When a pioneer of connectivity solutions decides to revamp its data governance, the results can be transformative. Join Thomas for a chat with TE Connectivity’s Lead Data Governance Specialist, Jacqueline Paneque, and Senior Data Governance Specialist, Brett Larson. Together, they reveal the innovative data strategies that drive TE Connectivity’s success across multiple sectors.Recorded live at the Collibra Data Citizens event in Orlando, this episode delves into TE Connectivity’s journey from a fragmented data governance approach to a cohesive, federated model that enhances collaboration and efficiency. Discover how TE Connectivity uses data to solve business problems, improve decision-making, and foster innovation in a complex, multi-industry environment.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Real-world Transformation. Hear firsthand how TE Connectivity transitioned from a fragmented data governance model to a streamlined, federated system that integrates business and technical perspectives, providing tangible improvements in data management.2. Strategic Insights. Gain valuable insights into the specific strategies TE Connectivity employs to drive adoption of data governance practices, including the creation of a business glossary and innovative approaches to maintaining data quality across diverse business units.3. Innovative Applications. Discover the practical applications of TE Connectivity’s data strategies, including how they leverage data to solve real business problems, enhance decision-making processes, and drive innovation in the connectivity solutions sector.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with Jacqueline P.Connect with BrettEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

What’s the secret sauce behind McDonald’s ability to stay ahead in the fast-food industry? John Tucker, Director of Enterprise Data Governance, unveils how McDonald’s uses data to not only enhance customer experience but also streamline crew operations with cutting-edge AI applications.From personalizing customer interactions to implementing AI-driven tools that support crew efficiency, John reveals how McDonald’s leverages data to maintain its competitive edge. And his many insights on the company’s innovative data strategies only reinforce the role of data governance in ensuring quality and consistency across all industries. Recorded live at DC 24 in Orlando, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practicalities of data-driven transformation in a global enterprise.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Practical AI Applications. John shares how McDonald's uses AI to streamline crew tasks, such as using chatbots to provide instant answers, which enhances efficiency and reduces manual work.2. Comprehensive Data Governance. Learn about the innovative structure of McDonald's data governance team, including roles like data librarian and change adoption manager, and how this approach ensures data quality and consistency.3. Building the Plane. Discover how McDonald's Project Runway is driving data standardization and operational improvements, making data more accessible and meaningful across the organization.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JohnEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

What's the point of creating value with your data if you never cash it in? This week, Barb Wixom, Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan's Center for IS Research, takes us through the critical but oft neglected journey of turning data into definitive financial gains.In peeling back the layers inherent to the value creation process, Barb insists that the leap from data to dollars must involve more than simply generating insights; it requires a strategic pivot towards value realization. With the IWS (Improve, Wrap, Sell) framework, we’ll help demystify the process, and show you exactly how operational enhancements and product advancements can be carefully leveraged to achieve financial outcomes. It’s a comprehensive look at the practicalities of converting data into tangible value; a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of data monetization effectively.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Value Creation to Realization. Barb breaks down the critical steps from value creation to value realization in data monetization, highlighting a commonly overlooked phase that is crucial for translating data benefits into financial returns.2. The IWS Framework. A simple yet powerful tool for organizations to strategize their data monetization efforts, providing a clear pathway from operational improvements to selling information-based solutions.3. Sustainability and Data Monetization. For any effort to be viable long-term, it must not only generate social or operational benefits but also secure financial returns, thereby ensuring the initiative's economic feasibility over time.ResourcesConnect with JayConnect with BarbTake her survey for her data monetization study Enjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

Is data the Coast Guard’s compass to new horizons? This week, Toan Do, Area Vice President of Federal Sales at Collibra, invites Capt. Brian Erickson, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the United States Coast Guard, to shed some light on the Coast Guard's transformative journey from traditional navigation to data-driven decision-making, illustrating how data is becoming the compass guiding the organization's mission and operations.Amid the challenges of implementing data analytics and AI within the Coast Guard, Capt. Erickson has come to recognize the value of starting small, focusing on high-priority use cases, and fostering a data-literate workforce. His personal transition from a career aviator to leading the Coast Guard's first data office is a perfect parallel to the evolving role of data as a strategic asset in enhancing mission effectiveness. And as if that’s not already a shining example of leadership in data, Capt. Erickson is now preparing to pass on this newfound passion to his successor, setting the stage for a bright future of enthusiastically data-literate military personnel.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:Unique perspective on data's role. Capt. Erickson’s journey from a career aviator to leading the Coast Guard's first data office highlights how data can be leveraged as a strategic asset in a multifaceted organization.Practical insights on data implementation.  When approaching the integration of data analytics and AI, starting with small initiatives and developing a workforce that is proficient in data literacy yields big results.Strategic approach to data management. Order and efficiency are clearly a necessity in data management, as is incremental growth and easy wins to build confidence.ResourcesConnect with ToanConnect with Capt. EricksonEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

We all know that every bit of an organization’s data ought to be treated equal, right?  Well, in a world where clean data is often the status quo, Julie Fawdington, Senior Director PMO at Hewlett Packard Enterprises, invites us to ask the question, how clean is clean enough?Drawing on her extensive experience in data transformation, Julie’s take on data quality suggests the need for data quality differentiation. As she puts it, the stuff in her pet’s water bowl isn’t the same as what’s in her water bottle. But does this idea that not all data requires the same level of cleanliness really upend conventional wisdom? Or does it simply provide a more nuanced understanding of how to efficiently manage data in today's fast-paced business environment?Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Redefining data standards. Discover Julie's unique approach to data quality and how it can revolutionize your data management practices.2. Empowering data stewards. Examine the role of data custodians and stewards in driving business processes and effectively managing data quality and governance.3. Leadership's role in data management. Learn practical steps for how leaders can promote data quality and management within their organizations.ResourcesConnect with Julie on LinkedInEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

