedon organize evidence, validate controls, and stay on track. Despite the pressure, the team delivered on time and with confidence. 

Client Background 

Phaedon is a digital consultancy firm that helps mission-driven organizations deliver better customer experiences and outcomes. Their work blends strategy, design, data, and technology to modernize how brands engage with people. Phaedon serves government agencies, nonprofits, and commercial clients across industries including health, education, and financial services. 

As Phaedon expanded its enterprise relationships and took on more complex engagements, SOC 2 compliance became critical. Prospective clients required formal security assurances, and deals could stall without an audit report. SOC 2 wasn’t just about good practice; it was a business requirement. 

TrustNet’s Response 

As soon as the situation became clear, TrustNet assessed the audit scope, flagged timing risks, and mobilized extra support. Within days, the audit team was up and running, fully briefed and ready to execute. 

Here’s how TrustNet delivered under pressure: 

• • Rapid resourcing: TrustNet scaled the audit team immediately, assigning senior auditors to compress timelines without sacrificing quality.
  • Clear, steady communication: The team stayed in close contact with Phaedon’s leads, flagging issues early, answering questions quickly, and maintaining momentum. 
  • Process efficiency: Using TrustNet’s Accelerator+ framework, the team ran a structured, technology-driven process that avoided delays and reduced back-and-forth. 
  • Hands-on support: Auditors worked directly with Phaedon’s compliance team to validate controls, troubleshoot evidence gaps, and keep work moving forward. 

The result: a focused, fast-moving audit process that kept Phaedon on track without chaos. 

Overcoming Obstacles 

Executing a SOC 2 audit in weeks, not months, meant solving problems fast. TrustNet and Phaedon worked side by side to keep momentum high and blockers low. 

Key challenges and how the teams handled them: 

• • Compressed evidence timelines: TrustNet provided daily guidance to help Phaedon prioritize, organize, and validate audit evidence quickly. The team flagged gaps early so nothing slipped through the cracks. 
  • Cross-team coordination: With stakeholders spread across departments and time zones, communication was critical. TrustNet kept meetings tight, follow-ups clear, and everyone aligned on next steps.
  • Live troubleshooting: When documentation issues or unclear controls surfaced, TrustNet responded in real-time. The team worked with Phaedon to resolve gaps immediately, avoiding costly delays or rework. 

Results 

Phaedon completed its SOC 2 Type II audit on time. The final report was delivered before year-end, exactly when the business needed it. 

What the audit achieved: 

• • Met the deadline: The audit engagement closed successfully within weeks, avoiding any delay in business commitments. 
  • Delivered the report: Phaedon received the SOC 2 report in time to satisfy client requirements and keep strategic deals on track. 
  • Minimized disruption: Despite the accelerated timeline, Phaedon’s internal teams stayed focused on their day-to-day work. The process was intense, but organized and results-driven.

With TrustNet’s support, Phaedon turned a high-stress compliance challenge into a successful outcome. 

Client Impact 

The successful audit didn’t just check a box; it created momentum. 

Phaedon gained: 

• • Increased credibility: The SOC 2 report reinforced Phaedon’s commitment to security and strengthened trust with enterprise clients. 
  • Deal velocity: With formal compliance in hand, the team cleared procurement hurdles and moved forward on key contracts without delay. 
  • A trusted partner: The experience built a strong working relationship with TrustNet, one rooted in responsiveness, reliability, and results. 

Lessons Learned & Best Practices 

Phaedon’s audit engagement reinforced a few key truths about succeeding under pressure and staying ahead of compliance risks. 

1. Start remediation early

Late control implementation compresses timelines and creates avoidable stress. Early, proactive planning gives teams time to test, refine, and organize evidence without rushing. 

2. Choose a partner who can deliver.

Expertise alone isn’t enough in high-stakes audits. TrustNet’s ability to scale the team, troubleshoot live, and move fast made the difference. 

3. Stay calm and focused.

TrustNet maintained a clear, solutions-first mindset throughout the engagement. That steady approach helped Phaedon stay aligned, make decisions quickly, and move past roadblocks without losing momentum. 

The next time Phaedon runs an audit, they’ll start stronger, with lessons earned and a trusted partner already in place. 

Client Testimonial 

“We think the most valuable was having the steady hand of TrustNet, helping us solve what was, again, kind of a crisis in a fire drill. Once we got fully engaged in your experience and steadiness, we came up with a plan. It was probably pretty painful for you, but we got there. 

There’s a lot of value in the duration of the relationship, in knowing who we are, what we do, and how we do it. It makes our stomachs turn to think about finding another auditor, getting them up to speed, and going down that whole path. 

What we experienced last year is what we value the most. We think the organization values the relationship, the duration, and the continuity around it.” 

— Phaedon

TrustNet: Built for Urgency. Proven for Partnership. 

Phaedon’s SOC 2 audit wasn’t routine; it was a deadline-driven challenge with real business consequences. With TrustNet’s expertise, structure, and calm execution, the engagement stayed on track and delivered results when they mattered most. 

What started as a fire drill became a foundation for long-term trust.