The Data Governance Podcast The Unexpected AI Governance Leader: Advice for Data Governance Professionals with Jovita Tam
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Aug 5, 2025 Jovita Tam, a business-focused data and AI advisor and dual-qualified attorney, shares her insights on how data governance professionals become leaders in AI governance. She explains the overlap between data programs and AI governance, discussing why organizations rely on data teams. Jovita highlights the importance of negotiation and upskilling to avoid common pitfalls and emphasizes the strengths data governance brings, such as stakeholder knowledge and change management. Her practical advice on assessing context and taking incremental steps is invaluable for those stepping into AI governance.
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Data Teams Are Natural AI Stewards
- Organizations often ask data governance teams to absorb AI governance because of overlapping controls and existing maturity.
- Regulated industries with robust data programs especially see this as a pragmatic route.
Reluctant Advocate Became Owner
- Nicola described a client who reluctantly helped shape an AI governance proposal and then got ownership because he made the best case.
- That client now plans to upskill his team to meet the new responsibilities.
Institutional Knowledge Trumps New Structures
- Data governance leaders uniquely understand organizational politics, past failures, and stakeholder dynamics.
- That institutional knowledge lets them judge whether a separate AI function will succeed or fail.