It's no secret that AI has seen massive success in FinTech, but what hidden forces are driving this success, and how do they transform raw data into global opportunities? This week, guest host Stijn Christiaens invites Peep Küngas, Data Architect at Monese to decode the intricacies of data quality management and its profound impact on the tech landscape, offering fresh insights into this crucial yet often overlooked backbone of AI innovation.How do the smallest details in data curation fuel major breakthroughs in AI-driven solutions? And what unseen challenges do data architects grapple with in their mission for impeccable data? Listen as Peep and Stijn peel back the layers of data quality management to reveal the critical role of precision and insight in shaping the future of FinTech and our next technological leap forward.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. The foundation of AI success. Understand the integral role of data quality management in enhancing AI's performance in the FinTech industry.2. Navigating data complexities. Examine the challenges, strategies, and rigorous process behind ensuring impeccable data quality.3. Data quality as a discipline. Find out what fitness routines teach us about the continuous effort and collaboration required to maintain and improve the backbone of digital innovation.ResourcesConnect with Peep on LinkedInEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

In the intricate world of financial data governance, Dennis van de Graaf, VP of Data Governance at WinTrust Financial, highlights a crucial component: the definition and empowerment of data owners. His insight reveals how assigning clear ownership of data sets within an organization is fundamental to ensuring data accuracy, security, and compliance.Dennis's approach underscores the role of data owners as stewards of data quality and guardians of data access and security, particularly in the heavily regulated financial industry. His discussion not only delves into the practical aspects of establishing data owners but also into their strategic importance in aligning data usage with organizational goals. This concise exploration into the responsibilities and impact of data owners offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance data governance practices in their organization.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. The importance of data ownership. Why defining data owners is crucial in data governance, especially in the financial sector.2. Insights into data stewardship.The responsibilities and strategic impact of data owners on data quality, security, and compliance.3. Best practices in your organization. Practical knowledge on how to effectively establish and support data owners, enhancing your organization's data governance framework.ResourcesConnect with Dennis on LinkedInEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

At the intersection of data and education, transformative initiatives are shaping the future of higher education institutions. Alice Fleck, Enterprise Data Governance Manager at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), brings to light the critical role of data governance in academic settings.The significant impact of well-structured data governance committees, which are integral to managing extensive data landscapes, ensure that data-driven decisions enhance student outcomes and institutional performance. With a focus on metadata, classification, and organization, the methodology of integrating library and information science principles into data governance provides a fresh perspective on managing and extracting value from data assets. As the data landscape evolves, these insights underscore the importance of innovative data governance strategies in shaping the future of higher education and beyond.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Data governance in academia. Learn how UNCG's innovative data governance strategies are transforming higher education.2. Enhancing student outcomes. Discover the role of data in improving student performance and graduation rates.3. Broad applications of data. Gain insights into the diverse impact of data governance across various sectors.ResourcesConnect with Alice on LinkedInEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

The digital realm's new currency is data, yet its value is often as enigmatic as it is critical. Sanjeev Mohan, Principal of SanjMo and former Gartner analyst, decodes the complexities of data valuation, advocating for a product-oriented view that frames data's utility and impact within an organization. The prerequisites for defining a 'data product'—from maintaining stringent quality and availability standards via Service Level Agreements to managing its lifecycle for enduring relevance— bring into focus the role of the data product manager. This role is vital to ensuring continuous enhancement and overseeing the retirement of data products; a job that guarantees these products remain a driving force for organizational value.In the pursuit of measurable benefits, treating data with the rigor of product management emerges as a beacon for Chief Data Officers, offering concrete metrics through the creation and utilization rates of data products, and providing a clear gauge for the pace and quality of innovation in data work.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Data Product Insights. Grasp the value of data work as Sanjeev Mohan breaks down the essence of data products and their role in shaping business strategies.2. Data Observability. Learn about the critical nature of data observability and quality, and why these factors are non-negotiable in the pursuit of high-caliber data standards.3. Industry Foresight. Gain perspective on the current and future trends of data analytics as seen through the lens of an industry veteran.ResourcesConnect with Sanjeev on LinkedInAnd for a deeper understanding of data products, check out Sanjeev’s book, "Data Products for Dummies".Enjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.

Becoming "data driven" transcends mere technical implementations—it’s an organizational culture rooted in deliberate mindsets and collaborative strategies. Nico Huybrechts, CEO at Datashift, elucidates this concept, sharing from a wellspring of expertise on fostering a data-centric culture that's embedded in an organization's DNA.While expounding on the notion of 'data-preneur tiger teams,' which hints at a daring approach to tackling challenges in the data realm, Nico's mantra, "achieve impact together," resounds as a call for deep organizational collaboration on strategy, emphasizing that there's no separate data strategy from the business strategy. This approach, enriched with deep listening skills and meaningful cross-organizational connections, not only aligns teams but embeds a data-driven ethos within the organizational fabric, paving the way for sustained success.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Unlock the roadmap to becoming a data-driven entity. Nico Huybrechts shares actionable insights on blending technical and human elements to foster a data-centric culture, a crucial step for leaders aiming to leverage data for enhanced business outcomes.2. Learn practical strategies to enhance business agility. Delve into strategic alignment, the concept of data-preneur tiger teams, and the transition from creative to running mode for data projects to tackle common challenges in data strategy execution.3. Gain a holistic understanding of embedding a data-driven ethos. Explore the importance of deep listening. organizational collaboration, and meaningful cross-organizational connections to get a well-rounded perspective on truly becoming data-driven.ResourcesConnect with Nico on LinkedInEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.